Transitional Design: A Profile In Style

How Our signature look blends traditional and modern styles

Transitional design is best described as a new take on old classics and serves as the foundation for elegant and purposeful design. A home designed in transitional style may include a mix of ornate curves and clean lines, smooth industrial surfaces and textured fabrics. The options are endless, which offers our design team a challenge we love: blending the best of contemporary and traditional design to create a home that’s as unique as every client.

Here are some hallmarks of transitional design and some suggestions (and inspiration!) to help you incorporate it into your home.

Using A Neutral Foundation

A signature element of transitional style is allowing bolder statement pieces and colors to complete the design by using neutral colors as the room’s backdrop. Serene shades of taupe, grey, camel or white create a serene atmosphere, while more ornate architectural pieces and accent colors can speak to the individual’s unique taste.

The pale taupe and grey walls created a sophisticated frame for the dark wood furniture and blue and yellow accessories. We love how the elaborate lines on the throw pillows, dining room chairs and chandelier are striking without making the room seem too busy.

Clean Lines, Ornate Details

Transitional style is all about incorporating diverse architectural elements that reference the opulence of traditional design in a sleek, modern way. Think of a rectangular marble dining table offset by upholstered chairs, or a chaise lounge with straight legs but a subtly curved backrest.

To complete the room, we set an orchid with a subtle curve next to a round-bodied statement vase atop an industrial coffee table to play with this contrast.

Texture Variation

When incorporating pieces and accessories from diverse periods and styles into a transitional space, playing with different textures, instead of a broad array of colors, can create visual interest and movement without being distracting. A carefully chosen rug in a neutral tone can accentuate polished hardwood floors, without overwhelming the space. Texture can also be implied through patterns, as seen in the damask-printed curtains and gingham armchairs, which are both distinctive despite having the same color palette.

Our designers paired this buffet, with brass fixtures and an antique silhouette, with a sleek modern lamp in the same shade of muted gold to bridge the gap between both styles.

Thoughtful Accessories

Anchor your style profile by using a minimalist approach when selecting accessories to display and focusing on iconic pieces that have meaning. Transitional style encourages the pairing of unexpected opposites to assemble a dynamic, timeless space. Be equally thoughtful about the functional components of a room’s decor. Lights serve a practical purpose, but should also be decorative. Make choices like window treatments purposeful style decisions for a cohesive look that embodies “less is more.”

The little alcove by the fireplace in this example home showcases how simple colors allow personal touches to shine through. The embellished ceiling lamp above this dining table complements the matching square lamps on the sideboard perfectly.

The fusion of modern and traditional elements allows transitional style to work in any home, with plenty of room for personal flair to shine through. bb Interiors specializes in home redesigns, and we’re happy to help you reimagine any room, or tie together your whole home. Contact us for a consultation today.