Transitional Design: What It Is and How to Get the Look

The current design trend is one that can’t be defined by an all-encompassing phrase like traditional, modern, formal, or shabby chic. Look in any design magazine and most of the rooms are a blend of styles that can be taken in any direction with the addition of a few accessories. This design style is known as transitional, and we couldn’t love it more. It means you can make your grandmother’s antique sofa look great with a glass coffee table or create a space with a vibe that is at once modern and inviting.

There are two ways to go about getting a transitional look:

That said, to create a well-mixed room that looks cohesive, there are a few tricks to keep in mind:

If you’re more of a “give me a specific set of rules” kind of person, here is a chart that can help you see how to use different types of upholstered furniture to create a transitional look. Just find the kind of sofa or chair you have and see what to pair it with for the perfect mixed-style room.

Arm	Bottom	Look	Pair with
Rolled or British	Skirt	Traditional and formal (the skirt dresses things up)	Chairs with straight legs and arms in a traditional fabric like velvet Gold accents Acrylic accessories or furniture
Rolled or British	Turned Leg	Traditional through and through	Reclaimed wood A chair in a modern floral Modern art
Track or Straight	Skirt	Neutral: The track arm modernizes the traditional skirt	Animal print or fur ottoman Fabrics in vibrant prints on chairs or pillows Glossy painted wood furniture
Rolled or British	Tapered Leg	Neutral: The tapered leg brings the traditional arm up to date	Throw pillows in a modern fabric Chair or ottoman with a chrome base Vintage accents
Track or Straight	Tapered Leg	Modern: The straight arm with the straight leg creates an overall modern feel	Reclaimed wood Chairs with some curves A tufted ottoman

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