Traditional Design Styles
Rustic Farmhouse
simple functional homes of rural areas. cozy and warm atmosphere. natural materials. weathered look
Rustic
English Cottage
Coastal Mediterranean
Victorian
Bohemian
Vintage Cottage
Arts and Crafts
Late 1800s. Lots of wood with craftsmanship
Traditional Style Color Palette
Furniture in the Traditional Style
Some features of Traditional Style furniture might include:
- Upholstered seating with carved or turned wood frames
- Skirted upholstery
- rolled arms with decorative trim or nails
- button tufting
- dark woods like mahogany and cherry
Examples of Traditional Style Furniture:
(Look for the above features in the following pieces)
- upholstered wing back chairs
- upholstered chaise lounges
- upholstered loveseats
- upholstered club chairs
- upholstered sofa
- wood framed occasional chairs
- secretaries
- hutches
- chests
- wooden benches
- wooden stools
- vintage pieces
Architectural Influences in the Traditional Style
Archiectural Features abound and may include:
- Built ins
- paneling and wainscoting
- crown molding and trim moldings
- hardwood floors of oak, walnut, cherry, maple or mahogany
- coffered ceilings
- arches
- chair rails
- columns and pillars
- detailed ballusters
- defined rooms rather than an open floor plan
- strong symmetry in window placement
Patterns and Prints in the Traditional Style
Look for these patterns and prints in the Traditional warm color palette
- Florals
- Solid Colors
- Stripes
- Plaids
- Small prints
- damasks
- brocades
- chevron
Form & Line
This picture from Luxdeco demonstrates the soft curved lines in Traditional Style furniture seen in the stuffed upholstery, furniture arms and carved wooden legs often contrast with the crisp linen lamp shades and straight lines of the room’s architectural features. The tall vertical lines in the draperies and architecture draw the eye up and give a sense of grandeur. The symmetrical placement of furniture also offers straight lines toward a focal point.
The Traditional style is all about balance of form and line.
Textures, Materials & Finishes
Look for using natural materials, smooth textures, warm metal finishes and finishing details
- natural materials like wood, brick, glass and stone
- dark polished woods
- button tufting and piping
- brass
- nickel
- bronze
- copper
- glossy ceramic
- antique finishes like gilded frames
- polished surfaces
- smooth and luxurious
- braided trims
- tassels
Fabrics
Fabrics in the Traditional Style are made from natural fibers with smooth lustre finishes like chintz, brocade and toile
- velvet
- silk
- linen
- cotton
- wool
- chintz
- toile
- leather
- brocade
- lace
Window Treatments
Look to use the Traditional Style fabrics in the following treatments:
- pinched pleated full length draperies
- valances
- cornices
- light weight sheer curtains
- fabric roman shades
- wooden plantation blinds
- use of trim embellishments like pull backs, tassels and ribbon
Lighting
- crystal chandeliers
- candelabras
- lantern style
- picture lights
- fabric lamp shades
- urn table lamps
- candlestick table lamps
- wall sconces
Art and Decor
Look for antique finishes like gilded frames or carved wood for your artwork
- Vintage pieces
- sculptures
- framed botanicals
- gilded frames
- porcelain pieces
- mantle clock
- decorative globe
- leather bound books
- boxwood topiary
- fiddle leaf fig
- english roses
- hydrangeas
- orchids
- china
- carved wood
- abundant pillows
- plants and flowers
- landscape art
- floral art
- collections
- portraits
- still life paintings
- oriental rugs
- tapestries
- wall to wall carpet
- sunburst mirror
… Variations of the Traditional Style
Do you like the balanced and layered look of the Traditional Style but don’t like the colors? Or perhaps you like other materials or finishes?
Check out some of the styles within the Transitional Category. They combine traditional and contemporary or more modern styles.
