Who says you have to choose one decorating style and be totally true to it? Perhaps flirting with a couple of styles is exactly what your home needs to maximize its form, function and fabulousness! For those of you who are “a little of this, a little of that”, the transitional decorating style is perfect. Transitional style combines the classic beauty of traditional décor with the clean, simple lines of the contemporary look. It’s really a win-win, no compromise alternative!

Getting It Right
Even though the transitional style is less rigid than most, there are definite guidelines to follow. Done incorrectly, a transitional home can look a little thrown together. Done right, it’s a masterpiece of synchronicity.

Rhapsody by Hooker Furniture

Here are a few ideas to help create your transitional dream home:
The background is neutral. Start with walls in a neutral taupe, grey or soft cream, maybe a brown. It should be muted. Wallpaper and prints just won’t work. Flooring should be equally simple. I love wood floors for this style (okay, for every style!), but if you don’t have hardwood, keep the carpet neutral as well.

Add rugs. Rugs provide the opportunity for a pop of interest. Choose something bold or graphic to stand out against your neutral palette.

Caracole by Schnadig

The foundation is contemporary. The bulk of your furnishings should be contemporary. Add a couple of pieces of traditional furniture to blend the look. Nothing slouchy or too cushiony – perhaps a traditional leather accent chair and ottoman with a more contemporary sofa. Bring them together with pillows of the same fabric.

Annie by Schnadig

Blend your furniture choices. In a transitional room, straight lines and curves combine. It’s masculine and feminine; the look should say comfortable and sophisticated. The scale of the pieces should be generous but not overwhelming. And we’ll say it again, keep it simple!

Modern Heritage by HGTV HOME

Be daring with lighting. Here’s where contrast can work for you. Pair halogen desk lamps with soft lamps with white shades – and add a chandelier to the mix. There is always room to surprise and delight.

Bye bye odds and ends. Clutter is a huge no-no in transitional style. Keep it out of sight. That means remotes, toys, kitchen trinkets, etc. Did I mention you’ll need lots of storage to keep your transitional home looking tidy?

Primrose Hill by Hooker Furniture

Credenza in the hallway. See the point above! Order starts at the front door. And while many people have a hall table, why not make it a sleek, gorgeous credenza with drawers and cupboards? Open the drawer and tuck away keys and gloves and everything else!

How to accessorize. Think big and think simple. A large potted plant. A metal sculpture. A grouping of pewter candles on a wooden tray. You want to add interest without getting crowded or cutesy.

Ashby Park by American Drew

Artwork. In keeping with the muted background, you want to keep artwork sophisticated. No fancy frames or fussy pictures. How about black and white photos with cream mattes and black frames? Mirrors are perfect too – again, keeping the frame basic. I have a wide, oblong mirror hung over my dining room table. It’s framed in black. It cost a fraction of the price of art, but opens the room up beautifully and makes a great impact. Of course, if you have it, a gorgeous piece of modern art always looks perfect!

Textures take the stage. When the style and colour is understated, texture takes a starring role. Suede, leather, corduroy, chenille and wicker all work well in a transitional room. Again, make sure that the style of the piece is clean and sophisticated to bring the texture to life.

Which of the following applies to you?

A. Empty mason jars are better than full wine bottles.
B. Peeling paint is like wrinkles; it implies character, not age.
C. You’d rather give up potato chips than antiques.
D. “Distressed” is a desirable condition.
E. All of the above… and then some.

Of course we’re kidding, but if you can relate to the statements above, you’re probably “rustic”! That’s right; you’re likely a fan of the rustic style of decor. Maybe you know it by another name, “cottage”, “country” or “shabby chic”. In all honesty, rustic is a blend of many styles, but at its heart are casual beauty and an appreciation for decorating that reflects a sense of charm, history and warmth.

Harbour Pointe by Hooker

Here are some pointers to bring rustic beauty to your home:

1. Don’t overdo it! You don’t need to sacrifice elegant and sophisticated to achieve rustic. The trick is to go easy. Sometimes all it takes is a hall table with distressed wood or the perfect peeling paint to make a rustic statement.2. Mix and match. Salvaged, antique or natural wood pieces blend beautifully with modern upholstery and contemporary chairs.

Brownstone Village Dining Set

3. White is an awesome backdrop to rustic. (See last week’s blog!). Imagine an all white room with natural dark wood beam ceilings. White and rustic are amazing complements.

HGTV HOME Furniture Collection Green Dry Sink

4. Back to nature. When you’re choosing paint, accessories or upholstery, select colours that are warm, neutral, natural or earth tones. Brown, green, rust, understated yellow and grey-blue reflect the natural look.  

5. What about pattern? Plaids and nature themes work well… again… all in moderation. You can make a room look rustic in a flash with on-theme bedding, cushions or drapes.

Stoney Creek Furniture Accent Shop

6. Cool vases. Glass and plastic are easy to find, but spending the effort and extra money on vases made of wood, clay or distressed metal can reinvent a room. If you find old copper buckets you’ve hit the jackpot. This look is vintage rustic.

7. Now that you have vases… Fussy flowers just won’t work. Sunflowers and daisies are down to earth and create the atmosphere you’re looking for. Brown willow sticks are great too. It should appear effortless.

Stoney Creek Furniture Accent Shop

8. Signs, signs, everywhere are signs. If you have a message, rustic is the style to express yourself! If you find an antique sign, ad, newspaper page – anything that speaks to you – display it with pride. You can also make your own. I saw a piece of old, stained dark wood with LOVE written on it. The L, V and E were white, the O was a heart done in red – all the paint was distressed – it was just beautiful.

Baja Cocktail Table

9. Industrial and rustic? You bet! A loft with a modern feeling and lots of metal is a great setting for rustic touches, especially old wood pieces. A harvest table with ultra modern chairs; a reclaimed wood coffee table with a modern leather sofa; an elaborate cast iron bed frame in a clean, simple, straight lines kind of bedroom…

10. Fireplaces and wood stoves. If ever there was style that embraced natural heating, this is it! Wood fireplaces and wood stoves are functional and fit right in. Nothing fancy here. Brick, stone, “come as you are” is the look. And you want to show the firewood, displayed for ease and simple beauty.

11. Lighting. Either extreme is perfect. Industrial fixtures work well, especially in larges spaces, as do small lamps, cozy low lights and candles in smaller spaces.

Well rustic friends, I hope this blog has given you some ideas. And remember, with rustic, imperfect is perfect. What a relief! Enjoy that thought – and maybe even carry it beyond decorating!