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Transitional Style: A Bit of Modern and Traditional
Balance Old and New With a Mix of Simple Lines, Neutrals, Warmth and Light
When defining your design style, is modern too sleek? Traditional too stodgy? Your borderline style may be "transitional."
Transitional style is a marriage of traditional and modern furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics. The result is an elegant, enduring design that is both comfortable and classic. Because of their simple design, Asian, Shaker and Mission-style furnishings are often a nice match for transitional interior design.
Whereas traditional and modern schemes may introduce a few opposing elements in their designs, transitional style strikes the perfect balance between the two. Through its simple lines, neutral color scheme, and use of light and warmth, transitional style joins the best of both the traditional and modern worlds. Here are some beautiful examples:
Transitional style is a marriage of traditional and modern furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics. The result is an elegant, enduring design that is both comfortable and classic. Because of their simple design, Asian, Shaker and Mission-style furnishings are often a nice match for transitional interior design.
Whereas traditional and modern schemes may introduce a few opposing elements in their designs, transitional style strikes the perfect balance between the two. Through its simple lines, neutral color scheme, and use of light and warmth, transitional style joins the best of both the traditional and modern worlds. Here are some beautiful examples:
by Wende Cragg
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The lines of transitional furniture are typically straight, though the occasional soft, sweeping curve may be thrown in for good measure. This furniture style creates a room that is not too manly and not too frilly, making it comfortable for all. An emphasis is placed on moderately scaled pieces that exude an unassuming, refined style. Color palettes are very subtle, with an emphasis on ivory, beige and tan, creating a scheme that is relaxing and uncomplicated.
This inviting space is perfect for a world traveler. The neutral wall color serves as the backdrop that ties together the treasures on display.
This inviting space is perfect for a world traveler. The neutral wall color serves as the backdrop that ties together the treasures on display.
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A signature light fixture accented with warm woods, off-white walls and a blend of contemporary and traditional accessories suits any transitional room.
Warm brown to chocolate wood tones are typically the only deep tones used in transitional designs.
Warm brown to chocolate wood tones are typically the only deep tones used in transitional designs.
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| With transitional design, flooring is neutral; soft-colored carpets or wood floors in warm tones are generally used. Because flooring is neutral, the texture in the carpets or rugs is important. Berber carpets, hides and sisal rugs are popular choices for transitional style. |
| Traditional barstools surround an island with more modern lines and finishes. The combination creates a transitional kitchen. |
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| Organic elements, an antique dresser and contemporary lighting and doors blend into a beautifully transitional area. |
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by Debra Toney
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| Rich brown wall color warms up a sleek vanity, blurring the line between traditional and modern design.
Tip: Select a darker grout color and set subway tile with a staggered joint, as shown here, to soften a contemporary look into a transitional one. |
A brushed nickel faucet helps dark woods and a warm colored countertop work with these silver light fixtures and white walls. Warmly colored rectangular glass tiles provide the perfect mix of modern and traditional elements.
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by Amoroso Design
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| Harmonious shades of color ranging from white to chocolate brown impart a soothing calmness to this living room. Wooden elements add an informal note but complements the color scheme. |
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| Natural elements such as stone, granite, and wood are good choices for transitional design because they can play a significant role in both traditional and contemporary styles. |
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Transitional tip: Make sure your space has a natural flow by repeating colors and materials from one room to another. Use wall paint in the same tone and fabrics in similar colors and varying textures.
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by Cindi B.Jones
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| Neutral tones and nonpatterned fabrics create a sense of comfort in transitional spaces.
Window treatments are most often modest, solid-color drapes that are shirred onto unadorned metal or wood rods. When blinds or shades are used, they are either clean-line Roman shades or texture-rich woven-wood blinds. Tip: Window coverings don’t have as much importance as window styling in this family room. |
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| Pairing white herringbone backsplash tiles with orb-like lighting, an antique armoire and rattan barstools shows how "transitional" can be simply pulled off in a kitchen. |
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A wooden ceiling, that provides the interest in this room’s composition blends traditional tiles and furniture with a modern flair.
Tip: Conceal clutter in baskets to provide texture and a clean, consistent look.
Tip: Conceal clutter in baskets to provide texture and a clean, consistent look.
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Tasteful signature pieces are displayed without much fanfare. Display artwork and photos in an understated way, with basic white mats and simple frames with clean lines.
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A mix of textures, including a concrete countertop and wooden cabinet, provides interest in this room’s composition, which blends traditional items with a modern flair.
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Simple lines and white walls are softened by repurposed furnishings, knit fabrics and daylight for a comfortably transitional living space.
What style are you?
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What style are you?
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Ideabook updated on Jan. 22, 2011.
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brown and blue. Our big question is floor and wall cover. Our style is Transitional
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