Kansas City, MO: Transitional style refers to a type of Interior Design style where there is a contemporary mix of modern and traditional furniture, accessories, interior paint colors and other decorative features. It dismisses both the ornate features of traditional design and the clean and basic lines of contemporary design, resulting into a classic, seamless and timeless design. To put it simply, it’s the “just right” design.  This article discusses the style and outlines some paint colors for transitional style 

Why choose Transitional Style?

If you look at magazines and design websites, it’s the most common Interior Design style, proof that it can’t go wrong. It gives homeowners the freedom to merge styles from the past and present without having to lock in on one design era.

The Elements of Transitional Style

The goal of this style is to bring in the warmth of the past while toning down the exuberance of traditional design with cleanliness and the simplicity of contemporary design. Transitional Style can be summarized into three words: simple, clean and serene. This is reflected in its furnishings, interior painting colors and overall decor.

Simple silhouettes are preferred, typically straight lined although a few curves here and there will soften the look. You can use updated furniture from old styles like a modern Baroque armchair or a Wingback chair as your accent chair for the living room.

Paint colors for transitional style include beige, grays, browns, and even some bold accent colors like charcoal. Also, but other neutral tones and warm earth colors can also be used. There are no strict color palettes but monochromatic schemes are preferred to keep the space from looking busy. Bright accent colors are kept to a minimum and are better used in accessories. If prints must be used, use it subtly and avoid loud patterns.

Neutral floors are also a huge player in this style. Emphasis is placed on the color of flooring rather than the material. Wood, stone, carpet or tiles can be used as long as the color is subtle.

While accessories are encouraged, it shouldn’t make a room look crowded at all. Rugs, blankets and throw pillows are bonus accessories that can make a space feel more comfortable. Pick accessories that will create visual impact and fun conversation starters but won’t take away the overall feel of the space.

Rich velvets or other texture heavy fabrics may look odd in a Transitional space, but natural fibers can help make a room pop. Rattan, wool, leather, burlap and more will fit right in.

Opt for crisp, clean drapes with pared-down paint colors. Window pelmets can hide unsightly hardware. Blackout shades paired with crisp linen drapes give an airy feel while still providing shade and privacy.

The key to achieving Transitional style is to create a balance between old and new. It’s easy to go overboard with both styles and the solution is to find a way that makes both traditional and modern work together fluidly.

Another takeaway here is minimalism. Transitional style shies away from clutter and instead embraces the less-is-more approach taking in the clean and simple traits of contemporary design. In order to achieve this style, you must be prepared to part ways with a few of your prized design pieces.

Transitional Style in your Home Room by Room

Living Room 

If your area has traditional architectural features such as trims, wall panels and molding, choose simple furniture with clean lines. Keep furnishings in the same scale so that it doesn’t compete with the other. Taupe and cream are wonderful wall colors that will accentuate wood floors and earthy tones. Sticking to one color all throughout the room will make brighter accents pop out.

Paint Colors for Transitional Style for the Living Room Recommendation: Benjamin Moore Gentle Cream OC-96

Bedroom

For bedrooms, you can choose from cool neutral shades ranging from blues to greens to make it more tranquil. Canopy or four-poster beds and beds with traditional curved headboards both work well for the Transitional style. Give it the modern twist by flanking it with contemporary glass nightstands and classy table lamps. Other furniture you can use are wood drawers and a modern wingback chair paired with an ottoman.

Bedroom Paint Color Recommendation: Benjamin Moore Pale Smoke

Kitchen

For kitchens, the touch of modern is already there with appliances in shiny chrome finishes. Trade in lacquered cabinets with paneled wooden ones and opt for natural finishes like wood flooring and countertop in marble or granite. Since the Kitchen is an area of the house that has the most mixed materials, choose clean, light colors for your walls and let the other natural elements do the work.

Other traditional elements you can add to your kitchen are corbels for floating shelves and crown moldings for your cabinetry.

Paint Colors for Transitional Style Kitchen Recommendation: Sherwin Williams Alabaster

Dining Room

Use luxurious dining chairs upholstered in rich textiles and couple it with a more contemporary glass or wooden dining table. At this point, you can even use brightly colored dining chairs as your accent pieces. Wainscoting or paneling is another way to lend a touch of traditional element to an otherwise contemporary space. Complete the space by adding a vintage chandelier.

Dining Room Paint Color Recommendation: Sherwin Williams Queen Anne Lilac

Bathroom

Clawfoot tubs are wonderful vintage pieces that go way back to the 19th century, yet when paired with glass and metal in bathrooms, it manages to mesh well into modern styles. Marble and natural stone are popular material choices for a bathroom. However, contemporary tiles such as glass brick tiles or penny tiles create interest when used as accent in a Transitional style bathroom. The overall feel of the bathroom should be calm and serene; hence colors should evoke the same feeling for its user.

Paint Colors for Transitional Style Bathroom Recommendation: Benjamin Moore White Ice

Transitional design is one of the most versatile Interior Design styles and anyone can achieve it. Most existing homes are already filled with traditional architectural details and homeowners just have to add contemporary touches to achieve the style. It’s a design style for those who love antiques and yet don’t want their homes to look outdated.

If you’re constantly swooning over bergère chairs and cabriole legs but can’t get enough of the cleanliness and elegance of contemporary design, then this Interior Design style for you.