Styling Tips & Ideas to Create Classic Traditional Furniture Style in Your Home
Faith Led Interior Design Show | Episode 9
Do you know what your Interior Design Style or Styles are? Are you wondering what your personal interior design style is? Are you wondering if you even have a style? Yes, you do, we all do have a style! Do you want to know what your Interior Design Furniture Style is?
Today’s episode is the fourth of a 12-part Interior Design Furniture Styles Series called, “What Is My Furniture Style?”. The furniture style I will talk about is the Classic, Traditional Furniture Style. It is a beautiful, classic style that has many facets.
So if you are thinking about decorating the interior of your home or rooms, one that would make you and your guests feel relaxed, quiet, and pleasant, this episode is for you.
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Styling Tips & Ideas to Create Classic Traditional Furniture Style in Your Home
I pray this verse over you to have a peace-filled day and may your hearts rest today as you go about your busy day!
Be Blessed Verse:
Psalm 23:1-3 NIV
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name's sake.
The Classic Traditional Furniture Style is a beautiful romantic style of furnishings. There are lots of flowers literally and floral fabric prints.
This Psalms 23 verse reminds me of the natural elements in a Classic Traditional Style. I believe this style is very relaxing, as this verse talks about relaxing by the still waters. Again, sitting in a home in this Classic Traditional style you can relax, be quiet, and enjoy pleasantly.
Even if it is not your style, if you are in someone else’s house that has this style, you can relax because this home is inviting you and its owner to beauty. This usually is a beautiful person filled with hospitality. Not only will you relax, but you will be welcomed and served too. So slow down and enjoy!
“What Is My Furniture Style” Series
I will be covering 12 Interior Design Furniture Styles in a series called, “What is my Furniture Style?”, from Episodes 6 - 17. These Furniture Styles are the most common furniture styles in the current furniture market.
Starting this episode, I will be talking about the 3 versions of the Traditional Furniture Style. They are The Classic Traditional, The Farmhouse, and The Country or Provencial Style. There are many Traditional Styles, but these are 3 of the main traditional styles being used in interiors these days.
In Episode 8, I discussed a transitional furniture style called the Modern Coastal Furniture Style. In Episode 9, this episode, I will discuss the Classic Traditional Furniture Style. Next week, in Episode 10, I will discuss the Farmhouse Style which is another Traditional Furniture Style.
What is nice is that after you listen to today’s episode, The Classic Traditional Furniture Style, visit my website and go to Sheree’s Shop, and scroll down to the Classic Traditional Furniture Style that you just learned about.
There you will find many pictures of the Classic Traditional Furniture Style. You will see sofas, sectionals, coffee tables, end tables, table and floor lamps, accessories, and area rugs. These items are in many price ranges. This helps you see some examples of what furnishings and accessories in this style look like with real current examples.
The styles in the “What is My Furniture Style?” series are broken down into 4 main categories that also coincide with the Interior Design Personality Quiz in Episode 3 where you answered As, Bs, Cs, and Ds. For more information on this, go to Episode 3 - My Interior Design Personality Quiz.
The Four Main Interior Design Style Categories
1 | TRANSITIONAL FURNITURE STYLES:
Classic Transitional - Episode 6
Glam Dramatic - Episode 7
Modern Coastal - Episode 8
2 | TRADITIONAL FURNITURE STYLES:
Classic Traditional - Episode 9
Farmhouse - Episode 10
Country or Provincial - Episode 11
3 | CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE STYLES:
Executive Efficient -Episode 12
Industrial - Episode 13
Mid Century Modern - Episode 14
4 | ETHNIC FURNITURE STYLES:
My Country _________: France, China, Scandinavia, India, etc. - Episode 15
Mediterranean - Episode 16
Bohemian - Episode 17
Origins of the Classic Traditional Furniture Design Style
The Classic Traditional Furniture Style is also known as classic furniture. Traditional furniture originated in Europe in the 1600s and hasn't gone out of style since. This style is largely based on the furnishings of the 18th and 19th century European styles.
At that time people paid furniture makers by the hour. The more intricate designs were a sign of wealth and status. This hand-made furniture was made by craftsmen who painstakingly crafted furniture with beautiful carvings and finishing details.
These furnishings have a lot of curves that create a soft regal look. This is a lasting look, and will never go out of style. These softly curved details, for those who love this Classic Traditional Furniture Style, are increasingly popular.
There is a trend these days of the millennials incorporating the old, well-made furnishings, with the modern furniture of today. Many times this old furniture is passed down from parents and grandparents and also has sentimental value.
The Classic Traditional Style has been popular as the old original pieces of furnishings and reproductions of the old furnishings since the beginning of time.
Some reproductions are exact replications and some are adapted from the original with artistic liberties of the artist applied.
But now, I believe this timeless Classic Traditional style has gotten so sophisticated and it can be very beautiful and classy today. Even the millennials are getting older, and want more than Ikea or some of the other big box stores are offering.
Imagine yourself sitting in Europe, say England, and you, as the host, and your guest are getting to know each other better. High tea is being served. The outside world dims as you enjoy tea cakes, crumpets, and wonderful conversations. This setting with candles and flowers is calming and exciting for your soul.
That is the feeling we want to create with a Classic Traditional Interior Design - inviting, hospitality, relaxing, calming, natural materials, lovely setting, and on and on…
I can really drift off into this one too, LOL!
Classic Traditional design blends nature with fine craftsmanship, beautiful woods, and many times flower-printed fabrics.
The result is typically a space filled with curved lines, soft colors, and elegant touches, bringing in the natural surroundings. It is an interpretation of the royal life itself - formal, beautiful, and calming.
The vibe is subtly relaxed and usually more formal, where elements of flowers, woods, and soft lighting all collide in a beautiful soft color palette with punctuations of often many tones and shades of colors. Like nature, the colors can range from soft springtime colors to the rich royal jewel tones of winter.
Wood tones look fabulous with this style. Many times dark woods are associated with this style. Oftentimes medium-toned to dark woods are used together.
A blend of the Classic Traditional with the Classic Transitional (episode 6) Modern Design and you have an interior that continues to be a classic, exquisite interior design styling. This blend of styles creates a WOW current trending interior, that is built on the art of balance between the comfortable old and the sophisticated new.
The Classic Traditional style embraces formal, comfortable furnishings to create a cozy day in the garden feel.
The Personality Style of a Person Loving The Classic Traditional Style
Usually likes a casual elegance, although these rooms can be very very formal
Like romantic rooms that are staged for beauty
Want a haven from the outside world
Many times these people are very hospitable, loving, and love entertaining
Usually do not want to be the center of attention
Furnishings are usually semi-formal, or formal and elegant
Accessories can range from a few to many and many have collections of items they love
Usually sits at a round table so that all can be seen and honored and all can converse comfortably
Lighting plays a large role in these interiors. It is used to create usually romantic moods in the room. This can be done with chandeliers, candles, and dimmers throughout.
Is hospitable and enjoys nature, many times gardeners
Can be fun-loving, think boating on a lake or pickleball
Fashion aware - the dress can range from informal florals to elegant formals and sparkling jewelry. Their look is always a bit formal to a lot formal and classy
Is nostalgic and likes items that are reminiscent of days gone by
Styling Ideas for The Classic Traditional Style
Welcoming, beautiful traditional area rugs that establish a color scheme on wood floors
For a less busy look, incorporate the Classic Transitional sofas and chairs as a base (episode 6) and use natural neutral texture or linen with clean silhouettes and sleek lines
Or, Antiques Transitional style sofas and chairs with curved arms and legs
Floral blue and white chinoiserie vases can work well with this furniture style
Windows with mullions (wood lattice) that open up to let the breeze in to create an indoor-outdoor feeling are romantic and pretty
Double French doors to the outside or between rooms go with this style as well
Elegant crystal chandeliers fit this style perfectly
Glass, crystal, and flowers can be design elements that complement this style
Antique Brass, Bronze, or Black metals on drawer hardware compliment this Classic Traditional style
Silver and tarnished silver create beautiful accents
Flowing in the wind and sheer draperies are timeless and elegant with this style
Wood shutters can be elegant and functional at the same time
Add floral pillows, mixed with velvets and cotton chintzes for the traditional touches
Candlesticks and candles of all kinds can be quite subtle and pretty
White or Wood crown moldings create a traditional touch to any room
Fireplaces are beautiful additions to the esthetics of this style
Large ornate traditional framed mirrors
Opulent down bedding with lots and lots of pillows that you can sink into create a cozy romantic feel
Floral scents, natural scents, and rich spices scents excite the senses
Dark and light natural woods look gorgeous in this style
Soft mood music is great
Art from the old European masters and still life art and because these people are very family-oriented, gallery walls highlighting the much-loved family are usually essential
Nature, especially floral art can be soft and pretty with this style
Small details like sisal fringe on pillows can add a pretty softening feel
Antique lighting fixtures contain crystals, antique metals, or wood beads
Never forget lace fabrics in this feminine-leaning style. This can be used on tablecloths, draperies, pillows and so much more.
Color Scheme
The classic traditional style color schemes can really be any color scheme because the traditional style is influenced by centuries-old European and American decor. There are several classic color combos that date back to the earliest periods of the decorative arts.
Black and white is always a beautiful floor base. Think Carrara marble with occasional small dark marble accents, set on a diagonal. Or, perhaps black and white kitchen floor and the accents are the other colors of your color scheme. There are endless possibilities.
Be creative. You may throw in a dark or black piece to add drama and contrast for effect, or as an accent here and there. Perhaps kitchen and bath hardware.
To bring a classic traditional style to life, do a simple grid wall. It can be wood, dark or light or painted, again dark or light.
In the classic traditional style, the wood flooring and tables are in a rich dark finish. Think walnut or mahogany woods from medium to dark tones.
Smoldering and soothing, classic traditional interior design style brings a bit of nostalgia.
If there is a fabulous view, be sure to highlight that. Perhaps the view is the focal point of the room.
It is possible to have this calm, relaxed feeling of beauty, and the natural feeling indoors and out, even if you live in the city or the suburbs.
Designer Pro Tip
For the Classic Traditional Interior Design style, sometimes it is necessary to find wonderful old pieces that can be refinished to match your color scheme and style.
Lighting is a biggie in the Classic Traditional style. I love the crystal accents that sparkle. I love the dimmed lighting with candles to create that cozy wonderful feeling.
Flowers, flowers, and more florals. Whether they be real, great silks (do a mixture of both and keep them guessing), or floral prints. Some like a lot of this. Say, print wallpapers, etc., and others only like the florals to be as accents on a neutral background.
Either way, make your soul sing with what you love…
Lace draperies may be perfect for some and too much for others…
Accessories can be simple or keep it simple, natural, and elegant for the most beautiful, classic, and lasting style.
Done well this style is very classic and will not have to be updated for years to come.
What Is Your Design Personality Style?
If you have not taken the Design Personality Style Quiz, go to Episode #3 to take it.
It is important to determine both your Design Personality Style and your Furniture Style.
The personality quiz is designed to work along with your furniture style. It is important to establish your interior design personality style first because it helps to determine your interior design furniture style.
Once you determine both your Interior Design Personality and your Furniture Style, it makes shopping so much easier and less stressful. The reason is that you now shop only for your personality and furniture styles. It eliminates all the other personality types and furniture styles that really are not yours.
Determine your personality style and furniture style or styles first and then continue with your interior design plan.
What’s Next For You?
For all you nostalgic people loving the days gone by, next week we will be talking about the Traditional Furniture Style - The Farmhouse Style.
The 3 TRADITIONAL FURNITURE STYLES are
Classic Traditional (this episode)
Farmhouse (Episode 10)
Country or Provincial (Episode 11)
These traditional styles are beautiful, classic, lasting, and romantic.
Hmmm, will one of the Traditional styles be one of your styles?
Know that you and your family are loved and I pray blessings and Psalms 23:1-3 over you this week! Until next time!
Examples of the Classic Traditional Furniture Style
To see many examples of the Modern Coastal furnishings, flooring, lighting, and accessories, visit Sheree’s Shop at my website and scroll down to the Classic Traditional Furniture Style.
You are welcome to browse and enjoy and hopefully get some great pieces and ideas for your home and design.
