❝Nothing is passé if you really love it❞ - Rose Tarlow
There are many types of interior design and each style consists of distinctive furniture, decors, lighting, and accessories that give it its signature look. By getting to know some of the most popular styles, you’ll better understand what styles stand out to you and meet your preferences. As Rose Tarlow once said, nothing is passé if you really love it! If you wondered, “Passé” is an adjective meaning that something is outmoded, past its prime, and/or no longer fashionable. Same goes with traditional interior design style. If you really love it, it can be such a classic and beautiful look in your house. So in today’s “Know Your Interior Design Style Series”, we will be discussing all about traditional interior design style!
Inspired by European houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, traditional design celebrates the long, rich history of the past by contrasting it with more modern elements for a decidedly elegant spin on sophistication. It's a classic style choice to those who admire antiques, classical art, symmetry, and historically-rich design.
The thing about traditional interior design is some people appreciate its timeless elegance, comfort, and the sense of history it brings into a space. On the other hand, some individuals might perceive traditional interior design as outdated or overly formal. They may prefer more modern or eclectic styles that offer a different aesthetic or sense of innovation. Ultimately, people's opinions of traditional interior design depend on their personal taste, cultural background, lifestyle preferences, and the atmosphere they wish to create in their living spaces.
Source : Pinterest
A traditional style home with the correct use of elements will feel ageless, comfortable, and cohesive. But if it was done wrong, they can feel stuffy, boring, and predictable which is why here are the defining elements of traditional interior design style.
1. Elegant, European-inspired furniture
Traditional interior design typically features furniture pieces with elegant and ornate details inspired by the 18th and 19th century English and European designs.
2. Natural materials
In traditional homes, they use a lot of natural materials especially wood. Traditional interior design emphasizes decorative woodwork, many traditional homes also feature rich-toned hardwood flooring in the home's main living areas. Dark woods are most common!
3. Architecture details
Decorative woodwork will make up most of the architecture in the average traditional room, with elements including:
a. Built-in cabinetry
b. Coffered ceilings
c. Crown molding
d. Paneling or wainscotting
e. Tall baseboards
f. Valances
4. Functional and comfortable rooms
Traditional spaces should evoke a sense of home amid their elegance and formality. They ought to radiate warmth, comfort, and practicality, featuring calming base colors complemented by inviting accents. But also functional by considering the room's purpose.
5. Timeless color palettes
Traditional interior design usually has neutral walls serving as the foundation of the color scheme. However, bursts of color are introduced through art, accents, and textiles, frequently incorporating deep jewel tones such as red and green. Additionally, brown and dark wood tones are commonly prevalent in traditional decor.
6. Shimmering light features
Shimmering light features such as crystal chandeliers, silver candlesticks, and elegant lampshades are essential for traditional interior design!
7. Eye catching details
Eye-catching details seem to be everywhere in a well-designed traditional space, and they're essential for capturing the look. So look for opportunities to add detailing in each textile, accent, and piece of furniture or architecture.
Traditional interior design style doesn’t stick with only one but many types so here, you can find 6 types of traditional interior design and choose which one suits your preference the best!
1. Georgian
The Georgian traditional interior design, a classic design that is spare, sophisticated, and inviting, was developed during the reign of the four King Georges from 1714 to 1830. Characteristics of this type are splendid furnishings and materials — mahogany wood, marble, bronze, silver and crystal; decorators opt for muted pastel colors such as pea-green, mauve and pale pink; often use mythological animals such as satyrs, sphinxes and griffins for sculptures and paintings as decorative elements; geometric ornaments; add ribbons and garlands with the traditional Greek pattern to decorate Georgian interiors.
2. Federal
While the Georgian decorative tradition was developed by the UK, Federal was developed in the USA. Federal feature is the Oval shape. It appears in columns, picture frames, bow windows, chapiters, and even in one of the most iconic architectural and design pieces — the Oval Office in the White House. Characteristics of this type are use of a lot of wood with warm undertones for walls and furniture, polished hard floors, stone, brass, silver; opt for a patriotic palette of red, white and blue to brighten up neutral formal interiors.
3. Victorian
The Victorian interior style mirrors the era of Queen Victoria, spanning the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was during the Victorian era that the UK established India as one of its colonies. Characteristics of this type are use of Indian decor items, textiles, sculptures, carpets, crockery; opt for dark shades of wood, muted shades of green, and red; richly ornamented textiles for sumptuous window draperies with festoons. The most popular ornaments of the time were foliage, flowers and the Royal Lily pattern.
4. Colonial
The Colonial interior style is rooted in the history of colonialism, drawing inspiration from the politics of the empire. Characteristics of this type are light and airy interiors with large windows, wooden shutters, and ceiling fans; mix neutral colors with bright local decor and works of art; ceramic mosaic elements to enhance the authenticity of the Oriental country even more.
5. Mediterranean
Mediterranean traditional interior design is all about taking a pause from the rush of life and relaxing. It embodies the essence of South European romanticism and summer leisure, providing a space where individuals can unwind and rediscover tranquility and serenity. Characteristics of this type are a natural and earthy aesthetic; light color for walls, light plank flooring, and add some rustic wooden elements; use local ceramics and pottery, choose simple textiles and rugs, add candles and rustic lamps.
6. Neoclassic
Neoclassic presents a more refined and sophisticated Europe, and its appeal is closer to Parisian chic. Characteristics of this type are based on high ceilings, arches, enfilade rooms; combine luxurious traditional furniture and decor with contemporary art; use both lighter and darker colors; muted tones and sumptuous materials; add classic stucco moldings and use trompe-l’oeil decorative techniques.
Source : Pinterest
Embracing a new style might feel daunting at first, but traditional interior design offers a straightforward starting point for beginners to explore. Here are few steps to get you started :
1. Pick a color palette
Select a color scheme for each room, incorporating consistent neutral tones throughout the house to maintain cohesion. Opt for inviting, appealing colors and introduce visual interest with patterned fabrics.
2. Focus on architectural features
Consider engaging a craftsman to elevate your home with custom cabinetry, molding, and other personalized touches if you have the opportunity to make modifications.
3. Make a list
Make a list of what you really want and a list of things you already have to keep track of your decor. Bring that list with you when you hit up antique stores and flea markets to make choosing what to buy easier.
4. Go to an antique shops and flea markets
Now is the opportune moment to explore the antique stores in your area. Whether you're beginning anew or complementing your current traditional decor, you're bound to discover precisely what you seek.
Here, we will give a few tips and suggestions on how to implement the traditional look in your home!
1. Colors
You might find it unexpected that traditional interior design offers more freedom to be experimental and even playful, especially when it comes to colors. Instead of sticking to dull white walls, consider embracing vibrant hues as the base for each room, ensuring continuity throughout by blending a select few colors that resonate with the desired atmosphere. However, it's advisable to avoid excessive use of white or black, as well as overly bold, overpowering colors, as they may overshadow the eclectic blend intended to bring your traditional living room to life.
2. Furniture
Begin by removing furniture lacking distinct period styles or ornamentation, and eliminate overly simplistic modern pieces with minimalistic silhouettes and subdued aesthetics. Replace them with period pieces that capture your interest and exhibit distinctive character and unique design elements.
3. Textiles
Traditional design style textiles can be rich and varied resources for injecting riotous yet classic color and pattern throughout your home. Go for nature scenes for upholstery and cushions, complement them with striking stripes. Avoid geometric shapes or designs, as they may appear too sterile for luxe traditional style interior design.
4. Accessories
Accessories for this fusion of design styles offer limitless possibilities while embracing traditional design elements. Similar to furnishings, traditional interior design accessories encompass a wide range, spanning from a blend of mid-century modern to classical Chinese motifs. The key lies in their placement.
That is all our discussion about traditional interior design! What do you think of this interior design style? Is it your preference? Consult your dream house with Livvy Luxury Living! Contact us on Whatsapp : +62 878 6894 8000 or visit us at 18 Office Park 25th floor Suite A, Jalan Simatupang Kav 18, South Jakarta.
Content Writer : Arcelia Emmanuella Adiwinata