Traditional decorating with a clean twist

While it borrows from contemporary, transitional style can

While it borrows from contemporary, transitional style can offer a warmer, more inviting decor. (Credit:

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If you asked most people what kind of style their home is decorated in, you'd most likely hear "transitional." That's because transitional style lends itself to interpretation. Most homeowners have a home whose look is acquired, meaning that they've added to their decor with time and as their budget allowed. But that's not really the best definition of transitional -- one of America's favorite styles today.


Transitional style borrows heavily from traditional style but uses a modern interpretation, particularly with color. While traditional style incorporates color, transitional leans heavily toward neutrals for a cleaner, leaner, lighter-feeling room. Yet, the bones of traditional are still there.



While transitional can be mislabeled as "traditional light," it can also be mislabeled as a heavier contemporary. But transitional does borrow a lot from contemporary, such as avoiding fussy accessories or frills on furniture. The use of simple neutrals and a strong leaning toward a singular color is one of the ways transitional relates to contemporary. It also borrows from the gender-neutral qualities of contemporary styles, but it's a warmer, more inviting decor than contemporary due to the heavy use of textured and graphic fabrics.



Gather together furnishings that would work like individual shades of paint on a paint chip. This will keep all your items in the same color family. Choose pieces that are amply sized yet have clean lines. Next, select textiles or upholstered items that are very textural, such as a nubby chenille or fabric with a bold pattern, still in the same color family.



Transitional is a style that has a cool sophistication that's still warm and welcoming. Adding some graphic wallpaper can help you create a transitional space quickly.

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