What is Traditional Design?

You may have heard of traditional design relating to homes and real estate—houses with modest details that pull classic elements with modern styles, like symmetrical windows and simple rooflines. Townhouses are also built in this classic style and can mimic the look of traditional homes.

However, there's more to traditional design than what's going on in real estate. You can also incorporate traditional design in your apartment decor for a warm and welcoming style. The traditional design takes cues from the 18th and 19th centuries and is known for its classic art accents, historical pieces, and antiques. As the style evolves, you can also blend other styles with traditional ones for a more modern look. You'll typically find warm colors and clean, symmetrical lines, occasional curves, and ornate touches, especially wooden pieces.

History of Traditional Design

You can trace the roots of traditional style back to American and European homes built during the 1700s and 1800s. The style is usually associated with Neoclassical and Georgian architecture. However, you will find some traces of traditional design in Colonial-style homes as well. Traditional design hit the mainstream during the 20th century in the suburbs, which took inspiration from its early roots.

Although its earliest days focused on grand touches like sconces, chandeliers, and classic lamps, modern traditional signs are more casual. Of course, you can still enjoy the traditional decor and formal touches, but you're more likely to skip the grand dining room and gather friends at the kitchen table instead.

Characteristics of Traditional Design

You can think of traditional design as classic with modern touches that focus on warmth, comfort, and tradition. However, you don't have to strictly adhere to traditional design to enjoy its finer touchers. Here are a few characteristics to look for when outfitting your apartment in this timeless style.

Color

You're more likely to find neutral walls and primary colors like red and green in traditional design. Dark wood is a hallmark of the design style. Despite the gorgeous wood and neutral colors, you can still add vibrancy to your apartment's traditional design. Choose art, throw pillows, and decorate with pops of color. You'll find many traditional decor options lean towards dark jewel tones.

Furniture

Traditional decor has luxuriousness without feeling overly ornate. It's more subtle and classic that transcends ever-changing trends so that you won't find modern couches or the elaborate Baroque design inspired by Europe's 17th and 18th centuries.

Furniture designed with the traditional era in mind doesn't need to be big and bulky that you might see in a house museum. Dark furniture and stunning wood pieces are a cornerstone of traditional design. Even a cozy apartment could benefit from traditional pieces, like nightstands and dressers.

Decor

Traditional decor usually includes a range of styles focused on classic furnishings. It might incorporate French country or neoclassical with antique accents and elegant patterned rugs. You can also infuse some modern design into traditional with some design savvy. Instead of a dining table with muted chair coverings, choose a deco art table with a rich, brown finish and classic chairs covered in deep blue fabric.

There are also ways to dress up the finishings around your apartment, as long as you have the okay from your landlord. Adding carved crown moldings around your living area or kitchen brings out the traditional influence. Ask about staining your cabinets a dark, luxurious stain. Pair your look with elegant fabric curtains and an ornate wood coffee table placed over a patterned rug. The idea is to blend formal touches with comfortable, casual living.

Benefits of Traditional Design

Traditional design may feel challenging to pin down at first, though when done right, it can make your home feel humble and welcoming. There's no wrong way to approach traditional style, as it's versatile enough to blend with other types. It's also a popular design style in apartments for its ability to scale up or down.

For example, you can outfit your entire place with formal flourishes like ornate wooden dining tables, heavy drapes, and sconces. Or you can get modern minimalistic and opt for a long farmhouse table with a dark stain and traditional style chairs. A colorful, textured rug underneath your tab and a simple round chandelier in rubbed bronze finish off your modern-traditional look.

Tips to Bring Traditional Design Into Your Apartment

You're at an advantage if you're a first-time renter and need to furnish and decorate your apartment from scratch. However, because traditional design is so flexible, you can also add it to your existing furniture and accents.

If you want to add traditional design to your apartment, start by identifying the easiest rooms to redecorate. If your living room looks bare, opt for a comfortable, oversized couch and muted walls. Try adding colorful accents and ornate pieces, like a wooden coffee table or ornate artwork frames. If you're blending two styles, don't divide and conquer your focus evenly. Choose a dominant style and incorporate another option, like modern, to add variety to your accent and art pieces.

You can also add small touches scattered throughout your apartment to create a traditional design vibe. For example, bright gold fixtures and curtain ties bring elegance to your apartment. Swap out old, standard cabinet pulls and fixtures for something more ornate without going too over-the-top. Remember, traditional style is timeless so a little flourish goes a long way.

Is Traditional Design Expensive?

Any design style can be expensive, but there are always ways to decorate your apartment on a budget. Traditional design has the added benefit of being versatile and easy to blend with other styles. Start by making a trip to the thrift store, visiting local consignment shops, or scouring Facebook Marketplace. Come prepared with a strategy, like looking for end tables and bar stools in a similar, dark stain or a gorgeous patterned rug. Many thrift stores carry framed art and similar decor to use as accent pieces for your apartment.

Final Thoughts

Traditional decor is known for its classic elegance with a warm and welcoming vibe. It's relatively easy to get started with traditional design simply by adding more warmth and elegant touches like chandeliers and rugs. Give it a personal twist by incorporating other styles you're already using, like modern, for an apartment that feels like home.

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