What is Transitional Style Decor? – If you’re looking for a way to add style and sophistication to your home without making a considerable investment, transitional style decor may be the perfect solution. This type of design is all about combining elements of traditional and modern design, resulting in a look that’s both timeless and on-trend.
What is Transitional Style Decor?
You may wonder what transitional style decor is and how to achieve it in your home. This style combines elements of traditional and contemporary decor styles. Its clean, calming look combines architectural details and textiles.
One of the best things about transitional style is that it can be adapted to suit any space, whether you’re working with a small apartment or a sprawling estate. And because it incorporates classic and contemporary elements, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to add a touch of luxury without going too over-the-top.
Transitional Style Decor Combines Traditional and Contemporary Elements
The transitional style consists of a mix of contemporary and traditional elements. Its distinctive characteristics include clean, streamlined lines and feminine touches. Unlike other styles, the transitional decor doesn’t go out of style, as long as it matches your style.
Traditional elements are still a big part of transitional interior design, but they can complement modern, clean-lined furniture. A mix of modern and classic items is a sure way to achieve a transitional look. Similarly, traditional furniture can be comfortably accommodated by contemporary architecture. Despite the mix of styles, transitional home is a safe choice for many modern homes.
So how can you achieve this look in your own home? Here are a few tips:
It’s a Clean, Calming Aesthetic
This minimalist style relies on neutral colors and simple textures to create a calming atmosphere. Bold patterns on pillows are easy to inject color into a room without overpowering the room’s neutral colors. Textured fabrics are standard in transitional homes; they add depth and visual interest to rooms. Throw blankets promote cozy relaxation and add warmth to the space. You can even do a DIY project to create a transitional look.
The transitional style is a blend of contemporary and traditional designs. It is easy to implement because it blends the best of the two types. This style emphasizes clean lines and soft colors with classic design elements. The look is calming and inviting because it does not refer to excess ornamentation. This decor style is excellent for anyone who wants a comfortable yet stylish space. And since it uses a mix of modern and traditional design elements, it’s a perfect choice for any room.

It Incorporates Architectural Details
Traditional and modern styles go hand in hand. This style combines the best of both worlds with a contemporary twist. Current and classic styles are often opposites but complement each other well, making them an excellent choice for transitional decor. Whether your space is large or small, it’s essential to consider the room’s architectural details. A transitional home may feature both old and new architectural elements.
The owner’s suite continues to use neutral tones but introduces drama with a black-and-white rug and ceiling detail. While the trim detail on the bed wall honors traditional lines, the midcentury nightstands give the room a youthful expression. The owner’s bedroom continues to feature neutral tones throughout, while a midcentury nightstand adds a funky accent and hints at a contemporary design.
It’s a Mix of Following the Rules and Breaking Them to Capture Your Style
A transitional style home is all about the eclectic mix, a beautiful orchestration of opposites. Think whimsical chairs, mismatched prints, juxtaposed eras, and sculptural elements. Don’t be afraid to mix the two styles, as long as you can keep them proportionate. Incorporating both of these elements is essential for a transitional style living room.
The beauty of this style lies in its ability to blend traditional and contemporary elements seamlessly. It allows you to keep your treasured items while creating a sophisticated yet functional space. The key is finding the balance between the past and the present and following the rules to capture your style. Here are some tips for capturing your style with transitional decor. If you’re unsure where to start, try using pieces from your collection.
Start with Neutrals
Regarding furniture and decor, stick with neutral colors like black, white, beige, and gray. This will help create a foundation that you can build on with pops of color down the road. The transitional style is mixing and matching, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different textures and patterns to see what works best in your space.
The furniture is kept simple in this living room with clean lines and neutral colors. The rug adds a pop of color and texture, while the throw pillows add visual interest.
Incorporate Natural Materials
Another hallmark of the transitional style is natural materials like wood, stone, and metals. So try incorporating these elements into your design wherever possible. This will help create a warm and inviting space.
This kitchen features a mix of traditional and contemporary elements. The wood cabinets and stone countertops add warmth, while the stainless steel appliances add a touch of modernity.

Add Layers and Visual Interest
One of the best things about transitional style is that it’s all about mixing different textures and styles. So don’t be afraid to add eclectic pieces to your space or layer other textiles like rugs and throws. This will add depth and visual interest to your room.
This bedroom features a mix of textures and patterns. The bedding is kept simple with white linens, while the throw blanket adds color and texture. The rug ties the whole space together and adds another layer of comfort.
Use Lighting to Create a Mood
Lighting is an important element in any room design, but it’s essential in transitional spaces. This is because lighting can help create the perfect mood for your area. So try mixing different lighting fixtures to get the desired effect.
This living room features a mix of recessed and pendant lighting. The recessed lights provide general illumination, while the pendants add a touch of glamour.
Incorporate Metallic Elements
Another way to add depth and visual interest to your space is to incorporate metallic elements. This can be done with furniture, decor, or even lighting fixtures. Gold, silver, and bronze are all great choices for transitional spaces.
This dining room features a mix of traditional and contemporary elements. The wood table and chairs add warmth, while the chandelier and silver flatware add glamour.

Include Pops of Color
While neutrals are essential in transitional spaces, so are pops of color. This is because color can help create visual interest and depth. So don’t be afraid to incorporate colorful pieces into your design. Try using vibrant pillows, throws, or even wallpaper to add a touch of personality to your space.
This living room features a mix of neutrals and pops of color. The black and white rug anchors the space, while the green plants and yellow pillows add visual interest.
Bring in greenery
Another way to add color and visual interest to your space is to bring some greenery. This can be done with natural plants or even artificial ones. Plants will also help purify the air in your home.
This living room features a mix of neutrals and pops of color. The black and white rug anchors the space, while the green plants and yellow pillows add visual interest.
Create a Focal Point
Every room needs a focal point, and this is especially true for transitional spaces. This is because a focal point can help anchor the area and give it a sense of purpose. So try to incorporate a focal point into your design. This can be anything from a fireplace to a piece of art.
This living room features a mix of neutrals and pops of color. The black and white rug anchors the space, while the green plants and yellow pillows add visual interest. The fireplace is the room’s focal point, and two armchairs flank it. This creates a cozy seating area that’s perfect for entertaining.
Vary the Height of Your Pieces
Another great way to add visual interest is by varying the height of your furniture and decor. You can use different tables and chairs or add decorative elements like plants or flowers. This will help create a dynamic and exciting space.
This living room features a mix of high and low furniture. The coffee table is low to the ground, while the bookshelves are tall and narrow. This creates a sense of depth and makes the space more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Transitional style decor combines contemporary and traditional design elements that create a comfortable and stylish space. This style is perfect for anyone who wants a mix of modern and classic designs in their home. It uses a variety of textures and colors to create a calm and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, transitional style decor incorporates architectural details to give your space character.
Hi, I’m Juliette. I’m the Editor in Chief of Broc Patineet & Compagnie. We’re a blog all about interior design – from choosing colors to creating a cohesive look. Our team of experts brings years of experience and an eye for detail to every project. So whether you’re just starting or you’ve been decorating for years, we can help you take your home to the next level.
I love interior design because it’s all about making people feel good. It’s incredible how a little bit of effort can make such a big difference in someone’s life. When I’m not working, I like to cook (or eat) and read books (preferably murder mysteries).