Timelessly elegant design
When we say ‘traditional’ style, what do we actually mean by that? How do we define what’s traditional and what’s not when it comes to interior design, especially over centuries of history?
In our guide, we’re diving into this magnificent look to discover where traditional interior design draws its inspiration from, as well as how to achieve these timeless visuals in your own home.
So, let’s get right back to basics. Just how traditional is ‘traditional’ anyway?
What is traditional interior design?
You’d be forgiven for thinking that traditional interior design is inspired by any bygone era but it actually works from quite a specific timeframe. We’re not talking about getting style tips from the middle ages here.
The actual definition is as follows:
Traditional interior design is a style of decor based on the aesthetics of 18th and 19th century European homes. It takes inspiration from neoclassical, Georgian and Victorian design to create elegant yet comfortingly familiar interiors that are ageless and sophisticated.
If there’s one word in that definition that’s the most important, it’s ‘ageless’.`
Though traditional design is rooted in the past, its focus is to create a harmonious blend of styles, rather than doggedly trying to recreate a specific time period. Instead, it takes elements from a larger date range to give it a lasting quality - one that sets it apart from history.
Traditional or transitional design?
If you’ve ever looked into traditional design, chances are you might have also come across a related term called ‘transitional interior design’.
An interior with this style incorporates lots of aspects of traditional - like ornate architecture, grand fireplaces and dramatic windows - but accents it with complementary modern touches.
Transitional spaces offset the sometimes austere look of classical interiors by bringing in vivid pops of colour, on-trend palettes or modern textures to create a gorgeous contrast.
Essentially, it’s a style that looks to combine the best of contemporary and vintage design, with the end result being a room that’s comforting, chic and chock full of personality.
It’s entirely up to you whether you want to incorporate modern touches into your traditional interior design scheme. So get creative and see what speaks to your home’s character.
Key style features of traditional
The great thing about traditional style is that many homes in the UK already have architectural features that can be accentuated or blended into this type of look. You might even have some in your own home.
Symmetrical design features
Symmetry is big in traditional interiors. This might be in the layout of the room, like with twin chimney breast alcoves, or through matching pairs of furniture. It’s a visual style that creates a subtle visual order and tidiness, with the sense that everything has its place.
Architectural flourishes
Traditional style finds beauty in even the smallest detail so expect to see it in the features right at the top and bottom of your space. It could be ornate cornicing, plaster ceiling roses to frame your light fittings, or Georgian-style architraves and skirting boards.
Darker wood finishes
Mahogany and other dark wood furniture is a staple to traditional design, creating both a stately elegance and a warm, inviting feel. However, if this feels like it creates a look that’s too oppressive, painted furniture in alabaster white can make a sophisticated alternative.
Opulent patterning
Pattern is welcome in traditional design but should be used sparingly. It might be added to rugs, soft furnishings or wallpaper to create gentle but not overbearing focal points. Luxurious and detailed repeating patterns are a favourite, reflecting styles popular in the 1700s and 1800s, with damask and Toile de Jouy as strong go-to options.
Warm and aged metallics
No bright chromes here. In a traditional interior, everything has a sense of age and quiet grandeur. Any metalwork should be a warm colour, whether it’s brass handles or gold lamp fittings, though aged patinas also look wonderful and suggest a long history of use.
High-quality, heavy fabrics
Adding to the warm feel that traditional creates, fabric choices tend to be on the thicker side, favouring high-end options like leather, velvet and heavyweight cotton.
Intricate detailing in furniture
Detailing and curves can be found everywhere in traditional style. Expect to see moulded door fronts - like on our Sherbourne and Ascot ranges - which add a low-key sense of luxury. Loose fit furniture, such as chairs and sofas, may also have scrolled legs or carved backs to further add to this sophisticated look.
How to create a traditional interior
Making your own traditional room doesn’t have to be difficult. With these easy style tips, you’ll be enjoying a sumptuous space in no time.
1. Don’t get bogged down in the era
As we mentioned earlier, we’re not looking to create a period-accurate look.
Don’t get too caught up in the era and instead aim for incorporating classical elements that never go out of fashion.
And, if you want to add in some more contemporary touches, do it.
Traditional interior style is all about the suggestion of history, but more importantly, the sense of familiarity it brings. We’re looking to create a mood, not a museum piece.
2. Use a neutral backdrop for contrast
Though you could bring in a darker colour for your walls, in most instances you’ll be better off starting with a fresh neutral, which will be more versatile and allow your room accents to be the main feature.
Teapot whites and very light greys are superb if you’re bringing in any period-style plasterwork to your ceiling accents, though creams and light blues are also a classic.
Going with a lighter colour initially is great for picking out any dark wood furniture and giving it extra definition.
But if you can’t bear being without some brighter hues, you can always bring in a dado rail to paint your wall two different colours.
Green and white is a combo that never gets old.
3. Think about flooring
Traditional interiors tend to work best with hard flooring as homes from the original time period did not have wall-to-wall carpet. We’re not saying you can’t have carpet in your design - just that it can be harder to style in effectively.
The benefits of hard flooring is that it brings in a contrasting texture into your space, which will help any accent rugs stand out. It also looks more era appropriate, though it’s not a dealbreaker.
With carpets, you’re better off selecting a gentle neutral tone that blends into the background of your scheme.
Or you could go with a traditional patterned carpet in rich colours (great for stair runners) but just bear in mind that they can make your space harder to style if you change your mind later.
4. Emphasise room height
Many period properties have high ceilings and large windows which allow light to pour into the room. If you have these in your home, fantastic!
But, if you don’t, you can create a sense of height in your space with some smart style hacks.
Bring in floor-to-ceiling furniture like fitted wardrobes that will draw the eye upwards and create an imposing presence within your space. You can do the same with curtains, too.
By adding long drapes that reach right down to the floor, it creates the illusion of extra height even in smaller rooms.
5. Select furniture with panelling
Panelling is a quintessential element of traditional style interiors. Whether it’s on the walls or your furniture, it adds a charming, sophisticated motif that brings character to your space.
Moulded panelling offers an understated touch of elegance and there’s lots of ways you can style it in.
Four-panel fitted furniture designs, like our Hampton range, are particularly on-trend and look fantastic whether you pair it with a neutral finish or something bold and contemporary.
Or you could look for furniture with arched or sculpted panelling to really lean into a sumptuous, old-world style.
What’s great about panelling is that it adds to the clean, symmetrical feel of traditional style and creates a feeling of elegant precision throughout.
6. Bring in pattern
The overuse of pattern in a traditional setting can quickly seem visually busy and overwhelming. Add in moderation, that’s the golden rule.
You might just want to incorporate it through your rugs, soft furnishings or upholstery, which is an effective way to do it.
But you could also bring it into your scheme with wallpaper.
Go for a delicate stripe or pattern if you’re planning to use it throughout your space. But if you want an elegant statement wall, feel free to bring in a bolder modern print.
7. Symmetry and matching pieces
We can’t talk symmetry without talking about furniture sets - an especially important point for living spaces like dining rooms and lounges where any mismatched furniture will stick out like a sore thumb.
Ideally, any seating should be mirrored on either side of the room and arranged in a conversational way that encourages chats around the coffee table (or fireside, if you’re lucky enough!)
In bedrooms where you may not have any loose furniture, make sure that you have coordinated fitted storage to create a cohesive aesthetic.
8. Bring in antiques
While you don’t have to include antiques into your design scheme, it can really help to anchor your style to the traditional aesthetic you’re looking to achieve.
Antique furniture will give your interior design a unique flavour and avoid the dreaded ‘catalogue’ look that can sometimes happen with too many off-the-shelf ornaments.
But you don’t need to go overboard with your antique hunting either. Even just a few considered pieces can look sensational as long as they harmonise into your look.
9. Traditional artwork
When you’re adding your wall decor, make sure to choose artwork that’s in keeping with the style you’re trying to create. So, nothing too abstract or freeform.
Idyllic landscapes make fantastic choices, as can anything nature inspired, such as still life pictures and vintage illustrations of plants and animals.
To really make a statement, pair them up with carved gilt frames.
10. Layer your lighting
Lighting should be warm and atmospheric in a traditional space so make sure to add in lamps as well as your main light to give you flexibility when creating the right mood.
You can also add some time-honoured style into your room with your choice of fixtures.
Look for chandeliers and wall sconces for that vintage feel, but don’t be afraid to bring in more modern looking designs.
11. Don’t forget the mirror
And, of course, where would traditional style be without a large statement mirror to finish off the look?
Commonly seen over fireplaces where their stunning design dominates the wall, a statement mirror should be as large as possible to reflect light and add dimension to your space.
The more eye-catching and decorative the frame, the better.
Whether you choose something contemporary or a reproduction style, just make sure it has that extra wow-factor.
Traditional spaces with pure elegance
If you want to make a captivating traditional interior, make sure you add the finishing touch with Sharps. Our beautiful fitted furniture brings a sophisticated look to any space, offering practicality and luxury looks, all in one.
Every Design Visit is absolutely free, so if you need advice on how to achieve the style you want, book your appointment today.
