With pleasant coastal vibes and the freedom to combine favorites from traditional and contemporary styles for greater personalization, the transitional aesthetic is currently topping interior design trends.
There is a lot to love with the resort-inspired look. It focuses on timeless design, eliminating the need to renovate and redecorate as trends change, saving time and money. It has sustainable benefits, including design longevity, upcycling, and vintage pieces, keeping furniture and decor out of landfills. The coastal aesthetic mimics a holiday experience: calm, leisurely and comfortable, which is appealing because of how the design encourages you to unwind at home. It’s also driving some notable micro-trends, including Quiet Luxury.
"Transitional design blends the warmth and structure of traditional style with the clean lines and lighter touch of modern design. The result is a timeless, balanced look, neither too ornate nor too minimal, often with a brighter, airier vibe.” says the team at DKOR Interiors.
Transitional design can vary in overall aesthetic tone, but there are some common elements
A Guide to Transitional Style
Color palettes tend to be neutral, with bolder pops of color introduced with accents and artwork. Popular choices include ivory, gray, cream and beige. Think of the larger items, styled in neutral colors as a canvas, and colorful accents as subtle, but effective brushstrokes.
Transitional is all about clean lines and simplicity, especially with bespoke architectural features. Given the role of natural light, windows are large and minimally dressed with window treatments. Curves are generous, and appear in archways, built-ins and doorways.
This aesthetic is so comfortable because of the way it incorporates both tactile and visual texture. Layer soft-to-the touch textiles, such as boucle, linen, high-end cotton and velvet. Add depth visually by layering patterns with accents. Mixed materials lend texture and warmth, particularly wood, stone, rattan and metallics.
High-quality furniture is a must. It’s comfort first, but also plays a key role in the decor, adding visual texture and interest. Popular are elegantly curved sofas, scalloped-back chairs, and mixing in vintage pieces, such as family heirlooms or antiques.
While transitional style ultimately will work in any setting, the airy, light-filled open-concept floor plan is best suited. The sense of space, along with lots of natural light underscores the resort vibe that the aesthetic strives to replicate.
The kitchen is a space that’s been trending heavily towards transitional style, particularly with renovation and remodel projects. Common transitional elements in the kitchen include slim profile shaker cabinetry, warm wood floors and cabinets, herringbone or stacked subway tile with matching grout for cleaner transitions, statement light fixtures and flat-panel ready appliances.
Transitional isn’t limited to interior decor and finishes. Trending floor plans and exterior facades embrace transitional design, with a fresh take on beloved classics, explains Aurora Zeledon, director of digital content and marketing for Zonda House Plans, including Houseplans.com
“We're seeing quite a few home exterior designs lately that incorporate elements of traditional styles, like cottage and farmhouse, but with simplified clean lines and bold color palettes. The overall effect is fresh and modern without feeling too austere.”
It’s a subtle way to update the farmhouse floor plan that continues to be popular, states Zeledon, for homeowners seeking a gentle transition to a new style.
“With these designs, there is also some overlap with the barndominium style, which showcases highly simplified lines and rustic flair,” she says.
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