Home decor: A beginners guide to traditional interior designs

by Jodie Franklin 02/11/2024

green and purple image with flowers and text

Ready to start decorating your space? Traditional design styles are a great option to try! Traditional interior designs are classic and sophisticated. This style is simple but in no means boring. Here’s a beginner’s guide to traditional interior design for those considering the style. 

Definition of traditional style

So, what is traditional design style? Traditional style is known for embellished details. Soft lines and curves which create the feeling of grandeur. This type of design is heavily influenced by the 18th and 19th century and takes inspiration from cultures all over the world. 

For example, a traditional living room may have Victorian-style sofas. This furniture is often wide, with neutral tones, curved lines and often has tall backs. 

Traditional fabrics are heavy and ornamental

Fabrics used to adorn traditional interiors are usually heavy. They are often patterned with flowers, velvet and other bold prints. For example, think of long, heavy green curtains with flowers covering the length of the material. 

It's all in the details

With traditional interior style, you have to go big! Details of furniture and decor have key features of long curves and bold patterns. Traditional rooms may have large columns with an abundance of wood panels. Traditional interior design utilizes even small details such as crisp carving of material to present a grand appearance. 

Dark, warm colors define the color palette

Often, traditional interior design style uses dark and warm shades. These darker backgrounds make for an excellent canvas to really make patterns used over these hues pop. 

Overall, traditional interior design is elegant and classy. It uses fine lines, curves and bold prints to create a sense of splendor. To learn more about this style, consider speaking with a local interior designer. 

About the Author
Author

Jodie Franklin

I love helping people find their dream home or sell their house in order to achieve their next goals. I have been working hard for my clients for over 18 years throughout southeast Michigan. I have experienced every kind of transaction there is. 

Helping my community and being involved is extremely important to me. I am Past President of the Michigan Ability Partners board, which helps Veterans and people with disabilities reach independent, self-supported, and satisfying lives. I have also been a member of the City of Milan Tax Review Board and Zoning Board, and involved in Milan Main Street. I have been a major sponsor of events for Michigan Ability Partners, Aid in Milan, Milan Main Street, and many more organizations that work to make our communities better. 

I was 2018 President of the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors, Realtor of the year in 2016 for AAABOR and nominee for Michigan Realtor of the Year. I serve on many committees with the local board, state board and was a member of the Housing Opportunity Committee for the National Association of Realtors (2018-19). I am currently serving my second term as a Michigan Realtors Board of Directors. 

I have liked in Milan for over 20 years and enjoy living here with my husband Cliff, son Evan, and dog Rosie.