Transitional interior design, with its beautiful mix of classic and contemporary design elements, is one of my favorite decorating styles.
With that in mind, today I’m taking a look at this timeless aesthetic, along with easy ways to bring elevated transitional style to your home, including decor ideas, inspiration images, places to shop for transitional style furniture, and more.
Studio McGee – stool – coffee table
Whether you’re thinking of refreshing your living room, kitchen, or entire home, transitional decor is an easy way to create a space that feels effortlessly stylish and luxuriously comfortable.
First, what is transitional interior design?
Transitional design is all about balancing traditional and modern styles, creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and welcoming.
By mixing traditional silhouettes with modern finishes and incorporating a neutral, versatile color palette, this style offers the best of both worlds.
M Lahr Homes – chandelier – credenza
Because transitional design is a timeless, universally-appealing aesthetic, it’s also the most popular style chosen by interior designers and home decorators.
Marie Flanigan Interiors – Julie Soefer Photography – JBH Editorial Styling
Interestingly, transitional interior design shares several characteristics with modern coastal style, including a light and airy feel, the incorporation of natural elements, and a clean uncluttered look.
Transitional interior design might also include elements of California Casual, Hamptons, Modern Farmhouse, Quiet Luxury, and Mediterranean styles.
Pure Salt Interiors – console table
Although there are many versions of transitional decor, my favorite is modern transitional style, which leans more toward modern style while still retaining the timeless features of traditional style.
Modern transitional style is light, minimal, and fresh, with touches of black and a symmetrical balance that are pleasing to the eye.
from my post on Restoration Hardware Style
Transitional style vs. traditional style
While traditional style tends to include a mix of colors, patterns, tones, finishes, and asymmetry, a transitional design approach focuses more on balance, neutral colors, and a mix of traditional and modern materials, such as pairing classic furniture and architectural details with sleek finishes.
Transitional style typically incorporates natural textures, elegant patterns, and a harmonious blend of traditional and modern lighting and accessories for a comfortable and inviting look that enhances just about any style of home.
Ali Henrie Design – Lindsay Salazar Photography
Since transitional interior design mixes traditional, modern, and contemporary design elements, it’s a great solution for people who aren’t sure what design style they prefer — or in situations where a couple can’t agree on a home decor style. (I can relate to both scenarios!)
Elements of Transitional Style Interior Design
1. Balance
The first defining characteristic of transitional interior design is balance.
This usually involves combining traditional elements such as classic furniture pieces, elegant textures, vintage rugs, and warm colors with modern or contemporary elements like clean lines, sleek finishes, and modern lighting.
The result of this mix of design styles is a personalized space that’s both modern and classic, timeless and fresh.
Whitney Parkinson Design – Sarah Shields Photography – similar coffee table – similar chandelier
When designing a transitional space, it’s important to consider the proportions of the room.
Since transitional style is all about creating a harmonious balance between different elements, it’s important to make sure that the furniture, lighting, and accessories all complement each other in size and scale.
Here’s a photo I took in the RH gallery last fall – and while it’s a beautiful space, I think this might be taking balance and symmetry a bit too far!
from my post on Restoration Hardware Style
In a transitional space, it’s also a good idea to create a focal point around which to balance your elements, which can be achieved via a fireplace, a large piece of artwork, a bed, coffee table, kitchen island, or sofa.
Ali Henrie Design – Lindsay Salazar Photography – coffee table
2. Color
When it comes to color, calming neutral tones are a staple of transitional interior design.
from my post on Restoration Hardware Style
Light shades such as cream, beige, taupe, and gray create a warm and inviting environment, while any pops of color are generally brought in via artwork and accent pieces, such as pillows and vases.
This neutral color scheme is generally pulled all the way through a transitional space, including the wall color, draperies, and flooring.
Studio McGee – stool – coffee table
To make a transitional room feel more modern, you can always add a touch of black, via furniture legs, picture frames, bold artwork, or accent pieces.
3. Texture
As with every design style, texture plays an important role in transitional interior design.
Natural materials such as wood, stone, velvet, and leather are commonly used to create a sense of warmth and comfort in a transitional space, while sleek, clean-lined materials like glass, marble and metal bring a touch of sophistication.
Studio McGee – pendants – counter stools
4. Lighting
Lighting is also an important consideration when decorating with a transitional aesthetic.
Nicolas Potts Studio – Jennifer Hughes Photography
Mixing traditional and contemporary light fixtures helps to create a balanced look.
Light House Co. – similar pendants
While traditional table lamps and sconces often complement modern chandeliers and floor lamps.
Lisa Sherry Interieurs – Rue Mag
5. Pattern
A big aspect of transitional interior design is the use of pattern.
Marie Flanigan Interiors – Julie Soefer Photography – JBH Editorial Styling
While incorporating classic patterns in rugs and pillows, such as stripes and geometric patterns, can bring a contemporary feeling to a space, overly busy or trendy patterns can make a space feel dated.
Marie Flanigan Interiors – Julie Soefer Photography – JBH Editorial Styling
The beautiful space below was designed several years ago but remains relevant and fresh, due to the incorporation of timeless stripes.
With this in mind, I suggest bringing interest to a transitional space via subtle or classic patterns to achieve a balanced, modern look.
6. Accents
Home accents and accessories play a big role in creating a space that beautifully balances traditional and contemporary interior design.
Studio McGee – dining chairs – dining table – pendant
Incorporating decorative items such as vases, throw pillows, and jute or wool rugs help create a cohesive look, while adding personal touches like family photos, travel mementos, special plates, plants, or artwork can make your space feel like home.
7. Wall treatments
When it comes to walls, transitional interior design might incorporate traditional wall treatments like picture frame molding.
For a modern touch, thicker wall paneling or a painted accent wall in a bold color can bring a sense of contemporary style to a space.
If you’re thinking of adding picture frame molding or panel molding to your home, you might be interested in these posts sharing how we added these two different types of wall treatments to our home:
How to Install Picture Frame Wall Molding
How to Install Decorative Wall Molding: An Easy Weekend Project
8. Artwork
Adding artwork to a transitional space is a great way to help balance traditional and contemporary elements.
Salt Design Co. – similar artwork – woven chandelier
Tapestries, light, neutral, and/or textured artwork can add a timeless touch to a space, while modern artwork, in a bold or colorful abstract style, can bring a contemporary feeling to a space.
Studio McGee – sideboard – tapestry
Here are a few pieces of artwork which would enhance a transitional style space:
9. Natural light
One additional element of transitional interior design is the use of open spaces and natural light, and you’ll see many transitional spaces featuring open floor plans that allow for plenty of natural light to flow through, creating a light and airy feeling.
Studio McGee – pendants – counter stools
Large windows and skylights are also common in transitional design, further emphasizing the importance of light and space in this style.
Leclair Decor – chandelier – chairs – coffee table
If your space doesn’t already have an abundance of natural light, the use of wall or floor mirrors can also enhance the feeling of openness and brightness in a transitional space.
What does transitional style furniture look like?
Furniture is an important aspect of any interior design style, and transitional style is no exception.
Brooke Wagner Design – Brandon Architects – Patterson Custom Homes
Classic furniture pieces such as armchairs, sofas, and dining tables are key to creating a traditional feeling, while contemporary pieces like clean-lined sofas and sectionals and low-profile coffee tables add a modern touch to a space.
Accent furniture in a transitional living room is typically a similar style to the sofa.
In transitional style, you’ll generally see more structured arms on chairs and sofas, as well as the use of fabrics such as cotton, leather, wool, velvet, and linen, rather than the nubby bouclé and sherpa upholstery we’ve seen trending over the past couple of years.
Modern Transitional Style Decorating Ideas
Below, you’ll find several beautiful spaces filled with ideas and inspiration for decorating with transitional style in the living room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and more.
Some of these spaces lean more toward contemporary or modern coastal style, but I wanted to share a variety of rooms with you to give you an overall idea of what a light, balanced transitional aesthetic can look like.
Transitional living room ideas
Marie Flanigan Interiors – Julie Soefer Photography – JBH Editorial Styling
Brooke Wagner Design – Brandon Architects – Patterson Custom Homes
from my post on Restoration Hardware Style
Pure Salt Interiors – coffee table
Peridot Interiors – chairs – rug
Transitional bedroom ideas
Marie Flanigan Interiors – Julie Soefer Photography – JBH Editorial Styling
Restoration Hardware Style: How to Get the Look
Pure Salt Interiors – chandelier
Design Works Home – chandelier
Transitional bathroom ideas
Jenny Martin Design – Coast Prestige Homes
Jenny Martin Design – Coast Prestige Homes
Transitional style entryway ideas
Jenny Keenan Design – Julia Lynn Photography
Ariel Okin – Photo by Seth Caplan for Elle Decor
M Lahr Homes – chandelier – credenza
Modern transitional kitchens
The Cabinet Gallery Utah – Cambridge Home Co.
Salt Design Co. – pendant lights – counter stools
Chango & Co. – Architectural Digest – pendant lights
Ali Henrie Design – Hebdon Studios – (we have the same pendants in our kitchen!)
Brandon Architects – pendant lights – similar pendant
Whittney Parkinson Design – pendant lights
Transitional dining room inspiration
The Life Styled Co. – pendants – similar dining chairs
Lindsey Brooke Interior Design – chandelier
Pure Salt Interiors – chandelier
Julie Howard for Timber Trails DC – similar chandelier
Julie Howard for Timber Trails DC
Kate Marker Interiors – chandelier
Where to Shop for Transitional Furniture and Decor
Below are a few of my favorite places to shop for modern transitional home decor, lighting, rugs, accent pieces, and furniture:
Joss & Main
Wayfair
Birch Lane
Quince
Crate and Barrel
Serena & Lily
McGee & Co.
Rejuvenation
Pottery Barn
Here’s a selection of transitional decor and furniture:
Modern Transitional Furniture and Decor Ideas:
And here are a few pieces of artwork that would work well in a transitional style space:
Transitional Modern Artwork Ideas:
With its focus on balance, neutral colors, and a mix of traditional and modern elements, transitional interior design is the perfect way to create a classic, timeless look in your home that will never go out of style.
I hope you found this post informative and helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions about decorating with transitional style in your home. xo Jane
For more on interior design and decorating styles, you might also be interested in these posts:
Coastaluxe: the Perfect Blend of Modern Coastal and Quiet Luxury Interior Design
My Favorite Nancy Meyers Interiors (and how to get the look in your home)
Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home
California Casual Style: How to Bring Chic West Coast Style to Your Home
What is Coastal Grandmother Style? (and why I’m loving this trend)
Modern Beach House Style: Easy Decorating Ideas for Your Home
Quiet Luxury Style: How to Bring the Look to Your Home
The Timeless Allure of Hamptons Style Homes
And for 2026 home decor trends, decorating ideas, and inspiration, here are a few favorite related posts from the blog:
2026 Kitchen Design Trends and Decorating Ideas
2026 Bathroom Trends, Design Ideas and Inspiration for Small and Master Bathrooms
A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Kitchen
A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Bathroom
The 10 Most Beautiful Home Decor Trends for 2026
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2 Comments
Vidhi Bhansali
May 28, 2023 at 11:59 amHi! I really enjoyed reading your article and love your recommendations. I already have a few ideas churning in my head from it. I was wondering if you could share some thoughts on the kind of art that would go with the modern transitional style. For instance, I’m looking for a big piece of art for a statement wall in our light/airy feeling living room. Debating whether I go with a subtle abstract with neutral colors to stay with the light and airy. Or if I go bold with a dark or bold theme to ground the room. Also, suggestions for where I could find some good art pieces? TIA!
Jane
May 30, 2023 at 9:05 amHi Vidhi! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I love that you asked about artwork, because it’s such an important part of transitional design. In my opinion, both subtle neutral artwork as well as bold colorful artwork can work perfectly in a transitional space. It all depends on your personal preference and the look and feeling you want to bring to your space. If you’re feeling like your light and airy living room needs a bit of contrast or color you could bring in either of those elements through a large bold piece. However, if you feel like you want to keep a calmer feeling, then a neutral piece would work equally well. I have this woven piece from Crate & Barrel in our dining room, and I love the light modern feeling it brings to that space. Another idea would be to switch out your artwork from bold to neutral and back again, based on the season or your current preference. I have a mix of bold and neutral artwork displayed throughout our home and am known to move things around often! Currently, I’m loving a soft and subtle look for summer, but in winter I often prefer a more dramatic look. At the end of my post, above, I added a carousel of several artwork pieces that would work well in a transitional space. And, as far as sources for good art pieces, you might want to check out Crate & Barrel, Joss & Main, Pottery Barn, Arhaus, CB2, and RH. I hope this helps! Have a wonderful day, xo Jane