Transitional Style
Transitional Bathroom Design Many of the same features that give transitional kitchens their streamlined, classic look work well in the bathroom too. Consider a Shaker-style vanity, light-colored counters, neutral subway tile or stone accents, a glass shower, a claw-foot or sculptural freestanding tub and lighting with clean, classic lines.
Kitchen Detail: Neutral Backsplash Subway, hexagon, fish-scale and mosaic tile can work well in a transitional kitchen as long as the color palette stays neutral. For a luxurious option, consider gray marble tile, as seen in this space from Kitchens by Eileen, combined with quartz counters and Shaker cabinets that have glass-front uppers.
Features of transitional kitchens: Shaker cabinets. Not too sleek, not overly embellished, Shaker cabinetry is just right. Neutral color palette. White and gray are popular choices, while blue adds a subtle hit of color. Marble or quartz counters. Light and elegant, marble or quartz counters bridge the gap between more traditional and contemporary elements. Natural wood. Flooring, butcher block and other wood accents bring warmth to a transitional kitchen. Clean-lined furniture. Bar stools can swing contemporary or updated-traditional.
Finishing Touches: Less Is More Transitional style, while not as spare as contemporary style, is still a streamlined look. When it comes to accessories and details, let a few carefully chosen pieces take center stage. Classic accessories for transitional spaces: Contemporary artwork, simply framed Glass or ceramic gourd lamps A luxurious cashmere throw Potted orchids Roman shades or simple drapes in a solid neutral hue
Key Element: Sophisticated Furniture Furniture with clean profiles and gentle curves strikes the right note. Look for updated traditional furniture shapes like slimmed-down wingback chairs, as shown here, and sofas with straight or gently curving sides. Solids make up the bulk of upholstery, with texture playing a larger role than pattern — think of rich velvet, nubby linen and a touch of nailhead trim. Patterns (when they do appear) are subtle and small-scale.
Key Element: Serene Hues In transitional spaces, neutrals are not an afterthought. Whether you opt for cool or warm hues, the colors in a transitional space lean toward soft and subtle, not bright or high-contrast. Great shades for transitional spaces: Warm neutrals. Cream, beige, taupe, chocolate Cool neutrals. Dove gray, silver, snow white Serene colors. Misty blue, dusty rose, blue-gray, soft sage green
Transitional style is not: Eclectic. Although transitional style does draw from two different style camps, it’s decidedly not all over the map. You may spot a few pieces from other styles, but for the most part, transitional spaces stick with traditional and contemporary elements. Trendy. Transitional style may incorporate a trend or two — if they seem to have some staying power — but the hot-right-now trends are not usually a big part of these timeless, elegant spaces. Overly ornamented. You won’t find much in the way of ornate millwork, elaborate trim or fussy photo frames in a transitional space. Ornamentation and embellishments are present but tend to be more restrained and carefully considered.
Transitional style is: Refined ease. It’s embracing comfort without sacrificing elegance — like the room equivalent of business casual. Updated classic. Imagine a slimmed-down wingback chair or marble counters paired with simple Shaker-style cabinets. Understated. In a transitional space, nothing jars the eye. The colors, patterns and textures play in harmony.
Black doesn’t have to darken a space. In fact, black will often make a space appear brighter if used to create contrast. Shades of charcoal will have the same effect when used in light gray spaces. But it’s best to stay away from using charcoal in beige spaces since they will most likely clash.
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