American traditional design is the combination of all the European styles of the 18-19th centuries which best introduces the European old, but gold traditions.
The traditional design trend has lasted since time immemorial, whereas a lot of other styles and design solutions were born and disappeared instantly. Early in the 1950s, while modern designers had attempted to use the innovative design elements to create new furniture and home accessories, traditional designers were repurposing old furniture and home décor as with Queen Anne's chairs and Chippendale chests. While traditional style was able to retain its original hallmark, modern style gave up its newly acquired influence.
The traditional style of houses is still admired today with many renovating their houses without altering a single traditional element. The goal of this style is not to create a wow effect, but rather to create a family-friendly, comfortable, warm atmosphere in the living area.
Nonetheless, this does not imply that style is categorically opposed to innovations. Today designers add bolder, antique, vintage themed elements into the furniture and home accessories to flavor up the interior which breaks up the monotony. Fusion with the new is called “New Traditions”.
Here are 7 principles of the traditional design style:
- Everything matches
You may not here find the eclectic home accessories or bold accent hues. Its purpose is to create harmony which can be achieved by using the furniture pieces of the matching collection, patterns that speak to each other. Accessories, e.g. lamps, chandeliers, pillows, etc, have to match each other.
- Uniformity and symmetry
Uniformity and symmetry are inevitable in the traditional style. Perfect pairings are key. It's common to see the identical lamps or end tables in a room. Pairings create a balanced space in the room; they bring attention to the focal point such as sofas or fireplace.
- · Subdued, synchronized palette
In the traditional style, the emphasis is not on colors, but on rich patterns. When choosing a color, you should prefer the one that prevails in the textures of all the items in the room, of course, you can use its different shades. If you want the furniture to be the center of attention in the room, the walls should be painted in light colors. Curtains, pillows and rugs should be in different shades of the same color.
- Wood and metal accents
Wood in the traditional style is known for its deep, rich tones, for example, cherry, walnut, oak or mahogany. Choose the same wood with the same finish for a cohesive look. Metal accents should be brass, bronze or copper and have a satin, not shiny finish.
- Complex patterns
Traditional style doesn’t shy away from pattern. Floral patterns, damask, stripes, toile, paisleys, chinoiserie prints and muted stripes are the staples of the traditional style. Rugs with bold patterns, which often stands out by its national significance, can be an ideal investment here.
- Detailed millwork
Traditional homes have exquisite touches such as decorative wood millwork; think cornices, valances, crown molding, tray or coffered ceilings, columns, wood paneling and built-in cabinetry, which nicely stand out against the neutral color scheme.
- Window coverings
This is one of the styles where special attention is paid to the drapes, while, for example, in the loft or modern, they prefer bare windows. Three-layered drapes are popular in the traditional style, which mainly include saturated colors and patterns to break the overall vibe of the room.