Transitional style is a popular design aesthetic that blends traditional and contemporary elements to create a timeless and sophisticated look. This versatile style appeals to those who appreciate classic design elements but also want to incorporate modern touches into their space.
What Are the Defining Characteristics of Transitional Design?
Transitional design attempts to balance luxury with comfort, masculine with feminine, and antiques with new pieces. What does that look like? Structured masculine chairs with a couch that has subtle curvatures; traditional artwork alongside modern lighting fixtures in a chic metallic finish; old architecture with modern colors and finishes. Basically, it’s a mishmash of decor elements, but a thoughtfully curated one.
Transitional spaces are often very quiet, a monochromatic composition of soothing, neutral hues —think taupes, tans, and creamy vanillas—paired with deeper browns and blacks for depth. While monochromatic, that gray-on-gray palette is made more interesting with texture and pattern. A nubby heather throw might be folded across a quiet-hued sectional, for instance. Or metallic artwork frames counterbalance the room’s beige-washed walls.
Key Features of Transitional Style
- Neutral color palette
- Open-concept floor plan
- Traditional architectural details
- Modern fixtures and hardware
- Minimal accessories
- Modern lighting
- Emphasis on comfort
- Plenty of texture and pattern
How Did Transitional Design Emerge as Its Own Genre?
The transitional design style first grew legs in the late 1960s after the mid-century modern period. Homeowners started blending more traditional elements alongside modernist architecture. They were combining clean lines, large glass panels, and open-concept floor plans with traditional features like brick and plush carpeting. Today, the transitional style continues to evolve as the modern farmhouse aesthetic took hold.
How to Incorporate Transitional Style in Your Home
Begin by finding a common thread in a room. First build the foundation of a room with timeless pieces—the sofas, club chairs, and drapes are often the most expensive pieces that do not have an early expiration date. From there, consider an antique chest or mirror to give the space character, richness, and history.
We, at Enclave De Luxe, are firm believers in that the starting point for any home’s decor is the passions and interests of the homeowners. If they are lovers of modern art and heirloom or antique wooden furnishings, there is room for both. If they are avid readers, perhaps an Eames chair and ottoman set the stage for a comfortable reading nook alongside an antique hutch filled with their current favorite reads.
You can then bring in classic fabrics with texture and pattern for drapery and upholstery to add interest and depth. Next, mix vintage and antique pieces with new. Layer in more contemporary artwork, lamps, and pillows with more up-to-date fabrics. Should these more contemporary pieces become outdated, it is easy to switch them out as they are in the room’s last layer of design and are typically less expensive. Do not shy away from experimenting with different materials and finishes. Focus on clean lines, neutral colors, and mixing textures.
As for the color palette, use a neutral color palette of whites, creams, browns, grays, and taupes. Doing so provides a soothing backdrop for other design elements to take centre stage and shine. It is easy to add pops of color in the last layer with throws, colorful artwork, area rugs, accessories, and accent walls.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Transitional Style?
One must not forget an additional perk of the transitional style. Transitional design appeals to those who want to practice more sustainable living. By incorporating vintage and antique pieces, you are repurposing items that might have otherwise ended up in a landfill and giving them a second chance at life.
One caveat about this design style is that, without proper layering, one can risk making their home look characterless. The best way to visually describe it is like a hotel room. It is a universally appealing design that caters to a wide demographic that is very safe. Of course, dear design enthusiast, we trust you will steer clear of this aesthetic crime. What’s a chic room without a few risky additions?