Written by Sophie Clemson

If you’re a fan of the hit Netflix show Dream Home Makeover, you might have heard of the term transitional. It has become increasingly popular and is a much loved style by our customers and us! If you’re looking for a relaxed, lived-in feel that uses traditional and modern pieces together, then read on, because you’re going to absolutely love the transitional interior design style. 

1. What is transitional design? 

2. Transitional interior design schemes by The Living House 

3. Interior design tips to achieve a transitional style in your home

4. The Living House top transitional picks

What is transitional design? 

Transitional is where the new and old come together. It's about cleverly blending traditional and modern interior pieces to create an interesting mix that's well designed but looks relaxed. 

You’ll see transitional rooms use a variety of materials within furniture and soft furnishings. Mixing and layering patterns that pair effortlessly together to create a cohesive design scheme. The style uses vintage pieces for styling to add that traditional touch, such as artwork, lighting, and accessories. Not only does this add to the transitional feel, but it can also tell a story and make a room much more personal when the accessories have a collector look about them. 

Even though transitional interiors are about mixing different styles together, you still want to keep a common link between the pieces in order to create a harmonious flow throughout the space. This could be with the colour palette and furniture choices. 

When it comes to the type of colour palettes that are used in transitional interiors, they are neutral with warm, earthy accent colours. The colour palette is usually quite tonal, but because of the different patterns and textures that are used, it gives a room a cosy and relaxing feel that has interest.

Transitional interior design schemes by The Living House 

Transitional design is very popular with our customers. We think this is because our customers want a warm, inviting, and cosy home that looks designed but without a formal show home look. The style works well for family homes because it has a casual, lived-in feel that is welcoming and cosy.

Transitional living room

This living room design scheme was for a family in West Sussex. Their style was transitional, but an important factor was that most of the pieces we selected were eco-friendly, non toxic, and VOC free. We chose a calming green and off white paint colour to create a restful feel in the room. The larger pieces, such as the sofas and armchair, were textured and neutral. The cushions brought in a mix of patterns, which created interest in this transitional design. The materials within the room had a natural texture, with rattan lighting and accessories and washed wood furniture. Overall, this living room worked perfectly for a family space that they could all enjoy together with a timeless transitional look. 

Transitional master bedroom

This loft master bedroom design was for a couple in London. They wanted a calm, inviting space that had a sanctuary feel. After sharing inspiration images with our customers, it was clear that they loved a transitional interior design style. We achieved a transitional look using a neutral colour scheme with muted earthy tones to bring warmth to the room. The patterned rug brings in a traditional piece that works so well with the rattan and mango wood furniture. This loft master bedroom has a restful and lived-in feel, just as you would expect from a transitional room. 

Transitional open plan apartment

This living dining room was for our customer in Essex. They had an apartment with an open plan kitchen, living, dining room therefore, it had multiple functions and needed to flow. When our customer approached us for help with their home, they already knew they loved a transitional design style. We used a neutral colour palette with soft charcoal for contrast. One of our favourite items within this design scheme is the rug, which helps to zone the living area. The rug is from Ruggable, which has a beautiful range of transitional rugs. Overall, the design is modern with traditional touches to create the transitional style our customer wanted to achieve.

Interior design tips to achieve a transitional style in your home

1. When searching for vintage and antique pieces to accessorise your transitional room, look at charity shops, vintage fairs, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. This is a great way to find one off pieces that will give your home a collector inspired transitional look. 

2. Mix your soft furnishing patterns. This can be tricky, but it's all about scale and finding patterns that pair together. For example, use a small scale floral cushion, a wide striped cushion, a gingham cushion, and a plain textured cushion, all of these can be neutral and tonal. Using a few different patterned cushions will add interest.

3. Vintage style artwork doesn’t need to cost the earth. There are lots of vintage inspired prints online at affordable prices. Simply put the print in a gold ornate frame that you could purchase from a charity shop, and you have an interesting vintage looking piece of art.

4. Keep it paired back with the colour palette, such as muted greens, warm neutrals, and earthy terracottas. This will create a cosy and relaxed vibe in the room. 

The Living House top transitional picks

Now that you know what transitional design is and how to achieve the style, we’ve selected some of our favourite pieces to help guide and inspire you.

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If you’re wanting to make changes to your home, take a look at our affordable online interior design packages to give you all the help you need. Whether you’re considering a full redesign or a refresh, we can take the stress away, and give you the confidence to move forward. We can work to any budget large or small, saving you money along the way and ensuring you get the results you want and expect!

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