13 Designer-Approved Ways To Show Off Transitional Style

Neutrals Are Your Friend

“A contemporary black and white backdrop needs to be softened with accents in warmer tones, such as cognac, oatmeal, taupe and brown. I chose a mix of brass finishes in the light fixtures and hooks to further the warm effect. Also, pick white paints with yellow – not blue – undertones," says the designer.

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Function Comes First

A design can’t be functional without, well, considering how it functions. “I literally stood in the kitchen and thought, ‘What would I do when making a meal?’” says bestselling cookbook author and TV host Greta Podleski. She mapped out details like the number of steps she’d need to grab a pot, the best spot for the slide-out garbage and the perfect drawer to store all of her spices.

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Lighten Up

The homeowners didn’t want to go too stark or too stuffy, so they settled on a transitional look with bold lashes of black and modern furnishings boasting traditional details. And, of course, they addressed the cramped spaces and lack of light.

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It's All About The Accents

Neutral furnishings, blue and white touches and lots of wood reinforce the colour-free envelope throughout the home, but each space gets its own bold colour story – a range of blues, from navy to cornflower, as well as grassy greens and blush coral tones – thanks to daring fabrics, wallpapers and accents.

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Antiques are welcome

A secretaire creates a cozy mail-sorting spot in this living area. The old-school-style desk feels updated next to the transparent chair.

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Play with Colour

The living room was opened up to the kitchen by removing a dividing wall. The panelling adds elegance and at the same time makes the contemporary bright blue colour feel more formal. "I like taking something traditional and turning it transitional in an unexpected way," says the homeowner.

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Natural Character

Stretches of pale wood fill the house with understated natural colour. The wood tones were carefully chosen to coordinate without looking too matched.

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Make It Interesting

The architect’s chevron wood ceiling in the living room inspired the designers to incorporate wall treatments of white oak veneer and mini slats. The custom-made furniture is clean-lined but not über-contemporary. 

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It's About Juxtaposition

Juxtapositions of old and new, masculine and feminine, and sleek and ornate create a fine balance. For example, a curvaceous Dutch-style chandelier and ornate gilded mirror offset contemporary furnishings in the living space.

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Ground it

A white sofa paired with an airy glass coffee table creates a transitional look in this living room. “We used a mix of custom, to-the-trade and big-box furnishings,” says the designer of the carefully edited selection. The light neutral palette features earthy greens, browns and tans for warmth and to complement the beautiful countryside beyond the big windows.

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Add Some Edge

Classic elements like marble and recess-panelled cabinetry keep the kitchen of this Calgary house timeless, while factory-style pendant lights and open shelves add industrial charm.

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Layering Technique

To achieve an inviting transitional look, interior designer Susana Simonpietri employed the art of layering styles, silhouettes and even textures. “Laying a vintage Persian rug atop a jute one adds both character and warmth,” she says.

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Airy & Bright

The designer of this home swapped out the heavy cast-cement mantel for a simple white treatment and filled the room with like-minded tones – ivory, cream, greige, sand. “Neutrals are neutral for a reason: they can be layered quite effortlessly for a visual variation,” says the designer.

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