traditional design kitchen
Design/Build

The 4 Most Important Elements of Traditional Design

Have you ever looked at a photo in a magazine and wondered how they were able to achieve that picture-perfect look and feel? Don’t worry, we all have! 

The secret to creating the perfect space is by making the many individual choices that create a cohesive overall design. Many times when trying to design a new space our clients want to create a traditional style, but get thrown off track when they see something they like that isn’t in alignment with their ultimate design goals. The design then becomes muddied and doesn’t quite achieve the look they were initially after. 

We’ve created this short guide to keep you on track and give you the information you need to create your own HGTV home. 

Heavily influenced by 18th and 19th-century European design, the Traditional style is Cincinnati’s most popular architectural style. We restore many homes from their dated 70’s styling updating their originally intended traditional style. If this is what you’re trying to accomplish, here are some things you’ll want to be aware of when selecting items and finishes for your space. 

traditional design selectionsThe Details Overall

You will want to look for rich, dark colors, with gold and silver accents. With traditional design, even the smallest details are elegant and luxuriant. When looking at furniture, try to find pieces with high-end fabrics maybe with an intricate design. The more sumptuous it looks, the better. Throw pillows, lamps and mirrors, sconces,and elegant chandeliers are all great ways to add to that feeling of elegance. Also, look at heavy curtains and drapes on the windows, and area rugs. Of course, not all these things need to be added to a space for it to be considered traditional, but they are all important options to consider. Depending on your personal preferences, you can mix and match these elements. 

Flooring & Cabinets 

When it comes to more permanent choices like flooring and cabinets, here’s what to look for. Hardwood floors are a must with this style, and the richer the wood, the better. It’s also important to keep your flooring color in mind when selecting the shade of stain for your cabinetry. Painted white cabinets are stunning, but if you’re going for true traditional, stain finishes are the best option. When looking at the door style of a cabinet, the more ornate and decorative, the better. 

traditional design samplesCountertops

Countertops are also an important design element of a kitchen or bathroom remodel. The best options for a traditional style home would be granite; or quartz that looks a lot like granite. The all-natural and complex patterns that come with granite flow perfectly with the rest of the intricate items you’ll be selecting. When it comes to your countertop edge profile, there are many style options to choose from but, again, a more detailed edge is going to look stunning. 

The Finishes

Lighting and plumbing fixtures can be considered the jewelry of any room. Therefore it’s critical to select the perfect finish and style to fit your design. Lighting should be ornate and delicate. Consider a chandelier over the bathtub or sconce lighting over the vanity sink. Decorative pendant lighting over your granite island for a perfect look in the kitchen. 

When choosing a finish for your kitchen sinks and showerheads, it is an important decision, helping to bring a space together. Avoid modern-looking finishes like matte black or chrome and stick with oil-rubbed bronze or even gold for a more traditional look.

This may seem like a lot to remember and you might feel overwhelmed with all the choices and decisions you will be faced with. Remember, Creative Contracting’s professional interior designer will work with you every step of the way to help you create the perfect traditional style home.

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