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Dear Moss Building & Design,
Help! I think my design style is classic and traditional, but don’t know where to start when it comes to specifics. Can you give me some tips on how to incorporate traditional design styles into my home?
Dear Dulles Mom,
Absolutely! Traditional design is a classic, time-honored style that is far from old or outdated. It’s defined by rich colors, wood elements, carved molding, elegant decor, and decorative, detailed woodwork. We recently completed a series of blogs about how to update homes in the traditional design style and even have a style guide you can download.
As remodelers, we see many different design trends that come and go, but traditional interior design is the most popular and long-lasting. It’s a timeless, detailed, and decorative look inspired by 18th- and 19th-century European decor.
Colors
When designing a traditional room, you’ll typically see many warm colors, including rich tans, browns, and yellows. Paisley can also be used for accent rugs, chairs, and decor. You can undoubtedly veer from this color and texture palette, but avoid hues considered modern and transitional, like white and black.
Decor & Fixtures
Traditional design is all about detail — the more elegant, the better. Consider adding classic lamps, vases, decorative mirrors, and chandeliers to the room for a more traditional look. Long window drapes and valances also make a room feel more traditional. For the living room, a stone fireplace paired with a dark, wood mantle adds to the room’s warmth, while built-in bookcases can give it a historical feel.
Architectural Elements
Built-in cabinetry, crown molding, columns, and tray or coffered ceilings go back to 18th and 19th Century traditional home design. Symmetry is also a very important element for traditional design, as almost every fixture and detail comes in a pair, from sofas and chairs to end tables. The purpose is to create a balanced space around an important focal point like a fireplace, television, or art piece.
Furniture
The furniture in your home has a big impact on whether or not it feels traditional. In many traditional homes, you’ll find a claw foot tub, large beds with wooden frames, and button-tufted pieces. Traditional homes have also often featured Queen Anne or Chippendale style furniture.
Materials
Wood is the most commonly used material in traditional design. For furniture or built-ins, maple, cherry, and oak are among the most popular types of wood. Hardwood flooring is most popular in traditional kitchens, while in the master bedroom suite or basement, consider using carpet instead of tile. For bathrooms, chrome fixtures are highly popular.
If you’re in the market for a home remodeling project and are ready to get started, ask us for more information about our Holiday Head Start program.
Until January 31, 2018, enjoy no interest and no payments for six months for all qualifying remodeling projects. Call us at (703) 961-7707, or send an email to [email protected].
Moss Building & Design is the top home remodeling company in Northern Virginia that has established a reputation for excellence in remodeling additions, kitchens, bathrooms, and basements and providing home services for homeowners. With a strong focus on community, Moss Building and Design encourages a hands-on approach to home improvement with an emphasis on education. Their ‘Girls Night Out’ HandyMOM101 events offer DIY workshops covering projects like tiling, power drills, caulking, and patching drywall.
Connect with them by visiting them online, or get social with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Moss Building & Design can also be reached at (703) 961-7707.
