At first glance, this kitchen and breakfast area have all the hallmarks of traditional design — classic cabinets, stone countertops, crown molding, hardwood floors and timeless wainscoting. However, a second look will lead your eye upward to the modern light fixtures. Streamlined pendant lights over the island and a bubble-glass chandelier feel of-the-moment, creating a transitional style that doesn't feel stuck in the past.

Transitional design relies heavily on a neutral color palette, using taupes, creams, grays and tans with a few accents in darker shades. The muted hues create a soothing, inviting aesthetic that's polished yet casual. For this monochromatic bedroom, soft grays are used for the walls, window treatments and fabrics, and darker colors come in through the furniture framing and hardwood floors.

A middle ground between traditional and contemporary design is transitional, which brings the best elements of each style together. This bathroom blends classic details, such as the herringbone-patterned floor, timeless cabinets and antiqued light fixtures, with more modern pieces, like the crisp, clean lines of the countertops and shower framing.

Since transitional style sticks to a fairly neutral palette, bringing in a mix of textures and patterns is key to keeping the design from feeling stale. Velvet, leather and cotton upholsteries all combine in this living room, and a grouping of motifs, from faux bois and graphic to striped, bring subtle energy to the place. Though transitional style tends to lean away from color, the neutrality of the yellow and blue in this space still works.

Architectural elements — coffered ceiling, timeless moldings and classic archways — set the scene for a traditional design in this Charlotte, N.C., home. Enter cushy furniture in soft taupes and tans, including an extra-long banquette for dining, and the space stays away from the stuffy feeling that some uber-traditional spaces attain.

Even though you're bringing together two disparate styles, transitional design doesn't have an eclectic vibe. It's much more pulled together, leaning toward a minimalistic approach. This Parisian apartment is grounded in a parquet hardwood floor and exuding with period charm, from the egg-and-dart crown molding to the classic wainscoting. Streamlined, low-profile furniture allows the architectural features of the space and the iconic view of Paris to shine.

Though the color scheme of transitional design stays in neutral territory, textiles are layered and varied to add both tactile and visual appeal. Grasscloth wall coverings, a tufted headboard and bench, quilted bedding and a mix of florals, graphics and solids all combine in this restful bedroom. By sticking with the uniformed palette, the diverse mix of patterns and textures works together.

Comfort plays a big role in transitional design. Look for oversized, cushy furniture with clean lines and a streamlined profile. This inviting living room has ample seating — an oversized sectional and a trio of armchairs — for family and friends in a mix of soft neutral shades and muted patterns.

Use different elements from each base style to offset the other: traditional cabinets and squared-off countertops, tufted barstools and contemporary pendant lights. The proportional response makes a design that merges the new and old in a way that feels time-honored and never goes out of style.

Since symmetrical design is so pleasing to the eye, it makes it integral to transitional style. This oh-so white kitchen conveys harmony through flanking cabinetry on either side of the stove, a pair of pendant lanterns over the island and shutter-lined French doors leading to the outdoors.

Since transitional design incorporates contemporary style, which is always adapting with the current decorating ideas, it feels up-to-date. Since you're starting the room's design with pure classics, like a white sofa and traditional moldings, it's easy to change out the look of the space with trending textiles, like a shaggy area rug and patterned throw pillows.

Keep accessories to a minimum so that you don't distract from your calm, casual design. A curated collection — an artistic bowl, mirrored tray, simple stack of favorite books — works with your room rather than against it.

A soft color scheme sets the scene for this elegantly relaxing bedroom, which is flooded with natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Dark wood dressers double as nightstands and add depth to the lighter hues, while overhead, exposed beams bring in dimension.

A little bit classic, a little bit modern, a little bit farmhouse, this sophisticated dining room is made for intimate gatherings. A rustic wood plank ceiling delivers warmth and charm to the traditional white wall panels and highlights the avant-garde chandelier.