Next on our list of design styles to explore is Traditional. This design style is exactly its name, as it pulls most of its style concepts from the 18th and 19th centuries. It keeps a classic look while incorporating things like history rich art, antiques, and solid well-built pieces of furniture. Traditional offers order and harmony in a calm space, where as most modern styles give way for exploring with fun, wild colors and concepts. If you compare color palettes, you will notice that dark and warm tones define Traditional. Think predictable, which is by far a compliment in this case. When you walk into a Traditional space, you will feel at home and welcome. Let’s talk about some of the ways you can incorporate a Traditional design style in your space today.

COLORS

When deciding on your color palette, we recommend a neutral paint color for walls. Don’t be discouraged from allowing color in though. We recommend reds, browns, and greens. Also, incorporating dark woods like Mahogany, Walnut, Bocote, Jatoba/Brazilian Cherry, Kingwood, Makore, and more. That’s not to say that you can’t find a beautiful Traditional balance with light woods and pale neutrals. Just make sure to avoid heavy graphics and busy, bright accents. Now that we have a base for our room and a color palette, we can move onto more pressing matters: furniture.

FURNITURE

Traditional design is heavily inspired by 18th and 19th century, more specifically England and Europe. You may notice that pieces that fit in a Traditional category are heavy, solid, and even slightly lavish. Think clawfoot tubs, upholstered arm chairs with heavy wooden legs, tufted pieces of furniture, and more. If you are looking for a classic Traditional feel, try taking a look at some local antique shops to find some beautiful and well-built pieces. Keep an eye out for  some accent pieces or pieces rich in history! This style really celebrates history and we think that is beautiful in itself.

ALL IN THE DETAILS

Another important aspect of Traditional is the details. We consider the big and small when designing traditional; the architectural to the accents. Incorporating crown molding, columns, chair rails, wainscoting, and more; these definitely add a subtle and regal feel. When you are selecting your accent pieces, go for awe-inspiring. As we have said, Traditional really celebrates history rich pieces, so pull out your great grandmothers china, or find some from an antique shop. You can lean towards striking candle holders, vases, ornate frames to hold pictures, intricate chandeliers, and silver or gold accents. 

You may be leaning towards a Traditional design concept and if you are, remember that you can still incorporate elements that feel more modern, without completely pulling away from Traditional. There are many ways to keep that Traditional and antique feel with dark color palettes and light color palettes, modern patterns and more dated ones that we still adore. It’s all about your personal style and creating a space that speaks to you. Whether it’s fully Traditional or if it just pulls concepts from Traditional, we are confident that you will love this concept as much as we do!