How To: Traditional.

Ever wanted to design or decorate your space with a certain style but not sure how to do it? We’ve got answers and tips to help you out!  This "How To" series is a collection of design styles that we love and want to help you understand and create in your own home or space. Each week we will also include our favorite pins of each design type.  This week: traditional design.

Traditional decorating and design is calm, orderly, and predictable and there are a multitude of things that you can do that will result in a beautiful, homey, traditional look.  But these five design elements are essential in creating the luxurious, traditional and classical style.

1. Layout.  A very important thing to know about traditional design is that every fixture, furniture item, or accessory needs a pair.  Symmetry is key.  Furniture and accessories are placed in pairs and centered in the room. There is nothing out of place or of a different style when designing in a traditional way.

2. Paint color. You want to use a mid-range of tones, though very dark and very light colors can also be used. Pretty multi-color florals are often the basis of a traditional color scheme that uses the lightest color on the walls and deeper hues for upholstery and flooring.  Interiors in a traditional home will also feature trim and molding that is painted glossy white. Crown molding is common and adds to the formal look too. Walls might have a chair rail and simple molding details, with wall surfaces done in a flat painted finish or wallpaper. Ceilings are often white and may have simple beams.

3. Flooring. Most traditional homes have hardwood flooring.  The type of flooring typically used is an oak or walnut so the grain in the wood can be extenuated and highlighted.  These types of wood also provide a rich and vibrant color hue to the design scheme.  Red oak is the most common hardwood floor used in traditional homes. It isn't unusual to see parquet flooring either.

4. Furniture. In a traditional home, the type of furniture used is mainly upholstered furniture.   This type of furniture in a traditional room exhibits classic lines and understated details. It is functional, unfussy, and restful looking. Edges are soft, smooth, and blend into the whole.  Wood furniture is also used quite a bit in traditional spaces.  It will usually have a mix of straight and curved lines with light carving details as well. While wood pieces will often be finished with darker stains, a traditional room might also use lighter woods if the lines of each piece are classic.

5. Window coverings. Window coverings in traditional rooms show classic style. Look for narrow shutters, traverse draperies, and under treatments of pinch pleated sheers. Cornices and valances may also be featured. Stripes or floral prints are a staple when selecting the window coverings for a traditional space.

Follow these simple design elements and in no time at all you will have a stunning, classic, traditional home. 

Enjoy!