Style Series: Transitional
Transitional style truly offers the best of both worlds, blending the elegance of traditional design with the sleekness of modern aesthetics. It's a bridge connecting different eras and design philosophies, resulting in spaces that feel welcoming, refined, and never outdated. Its versatility allows for a range of interpretations, from slightly more traditional to more contemporary-leaning expressions.
One of the standout features of transitional design is its ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere through clean lines, muted colours, and subtle textures. It's all about balance and harmony, achieved through careful curation of streamlined furniture, layered decor, and textured finishes.
“It is often referred to as ‘classic design with a modern take.’”
Ultimately, transitional style is a favorite in North America and beyond, beloved for its timeless appeal, sophisticated charm, and ability to adapt to diverse tastes and preferences. When identifying transitional design, think of a 5 star hotel resort as it has a wide appeal and sophisticated comfortable look, making it a standout choice for diverse tastes and preferences.
“It is the palate cleanser of all design styles”
How It Started
Transitional style emerged in the late 1960s following the mid-century modern movement. This style blends traditional and modern elements, such as pairing plush carpets with open-concept layouts. It remains relevant as design trends, like farmhouse aesthetics, come and go.
Features
Transitional style features furniture with sophisticated silhouettes, combining crisp lines with softly rounded corners. Wood furniture is also a staple. The colour palette focuses on neutrals like taupe, tan, and vanilla, paired with rich browns for depth. Soft blue accents add subtle pops of color.
Materials include crisp white cotton and textural linen, creating a resort-like feel with sumptuous details. Geometric moldings are used for feature walls, and large curved table lamps add a luxe touch. Decor is minimal, with intentional framed art and drapery to reduce visual clutter. Natural light is emphasized.
The style balances luxury with comfort, incorporating masculine and feminine elements, antiques and new pieces. Lighting leans towards modern, complementing traditional moldings and artwork. Comfortable furniture is key, with soft luxe fabrics and layered textured pillows and throws. This style blends formal and relaxed touches.
“Transitional spaces are defined by a tonal, textural, monochromatic, and minimal aesthetic”
Where to start
Starting with the framework of the room is a great approach. Begin by installing simple traditional moldings to establish a classic foundation. Invest in timeless furniture and more expensive items first, as these will anchor the space. Next, add character with an heirloom piece to infuse the room with history and personality.
Consider your lifestyle and priorities when selecting additional pieces. For example, if you're an avid reader, a beautiful lounge chair could be a perfect addition for cozy reading sessions. Alternatively, incorporating a family treasure can add sentimental value and enhance the space's story.
Incorporate textured classic fabrics and patterned drapery or upholstery to add visual interest and depth to the room. This layering of textures and patterns creates a dynamic and inviting atmosphere, further enhancing the transitional style.
Go traditional or modern
Items that lean traditional often include architectural details like crown moldings, wainscoting, or paneling, which add elegance and sophistication to a space. Accent pieces or heirlooms, such as antique furniture or family treasures, contribute to the sense of history and tradition within the room.
“every room needs at least one antique.”
On the other hand, items that lean modern typically include lighting fixtures with sleek and minimalist designs, providing a contemporary touch to the space. Modern art pieces, characterized by abstract or geometric styles, can bring a fresh and artistic flair. Pillows and fabrics with clean lines, bold patterns, or vibrant colors add a modern pop to the transitional space, offering contrast to the more traditional elements.
Comparing Styles
Traditional vs transitional.
Traditional:
Wood: dark
Furniture: intricate details, curved
Layouts: symmetrical
Details: ornate & heavy crown moldings
Colours: neutrals & muted/ darker jewel tones like red/ green
Transitional:
Wood: light
Furniture: curved & straight
Layouts: balanced, not necessarily symmetrical
Details: pared back traditional
Colours: neutrals/ monochromatic & calming light blue/ green
Transitional vs contemporary
Transitional:
Style: mix of traditional & modern
Features: more monotone/ mix curved & straight lines
Colours: neutrals & soft colours
Textures: metal, glass, wood, leather, rattan, lacquer & fabric are often layered
Furniture: soft edges & clean lines
Styling: minimal decor/ art
Contemporary:
Style: current trends
Features: bold contrasts/ curved lines
Textures: natural fibers, exposed wood & reflective surfaces like chrome/ glass
Furniture: simple, bold, clutter free
Styling: more ornamental
While contemporary design may reflect the trends of the moment, transitional style has a timeless quality that ensures its enduring popularity. Its flexibility also allows for seamless integration with other design influences, whether it's incorporating elements of minimalism or drawing inspiration from mid-century modernism.
Designer tips
1. Mix and Match: Balance traditional and modern elements to create a harmonious blend.
2. Make it Your Own: Infuse your personality and preferences into the design to make it unique to you.
3. Avoid Extremes: Choose items that don't lean too heavily towards traditional or modern, allowing for seamless blending.
4. Stick to Muted Colours: Keep the colour palette simple and muted, with monochromatic schemes as a safe option.
5. Layer Textures: Add depth and interest by layering textures and patterned upholstery instead of relying heavily on art for decoration.
6. Start with Millwork: Begin with foundational elements like millwork, then balance with furniture to achieve proper harmony in the space.
7. Keep it Timeless: Maintain a timeless foundation to ensure longevity and versatility in the design.
8. Keep Art simple: Use a single modern art piece vs a gallery wall or mix modern art pieces with more traditional wallpaper for a dynamic look.
9. Mix Accent Chairs: Incorporate accent chairs from different eras to add character and charm to the space.
10. Mix Curves and Straight Lines: Combine furniture and architectural elements with both curved and straight lines for visual interest and balance.
11. Neutral Drapes: Choose drapery in neutral patterns to complement the transitional style and provide subtle texture to the space.
pros and cons
Pros:
Sustainability: Repurposing items promotes eco-friendliness and reduces waste.
Flexibility: Allows for personalization and creativity to make the space your own.
Scale and Balance: Critical for creating a visually appealing and harmonious environment.
Cons:
Lack of Character: Without thoughtful curation, the space may lack personality and character.
Tip: Remember to add layered textures to avoid this.
Complexity: Achieving proper scale and balance can be challenging and require careful consideration.
Tip: Consider your focal point and add simple complimentary items to balance.
Transitional style mixes traditional and modern for a timeless look. It's characterized by clean lines, soft colors, and subtle textures, offering warmth and versatility. Unlike trends, it endures over time and can blend with other styles like minimalism or mid-century.
Remember the 3 essentials:
clean lines
neutral colours
mixing textures
Are you thinking of creating a transitional space (or any other style) of your own and not sure where to start? Reach out to us, we would love to help you create your dream space!
Happy Thursday!
