Transitional style decor is a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary elements that creates a comfortable, inviting look. If you love both modern and classic designs, transitional style is likely a perfect fit for your tastes. Below we’ll explore everything you need to know about achieving this gorgeous style in your own home.

What is Transitional Style?

Transitional style combines elements from both traditional and contemporary decor. It emerged as a distinct style in the 1980s and has steadily grown in popularity ever since. The hallmarks of transitional decor include:

• Mix of classic and modern pieces
• Clean lines with casual comfort
• Subtle color palettes
• Textured fabrics and surfaces
• Layered, collected look
• Symmetry and solid shapes mixed with asymmetry

The overall effect is a space that feels fresh and current yet grounded in tradition. Transitional style manages to straddle the line between trendy and timeless, making it an enduring look that suits many tastes.

Characteristics of Transitional Style

Transitional spaces artfully blend favorite elements from traditional and contemporary aesthetics. Here are some of the defining characteristics of this gorgeous, livable style:

A Mix of Old and New

The most essential aspect of transitional decor is the seamless integration of old and new. This includes mixing:

• Antique and vintage pieces with new furniture
• Inherited treasures and family heirlooms with store-bought accessories
• Natural materials like wood and stone with sleek metals and glass

Blending these varied elements creates depth and visual interest.

Clean Lines Meet Casual Comfort

Transitional spaces feature crisp, clean lines reminiscent of modern and contemporary styles. But instead of stark minimalism, the look remains warm and inviting with:

• Plush upholstery on seating
• Soft, natural textiles and rugs
• Rounded edges on furniture
• Warm wood tones

Simple and Subtle Color Palettes

Vivid colors are used sparingly in transitional decor. Instead, the color palette includes:

• Neutrals like white, beige, gray, cream
• Soft greens, blues, and violets
• Pops of accent colors like yellow, teal, coral
• Metallic sheens of gold, silver, bronze Crisp white provides an airy, spacious feel. Neutrals act as a soothing base for occasional bright accents.

Textural Layers

Transitional style makes rich use of texture. Design elements include:

• Throws, pillows, and curtains in cozy textiles
• Natural fiber rugs with depth and dimension
• Wood furniture with visible grain patterns
• Ceramics, glassware, and accessories with interesting shapes

Combining these tactile elements creates a multi-layered look with visual depth.

Symmetry Meets Asymmetry

Formal symmetrical shapes characteristic of traditional decor get an informal twist in transitional rooms with the addition of:

• Asymmetrical arrangements on shelves and tabletops
• Clusters of art or mirrors on walls
• Furniture pieces like side chairs placed at an angle

This prevents the look from feeling too stiff or formulaic.

Collected Look

The layered textures and blend of old and new in transitional rooms produces an effortlessly collected look, as if each piece was acquired over time. This distinguishes the style from the matchy, coordinated appearance of traditional decor.

How to Decorate in Transitional Style

Ready to try out transitional decor in your own home? Here are some top tips for achieving this stylish look.

Choose Versatile Furniture

Seek out furniture with simple lines, especially pieces that work well in both modern and traditional arrangements. Some examples include:

• Sofas and chairs with exposed legs
• Upholstered headboards with clean, straight lines
• Wood dining tables with straight legs instead of heavy carved bases
• Metal and glass coffee tables and console tables
• Leather ottomans that can double as extra seating
• Upholstered benches and tufted pieces for a cozy feel

Select pieces in a neutral color palette for flexibility in rearranging down the road.

Combine Textures and Fabrics

Layer rugs, throws, pillows and drapes in an array of textures for visual depth:

• Sheepskins and faux fur rugs
• Cable knit and linen throws
• Velvet and linen pillows
• Cotton, linen, or velvet drapes

Avoid matching fabrics and opt for contrast and variety instead.

Incorporate Antique and Vintage Finds

Give the space richness by mixing in antique or vintage furnishings and accessories:

• Architectural salvage like windows and shutters
• Unique mirrors and artwork in antique frames
• An old trunk as a coffee table
• Vintage rugs layered over wall-to-wall carpeting
• Display family heirlooms and treasured photographs

This infuses warmth, character and charm.

Add Pops of Color

Use color in moderation to add vibrancy. Bright hues feel cohesive if you repeat a color in different elements:

• Citron pillows on a neutral sofa
• Vivid blue in artwork and accent chairs
• Metallic bronze mirrors and vases

Keep walls, furniture, and flooring neutral to prevent colors from feeling overwhelming.

Incorporate Natural Materials

Natural elements help create the casual, inviting feel of transitional decor. Options include:

• Jute, sisal, hemp area rugs
• Stone coffee tables and console tables
• Wood shelving and cabinetry
• Wicker baskets for storage
• Houseplants and fresh flowers

Use natural materials throughout but especially in high-traffic spots where durability is a must.

Display Collections

Groupings of objects, art, or other collectibles provide an informal, collected look on shelving, sideboards and tables:

• Collections of framed photographs
• Assorted candlesticks or vases
• Stacked books alongside objets d’art
• A series of small paintings clustered together

Arranging similar items together adds visual impact.

Add Statement Lighting

Make a style statement and provide both ambiance and task lighting with fixtures that function as focal points:

• Crystal chandeliers above dining tables
• Pendant lights over kitchen islands
• Elaborate table lamps in living rooms
• Sconces flanking beds, above bathroom mirrors, or lining hallways

Seek lighting that complements both traditional and modern elements of the space.

Tips for Achieving Balance in Transitional Style

The key to making transitional decor work is maintaining balance between traditional and contemporary elements. Keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t mix pieces from disconnect eras and styles. Mid-century modern furniture would look out of place among baroque antiques, for example.
• Anchor the room with classic furnishings like a rolled arm sofa or pedestal table. Add modern touches with pillows, accessories and lighting fixtures.
• Stick to furniture and large elements in neutrals. Use accent colors sparingly in items like throw blankets that are easy to switch out.
• Avoid pairing ornate traditional pieces with ultramodern furniture. The clash of very ornate and very plain looks disjointed.
• Add a contemporary twist to traditional shapes with asymmetrical arrangements and fewer formal patterns.
• Frame artwork in a mix of classic and modern frames. Repurpose architectural salvage like shutter into coffee tables.
• Layer light and dark neutrals, like beige sofa cushions on a charcoal foundation. This provides more interest than all light or all dark neutrals.
• Repeat colors and textures throughout the space for continuity. For example, mirror console and coffee table both with metal bases.

Where Transitional Style Works Best

While suitable for almost any room, transitional decor is especially well suited to certain spaces:

Entryways

The foyer establishes first impressions for visitors. A transitional entryway says “welcome” with:

• Console table displaying collected treasures
• Wall mirror in modern or antique frame
• Neutral wall colors
• Woven bench or patterned side chairs
• Rug blending old and new patterns

Living Rooms

Transitional living rooms strike an easygoing balance with:

• Neutral sofa and antique chairs
• Metal and glass coffee table
• Natural fiber area rug
• Fireplace surrounded by traditional molding
• Curtains in casual linen or velvet

The mix of formal and relaxed makes a comfortable gathering spot.

Dining Rooms

Important for both family meals and entertaining, the transitional dining room gracefully mixes:

• Wood pedestal table with simple lines
• Vintage buffet or sideboard
• Mismatched chairs with modern wood frames
• Unfussy centerpiece like vines and candles
• Chandelier lighting above the table

The blend of vintage and contemporary feels warm and welcoming.

Kitchens

Transitional kitchens master old-meets-new with:

• Shaker-style cabinetry in light wood tones
• Marble, soapstone, or wood countertops
• Stainless steel appliances
• Glass front cabinet displays
• Pendant lights over islands
• Cafe curtains at windows

The look beautifully mingles historical shapes with modern convenience.

Bedrooms

Peaceful and inviting transitional bedrooms include:

• Wingback or upholstered headboard
• Nightstands with metal bases and wood tops
• Soft wool area rug over hardwoods
• Bedding in natural textures like linen
• Roman shades at windows

The soothing but stylish mix promotes relaxation.

Bathrooms

Even utilitarian bathrooms benefit from a transitional touch with:

• Subway tile wainscoting
• Double sink vanity with linen skirt
• Pendant lights flanking the mirror
• Freestanding tub
• Walk-in shower with frameless glass door
• Antique chest converted to storage

The blend of eras results in a space both elegant and highly functional.

How to Make a Space More Transitional

Have a firmly traditional or modern room you want to transition to a more blended style? These tips can help guide the process:

• Introduce wood elements – If the space skews very modern, bring in wood through a console table, mirror frames, dining chairs or shelving. The natural material provides warmth.
• Add modern metals – For very traditional rooms, metallic finishes provide contrast. Try a glass and metal coffee table, pendant lights, stainless steel bar cart or chrome dining chairs.
• Rethink textiles – Change out any highly formal or stark modern fabrics for livable linens, cottons and casual textured throws.
• Display collected items – Replace minimalist decor with meaningful books, photos, art and objects dispersed thoughtfully throughout the space.
• Paint in neutrals – Crisp white, warm greige, soothing gray and tan provide blank-slate backdrops where traditional and modern elements harmonize beautifully.
• Mix up shapes – Combine familiar symmetrical forms like oval mirrors or turned legs with unexpected asymmetry like an angular chair or arbitrary art arrangement.
• Blend old and new – Search flea markets and antique shops for classic finds, then mix them seamlessly with newer complementing pieces from contemporary brands.

With a respectful designer’s eye, it’s possible to introduce thoughtful transitional elements in any style of home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While transitional style masterfully blends traditional and contemporary, the look can go awry if overdone. Steer clear of these all-too-common mistakes:

• Too many styles at once – Stick to 2-3 design eras at most. For example, Industrial, Mid-Century and French Provincial overload the space.
• Overly formal arrangements – Sparse symmetry feels stark. Make groupings full, layered, and a bit imperfect.
• Too matchy – Don’t match furniture suites or accessories. Collect thoughtfully mismatched pieces for interest.
• All neutral, no color – Neutrals should ground bolder colors, not dominate entirely. Add accent colors.
• Unrelated collections – Only display collectibles that share some cohesiveness, whether color, style, or motif.
• Theme rooms – Don’t overdo one motif like suns, moons, butterflies. Let the transitional style shine.
• Clutter – Edit frequently. Allow breathing room between furnishings and display pieces.

With careful selection and arrangement of furnishings and finishes, it’s possible to avoid these pitfalls and achieve gorgeously blended style.

How to Make Transitional Style Your Own

One of the beauties of transitional decor is its adaptability to personal styles. Make the look your own with these custom touches:

Incorporate Meaningful Pieces

Display special items that reflect your family’s hobbies, heritage and travels. Personal treasures lend authenticity. For example:

• Family quilts
• Framed photos from vacations
• Souvenirs from abroad
• Books in genres you enjoy
• Artworks by loved ones

Show Your Personality

You don’t have to play it safe! Showcase your interests and passions:

• Gallery wall of favorite art prints
• Houseplants if you have a green thumb
• Baskets, candles or apothecary jars if you embrace boho style
• Books on food, movies or music that you adore

Choose Favorite Color Combos

While transitional style sticks to a subtle palette, you can incorporate colors you love:

• Different shades of blue if it’s your favorite hue
• All warm neutrals or all cool neutrals
• Analagous colors like shades of orange and yellow

Repeat your preferred colors throughout the space.

Mix Old and New Meaningfully

Rather than random flea market finds, seek out antiques and vintage pieces that make sense, like:

• Childhood books in your office
• Your grandmother’s paintings in the dining room
• An old family clock on the living room mantel

This adds nostalgia and significance.

Showcase Your Roots

Honor your background by weaving in culturally meaningful decoration:

• Fabrics with African or Indian prints
• Scandinavian accents if you have Nordic roots
• Mexican tiles and textiles
• Decor inspired by the country where you were born

Transitional style melds beautifully with decorative touches reflecting heritage.

Final Thoughts

With its effortless fusion of old and new, formal and casual, transitional decor offers almost universal appeal. The cozy yet refined style provides a soothing, inspiring backdrop for everyday life. Mixing modern comfort with enduring traditional shapes creates spaces families can enjoy now and for generations to come.

Transitional style artfully blends favorite elements from the past and present. Are you ready to try your hand at this timeless, livable look?

So Your Style Is: Transitional

A Transitional Style Guide

Transitional decor beautifully blends traditional and contemporary elements to create comfortable, inviting homes. This style guide covers everything you need to know to achieve the quintessential transitional look.

We’ll explore the history, main characteristics, tips for decorating, and advice to avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re a design novice or seasoned expert, this guide will inspire you to master transitional style. Let’s dive in!

A Brief History

Transitional style emerged in the 1980s as a blend of modern and traditional decor. It combined favorite elements from the two aesthetics into a fresh yet grounded look.

The style increased in popularity through the 1990s and 2000s for its versatility and livability. Today transitional reigns as one of the most sought-after interior design styles.

Defining Characteristics

These key qualities characterize transitional decor:

• Mix of classic and contemporary pieces
• Clean lines balanced by soft, inviting textures
• Subtle, neutral color palette accented with bolder hues
• Layered, collected look that feels curated, not random
• Symmetry and solid shapes mixed with asymmetric vignettes

The overall effect is stylish and current yet comfortable and familiar.

Mixing Old and New

Thoughtfully blending antique, vintage and modern pieces is essential for achieving transitional style. Tips:

• Choose versatile furnishings like linen sofas with exposed wood legs. These bridge styles beautifully.
• Mix inherited heirlooms and new accessories to add depth.
• Repurpose salvage materials like old windows as wall art or tables.

The blend tells a story and creates visual interest.

Clean Lines, Casual Comfort

Crisp silhouettes get a relaxed feel from rounded edges, natural materials, and plush upholstery. Design elements include:

• Shelving with simplistic lines but warm wood tones
• Button-tufted linen sofas
• Oval or rectangular coffee tables on tapered wood legs
• Subtly patterned pillows provide texture without clutter

Edit out ornate carvings and trims for a refined yet welcoming look.

The Transitional Color Palette

Neutrals like white and beige provide an airy, spacious backdrop. Pops of brighter colors add vibrancy:

• Soothing greens reminiscent of nature
• Cerulean and denim blues
• Jewel tones like ruby red and sapphire blue
• Metallics like bronze, pewter and chrome

Repeat hues throughout the space for a collected look.

The Importance of Texture

Layers of natural fibers, cozy knits, weathered woods and tactile ceramics create depth:

• Cable knit and merino wool throws
• Nubby jute and seagrass rugs
• Linen and cotton upholstery
• Wood furniture with visible grains

Vary textures but stick to a common neutral color scheme for cohesion.

Symmetry Meets Asymmetry

The transitional look artfully mixes expected and unexpected vignettes:

• Furniture in symmetrical arrangements contrasted with random art clusters
• Pairs of sconces flanking an asymmetrically hung mirror
• Collections of various objects aligned on console tables

The blend makes the style distinctive.

Curating a Collected Look

Display your favorite collected pieces to look thoughtfully acquired over time: