The insides of our homes consistently undergo inner transformations as our styles and preferences change over time. However, what if we were to tell you that there’s a way to incorporate all of your favorite styling iterations over the years? Transitional interior design style is the ultimate mix of present and past favorites. Increasing in popularity, transitional design combines elements from both traditional and contemporary modern design styles, using the best of both worlds to create a balanced aesthetic in any space. To help get you inspired, our experts have curated a guide on everything transitional interior design and how you can incorporate this adaptable style into every area of your home.
At a Glance:
Defining Transitional Interior Design
Keys to Achieving Transitional Style in Your Home
Using Transitional Style in Your Living Room
Using Transitional Style in Your Dining Room
Using Transitional Style in a Bedroom
Defining Transitional Interior Design
Before we dive right into the specifics of this design style, let’s iron out what exactly transitional interior design refers to. Simply put, transitional style is a collaboration of traditional and modern designs. The dynamic nature of this style is truthfully what helped transitional interiors become much more prominent in the 1950s as a response to the distinct modern and mid-century modern styles that once heavily thrived. Today, many transitionally designed homes reflect a style that focuses on luxury and comfort with pieces like this sleek Hillsdale 7-piece dining set. Needless to say, transitional design is an instantly classic styling that’s guaranteed to uplift any space it’s involved with.
Keys to Achieving Transitional Style in Your Home
As we mentioned (and popular as ever), transitional design combines the elements of traditional and contemporary modern design, marrying the best of both worlds. It’s usually characterized by spaces that are filled with solid furniture items that are robust and slightly oversized but flow together ever so nicely. To make sure your home radiates with transitional style, here are a couple crucial keys to keep in mind when designing your spaces.
Use Neutral Colors
The color scheme for transitional style follows that of the traditional style with the use of grays, creams, dark brown, and white. Neutral colors add to the more traditional side of transitional interiors and help create a soothing ambiance; however, don’t be afraid to mix in a pop of color every now and then to create some balance. This gray Signature Design by Ashley Queen bed and black Powell vanity with mirror and bench can be the perfect complements to any transitionally-styled bedroom looking for an instant enhancement.
Use Natural Materials
When it comes to transitional décor and other furniture, we recommend keeping things as minimal as possible ― think minimalist design stye. A transitional-styled home is very focused on accents and it’s the intricate details that can make an interior shift from traditional or contemporary to transitional. One of those details that shouldn’t be overlooked is the use of natural materials and mixing textures throughout your home. Wood and other furniture made from natural materials has always been an important feature in traditional homes and, as a result, flourish greatly with transitional design. We recommend adding a grounding furniture piece like a large wood dining table, dresser, or accent mirror, to create a striking focal point in your home. For an even simpler solution, fashionable and, of course, comfortable throw pillows can also help complete any transitionally designed space while taking up very little real estate.
Using Transitional Style in Your Living Room
One thing is crystal clear when it comes to transitional interior design ideas for your living room; you should select furniture that always creates visual interest. Transitional-style living room furniture maintains the classic lines of modern styles but are updated with high-quality fabrics.
To fit in with this interior design style, furniture pieces should rely on soft lines and curves, like this Southern Motion reclining sofa, to make a statement instead of accentuating extra embellishments. Unexpected touches like lacquered finishes or graphic fabrics will make pieces feel fresh, and with homey additions such as this England Furniture arm chair, you’ll never have to worry about your living room ever going out of style without sacrificing comfort.
Using Transitional Style in Your Dining Room
When it comes to a transitional style dining room, you’re going to want to group your furniture around in a way that creates more of an open conversation area. Pairing a classic statement piece, like a wood dining table with matching chairs, barstools, or a gorgeous dining server from Liberty Furniture, is a fantastic way to express the transitional theme of the room. The furniture you select for your dining room will hold down the transitional look you’re aiming for, and even better ― is great for entertaining and won’t interrupt your home’s established flow.
Using Transitional Style in a Bedroom
To make sure transitional design style makes it to every inch of your home, we certainly can’t forget the bedroom. Transitional-style bedrooms can draw features from any era but still maintain that calming, neutral color palette. When designing a transitional interior that sticks to a neutral palette, it makes sense to build on a rich variety of textures to create visual interest like this walnut full bed frame from Flexsteel that gives a refined yet rustic look.
As we mentioned before in this guide, simplicity often makes transitional styles more effective. And that’s why with this drawer dresser from Progressive or desert brown chifforobe from Aspen Home, your transitional styled bedroom will be weighted down with some of the highest quality furniture that will serve as the focal point of your room and will last a lifetime.
Shop Transitional Furniture at Colder’s
Transitional interior design is all about blending opposing styles in a way that matches your personality in its current state. It’s perfect for those whose love elements of both traditional and modern décor and can last for many years to come.
Don’t forget to always shop local! Browse our furniture catalog to check out the best name-brand products we have to offer to complement your modernly transitional space. If you have any questions related to our inventory or delivery timelines, don’t hesitate to call us at 1-414-476-1574 or visit our Colder's experts at any of our four Southeastern Wisconsin locations. More accessible than ever, we can also be reached via chat!