Think you are a fan of traditional style? And if you like traditional style, how do you get the look? We shall explore the fundamental principles that are imperative to traditional style.
Traditional style is like a handshake (a firm, solid shake, not the floppy fish one). It centers around warm invitation and appeals to those that appreciate customs. A red glass of wine and curling up with a literary classic are ideal activities in this decorated space. Timeless design and an inviting feel is why traditional style will always persist.
Let us dive in to the elements of traditional style:
Tip#1: It’s Symmetric: Fans of traditional style are not usually fans of chaos, they like order and arrangement. Enter symmetry. Achieving the traditional look requires balance in both design and decor. Furnishings tend to be arranged formally and grouped together. Proper placement of furniture means arrangements that are conducive to inviting conversation and decor is in order, predictable which invokes a comforting and welcoming feel. Frames match and are hung in a grid, equally spaced.
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SpaceTraditional Bathroom by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Marie Burgos Design
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Tip#2: The Restrained Color Palette: Traditional style centers around subtle hues and neutral palettes. Tan, beige, taupe and cream can be paired with pale colors such as soft blues, greens and yellows for a fresh look. If you want to go classic traditional, pair neutrals with deep earth tones like reds, greens, blues and browns.
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Tip#3: Get Your Antiques On (In Dark Woods): We want to see what you found at that antique mall or in your grandparents attic! Traditional style is rooted in showcasing your family heirlooms. When it comes to wood, whether cabinetry or furniture, traditioners (that’s what I’ll call them) tend to stick with the dark, rich woods such as walnut, cherry, mahogany and oak, perfect for a stately office. Decor tends to be ornate, antique frames, hand-painted pottery of porcelain like delft blue and the family silver and crystal.
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Tip#4: Crown Molding: Timeless style should by reflected in design and architecture as well through crown molding, trim and cabinetry. The formality of traditional style pushes for detailed molding and exposed ceiling beams, either in white, eggshell, ivory or dark wood. Millwork and plasterwork are key and can bear design patterns within themselves.
Tip#5: Formal Fabrics: Traditioners focus on stately furniture and fabrics. Rugs should be refined like oriental, kilims and persian carpets. Do not hold back on plush pillows, lots of pillows and tassels are acceptable. Curtains and upholstery can be done in rich fabrics like satin and velvet or be textured. Furnishings tend to be plush and have soft edges to emphasize curves. Skirts are accepted as well as tufted pieces, but don’t overuse them.
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Traditional Living Room by Austin Interior Designers & Decorators Heather Scott Home & Design
Tip#6: Pattern Mixing/Matching: Now don’t go crazy. Patterns should be classic such as plaids, stripes, florals and toile which can be mixed but within the same, subtle scheme. We aren’t looking for punches of color here. Florals are frequently the winner when it comes to traditional style.
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Tip#7: Elegant Lighting and Glow: You’re in the chandelier world now for a mannerly, formal look. Traditional style does not go overboard on metallics sticking more towards brushed sparkle, brass, bronze, copper, pewter or silver. Metallics come in through gilted mirrors and ornate frames and tarnish is welcome.
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Tip#8: Formal Window Treatments: Window arrangements should be stately and sweeping. Drapery embellishments such as finials, tiebacks and tassels are all acceptable. Make sure rods and valances have softer shine. Curtains can be pleated or paneled.
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Traditional Bedroom by Seattle Interior Designers & Decorators Hyde Evans Design
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There you have it folks! Next up: Hollywood Glam.
Stay saucy,
Jenn
