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If an individual is seeking to reflect classic European decor in their home, the best route to take is traditional interior design methods. These methods typically include such features as furnishings that are elegant in style and wood tones that are deep in color.
In order to create a more unique and personal look, a homeowner may choose to combine the traditional interior design style with another specific style that they may also like. In terms of traditional interior design ideas, perhaps the most important aspect of this style are the silhouettes of the different furnishings in a room, also known as the “lines” of the furnishings.
Some of the best examples that can be included in this category are claw-footed tables, various curved furniture pieces, and winged-back chairs, all of which exemplify the 18th and 19th century looks. Other style pieces such as antiques, Chippendale, and Queen Anne also fit with the traditional interior design style; however, you will typically find that a majority of furniture stores sell newer types of these specific pieces that are meant to mimic the originals.
No matter what age group you are in, you will still be able to utilize the traditional interior design style for your home in order to make it as classic, calm, and timeless as you want it to be. As previously mentioned, this style can be combined with any other specific design style that you may find visually appealing in order to create a rather unique look.
Traditional interior design definition
Traditional interior design is typically defined as being predictable, yet both cozy and comfortable at the same time. A space that is designed in the traditional style will often have the following qualities:
- Detailed woodwork
- Carved moldings
- Sturdy crafted furniture
- Graceful lines
Other details that can be found are the following:
- Framed wall decorations
- Elegant fabric draperies
- Soft accent pillows
- Overstuffed sofas
Generally, you will also notice that the most common aspect of this particular design scheme involves pairing accessories and furniture together in order to create a sense of symmetry around a specific focal point of the room.
Getting the design
In terms of color, the walls of any interior space wishing to achieve the traditional interior design style will typically be painted in a neutral color. This is done in order to visually ground any elaborate furnishings that are in the same space. Furniture pieces used in these kinds of spaces will generally have pops of colors such as red, brown, and blue. Accent pieces such as artwork and other various accessories will also incorporate colors that are more vibrant.
In regards to fabrics, more solid colors are typically used in traditional interior design styles; however, it is also common to use fabrics with patterns such as floral, paisley, or damask. Regardless of the color or design, these fabrics are often expensive in nature, as they are often made from either cashmere, silk, or velvet.
However, there are many designers who have gone on record of stating that fabrics such as cotton and linen may also be incorporated into the traditional interior design style, as they are much easier to care for and more flexible in nature than the expensive ones.
Woods used in the traditional interior design style, as previously mentioned, are rich in color. The most common types of wood that you will find used in this style’s furniture pieces are maple, mahogany, and cherry, and all are generally lacquered and carved in order to give them a feel that is rather luxurious and elegant. In addition, wood is also incorporated into the flooring of a space designed in the traditional style.
In terms of accents, the most common type of embellishments used in the traditional interior design style are architectural in nature. These types of embellishments can include the following:
- Intricate tile/wood floor patterns
- Elaborate moldings
- Beveled wood paneling
Other key features of traditional interior design style accents include columns, built-in cabinetry, and arches.
Let’s start to get familiar with traditional interior decor
For review purposes regarding traditional interior design style spaces:
- Woods that are stained in rich colors are typically used on both furniture pieces and flooring
- Details that are intricate in nature are often incorporated into the overall decor
- The space, regardless of what its primary use is, always has a luxurious and comfortable feel to it
- There is a frequent use of accent pieces such as sculptures and mirrors
Some frequently asked questions about traditional interiors
Which particular furniture styles are more traditional?
There are three specific furniture styles that are popular for spaces that are designed around the traditional interior design style. These three styles are Chippendale, Queen Anne, and Sheraton. Queen Anne style pieces are decorated with features such as curved lines, violin-shaped chair backs, cabriole legs, and decorative finials.
Chippendale furniture, while similar to the Queen Anne style, contains lines that are more straight, and these particular furniture pieces also contain a greater amount of artistic embellishment. Finally, Sheraton pieces contain legs that are somewhat tapered and straight combined with contrasting inlays and veneers.
What specific kinds of accessories follow the traditional interior design style?
Accessories typically used in spaces that are designed in the traditional interior design style include vases, candle stands, and bowls. These items will generally have carved designs that were favored by artisans of the 18th and 19th centuries.
What specific colors are primarily used in traditional interiors?
The walls of a space designed in the traditional interior style are typically painted in one of three colors: beige, cream, or ivory; however, bold colors may also be used if the homeowner wishes to incorporate them into their color palette. The best example of this would be to paint one wall in a bold color, which would then allow it to serve as an accent wall to bring more attention to a specific accessory or furniture piece.
What is the difference between these three things: Modern Decor, Traditional Decor, and Transitional Decor?
Modern spaces take an approach that is completely opposite form traditional and transitional ones in the sense that they use clean lines, open space, no accent pieces, and shapes that are basic in order to help keep the space calm. Traditional spaces rely on the use of accessories to provide a feel of warmth and relaxation. Finally, transitional spaces combine the aspects of both modern spaces and traditional spaces to create a unique look of its own.
Conclusion
The traditional interior design style offers a homeowner the sheer comfort of utilizing colors, forms, and materials that were used in the past in order to create a more cozy space today, especially if they feel a deep connection with early American, European, or Old World history.
Traditional spaces are also used by many different celebrities and world leaders, including President Barack Obama, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Spielberg, and Dustin Hoffman.
In addition, many modern interior spaces are oftentimes influenced by the traditional interior design style, meaning you don’t always need to rely on features such as dark wood walls or antiques in order to get a full sense of enjoyment out of this style. If you are looking for some inspiration of your own, check out IMatchDesigners.com. When you get to the website, type the word “traditional” into the search bar and check out all of the many featured interior spaces that pop up as a result.
And if you’re looking to add a bit of color and some eye-catching geometry to your interior design, then one of the options you should be looking at are plant planters. Check out these great wholesale planters for some additional inspiration.