TRANSITIONAL STYLE HOMES are becoming increasingly popular these days, partly due its lack of conforming to a narrowly constructed style with unique characteristics. Transitional tends to meet in the middle, taking bits and pieces from a variety of different styles.

What defines transitional is the transitional aesthetic being brought into the contemporary world. The “bones” of the style is truly timeless and sophisticated, yet the finishing touches are current and on-trend.

When thinking of transitional, many descriptors may come to mind: simplistic, clean-cut, balanced, or even outright plain. However, when diving further into this style, there is a lot more going on than what might meet the eye.

FABRICS

Image Source: Casa Nova Group

Fabrics used in a transitional home are often quite simple, with an absence of bright colors and patterns. If patterns are a ‘must’ in a homeowner’s design, try sticking with small and subtle graphics or a layering of the same color, but with small changes of saturation.

Don’t be discouraged or concerned with the ‘shortage’ in fabric color, and, instead, get creative with the material, adding an abundance of texture to the room, making those fabrics stand out.

COLORS

Image Source: Casa Nova Group

Transitional style is definitely not a mix and match of rich, vibrant colors. This style requires more toned-down color palettes, such as jewel tones, cool colors, and neutrals. Some deeper colors may be added to the design, mainly to offer some contrast or depth, but the general consensus on transitional colors is to keep it simple, elegant, and low-key.

However, using a neutral, or overall simple, color palette, is not a sole predictor of what is, or is not, transitional. Although color is an important element to the design style, the furniture is what truly separates transitional from the rest.

FURNITURE

Image Source: Casa Nova Group

The furniture in a transitional home speaks volumes. The goal is to streamline traditional style while mixing it with a bit of contemporary, and even adding in a bit of minimalism. To paint a clearer image, imagine a traditional wingback chair, full of detail with its ornate nail heads, cabriole legs, and maybe even a decorative and colorful pattern. A transitional home might still have a wingback chair, but instead of the elaborate ornamentation, it would be very elegant and simple.

The thought of having such ‘quieted’ down furniture may or may not seem ideal, depending on the homeowner. However, the toned-down furniture, fabrics, and colors will bring focus to the beautiful, simple, and balanced design that ‘transitional’ truly is.