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Neither traditional nor modern, transitional design is a form of crossover that allows the best of both worlds to come together. Often this style tends to combine elements of many aesthetic movements, to make the interior timeless, while emphasizing comfort and individuality, making it a favorite among many designers and homeowners.
“We love working with a transitional lens because it’s the most welcoming and friendly of all the design styles,” says Meredith Heron, television personality and principal of Meredith Heron Design. “It’s more harmonious because it incorporates phases and finishes and works well with things you love or have a sentimental attachment to, like family heirlooms.”
Read on to learn everything you need to know about transitional style, so you know how to incorporate this versatile design into your home.
What is transitional style?
As noted earlier, transitional style is a blend of traditional and modern design styles from various periods, often referenced through furniture, architectural elements, fixtures, color palettes, and materials.
Transitional style aims to balance this mix to the point where it is impossible to date or pinpoint exactly. In a sense, it is a way to make an interior timeless. Some of the key points of transitional style are:
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A fusion of period styles
Design by Meredith Heron / Photos by Donna Griffith
Furniture, fixtures, accessories, and finishes can come from or reference a myriad of design periods and movements. Think art deco plus mid-century modern plus minimalism and Victorian. Anything goes as long as they complement each other.
“The secret to combining period pieces is to always remember scale and proportion, and to deliberately not match colors exactly,” says Heron.
Neutral color palette
Design by Marian Louise / Photo by Ellen Renee
When mixing different styles, a neutral color palette works best as a base because, as the term suggests, it is meant to go with everything. These shades typically include light browns, ivories, some grays and tans, as well as some darker earth tones like browns and some greens and blues.
Mimi Meacham, founder and principal designer of Marian Louise Design, explains that white, blue, green, and gray are perfect color elements for transitional style. However, Meacham and many other design experts add that bolder colors are welcome when added as a non-dominant accent.
“Decorating shelves with pops of color and quirky accessories will draw attention and freshen up your home,” says Meacham.
The influence of hotel design
CBB Design Company
The comfort and luxury you’d find in a hotel living room or lounge are all hallmarks of transitional style. Such a layout can incorporate everything from roomy armchairs and layered fabrics to ornate woodwork and eye-catching wallpaper.
Colleen Bute Bennett, founder of CBB Design, recalls a formal living room she designed with neoclassical-inspired wood paneling and moldings and a 1970s-inspired cocktail table.
“This shows how easy it is to combine different eras and textures in the same room,” says Bennett.
Minimalist accessories
Design by Meredith Heron / Photos by Asa Weinstein
Some professional designers recommend keeping accessories minimal, while others suggest keeping them to a minimum. However, others insist that it’s important to be strategic about how and when to include oddball items like souvenirs, collectible art, and odd flea market finds. Bennett believes that transitional styles often work well with antiques and one-of-a-kind pieces because they can help tie together period designs.
“We always talk about adding something ‘ugly’ to a room, usually an ill-fitting pillow or an antique that carries its own baggage,” says Heron. “The goal is to create a sense that it just landed here and maybe wasn’t meant to be in this room. This creates a much more fun space.”
Lighting Statement
CBB Design Company
Whether it’s a chandelier, pendant light, or floor lamp, a light fixture that serves as an accent in a space’s design is part of a transitional style. Typically, light fixtures tend to be more modern or contemporary in style.
Tips for bringing transitional style into your home:
Try a fun wallpaper
Enhance your space with fun or stylish wallpaper. These days, it’s much easier than ever with so many peel-and-stick options available in a variety of designs, graphics, and patterns.
Mix and match colors
The color or finish doesn’t match even slightly.
“Instead of going up and down a piece of paint, I might go over one or two pieces of paint on the deck so they’re not exactly the same size. Your eye appreciates this break and sees how they fit together but aren’t a matching set,” Heron says.
Install ceiling lights
Add a modern pendant light over your dining table, breakfast bar, or other convenient location. If you’re short on budget or time, consider plug-in lighting, covering cords along the ceiling or wall with paintable, tapeable D-line cord covers.
Don’t forget window treatments
Invest in luxurious window treatments.
“Whether it’s a lightweight sheer, luxurious velvet or simple linen, a new window covering or curtain will complement the transitional design aesthetic and help complete your space,” says Meacham.
Make it comfortable
Make sure to have a comfortable seat in any furniture grouping as comfort is key to this style.
Mix and match styles
Combine opposing characteristics to bring out and balance period styles: curves versus clean lines, animal prints versus geometric patterns, and industrial finishes versus traditional warm woods.
Get personal information
Add your personal touch—be it a family heirloom, antique, or piece of art—as you like.
“Play around with your space,” says Heron. “If you feel like something is really working but seems out of reach, you’re almost certainly on the right track!”
