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Livingetc
Livingetc
Lucy Lindfield

What Exactly Is 'Traditional Interior Design'? This Is How You Can Bring It Into a Modern Home Without It Feeling Like a Pastiche

A traditional style kitchen with navy cabinetry and contemporary features.

I'll be the first to admit that I find the definition of 'traditional interior design' to be a somewhat elusive one. Is it an era? A specific architectural style? Just a vibe? Turns out, it's a combination of all those. Found in ceiling details, sturdy, timber floors, symmetry, rich textures, and intricate details, traditional interior design is a balance of strength and elegance that oozes sophistication. It's classic Victorians drenched in the influence of Classical, Rococo, and Gothic revivals, made timeless with contemporary luxuries and mod-cons.

But traditional interior design can embrace a home's heritage and modern living equally, with ornamentation, saturated color, and opulent textures taking center stage. While grand and refined, no doubt, when executed well, a contemporary traditional home should feel comforting and familiar — and not at all like a period pastiche.

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