Most of us can recognize elegant traditional furniture with curved lines, comfortable upholstered sofas and intricate detailing. We can also identify sleek contemporary designs with straight lines, neutral tones and dramatic glass, metal and leather materials. But transitional style furniture is harder to categorize, although it is the perfect look if you love the stylish grace of classic designs, yet you are drawn to simpler, more sophisticated dcor without the sharp angles of true contemporary designs.
Transitional styling is the blending of the traditional and the contemporary ideas for a timeless look that stays fresh for years. Materials, finishes and fabrics are simplified, and furniture profiles feature a modified version of the appealing curves of traditional design as well as straighter profiles typical of contemporary furniture. In other words, transitional style can be defined as the classics updated, always walking the tightrope between Old World traditional and chrome and glass contemporary.
- A Neutral Color Palette: While traditional decor generally features hues of yellows, greens, red and even blue, transitional color palettes tend more toward the neutrals often seen in contemporary rooms. Shades of beige, taupe, vanilla and oatmeal blend with wood tones of warm browns to create a tranquil atmosphere that complements soft transitional furniture.
- Transitional Fabrics: The quiet color spectrum allows for rich textures and patterns in upholstery and furniture finishes. The emphasis is on natural fabrics like raw silk and woven rope. Transitional furniture can feature luxurious ultrasuede, heavy cotton and supple leather, along with a mix of materials and motifs. Tone on tone is also popular to complete the look. Soft colored rugs, often Berber or sisal, are popular in a transitional room.
- Updated Classics: Transitional furniture design is the perfect marriage of traditional and contemporary with an emphasis on comfort. Ornamentation is kept to a minimum and any decoration enhances the simplicity of the piece. Streamlined transitional furniture pieces make a statement using scale that blends with other elements in the room while not overpowering it. There are curves, but they are softened and combine with straight lines for a new take on classic designs.
- Less is More: Compared to a traditional room, transitional decor takes a minimalistic approach to accessorizing. The effect is a cleaner, simpler space with a focus on each carefully chosen accessory. Tasteful pieces with elegant lines, simple picture frames and artwork are displayed in an understated way.
