A beginner's guide to traditional home decor

by Michael Johnson 06/14/2023

In interior design, traditional home decor is considered a timeless staple. By emulating traditions of the past without pinpointing any specific era, traditional decor creates warm and welcoming atmospheres in any room. If you're interested in trying traditional style in your home, here is a guide to the basics.

Characteristics of traditional interior design

To make the best use of traditional interior design at home, it's important to understand and recognize the key characteristics. Some specifics include:

Furniture, decor and art originating in 18th and 19th century European design
Comfortable, functional room layouts accommodating groups of people
Emphasis on symmetry, specifically in matching pairs of furnishings
Traditional interior architectural elements like wainscoting and crown molding
Neutral, comfy color palettes
Patterns are usually subtle

Tips for using traditional home decor

Now that you're more familiar with the basic elements of traditional design, you can begin experimenting with it in your own home. Here are some ways you can bring traditional style to any room:

When choosing colors, opt for earthy neutrals and subdued jewel tones.
Choose subtle patterns for upholstery, window treatments, wallpaper and other textiles. Some of these patterns include stripes, florals and plaids.
Try simple and classic light fixtures like sconces, chandeliers and pendants.
Incorporate darker wood tones such as walnut into furniture and flooring.
Avoid clutter, but add a healthy amount of traditional accessories including candelabras, ceramic vases, antique silver and china sets.
Add an overdyed Persian-inspired area rug for instant traditional charm.
Try matching sets of lamps, end tables or chairs. However, avoid matching too many elements in the same room to keep the design feeling natural.

Traditional home decor can be elegant and timeless without feeling overly formal. Try incorporating these elements into your current decor for a more natural style transition. Once you learn to recognize the characteristics, you'll find it simple to bring traditional design into any part of your home.

About the Author

Michael Johnson

For over 25 years, Mike Johnson, has help Buyers and Sellers in Greater New Haven, and across the state turn their dreams into reality. TAJ REAL ESTATE, LLC is a full service firm specializing in Short Sale, First Time Home Buyers, Sale and marketing of existing Home and Condos, Rentals, FHA 203K Sale and Renovation of Distress Properties, and Investor Purchase.

Mike Johnson is a graduate of Fairfield University, and a resident of Connecticut for over 38 years. He served on the Board of Directors for Hill Health Corporation from 1976 to 1984, has served on the Professional Standard Committee of the Greater New Haven Board of Realtors for over 8 years, served as Board of Directors for that organization from 2009-2012, and on the Farmington Canal Committee for over 10 years.

Mike possesses a high degree of knowledge, experience and integrity, and strives for excellence, as such creating a reputation second to none. Whether your Home is under water (owing more than the mortgage balance), or behind on your mortgage and facing foreclosure, your solution is only a phone call away. Pick up the phone and put your troubles in the hands of a experienced Realtor.