What Is Transitional Style And Why You’ll Love It
Wondering what the recent buzz is on Transitional style?
In this post, we’ll show you what this style is all about and how you can apply it to your home.
If you’re searching for a beautiful decorating style that offers both classic elements and a casual feel, this style is for you!
What is considered transitional style?
Transitional design is a decor style that updates classic elements of the traditional style cohesively, giving the space a modern and casual feel.
Drawing inspiration from traditional and modern designs, this style theme blends classic elements of traditional decor with modern and contemporary pieces. This creates a timeless look that balances traditional comfort with modern luxury.
As a result, a Transitional style offers a balanced approach. Perfect for those who want a more traditional look without being stuffy and overly formal.
What elements define the transitional style?
Some key characteristics you see in this interior design theme are:
- Neutral color schemes. Think ivory, sands, soft browns, greys, and desaturated blues.
- Muted, darker hues as the only pops of color within the color scheme.
- Mixing antiques with contemporary pieces.
- Couches and sofas with clean lines, always keeping comfort as a priority.
- Fabrics with a contemporary take on traditional patterns.
- Only a few accessories.
Why it’s becoming a popular style yet again
The style has gained popularity recently thanks to people looking for a way to fill their homes with comfortable modern-looking pieces without giving up the warm and classic feel of traditional design.
Perhaps this comes from spending more time at home, but the interior design landscape has changed once again and the transitional style is having a comeback.
From Scandinavian to minimalism all the way to uber-futuristic decor styles being all the rage for the past decade, now more people are now looking to express their own uniqueness in their homes.
Along with the Grandmillennial trend that has taken Instagram by storm and the Cottagecore style, the Transitional Style is the perfect option for those who love modern comfort but enjoy a traditional homey space.
How to integrate the transitional style into your existing home decor:
Now, let’s jump into the fun part! Below I’m sharing some amazing examples of how to apply the transitional style to everyday homes!
Transitional Decorating Style Photos – Examples & Inspiration:
Here are some excellent examples of transitional design in real-life homes:
A Transitional Kitchen with Organic and Serene Vibes | Neptune
This elegant kitchen is the perfect marriage between traditional and modern styles. The kitchen cabinetry moldings, the light wood flooring, and bar stools add soft contrast to the all-white and grey color scheme.
Stylish Bedroom | Rue Mag
This bedroom combines soft neutral colors with small hints of current trends, giving it a modern edge.
Two paintings enhance the ivory walls with minimalist-inspired frames. A dark vintage-inspired drawer adds some contrast plus a texture-rich throw blanket brings warmth to the space.
A Luxurious Take on a Transitional Living Room | Neptune
The oversized linen couch, soft throw pillows, textured rug, dark velvety navy love seat, and antique-inspired floor lamp make the seating area of this space a perfect reading room.
Transitional Meets Coastal Vibes Bedroom | Crawford and Company
With a delightful airy coastal feel, this bedroom is pleasing to the eye and timeless in style.
The room’s focal point is a comfy bed with clean lines that contrasts with the classic rug pattern, adding a touch of color.
Additionally, the shiplap wall gives the room some character and texture.
The gold lighting sconces, contemporary chandelier, rustic bench, and throw pillows arrangement tie the room together.
Transitional Charm Living Room Edition | Shop Barclay Butera
We can see most of these elements in this living room corner but arranged to have a fresh feel.
The clean lines and simple shape of the seating bench, the warm-neutral hues, and white walls make this space part traditional and part modern with hints of classic allure.
The chinoiserie large floor vases draw the eye in this symmetrical arrangement.
A Transitional Space with Soft Hues & Rich Textures | Studio McGee
For example, oversized sofas in white and tan offer both comfort and style. Additionally, a retro-inspired white chair works as an eclectic accent.
The textural effect of the stone wall and wood beams adds enough contrast to the room, while the neutral tones make this space inviting. Perfect for hosting friends!
Lush Coziness Living Room Idea | Carley Page
For this reason, the transitional style is a total win. It allows us more wiggle room if you’re working with smaller spaces but still enjoy a more traditional look.
As can be seen in this stunning example, the homeowners decided to mix modern and traditional designs in the living room, making it feel cozy but airy.
A lush muted mustard sofa steals the show right away, while a thick golden rimmed mirror reflects the natural light from the windows. The carpet has a very traditional design and color that complements the room’s warm tones and gold accents.
The Takeaway:
In essence, the transitional decorating style is both timeless and contemporary. It blends elements of traditional and modern design into a sophisticated and relaxed look – just like we saw in these gorgeous real-life examples.
Now, it’s your turn. Are you ready to fully embrace the comeback of the transitional style? Which home decor style would you like to see become a trend again? Comment below!
Interested in knowing more about different interior design styles and decorating rules? Don’t forget to take a look at my decorating series!
- Symmetry in Interior Design: How To Apply It In Your Home
- How to Use the Rule of Three in Decorating (The Easy Way)
- Home Decor: How To Create a Mood Board (Using Free Canva Templates)
lot of candles or is there a mirror behind
Not sure about that…but a fabulous statement!
In my opinion, most of these examples leaned a lot more mid century modern than having any antique or traditional elements. I struggled to find any true antque look or style in any.
What is a style called that incorporates true antique pieces from the 20s to 40s with mahogany dark wood with painted pieces and modern art and some modern accessories? My furniture lines also tend to be traditional but with contemporary twists such as material or exposed legs on a traditional velvet sofa.
Terrific article, Janet! I’m sure almost everybody has a transitional design in one degree or another…very few of us can afford an authentic period (of ANY period!) design LOL.
I must say, that photo on the email today (with the blue and white design) right above the “read it here” button, I would kill for that architecture! I can only presume it’s original and not newly created/constructed. GORGEOUS!
Thanks for the post – I enjoyed it!