Transitional Style

The traditional style was created in the 18th Century in the French countryside. This formal style is characterised by symmetry, balancing the features of the room whether it is furniture or architectural details. The most prominent colours of the era were peach, green, lavender and taupe. The fabric of choice would have been Damask in a floral print or small pattern. Accessories were more ornate with gold gilt frames, crystal chandeliers, fringe, tassels and rich wood tones.

The contemporary style is minimal, striped down to basic straight lines. The silhouette is subtle and smooth. The colour scheme is monochromatic with a mixture of neutral colours like taupe, cream, gray, black and white, which are manipulated is such a way to make a bold statement. Bright colour accents are featured in the accessories.

The transitional style combines the best elements of the traditional and the contemporary styles for furniture, materials and finishes. This style takes the basic traditional elements and adds a touch of the contemporary style. This allows the style to always speak to the current trends and remain relevant and fresh. It has been described as the perfect balance of masculine and feminine characteristics, crafted to produce and elegant yet timeless design.

The colour palette is subtle, almost tone on tone and features khaki, gray, cream, taupe and tan with a touch of chocolate. This style relies heavily on texture to create the rhythm which dictates the movement of the eye through the space, drawing you into the comfy surroundings. The texture is created by placing delicate fabrics next to coarsely woven fabrics or natural fabrics next to matte or shiny fabrics and finishes while building layers of texture. There are many tactile fabrics used in the transitional style such as leather, sisal, burlap and chenille to name a few.

Furniture in the transitional style is scaled so that it is generous but not overpowering. Accessories are simple and may be accentuated with colour. Drapes are also simple in design and are usually highlighted with block colouring. All these components work together to fashion a definitive space that is stylish and alluring.

Floor materials are not emphasised but be lost in the background. The material choice for the floor does not matter, you can use any material from wood to vinyl. The important factor is that the palette is kept subtle. Rugs and carpet should also work with the soft subtle colour scheme adding more to the textured layering of the room than to the colour.

One of the more popular kitchen cabinetry styles is taken from the transitional framework where touches of the traditional are assimilated with the contemporary lines. Paneled cabinetry doors, contemporary door handles, simple tile backsplash and contemporary sink completes the look.