What is the transitional design style? It’s one of the most versatile home design styles out there because it blends the best of both traditional and contemporary elements to create a balanced, timeless space. This flexibility is why transitional design has captured the hearts of homeowners and designers alike.
If you’re interested in making this style happen in your home, keep reading to discover quintessential facts about transitional interior design—what defines it, where it originated, and how you can bring it to life.
What is Transitional Design Style?
Wire Brushed Wood Beams in Warm Natural
The transitional design style merges both traditional and modern interior design styles. It’s characterized by the warmth and elegance of traditional design mixed with the functional approach that designers take to contemporary spaces. The idea is to create a balanced look that is timeless rather than trendy.
To put this look together, designers rely on neutral color schemes, clean and uncluttered layouts, and an emphasis on textural detail rather than bright colors or bold patterns. For example, Barron Designs’ faux wood and real wood beams are ideal for transitional designs because they give you both texture and the traditional warm look of wood—and they look great in spaces with modern elements.
Where Did Transitional Style Design Originate?
The transitional design style emerged in the late 20th century as homeowners began to search for a bridge between ornate traditional designs and modern minimalism. This style is a balanced blend of both—able to create homes that feel both stylish and comfortable. For that reason, transitional style held wide appeal, and it rapidly became prominent as a leading design style among homeowners seeking both beauty and functionality.
Why is Transitional Design Style Popular?
Reclaimed Shiplap Faux Barn Wood Wall Panel in Brown
There’s a lot to love about transitional design. It’s flexible and adaptable, which means you can enjoy a more modern look while still managing to fit family heirlooms and other traditionally styled pieces into your decor scheme.
That flexibility also means that it can be adapted to a wide variety of tastes. For example, you can mix Victorian elements into an otherwise modern home to create a feeling of elegance, or you can add warmth by using our faux wood wall panels to add a traditional touch to walls or ceilings in a modern room.
What are the Essential Elements of Transitional Design Style?
Want to create a transitional look within your home? While this is an adaptable style, there are a few key design concepts that you shouldn’t overlook.
- Keep your color palette neutral. Beiges, creams, taupes, and gray shades create a comfortable, versatile backdrop.
- To create visual interest, mix in textures through wood, stone, and textiles.
- In keeping with the contemporary elements of transitional style, focus on creating clean lines and symmetry to keep the space feeling uncluttered.
- If you want to introduce patterns, skip ornate or overwrought traditional patterns in favor of subtle geometric patterns or fabrics with more muted tone-on-tone patterns.
- Transitional spaces are meant to be lived in rather than feeling like a museum. Prioritize practical elements like plush seating, durable floors, and furniture that is as useful as it is decorative.
These guidelines will get you started—and you can also browse our transitional design ideas gallery as well as our product lineup for even more home design inspiration.
Embrace Transitional Style with Barron Designs
All in all, transitional style is incredibly popular among homeowners because it offers the perfect balance between classic and contemporary themes. The finished look is a timeless one that holds wide appeal because it allows you to mix in heirlooms and classic elements while also keeping spaces functional and comfortable.
Here at Barron Designs, you’ll discover many products that can help you create this look. Faux wood and stone wall panels, mantels, beams, and more—our selection will give you plenty of appealing options to put your own twist on the enduring transitional style.
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