Get the Look: Transitional Design

A little bit classic, a little bit modern, transitional style is a blend of both worlds. See how to replicate the laid-back yet refined look in your home.

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August 05, 2021

Transitional brings the best of traditional and contemporary style together. It's a comfortable design that focuses on creating a balanced look that combines a neutral palette and minimal accessories with tons of texture and pattern. Ultimately timeless, the style pulls from the past but feels right now.

Keep scrolling for some of our favorite picks to bring transitional style into your home.

$49.50-$249
Photo Courtesy Pottery Barn

Transitional design loves a textured neutral, and this versatile quilt fits the bill. The reversible style has a solid and striped side with both sides featuring the pick-stitching detailing. Hand-quilted with a combination of linen and cotton, not only is the bedding super soft, but it's also made from sustainable cotton farming.

$60-$149
Photo Courtesy Pottery Barn

Keeping accessories to minimum is key to this calm, casual style. Opt for a collection of framed prints on simple floating ledges; choosing from either a natural or white finish to stay in a muted neutral color palette.

$838-$1,049
Photo Courtesy Urban Outfitters

Blending traditional and contemporary styles is the name of the game, and this chic velvet bed does it beautifully. The classic (tufting and velvet fabric) merges with the contemporary (streamlined profile and sleek metal legs) for stylish and ready-for-the-end-of-day relaxing.

$1,039.20-$1,449
Photo Courtesy West Elm

Comfort is another essential element to transitional design, and we love how this soft leather chair combines a laid-back vibe with a polished form. West Elm touts the design as a "Scandinavian take on a classic wingback," which to us, means it's the perfect fit for a contemporary-meets-traditional room.

$6,000
Photo Courtesy Crate & Barrel

Modern lighting plays a significant role in this design style, often creating a juxtaposition against traditional architecture. This satin brass chandelier showcases hand-blown smoky gray glass for statement-making illumination.

$549
Photo Courtesy CB2

Whether you need a spot to put up your feet or a modular piece that can be used as extra seating, this ottoman will feel right at home in a transitional space. Made from aniline-dyed buffalo leather, this pouf is designed to soften over time and wear with a natural patina.

$115
Photo Courtesy Crate & Barrel

Go all in on texture. Since you're working with a neutral palette, it's necessary to bring in an abundance of visual and tactile appeal to keep the space from feel stale and boring. These handcrafted pillows weave knots of wool and cotton across the cream yarn and black stitching in a chunky trellis pattern.

$198-$2,998
Photo Courtesy Anthropologie

Typically, one of the pricier elements of a room, choose a rug that will stand the test of time and style changes. This handwoven wool option has a graceful pattern that's gently distressed for a timeworn look.

$599
Photo Courtesy CB2

Add a flash of movement and metallic to your space with this organically-shaped mirror. The rough-hewn aluminum frame has a distressed brass finish and is available in two sizes

$148
Photo Courtesy Anthropologie

A great throw blanket is always a must in our book; sling it over an armchair or folded at the end of the bed for additional textured spots in a room. Though this blanket combines embroidery, fringe and pom-poms all in one textile, the neutral scheme pulls the varying elements together.

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