Interior Design “Styles”…. Revealed. Traditional Design.

Traditional Design evokes a feeling of understated elegance with classic style, history, symmetry, wood casegoods and gilding.

     

There are many different periods that create the “Traditional” Style, including; Chippendale, Federal Colonial, William & Mary, English, Biedermeier, Gothic, Georgian and many, many more.

As an overview of the Traditional style, the time periods consists of the 18th and 19th Century.  Heavy in wood finishes (mahogany, cherry), pieces with decorative inlay using wood, mother of pearl and gold.  

Legs of wood pieces, like dining tables, occasional tables and sofa’s can tell you a lot about the period as well.

Paneling on walls, tray ceilings, ornate ceiling medallions, and large decorative wood trim are Architectural elements to look for in Traditional settings.

Ornate mirrors dress up walls over fireplaces or standing alone on large high walls.

   

Fabrics associated with Traditional design include; Floral, Toile’, diamond pattern, plaid, heavy tapestry and trims edging out the upholstery.  Nail head is also a popular way to finish off upholstered sofa’s in the Traditional style.  Tufting used to be associated only with the Traditional style but is making a comeback in the “Soft Modern” style.

         

Colors associated with Traditional styles include, bright cheery pinks, sunny yellows, grassy greens, and also heavier colors such as; hunter green, dark blues, and deep burgundy.  Wall colors tend to be softer, allowing the upholstery and  wood casegood pieces to stand out.

Window treatments tend to be a bit heavier in style with a large range of coloring and patterns.

    

Decorative wallpaper is also widely used when decorating in the Traditional Style.  Stripes, floral, scroll design and mini-prints.

 

If you would like to find out more…email pcdesign@mac.com to get details on the style that interests you the most.

Tags: Advice, decorating styles, Design Styles, Interior design style, Interior Styles, Traditional Design, Traditional Style