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Transitional Interior Design: A Fusion Of Opposite Worlds

Author: Nancy Dewitt
by Nancy Dewitt
Posted: May 28, 2014

Interior designers have an eye for art and beauty but if you are left on your own to think of ways to beautify your home, then you have to think of a style that you can truly call your own.

You have probably heard of contemporary, traditional, Mediterranean and eclectic and many other styles that designers use to embellish homes – but have you ever heard of transitional interior design?

Transitional Is Classic

To simply define this style, transitional interior design is the fusion of contemporary and traditional that showcases timeless exquisiteness. Does this style sound a lot like you? Don’t all people want a little bit of old and a dash of new in their lives? In essence, these are the folks that want their home to feel classic while still looking modern.

Transitional interior design means a neutral and clean mixture of styles. While you may not exactly fear a bold splash of colors, you do not prefer it to be used all over your home. Transitional designers embrace what is moderate especially when choosing their furniture. Transitional means opting for leather furniture pieces or textured chenille.

Fans of the transitional style pay homage to traditional craftsmanship while also respecting the minimalist approach of the modern world. This allows them to enjoy the best of both worlds where all the elements of traditional and contemporary styles merge.

The Transitional Colors

The palette used in transitional design highlights serenity, clean lines and even the lack of color at times. Dark brown may be used to add a little depth and so you can balance the neutrals that are all over a room. When paired with tan, taupe or vanilla; dark brown tends to give the room a bit of drama.

The Transitional Accessories

Always remember the minimalist approach when using the transitional design. Potted orchids right beside a window or a simple white mat to emphasize the black and silver frames can make a room appear special.

Silver candleholders add the traditional side to the transitional design while putting in those modern, counterpoint furniture pieces. The absence of decoration or ornamentation on the furniture tends to highlight the fundamentality yet sophistication of its design.

The Transitional Furniture

Straight lines combined with curves are the perfect mixture for transitional interior design. This means being able to balance the masculine and feminine attributes of this style. The scale of the furniture is just sufficient but never overbearing.

The Transitional Fabrics

Since the room may lack color, it would be advisable to add unique textures on the fabrics used. An olive-colored corduroy sofa, for instance, will look great when paired with cream-colored cotton chairs on both sides.

Other wonderful pieces for transitional spaces are pliable leathers, ultra suede, and chenille.

Putting All Elements Together

The trickiest part of all is to put together all the elements of transitional interior design. If you look more closely at transitional design, you would realize that it is naturally eclectic so go ahead and mix different styles. For example, use different styles for the furniture pieces but just make sure that you unify them with similar finish. You can also combine an artwork or a rug that come from different eras but just make sure that they have a unifying element such as a common color or texture.

Keep accessories to a bare minimum; note that you need to create a relaxing atmosphere so just stick to the fundamentals.

The importance of relaxation and comfort in homes has never been more emphasized than now. Transitional design embodies these aspects, which is why it is no surprise that it is a leading theme among interior designers nowadays.

About the Author

Are you someone that appreciates old-styled homes and furniture? Are you fascinated by the grace and timeless beauty of the pieces that have been made many years ago?

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Author: Nancy Dewitt

Nancy Dewitt

Member since: Dec 10, 2013
Published articles: 40

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