The transitional style is a popular design theme that blends together the sleekness of modern contemporary furniture and the traditional adoration of warmth and light. While modern furniture has simplistic aspects, it can often be interpreted with overly strong, bold and cold temperament. On the other hand, traditional pieces often spend space and add a seemingly gaudy use of accessories.
The Dwight II Brown Cherry Barstool Set is a great example of what you’d find in a transitional dining room.
Transitional Style Color Schemes: Pristine Palettes without Primary Colors
These two extremes may seem unappealing, but luckily the rich, tonal colors of the transitional style give you the best of both worlds. The traditional style’s monochromatic shading shouldn’t be boring with a touch of blandness. It’s a mistake to think that blending similar colors together can’t produce the harmonic effects of color schemes offered by different styles.
You can experiment with transitional themes in any room and turn it into a pleasantly comforting, yet not overbearing space. The name of the game here is working with textures and similar shades of color rather than stark changes for dramatic effect.
A good rule of thumb for transitional color schemes is to pick those that you’d find in warm coffee or comforting hot cocoa. You can choose dark espresso furniture and put it alongside creamy or light brown pieces. You should not put these dark espresso colors next to dramatically different whites.
This living room breathes transitional with this Lavena Chocolate Sectional Sofa Set
Transitional styles are all about transitions; not only in furniture design, but in transitioning shades as well. Think of your colors as rings on a ladder or steps on a staircase. The more drastic the change, the more effort you’ll have to put in. Work to make your steps easy to manage, so that you and your guests feel relaxed and at ease.
Textures
You have a little bit of leeway where texture is concerned. However, because the transitional style is associated with comfort, it’s recommended that you use softer fabrics with a little more padding. Don’t go all the way to the extremes.
This elegant Florence Living Room Chair is a great example of the transitional style’s gentle fabric textures
The plain sleekness of contemporary furniture tends to be hard and noticeable, which means it’s not always quite as inviting as cozy traditional pieces. Traditional style can be either completely without padding or with too much padding that you sink in. This might appeal to some, but the transitionalist should stay away from the extremes. Instead, focus on the middle path; one which addresses comfort without making it obvious.
Shaping It Up
This Stanford Living Room Chair is great for traditional layouts, but too curvy for the transitional taste
When it comes to picking out the shapes of furniture and accessories, try to stay away from the overly curly and ostentatious nature of traditional furniture. Like the modern styles, stick with the streamlined furniture. Straight lines and minimal use of curves make up the base of the transitional paradise.
Be careful not to over-modernize your space. Sleek and simple doesn’t mean hard, cold, and uninviting. Working with the straight lines and simple shapes may seem hard at first, but it becomes second nature when you think to yourself “what would I like to come home to after a long day?” Relaxation without overbearing boldness or obnoxious cheeriness.
Whether you’re looking to create or renovate, the transitional style is perfect for the comfort seeker with a knack for quiet elegance.
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