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Traditional Interior Design Style

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Traditional open floor plan living room and office with a gray sofa facing a wall with abstract art above a wood desk flanked by two large windows with white wood blinds and orange barrel chairs in front of each window.

The traditional style of decorating is a timeless statement. Traditional decorating style is comfortable, taking inspiration from the past. Furniture placement is predictable and follows the axis of the room. For example, the living room sofa will either face the fireplace or be perpendicular to the fireplace, facing another seating arrangement. Furniture is placed in groupings to initiate conversation. Pillows and traditional furnishings with rounded edges emphasize a cozy feeling with classic lines and understated details.

Colors in a traditional room are subdued. Deeper hues are found near the floor, with lighter colors featured as the eye travels upward — think creams and beiges with hints of muted blues and greens. The more formal a space, the richer the hue in both the furniture and wall color. Another popular choice in traditional design is crisp white or ivory trim, which works in the form of crown moldings or baseboards. Formal spaces may feature a chair rail, picture molding, or wainscoting as a statement design element.

Dark wood tones are also common in traditional design. Mahogany, maple, cherry, and walnut are prevalent in this style. Anchor a room with a beautiful rug — just make sure it's correctly scaled for your space!

Traditional window treatments are refined and elegant. Plantation shutters work beautifully in this type of space, and other popular styles include layering natural woven wood shades or roman shades with draperies. A quick tip: don't "match" the roman shade fabric to your upholstery — it should complement the color palette, not copy it.

Hardware details in traditional design feature oil-rubbed bronze or pewter tones. Choose metals with texture, tarnish, or patina to complement a traditional design style. Accessories are selected in pairs and placed around the room. Artwork should be displayed at eye level and smaller pieces can be arranged in groupings in similar frames. Mirrors will be a statement piece in a focal area and foliage will be simple and sculptural.