Traditional Interior Design

Traditional interior design is a timeless style taking cues from the 18th and 19th centuries. Full of character and curves, rooms are often centred around a focal point such as a fireplace or classic art. Traditional design is often seen in period houses.

Key features of this design style are:

•    Warm rich colour palette
•    Lots of character with panelling, moulding and stained-glass features
•    Plush and soft furnishings

Traditional interior design considerations  

A traditionally designed room is a great choice because classic styles will never go out of fashion. Yet this style of design allows for a variety of tastes, ranging from classical linearity to the curving cabriole legs of a Queen Anne chair.

Traditional interior design can use a lighter, brighter colour palette or a deeper palette that brings increased cosiness. Whatever colours are used, their tones are generally warm, making spaces feel homely as well as elegant.

Traditional interior design often reflects a quiet sense of luxury and comfort, and nothing demonstrates that better than its use of wood. Wooden wall panelling and solid wood furniture last for centuries, growing more beautiful over time. However, a traditionally designed space doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Genuine paintings, prints of classic art and natural materials like cotton can be very affordable while also adding to the loveliness and durability of a traditional style. 

A traditionally decorated room is never stark or harsh. Furnishings are plush, and pillows are often abundant. Lamps are softly shaded, or the room may be lit by traditional wall sconces or chandeliers. Yellow or orange-toned metals like gold, brass or copper add to the aura of warmth in the space. 

Small touches like beautifully bound books, vases of flowers or antique clocks complete the picture of a traditionally designed room. 

What a traditional interior designer can do

Traditional interior design can be challenging for a non-designer who isn’t aware of the intricacies of changing style over the 18th and 19th centuries. A traditional interior designer can ensure your room looks coherent by combining pieces and details from the same era and design tradition – and the time period of your home, if you live in a historic property.

InteriorNet’s no-cost designer-matching service can help you hire just the right designer to match your tastes, needs and price point. Just provide details of your specific needs, and we’ll find you up to five traditional interior designers perfectly suited to make your vision a reality.

Image credit top: www.realhomes.com

Image credit bottom: Walter Ruggiero Design