DESIGN GUIDES
design ideas & advice
STYLE GUIDE: Exploring traditional, transitional, and modern interior design styles.
Navigating the world of interior design can feel daunting. With so many styles, options, and perspectives, bringing new life to your space can be a bit overwhelming. But design is what you make it, and the best designed spaces are the ones in which you feel most at home.
Navigating the world of interior design can feel daunting. With so many styles, options, and perspectives, bringing new life to your space can be a bit overwhelming. But design is what you make it, and the best designed spaces are the ones in which you feel most at home.
At Derby, our product catalog covers a wide range of design styles, with three of the most popular being traditional, transitional, and modern. These styles are core staples in the interior design world, and knowing how they differ and which resonate with you can help cut down the learning curve of refreshing your home. Let’s dive into these three popular styles.
Traditional Style
Traditional interior design draws its inspiration from the European décor of the 18th and 19th centuries. It's a style that is steeped in history and exudes a sense of timelessness and elegance. Think of the refined interiors of a British manor or an opulent French chateau—that's the essence of traditional design.
Key Characteristics:
Furniture: Pieces feature intricate details like rolled arms, wood carvings, tufting, and skirting. English and cabriole legs are common, often adorned with rich finishes and upholstery.
Symmetry: Everything from furniture arrangements to artwork is symmetrically balanced, creating a formal, orderly appearance.
Patterns and Textiles: Large-scale floral patterns, damasks, and plaids are staples. Fabrics are often embellished with fringe trims and caning, adding depth and luxury.
Decorative Accents: Crystal lamps, impressionistic paintings, and sketches add layers of sophistication. Warmer metal tones such as brass and gold are prevalent in hardware and decor.
Transitional Style
Transitional style is a harmonious blend of traditional and modern design elements. It emerged as designers and homeowners began to push the boundaries of strictly traditional or modern interiors, creating a new style of its own, with the goal of crafting spaces that are comfortable and inviting while still being stylish and sophisticated.
Key Characteristics:
Furniture: Combines straight and curved lines, providing a balanced look that's both cozy and chic. Furniture pieces are less ornate than traditional ones but more substantial than purely modern items.
Metals and Wood Tones: Utilizes a mix of metal finishes, moving away from the warmer tones typical of traditional style. Wood tones are varied, often leaning towards cooler, less reddish hues.
Textiles and Patterns: Rugs and fabrics are simpler and less ornate than those in traditional settings. Expect a mix of textures and subdued patterns that create interest without overwhelming the space.
Overall Feel: Creates a welcoming atmosphere that's pared back—neither minimalist nor maximalist, it strikes a perfect middle ground.
Modern Style
Modern design began in the 20th century as a radical departure from the ornate flourishes of its predecessors. It embraces a "less is more" philosophy, highlighted by the Bauhaus movement which combined arts and crafts with fine arts. Minimalism, mid-century modern, Scandinavian, and post-modern all fall under the modern umbrella, featuring clean, simplistic, and practical elements.
Key Characteristics:
Furniture: Features clean, uncluttered lines with minimal detailing. Furniture pieces are often larger in scale but fewer in number, emphasizing open space and a clutter-free environment.
Color Palette and Materials: Neutral colors dominate, complemented by natural materials like wood, glass, and metal. These materials are often mixed to create a sleek, industrial look.
Art and Decor: Prefers abstract art and sculptures that reflect geometric and asymmetrical designs. Decor is minimal, focusing on quality over quantity.
Architectural Elements: Large-scale windows and open-concept layouts are hallmark features, connecting the indoors with the outdoor environment.
