Traditional Design Ideas

Traditional-style design is a familiar one for most. This warm and homey style combines classic design elements, like symmetrical layouts, with furniture from a variety of eras. Warm wood tones, dark leather, soft fabrics, and soothing color palettes are used throughout traditional spaces. The roots of traditional design are found in colonial and craftsman interiors. It’s an approachable style that favors the cozy and comfortable—despite its sometimes-formal design elements. And though it stems from architecture of days gone by, traditional style can be blended with many different styles for an updated and personalized approach.This is a perfect style for those who want a comfortable and relaxed home and for those who have a timeless sense of style. Traditional design offers stability and strays away from trends, creating a timeless look.Traditional homes favor sophisticated color palettes in bright, warm neutrals. So, lots of whites and creams! Many people with traditional spaces stick to these neutral color palettes—but you can certainly still add in color without losing that traditional vibe! A blue and white palette is the most classic traditional color scheme, but you can also go for other saturated colors—either in big washes through a wall color or in smaller pops through pillows, rugs, and decor. Just make sure the colors you choose aren’t too vibrant or loud.Furniture in traditional spaces tends to be sturdy, made of solid materials. But these furniture pieces also tend to have detailed designs and styling. While some traditional furniture, itself, may skew a bit formal—like the classic Queen Anne-style furniture that many traditionalists love—it should also be comfortable. Warm wood tones help create that approachability (in a dark or grey-washed finish), along with upholstery in soft linen and cotton weaves. Charming patterns, like stripes, florals, and damask, help further create that homey vibe. The addition of tufted benches, footstools, and shelving—especially shelves with glass-front doors—are perfect additions to a traditional home.Antiques are very at home in traditional spaces and mix very well with contemporary traditional pieces. Since antiques are more one-of-a-kind, they add a very unique element to an otherwise fairly predictable style. Once you have your furniture in place, you can add decor to drive home the style. For wall art, consider landscape paintings, botanical prints, or framed maps. Mirrors with ornate, gilded frames are also perfect in traditional spaces. Then, layer in sculptures and vases. Pieces with more detailing will create more of a classical vibe, whereas adding in pieces with organic shapes can add a more modern edge to your space.Chandeliers and other light fixtures are also a great way to add stylistic nuance to your traditional room. You can opt for a candelabra or more ornate chandelier—perhaps with draped crystal beading ornamentation—for a more classical look. Or, if you want to add in a rustic twist, you could go for an industrial or woven light fixture. Meanwhile, a pendant in a brass or bronze finish will give the space a modern edge. So, choose lighting based on the subtle style nuance you’d like to achieve!With this, you’ll notice that traditional design mixes very well with other design styles. Peppering in transitional furniture pieces can modernize the look. Incorporating metallic elements can add a glam vibe. Or you can take a coastal or countryside approach by weaving in rustic elements and more textures. But, with traditional furniture, materials, and layouts, you’ll still have a home that feels comfortable and timeless.Want to see this style come to life? Start scrolling for some of our favorite traditional home designs!