If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your home but you’re not sure in which style to decorate, transitional interior design might be just what you need. Transitional design is about achieving a balance of styles, making a space appealing and comfortable for all. Since it is known for mixing different aesthetics, you may be able to use many of the items you already have in your home for this spruce-up. In this article, you’ll learn a bit more about the key elements of transitional home decor and ways to implement it in your home.
Transitional Design 101
The key goal of transitional design is harmony. To achieve harmony, you’ll have to mix different styles.
Mixing elements to achieve harmony might sound counterintuitive, but there are some tricks to get just the right dose without your interior becoming chaotic. You’ll want to bring together masculine and feminine, traditional and modern, luxury and comfort. This allows you to prioritize function over form.
To avoid a chaotic look, transitional design introduces a monochromatic and minimal aesthetic, together with textural richness. It includes layering styles and even playing with multiple looks.
This “game” does have a few rules, though. Let’s talk about them.
The Rule of Three
The key to a successful transition is to create a cohesive feel. To do that, use the furniture you have and want to keep. Pick three items you love, and search for common connections.
For example, your mid-century modern sectional might have the same color as your retro armchair. Maybe the armchair has some other element that ties in with the coffee table, and so on. As you continue to build the look, keep these connections in your mind and make sure the items you add to the picture fit into that trifecta.
Start with the Backdrop
Since the interior will house different design aspects, it’s important to set a neutral backdrop. This means you should paint the walls with natural, earthy tones. White, gray, and other neutral tones could work too. The most important thing is not to allow the wall colors to draw all attention to themselves. Think of them as an empty canvas for your art.
Textured natural coverings, such as bamboo blinds and wall coverings, are also good options. Other, richer tones and textures should be introduced through smaller items. This allows you to change and adapt the design later if you feel like it.
Create a Traditional Layout
Figuring out how to lay out the furniture is one of the most difficult things to get right. With transitional decor, things don’t have to be that complicated. In fact, you need to stick to classic layouts, such as a symmetrical layout for the living room. This works in any size and shape of the room — just place two sofas facing one another and separate them with a coffee table. L-shaped living rooms will also never go out of style. In the bedroom, the classic look would be placing the bed against the wall across from the door and two nightstands on the sides.
Function before Form
Since the goal of transitional design is to create a space that will be comfortable for all household members, your main priority should be creating a functional living space. In the living room, for example, this would mean sufficient seating (to host family members and guests), regardless of the different styles of the chairs and sofas. In the bedroom, this would include choosing the most comfortable mattress, preferably without fiberglass, and only then moving on to other aesthetic choices.
Play with Textures
The transitional style requires subtle colors but introduces dynamic through tone and texture. So, when choosing upholstery, consider fabrics such as leather, chenille, and suede. Also, use textural elements like rattan, glass, and wood. Notice that these materials are within the same color family, but the textures are the game changers. Pops of color can be introduced through details such as vases, flower pots, lamps, throw pillows, etc.
Incorporate Different Eras
Transitional decor combines traditional, modern, and casual furniture. Some of the signature pieces are round dining tables and L-shaped sectional areas. These can be combined with accent chairs from different eras and mid-century-inspired light fixtures. You can also pair a classic upholstered sofa with modern accent chairs in the living room. Adding a vintage area rug to contrast the streamlined furniture is a real transitional move.
Curvy and Straight
One of the key characteristics of the transitional style is combining curved and straight lines. This can be applied first and foremost through furniture selection. For example, sleek and streamlined dining room tables can be combined with curvy ornate chairs. Or an ornate bed frame can pair with sharp-lined nightstands. The possibilities are endless.
In Closing
Transitional design gives you a lot of freedom in terms of choosing and combining different elements. Just start with the “rule of three,” and you’ll be able to achieve it almost effortlessly.
