Transitional Style

From the special online feature Design Styles

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Transitional style is a marriage of traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics equating to a classic, timeless design. Furniture lines are simple yet sophisticated featuring either straight lines or rounded profiles. Fabric can range from graphic patterns on overstuffed sofas to textured chenilles on sleek wood frames.
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Colors - This transitional palette relies on a lack of color to evoke a clean, serene atmosphere. Dark brown adds depth to the neutral balance of taupe, tan and vanilla. Accessories - A minimalist approach is taken with carefully-selected accessories. A potted orchid gracefully arches in front of the window; white mats set off photographs in simple black and silver frames. An oval wooden tray provides a resting spot for similarly-shaped silver candleholders; the entire grouping provides a counterpoint to the rectangular ottoman.
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Fabrics - The lack of color makes room for interesting textures, like the olive-colored corduroy found on the sofa and a smooth creamy white cotton used on two of the side chairs. Other good choices for a transitional space are soft Ultrasuedes, pliable leathers and nubby chenilles. Furniture - Curves combine with straight lines in a transitional-style interior. The look balances both masculine and feminine attributes for a comfortably contemporary design. The scale of the pieces is ample but not intimidating. A lack of ornamentation and decoration keeps the focus on the simplicity but sophistication of the design.
See more transitional-style rooms in Designers' Portfolio>>