How to Use Traditional Style Decorating
The Elements of Traditional Interior Decorating Schemes
Jun 24, 2008
Discover what furniture, colors, fabrics, flooring and more work best in your traditional interior decorating scheme.
Traditional Style interior decorating is a very comfortable look and is usually familiar and inviting to most people. This style is fairly ageless and is quite often used in furniture displays. The emphasis in a traditional style room is on symmetry and proportion. Items are evenly spaced with a formal feel throughout the room. The feel is elegant and welcoming without much kitsch and clutter.
- Furniture – Look for pieces that have expensive and lasting wood, such as cherry and mahogany. Straight lines with gentle curves are key, and exposed wood mixed with upholstery is essential. Reproductions are quite common, such as Queen Anne, Chippendale, or Empire style pieces. Get pieces that work together in symmetry and can be arranged in a harmonious manner.
- Fabrics – The fabrics on your upholstered furniture are generally fairly expensive; these include silk, damask, and velvet and feature patterns over texture. Traditional style is just as comfortable with stripes as it is flowers, but everything is a bit muted and doesn’t stand out. Look for details that are understated but refined; pleats and buttons will be right at home.
- Colors – Nothing is meant to stand out, pop, or make a statement. Neutrals work well with mid-range tones. It’s not uncommon for a floral fabric to take center stage and all the other colors are based on the light and dark colors represented in the fabric. Traditional style embraces traditional colors such as creams, tans, whites, grays, blues, reds, and greens.
- Floors – Hardwood floors are very traditional, but a neutral carpet is also fairly common. In most cases the floor is meant to go unnoticed, but if you’re looking for a bit of excitement on the floor, consider an oriental rug.
- Windows – Windows get a very decorative touch in traditional style homes; the fabrics used are often patterned with stripes or florals and are quite full. Except to see detail touches such as pleats and buttons, visible rods and finials, and cornices and valances. A traditional style window means the window and view are less important, but the treatments are highly visible.
- Lighting – Candle inspired lighting should dominate the room. Look for understated lighting fixtures with white or cream shades and use a soft white light bulb. Use actual candles wherever possible.
- Arrangement – Place your furniture at right angles from each other, making everything very symmetrical and balanced. If you’re going to have one floor lamp, better make it two. Even and organized is the goal.
- Accessories – Look for statement pieces that are large or noticeable. Ornate or gilded mirrors, artwork that is inspired by nature, or hand embroidered pieces are very popular. The important thing is getting few accessories that are bold and attract the eye, in this situation you want less but want them to say more.
People who tend to lean toward traditional interior decorating style tend to respect quality and comfort. They find strong clean lines appealing as well as neutral and mid-range colors. They enjoy the peace and harmony a traditional decorating style can evoke.
The copyright of the article How to Use Traditional Style Decorating in Interior Decorating is owned by Kristin Abraham. Permission to republish How to Use Traditional Style Decorating in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
