Making the Transition – 7 tips for Updating a Traditional Interior

The style trends for today’s interiors are a lot like hemlines – it is a matter of personal choice. But there is no mistaking that the design world and their fashion forward clients are having a love affair with modern and contemporary design. No matter which shelter magazine you look through these days, there they are… those clean-lined, easy on the eyes interiors. They may be a little too contemporary for your own personal taste, but you find yourself getting comfortable with the look, and even wondering what it would be like to live in these spaces, free from unnecessary ornamentation. Just looking at these spaces gives you a sense of calm. Something you may not be feeling in your own home…especially if it is typical of most traditional homes, which tend to be dated with old color schemes, too many patterned fabrics and heavily accessorized with “collectables.” Well, it is time to simplify your life and your interiors and shed those layers of visual clutter.

The more “clutter” you have, the more visual stimulation you have, which is not restful or calming.

O.K., so you’re not in the market to making drastic changes to your castle, but with a few modifications you can create a fresh transitional style interior. The key is simplification. The following tips are ways that can help to create a space that is classic, sophisticated, and calming to be in:

1. Color Scheme: Work with a muted or neutral color palette for walls and fabrics. A monochromatic color scheme, or a color scheme with colors close to each other on the color wheel will be the easiest and most successful to work with. If you use an accent color, use it sparingly.

2. Paint and Trim: The goal here is to create a continuous, uninterrupted surface. Paint all trim the same color and shade as the walls, or close to the same shade for low contrast. The same applies to the ceiling. I often use semi-gloss enamel for the trim, and flat or eggshell for the walls and ceiling. In some cases, removing an existing chair rail molding can make a huge difference if you don’t have high ceilings. Additionally, you must eliminate those faux finished wall treatments and those dated traditional wall papers…good riddance!

3. Furniture and Fabrics: Upholstered traditional style furniture takes on a fresh new look when the tired old patterned fabrics are replaced with pattern free-fabrics – think cottons and linens and texture. Upholstery details can be altered to create cleaner, more contemporary lines to the furniture pieces. Use fewer but larger accent pillows (keep the trims simple).An unexpected addition of a contemporary piece of furniture, such as a Lucite side table or a glass and metal coffee table will give the room an instant face lift. Edit out furniture pieces that are not needed to open up your space.

4. Window Treatments: Remove all those swags and jabots! Instead, use simple cotton or linen panels with tailored pleats on simple hardware, with hems just to the floor. Shades may be added with the drapery panels or used alone, but continue to keep it simple.

5. Floors: If you have wood floors and are up to the challenge of having them refinished, go with a dark ebony stain. The contrast against the neutral walls and fabrics will be stunning! Unless your oriental rugs are in subtle washed tones, change them out with area rugs that have a solid ground. Good choices would be an all wool rug with perhaps a tone on tone geometric pattern or a simple woven abaca rug.

6. Lighting: Replace traditional lamp shades with barrel style shades…this will instantly change the look of your room. The height and width ratio of the shade as well as the scale of the lamp base is critical when selecting. Changing out your old dated wall sconces and chandeliers will also create a dramatic transformation to the room.

7. Art and Accessories: Start by removing from the room all the art and accessories. When you start to add the items back into the room, think in terms of creating balance. You will want to use restraint and discrimination by eliminating most of what you have removed. Don’t feel like you have to fill ever surface, in fact just the opposite, keep it clean and simple. There is no better way to create a more contemporary space within a traditional setting than with a single large scale piece of contemporary artwork. Add some fresh flowers or a beautiful orchid plant.

Remember… “Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication” – Leonardo da Vinci

Terri Symington, ASID is a Texas State licensed Interior Designer and a Professional Member of the American Society of Interior Designers – http://symingtoninteriors.com

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