Transitional Interior Design Style

Have you been feeling indecisive whether you should go full traditional with your interior design or keep it contemporary? What if we tell you that you can get the best of both worlds and really don’t have to settle for one...

Introducing Transitional Interior Design Style:

Transitional interior design style is a graceful hybrid of traditional and contemporary styles. It is an ideal choice for individuals who are looking to incorporate classic design principles but, at the same time, want to retain the sleekness of the clean lines and simplicity of the modern era. Therefore, it is soaring in popularity among interior designers and homeowners and it is safe to say, for all the right reasons. The end result is a space transformation that is both familiar and fresh.

After all, it is not just choosing an interior design style, it's about creating a space that truly is a reflection of you. In addition to being visually appealing, transitional design style lets you play with different textures. There is a lot of room to try out soft fabrics and materials and curate a highly personalized space.

How did it emerge?

The roots of transitional design can be tracked down all the way back to the 1950s and 1960s when mid-century modernism, focusing on functionality and minimalism, began influencing interiors. However, it was in the late 20th century when transitional interior design style fully gained recognition as the designers struggled to keep up with tradition and the rapid innovation that was taking place. This design was a direct response to the rigid distinctions between traditional and modern aesthetics and a middle ground that the world of interior design sought.

In a nutshell, transitional design was put in action to cater the desire of creating spaces befitting the ever-so changing lifestyles and growing diversity in tastes. As the need to make interior design more flexible and inclusive grew, transitional style promised a perfect solution in itself.

Characteristics of transitional design

Neutral color scheme: This design style is set against a neutral color palette. To put it precisely, it features tones, ranging from beiges, grays to taupes and ivory. These colors serve as a base color, accentuating the space in its entirety while allowing other decorative elements to stand out.

It is pertinent to mention that the neutral color palette extends beyond the conventional beiges and grays and also include earthy tones like sand, camel, and mushroom. Such a spectrum of color further adds depth, warmth and sophistication to the space.

In addition to this, subtle variations of gray, such as charcoal can bring about the contemporary touch without overpowering the classic elements. Other than this, soft blues and greens can be added as decent accent colors to provide that refreshing, contrasting lift to a neutral base.

Mix of materials: To spark some visual interest, wood is deemed as a staple in transitional interiors in various finishes such as oak, walnut, or mahogany. This is how the traditional flair stems out!

To evoke a sense of elegance, metals like stainless steel, nickel, brass and bronze are incorporated. Speaking of modern aesthetics, it is exhibited through placement of glass in all its forms, from transparent to smoked. The resultant amplification of light is what brings that contemporary flair!

Leather, another material common in transitional interiors, is perfect to splash a dose of luxury. To bring softness in the overall look, upholstered furniture in natural fabrics such as linen or cotton is the best bet.

Balanced use of accessories: In transitional design, the approach to accessories should always be that of intentional restraint. To put it in perspective, one should rely on purposeful selection and a keen focus on quality rather than quantity. Since the goal is to create a balanced and cohesive interior, one must avoid ornamentation of the space as too many decorative elements can overwhelm it.

It should be sparingly accessorized, using thoughtfully chosen artwork, such as a classic painting or a modern sculpture. They should be the fulcrum of the space, along which other elements are strategically placed. For instance, placing simple-framed mirrors strategically can amplify natural light, as discussed earlier and make the space look more open. Moreover, textiles like throw pillows with ikat cases or area rugs can be a nice way to introduce texture and pattern to add visual interest without disturbing the design's balance.

How can rugs add depth to a transitional interior design space?

Regardless of the interior style, rugs can always serve as an element that really ties up any space together. When it comes to transitional interior design style, getting the rugs right can be a tad tricky. However, we have narrowed it down for you:

Geometric Patterns: The key is to not go overboard with patterns here. Rugs bearing subtle patterns like chevron work best with transitional interiors. Such patterns add the correct amount of visual interest as they go along well with the sleekness of transitional design.

Ikat Designs: Ikat offers a blend of traditional and contemporary elements. So, naturally, rugs featuring them are suitable for transitional interiors. Once laid, they tend to add both color and texture to the entire look.

Overdyed Vintage Rugs: Again, considering the fact that transitional interiors are all about mixing traditional with modern elements, overdyed vintage rugs really make the cut here. Since they consist of vibrant hues and unique patterns, they can be a great way to infuse a pop of color as well as character into a transitional space; without putting a dent on the cohesiveness of the overall design.

Kilim rugs: Known for their flat woven construction, kilim rugs assimilate well with the clean lines of transitional design. Moreover, there is no added plushness with these and often feature geometric patterns, which as discussed earlier, adds the required visual interest.

At Kilim.com, rug shopping has been simplified for you, offering collections that speak the language of transitional design. From vintage to kilim rugs, embracing the timeless appeal of transitional interior design is made easy for you!

Why should you choose transitional interior design style?

With a number of design options available, making the decision to choose a transitional interior design style can initially seem challenging. Your mind might race up with a lot of questions, wondering if it is going to be a wise choice or not. To put your mind at ease, opting for it can prove to be a thoughtful decision for reasons below:

It is versatile: As mentioned earlier, its ability to blend traditional and modern elements allows individuals to break free from rigid interior design rules and create a personalized space. Therefore, it makes for a versatile style, making it well-suited for a diverse set of tastes and preferences.

Room for updates: Since it is not confined to a specific style, there is plenty of room to adapt. Whether it is to keep up with evolving lifestyles or changed personal preferences, one can always make tweaks with ease with a transitional interior design. You don’t have to start from scratch when new trends emerge or you have a change of heart!

Broad market: A house with a transitional interior design can be an attractively lucrative choice if ever you plan to sell or perhaps, rent out to someone. The design has a way to make the space appear as more appealing and hence more marketable to a wide range of potential buyers as well as tenants.

To sum up, transitional interior design style is your go-to if you want to build a home that ages gracefully with changing trends and tastes. The fact that it is versatile makes it a smart choice for you to get a space that's effortlessly chic and cozy, all in one.