Mixing and matching furniture and accessories from different styles and time periods used to be somewhat taboo; unusual mishmashes tend to get lumped together as “eclectic.” These days, though, much of interior design is trending towards transitional design. Blending traditional and contemporary elements is almost a must for getting a look that feels elegant and posh, but not too overwrought for a modern home.
How It Works:
Traditional decor has long reigned supreme in interior design, but increasingly homeowners are tiring of really heavy, ornate decor. It’s one thing to have a few classic accent pieces; it’s another entirely to go the whole nine yards with rich, heavy fabrics, upholstery, wallpaper, and so on. Transitional design takes the best elements of traditional decor and trims the fat. That means placing highly-detailed, luxurious pieces on a more minimalist backdrop: simple, clean paint, and unadorned hardwood floors. Adding in a few modern accents and furnishings not only helps keep the space light, but also brings the old-fashioned furniture into a modern-feeling setting. This pairing makes antiques look elegant rather than overwrought or dated.
Get The Look:
A transitional design can mean something different for just about everyone. Getting the look you like means striking the right balance between old and new, ornate and minimalist, sophisticated and casual. To copy this particular look, start with a pair of antique armchairs and an ornate fireplace surround. Balance antique-style candle sconces with modern candlesticks, and round the space out with a modern side table, a soft lambskin rug, and a piece of fine modern art to act as the bridge between old and new.
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