One of the most popular and enduring yet frequently dismissed design styles of them all, traditional interior design is an effective way to kit out a home with brilliant style while paying homage and celebrating highlights of past eras and design movements. Traditional interior design is a general term that takes in varied design styles and eras that aren’t devoted to one particular direction or spirit.
Traditional design celebrates the long, rich history of the past by juxtaposing it with more modern elements for a decidedly elegant spin on sophistication while highlighting 18th and 19th-century European decor. It’s a timeless go-to style that exudes easy elegance and comfort and is a great route for those who appreciate antiques, classic art, symmetry, and design rich with history.
Traditional interior design is typically defined as being predictable, yet both cosy and comfortable at the same time. A space that is designed in the traditional style will often have the qualities like detailed woodwork, carved mouldings, sturdy crafted furniture and graceful lines. Generally, you will also notice that the most common aspect of this particular design scheme involves pairing accessories and furniture together in order to create a sense of symmetry around a specific focal point of the room.
No matter what age group you are in, you will still be able to utilize the traditional interior design style for your home in order to make it as classic, calm, and timeless as you want it to be. As previously mentioned, this style can be combined with any other specific design style that you may find visually appealing in order to create a rather unique look.
In order to create a more unique and personal look, a homeowner may choose to combine the traditional interior design style with another specific style that they may also like. In terms of traditional interior design ideas, perhaps the most important aspect of this style are the silhouettes of the different furnishings in a room, also known as the “lines” of the furnishings.
In terms of color, the walls of any interior space wishing to achieve the traditional interior design style will typically be painted in a neutral color. This is done in order to visually ground any elaborate furnishings that are in the same space. Furniture pieces used in these kinds of spaces will generally have pops of colors such as red, brown, and blue. Accent pieces such as artwork and other various accessories will also incorporate colors that are more vibrant. The walls of a space designed in the traditional interior style are typically painted in one of three colors: beige, cream, or ivory; however, bold colors may also be used if the homeowner wishes to incorporate them into their color palette. The best example of this would be to paint one wall in a bold color, which would then allow it to serve as an accent wall to bring more attention to a specific accessory or furniture piece.
Woods used in the traditional interior design style, as previously mentioned, are rich in color. The most common types of wood that you will find used in this style’s furniture pieces are maple, mahogany, and cherry, and all are generally lacquered and carved in order to give them a feel that is rather luxurious and elegant. In addition, wood is also incorporated into the flooring of a space designed in the traditional style.
Accessories typically used in spaces that are designed in the traditional interior design style include vases, candle stands, and bowls. These items will generally have carved designs that were favoured by artisans of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Architectural details are what make a traditional home design, well, traditional! Built-in cabinetry, crown moulding, columns, wood panelling. And tray or coffered ceilings harkens back to 18th and 17Th century home while also adding a touch of opulence.
Symmetry is paramount in traditional design. Almost everything comes in pairs. This includes sofas, chairs, end tables, lamps, sconces and accessories; the purpose of pairing these pieces is to create a balanced space around an important focal point- usually a fireplace, television or piece of art.

References
G, S., 2021. The Characteristics of Traditional Interior Design Style. [online] Interiors by Steven G. Available at: [Accessed 27 April 2021].
Impressive Interior Design. 2021. Traditional Interior Design Style And Ideas. [online] Available at: [Accessed 27 April 2021].
Decoraid.com. 2021. Traditional Interior Design Defined And How To Master It – Décor Aid. [online] Available at: [Accessed 27 April 2021].