In our opinion, interior design these days is all about transitional, which is a mix of styles like modern and traditional within one space. Transitional design is what can make your grandmother’s lamps look super updated and chic because you’ve paired them with a sleek sofa. But all transitional designs are not the same. To break it down for you, we’ve identified five versions of transitional style that we keep seeing over and over.
Updated Vintage
An eclectic mix that relies on new furniture purchases to update the look of inherited family pieces. Get this look with:
- Mix of furnishings from different eras
- Boldly patterned fabrics
- Vintage consoles and occasional tables
- White painted furniture
- Modern art
- Tufted furniture
- Animal prints or fur
Fresh Traditional
This is perfect if you appreciate more formal, traditional design while wanting to keep the space livable and fresh. Get this look with:
- Mostly traditional style furniture
- A side table or cocktail table with clean lines, like a parsons table or one with a simple metal base
- Floral prints
- Details on furniture like contrast banding and welts
- Ceramic lamps in curvy shapes
- Brass hardware
- Geometric print area rugs
Glamour Queen
A transitional space full of seating and sparkle lets people know fun is going to happen when they walk in the door. Get this look with:
- Furniture with lots of curves, like round chairs or sofas with rolled arms
- Luxe fabrics like velvet
- Touches of tufting
- Acrylic tables and accessories
- Lots of crystals, black, and gold
- Sculptural accessories like large, curvy lamps and glass shapes
- Rich woods
Modern Natural
Light and airy with rustic touches and just a touch of glamour, this space is comfortable and chic. Get it with:
- Restrained use of reclaimed wood
- Lighter wood tones with the occasional dark piece thrown in
- Tailored upholstery with straight skirts and mostly straight furniture arms
- Touches of chrome and crystal
- Natural elements: sisal, animal horns, and hides
- Statement light fixtures
- A mostly neutral palette with some darker grays or blues
Neutral Industry
There’s nothing fussy about this look that combines industrial furnishings with a traditional, more masculine look. Get it with:
- Furniture with clean lines like upholstery with straight arms and no skirts
- At least one leather piece
- Rich woods
- Occasional pieces with black metal
- Palette of grays and browns with a splash of muted color
- Fabrics in stripes, plaids, or a nice tweed
- Touches of brass
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