The beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to the variations of Traditional style and incorporating it into other trends. A very elevated and timeless look is important to achieve Traditional design… and it’s easier than you think. As said in, What Is Traditional Interior Design Style? by Kristin Hohenadel in The Spruce, a traditional interior design scheme is timeless and placeless, comfortable and put together but not overly fancy. The kinds of furniture, textiles, color palettes, and décor used in traditionally designed rooms reference history and are familiar rather than trend-setting.

Today we see Traditional styles blended into modern trends and sprinkled in every corner and culture of the design world. But how can you spot it?

How we define Traditional styles:

Muted neutral palettes with harmonious color or wallpaper to blend together
Darker floors and wooden furniture
Classic balanced spaces, often symmetrical
Lived-in, practical, and family-oriented
Timeless and elevated style

Wallpaper

An easy identifier of Traditional style can be with the use of wallpaper… and the print of course! Anthropologie makes beautifully printed wallpapers that can level up an empty wall and create a moment in an area that otherwise would have been overlooked. Play around with prints that blend with the feel of the room but don't disregard the urge to gravitate toward color. We encourage floral prints like Vintage Inspired Shany Wallpaper and Rifle Paper Co. Strawberry Fields Mural or give the walls dimension with a textured print like the Zandari Textured Wallpaper.

If you’re still uneasy about wallpaper, check out our blog post: Why Wallpaper is Back in a Big Way!

Traditional Furniture with Modern Upgrades

Throw out the idea of dated, vintage, and musty furniture. Opt for a furniture piece like this Cardiff Tufted Upholstered Armchair with Nailheads or the Henley Tufted Upholstered Sofa from Pottery Barn for a traditional-based contemporary look to blend into a modern home. The tufted look gives a Traditional feel while looking modern and sophisticated. We love adding colors to sofas to give your living room some life! We definitely suggest muted blues, greens, pinks for a subtle pop of color among a neutral color palette.

Wooden Furniture

There are a lot of traditional uses of wood here in Hawaii and none is more famous or sought after than Koa. Hard to even find, Koa wood is a prized furniture piece and a staple to Traditional Hawaiian furniture. Many homes here in Hawaii have stunning Koa wood pieces that have been in families for generations and as you can imagine, your Koa piece will hold its value and integrity for generations to come. Chairs like this one by Martin & McArthur have a Traditional feel but also can be blended into any style of home.

Photo Credits: Top Left, Top Right and Bottom Left, Bottom Center, Bottom Right

Traditional in Other Design Styles

Design styles like Japandi, Rustic, Coastal, Farmhouse, Parisian, Industrial (all featured above) utilize traditional furniture and hardware without being overpowered by it. A common factor among these design styles is the use of warm and earthy colors and materials that transition well with traditional pieces. In one way or another, it’s absolutely possible for other design styles to incorporate Traditional elements.

Need help blending a Traditional piece in your home?

At Studio Shaolin we work with clients in Hawaii and across the United States to create timeless spaces that reflect the individual needs of each project. Learn more about how we can help with your home renovation project by booking a discovery call.

How to Spot Traditional Among Other Styles