If you’re not a fan of the stark contrasts in modern decor, the natural appeal of a rustic look, or the kitchy appeal of shabby chic, a traditional design may be the style you need in your home. 

It’s a classic style, and the predictable nature of the furniture and décor gives people a relaxed feeling. Best of all, it’s easy to use the themes in traditional design to create a home that looks like it’s been professionally-designed. 

Understated Colours

You won’t find bright or bold colours playing a big role in the traditional look. Walls, rugs, and carpeting are generally neutral, but creating a neutral paint palette for your home doesn’t have to be boring. 

Rather than using white on the walls, you might use a beige, grey, or greige – the popular colour that’s a combination of beige and grey. Furniture is often a dark wood, and the upholstery on chairs and sofas tends to be a solid colour rather than a pattern. If you do want to incorporate some colour, do so sparingly.

Matching Furniture Sets

The furniture in homes with a traditional look often matches. People tend to favour older pieces of furniture, but you can certainly purchase a new set from the store. In general, the items you choose should feel stately and heavy. For instance, the legs on tables and chairs should be thick and solid.

Furniture Arrangements

Arrange your furniture in a symmetrical way that makes sense for the room. For instance, if the focal point of the living room is a fireplace and/or TV set, you might place a sofa directly across from this focal point and matching chairs facing each other on the sides. This creates a rectangular shape. Part of the appeal of this style is that there’s a predictability to it. This furniture arrangement is exactly what you’d expect in a living room.

Large Mirrors

Large mirrors – especially those with ornate frames – are often featured in homes with a traditional look. Aside from giving your design an upscale look, the reflection often makes a room feel bigger. Consider putting a large mirror in the foyer, the dining room, or the living room.

Crown Moulding

Crown moulding – the decorative detail where the ceiling meets the wall – is one of the hallmarks of the traditional look. Ask your builder to include crown moulding throughout the home. If it’s not available or you already live in a home that doesn’t have it, adding your own is relatively easy to do. You can pick up the moulding in most home goods stores.

Curtains

Again, curtains in a traditional home aren’t flashy. They tend to be made of heavier fabrics and only have a subtle design (if there’s any pattern on the curtains at all). In general, you want long curtains that highlight the length of the window. Hang them slightly above the window and let them flow to just above the floor.

Antiques

With the traditional look, you’re likely to see a lot of antiques. You see this both in the furniture and in the accessories. For instance, an antique bed frame can go a long way toward creating the look in your bedroom. An antique buffet would set the tone in a formal dining room. Remember, you still want to stick with pieces that have a quiet elegance rather than something that’s over-the-top.

Lighting

Chandeliers are an excellent choice for lighting, but make sure you choose one that has a classic design and doesn’t look too modern. A variety of antique lamps throughout the space can also set the right tone. They also allow you to only light up certain areas of the room at a time instead of brightening up the entire space. This creates a warm and cozy feeling.

Things to Avoid

If you browse images of traditional homes, the one thing that should immediately stand out is that nothing really stands out. This means your eye isn’t drawn to a brightly-coloured pillow or a unique piece of furniture. Avoid using bright or rich colours throughout the space, and stay away from things that look too modern –like metal and glass. Artwork should be classic rather than contemporary. 

Everything in your room should feel like it belongs.

The traditional look is a good choice for those who want a calm and classy environment. By carefully selecting the elements that best fit with this style, you can create a lovely home that makes you feel relaxed.