Are you looking for an interior design style that’s not too loud but packs in all the modern elements at the same time? One where you can include a little tradition and some contemporary features? If your answer to these questions is ‘yes’, then it’s time to welcome transitional interior design into your home!
One of the most popular themes today, transitional interior style is a combination of traditional and modern interior styles. It seamlessly blends the classic shapes and silhouettes of the traditional style and the innovation and comfort of contemporary design. The resulting form strikes the perfect balance between an elegant, enduring, and soothing interior that is still flexible for your interpretation.
6 Characteristic Design Elements of the Transitional Interior Style:
Without further ado, let’s jump into the most common and most popular elements of the transitional interior design style.
Neutral Shades
One of the main elements in transitional design is neutral colours. The idea is to allow the furniture to become the focal point amidst neutral hues. Shades of white, grey, cream, black, taupe are the stars of this style. Both warm and cool neutrals are welcome. While beige, chocolate, taupe are the warm tones, silver, the white colour as in snow and grey are regarded as the cool hues.
Now, more entrants are making way into the colour scheme in transitional interior design, and they include soft sage green, midnight and misty blue.
Light colours bring elegance and at the same time, make the space airier and lend a sense of space. You can also combine two or three shades for more warmth and texture.
Subtle colours also bring a sense of harmony to the rooms, along with a clean and calm atmosphere. Another advantage of a neutral palette is the endless design possibilities, as it is possible to work with the multitude of shades of neutral colours.
Clean Lines and Subtle Curves
Transitional furniture combines simple and clean lines with subtle curves. Choose classic shapes and silhouettes and add some rounded profiles too to soothe the eye. Moderately scaled items for a refined style with an emphasis on a neutral colour palette give an uncomplicated and relaxing charm to the interiors.
An example could be a bedroom with a modern bed with metal frame and sleek design, a classic side table, a traditional dresser in a neutral palette. Another example is a poster bed with attractive upholstery, along with angular light shades, a cushioned armchair to create a comfortable but functional ambience. Elaborate wood pieces, a large wood dining table, slimmed-down wingback chairs are other popular elements in transitional style.
A Pop of Colour and Some Cool Accessories
Just because neutral colours are characteristic to transitional design, you do not have to compromise on having some fun. Let your accessories bring in colour to your space. Add vibrant coloured curtains, a bright piece of furniture, colourful accent pillows, and décor items to add cheer to the serenity of neutrals. Again, the rule is not to go overboard as the transitional interior design does not allow clutter or maximalism.
For instance, put in some vibrant throw pillows. Add multiple cushions, big and monochromatic in the back and colourful ones in the front of the sofa for a warmer and more inviting feel.
Window treatments play a crucial role in bringing about the transitional element. Aim for a relaxed and balanced style. Think of dark metal for a sense of warmth and floor-length natural fabric and bamboo or Roman shades.
Colourful accessories will lend a warm and welcoming vibe to your place. Metallic elements too work well to add glamour to the neutral colour scheme. Stick to a single metal finish or mix and match to lend the contemporary look.
Use Textures to Add Visual Interest
Textures are used in transitional interior design to make a statement. Rugs and carpets are popular elements in the design style. They bring in a feel of luxury along with adding texture and colour to the place. Carpets also work as an anchor for the furniture. You can either opt for rugs that match the neutral tones of the room or choose colourful ones for the dash of colour you need and to lend contrast to the design. A traditional woven carpet or knotted carpet is best suited in transitional interior design to give a classic appearance but if you want to bring in a modern take, then go for a Persian rug.
Other ways to incorporate texture are through woven wood blinds, natural fibres, metallic elements, wood, glass, light fixtures, etc. You can also use different materials such as rattan, cotton, quilted fabrics, leather, corduroy, and suede for adding to visual interest without overwhelming the place. Functional items such as woven baskets will also provide texture as well as help conceal clutter. Including fascinating and contrasting textures lend a sense of depth to the design. Instead of adding too many elements, think of ways to bring in subtle contrasts through textures. Stone vases, wooden trays and an indoor plant placed amongst them will lend a feel of nature inside your home.
Play with Lights
Light is a crucial factor in home interior decoration as it has the ability to accentuate every minor to major element present in the room. The transitional interior style allows you even more freedom to play with the lighting of your home.
When you choose lights, prioritise their functions along with style. A contemporary chandelier is an excellent choice of ambient lighting to transform your living room instantly. Also, add other light fixtures such as table lamps, floor lamps and light strips to lend variety in styles as well as control the amount of illumination in the space. These are task lights, i.e., they are there to help you carry out some specific task.
Look out for light designs with a transitional style. Less ornate, lighting elements in the transitional design are a blend of curved and straight lines. There also a variety of finishes you can bring in, popular among them are wood, metals, glass and fabric. Also, make sure you avoid these common lighting mistakes.
Art is Always Welcome
In transitional interior design, art is used to create a focal point and to break the monotony of lifeless furniture. Choose a piece of art that matches your style. Or go as far as creating your art gallery!
It is also a great way to add vibrancy to the place. The design and material of frames are also essential factors to consider when you use an artwork. While abstract paintings and traditional nature prints can be used, either together or separately, use a vintage gilded frame for abstracts and print the nature print in a large graphic canvas.
Transitional interior design allows plenty of freedom in terms of how you want your home to look like but also retains some elements of past traditions. Thus, it is one of the best themes you can use for your home. Since it wonderfully blends traditional and modernism, every member of your family will feel a sense of belonging to the design. Every home member can even contribute their personal favourites as the transitional style is always open for interpretation. After all, the transitional design is all about mixing and matching, as long as they bring in sophistication, class, and a timeless vibe to the space.
Despite being an amalgamation of different styles, transitional interior design does not create a mess and gives you an orderly and uncomplicated home that shines with elegance, serenity, and style. Isn’t that home was always supposed to be?
For some inspiration for your home, check out some of our past completed projects. Need more customised design ideas for your home? Book a video call with us! To get in touch with our Team, call/whatsapp at +91 97698 91528.