Simplicity with Texture: Maintain simplicity while adding warmth by using textured fabrics, tonal patterns, and thoughtfully chosen color combinations.
Two-Tone Prints: Consider two-tone prints like zebra or leopard patterns on pillows and bold stripes on rugs to contrast with solid-colored furniture.
Avoid Colorful or Busy Prints: Steer clear of colorful or busy prints and opt for heavily textured fabrics for window treatments, pillows, or rugs to soften and warm the space.
Window Treatments: For window treatments, opt for a clean look, such as dark wooden blinds or sheer floor-to-ceiling curtains, to achieve a contemporary style that is both simple and dramatic.
Common Fabrics: Common fabric choices include solid colors, patterned fabrics (floral, paisley, damask, plaid), and luxurious materials like cashmere, silk, velvet, leather, and antique tapestries.
Trims for Richness: Trims are often added to enhance the richness of the traditional look, creating a sense of opulence.
Preference for Nature Scenes: Nature scenes are preferred over geometric shapes, as they align better with the warm and inviting nature of this style.
Window Treatments: Opt for heavy curtains, drapes, and valances in a classic style, avoiding blinds or bare window coverings. Consider features like boxed valances with motifs or embroidered borders, pleated sheers, dramatic Austrian shades, or floor-to-ceiling neutral-toned drapes or rich velvet curtains for a truly traditional ambiance.
Neutral Palette: Transitional style homes typically feature a neutral palette that offers serenity. To add warmth and character, introduce cozy and textured fabrics such as corduroy, cotton, chenille, and suede.
Color Palette: Opt for soft and subtle colors like grays, tans, warm whites, and occasional deep accent colors such as brown, blue, or soft green. Maintain consistency with four to five tones of the same shade to create a harmonious look.
Texture Variety: To avoid an overly blending effect, incorporate textured chenilles, soft ultrasuedes, and pliable leathers. Adding pillows with a soft contemporary print in accent colors can also enhance the space.
Window Treatments: Choose classic drapes in timeless, solid tonal colors throughout your home to maintain the clean and peaceful aesthetic of the transitional style.
Organic Materials: Focus on using simple organic materials like flax, cotton, cotton chintz, linen, and chunky knits to achieve the desired farmhouse look.
Pattern Variety: Embrace common patterns such as chessboard, stripes, ornamental designs, florals, checks, and tartans. Vibrant combinations can include plaid, antique-inspired, and loose, flowy prints.
Use of Color: Avoid using colorful fabrics and bold prints on larger furniture pieces. Instead, add warmth and impact through accessories with warm colors like reds, greens, pinks, oranges, and deep blues. These accessories can include blankets, throws, and rugs to enhance depth and comfort.
Expressive Patterns: Achieve a one-of-a-kind feel through expressive patterns that clash and create visual interest.
Mixing Styles: Embrace the mixing of different styles, eras, and design elements to create a fun and playful atmosphere.
Texture Play: Experiment with different textures, combining elements like burlap and satin, intricate patterns and stripes, to add depth and character to the space.
Coherent Color Palette: Maintain a coherent color palette with two core tones while introducing subtle clashes through patterns and textures for a visually stimulating effect.
Neutral Color Palette: Stick to a neutral and monochromatic color scheme with whites, beiges, and grays. The most common combination is white paired with graphic gray. Consider using two calm shades like lilac and beige.
Limited Bold Colors: Keep bold colors or large geometric prints to a minimum, such as 2 to 3 pillows, to add subtle visual interest without distraction.
Texture Variety: Add depth and warmth to your space with different textures like linen, wool, and cotton for bedding, cushions, and rugs.
Natural Light: Maximize natural light by using simple blinds or sheer curtains that don't obstruct incoming light, creating a sense of spaciousness and coziness.