So Your Style Is: Traditional
Classic lines and tasteful elegance are eternally in fashion and may just be the look you are striving for
This interior design style has remained popular through the centuries for a reason – its charm and grace come straight from the pages of history. Leaning towards a more formal look, traditional homes have a stateliness and air of success to which many aspire.
Why it works: Traditional decor can suit just about any style of house, whether it has just been built or has been standing for more than a century. Federation or Victorian architectural styles feature ornate fireplaces, archways, cornices and skirting boards, but it’s easy to turn even the most modern of homes into traditional masterpieces if you follow a few guidelines.
You’ll love this style if… You favour linen over polyester, tailored over casual, and can imagine yourself living in a stately English or Parisian mansion without too much trouble. Jane Austen is likely to be more your thing than Ben Elton.
Try incorporating these style rules for a Traditional feel in your home.
Why it works: Traditional decor can suit just about any style of house, whether it has just been built or has been standing for more than a century. Federation or Victorian architectural styles feature ornate fireplaces, archways, cornices and skirting boards, but it’s easy to turn even the most modern of homes into traditional masterpieces if you follow a few guidelines.
You’ll love this style if… You favour linen over polyester, tailored over casual, and can imagine yourself living in a stately English or Parisian mansion without too much trouble. Jane Austen is likely to be more your thing than Ben Elton.
Try incorporating these style rules for a Traditional feel in your home.
Age of grace
Marble reigns supreme in Traditional bathrooms, but other natural stone composites can be just as alluring. Pair crisp whites with neutral tones for a soothing, tranquil effect.
SMART STRATEGY: A statement bathtub, whether in a claw-foot or drop-in style, can really make a traditional bathroom shine. Don’t scrimp on tapware if you can help it – European-style bronze, brass or brushed stainless-steel lever taps and a shapely spout can turn a bathroom from ho-hum to heavenly.
Marble reigns supreme in Traditional bathrooms, but other natural stone composites can be just as alluring. Pair crisp whites with neutral tones for a soothing, tranquil effect.
SMART STRATEGY: A statement bathtub, whether in a claw-foot or drop-in style, can really make a traditional bathroom shine. Don’t scrimp on tapware if you can help it – European-style bronze, brass or brushed stainless-steel lever taps and a shapely spout can turn a bathroom from ho-hum to heavenly.
Beautiful bedding
A stunning bedhead is the only way to go in a Traditional bedroom. Choose an upholstered bedhead like this one, or an antique or solid timber bedhead stained a deep mahogany. Bedding should be sumptuous and luxurious, with pillows and cushions aplenty. If your bed is fit for royalty, the chances are high you’ve got it right.
SMART STRATEGY: Opt for curtains or simple venetians in a single muted colour or a subtle stripe or pattern. Have the curtain rod installed well above the window frame to maximise the drop. Custom-made curtains with generous amounts of high-quality fabric will ensure they fall beautifully, whether open or closed.
A stunning bedhead is the only way to go in a Traditional bedroom. Choose an upholstered bedhead like this one, or an antique or solid timber bedhead stained a deep mahogany. Bedding should be sumptuous and luxurious, with pillows and cushions aplenty. If your bed is fit for royalty, the chances are high you’ve got it right.
SMART STRATEGY: Opt for curtains or simple venetians in a single muted colour or a subtle stripe or pattern. Have the curtain rod installed well above the window frame to maximise the drop. Custom-made curtains with generous amounts of high-quality fabric will ensure they fall beautifully, whether open or closed.
Light up the past
Australia’s European heritage is evident throughout the country – so many homes are just brimming over with Traditional features. Lighting choices can be in keeping with the era – chandeliers are a safe choice – or dare to be different with a modern take on a classic style.
SMART STRATEGY: If you love browsing for antiques, this style is for you. Handcrafted furniture from days of old will sit beautifully in a Traditional space, as will Persian rugs and runners.
Australia’s European heritage is evident throughout the country – so many homes are just brimming over with Traditional features. Lighting choices can be in keeping with the era – chandeliers are a safe choice – or dare to be different with a modern take on a classic style.
SMART STRATEGY: If you love browsing for antiques, this style is for you. Handcrafted furniture from days of old will sit beautifully in a Traditional space, as will Persian rugs and runners.
Kitchen classics
Lovers of tradition are passionate about their kitchens, and though these hubs of the home have advanced to accommodate practicalities and open-plan renovations, Traditional-style kitchens are still in demand. This lovely one has all the traits of a classic kitchen – old-fashioned handles, a neutral colour scheme, and glass-fronted upper cabinets.
SMART STRATEGY: There’s a difference between Traditional and dated, so modernise your kitchen with industrial lighting or on-trend barstools to bring it into the 21st century.
Lovers of tradition are passionate about their kitchens, and though these hubs of the home have advanced to accommodate practicalities and open-plan renovations, Traditional-style kitchens are still in demand. This lovely one has all the traits of a classic kitchen – old-fashioned handles, a neutral colour scheme, and glass-fronted upper cabinets.
SMART STRATEGY: There’s a difference between Traditional and dated, so modernise your kitchen with industrial lighting or on-trend barstools to bring it into the 21st century.
Bathroom basics
Traditional bathrooms are a little like kitchens in that neutral shades and classic designs prevail. Stick to whites, creams and other easy-on-the-eye tones, and look to the past for inspiration when it comes to tiles. Federation and Victorian-style homes would do well to stick to the tile designs of yesteryear, such as in this bathroom. If you do deviate, avoid bright colours at all costs.
SMART STRATEGY: There’s much to love about historical homes, but there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy some of the comforts of today at the same time. Our ancestors may have had to endure icy toes of a winter morning, but you don’t have to – underfloor heating can warm up even the most traditional of bathrooms without impacting on its good looks.
Traditional bathrooms are a little like kitchens in that neutral shades and classic designs prevail. Stick to whites, creams and other easy-on-the-eye tones, and look to the past for inspiration when it comes to tiles. Federation and Victorian-style homes would do well to stick to the tile designs of yesteryear, such as in this bathroom. If you do deviate, avoid bright colours at all costs.
SMART STRATEGY: There’s much to love about historical homes, but there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy some of the comforts of today at the same time. Our ancestors may have had to endure icy toes of a winter morning, but you don’t have to – underfloor heating can warm up even the most traditional of bathrooms without impacting on its good looks.
Simple symmetry
Like many elements within the Traditional style, furniture placement is all about balance. Position armchairs and couches along in a formal arrangement that invites conversation, and coordinate cushions with the other tones in the room. No element should stand too far apart from another in terms of colour.
SMART STRATEGY: Update your lounge room’s look with an exquisite contemporary pendant or with some subtle geometry woven into a mirror, as in this room.
Like many elements within the Traditional style, furniture placement is all about balance. Position armchairs and couches along in a formal arrangement that invites conversation, and coordinate cushions with the other tones in the room. No element should stand too far apart from another in terms of colour.
SMART STRATEGY: Update your lounge room’s look with an exquisite contemporary pendant or with some subtle geometry woven into a mirror, as in this room.
Garden traditions
Think topiary, hedging and restraint when it comes to the Traditional garden; it’s a style that is no less appealing than it was centuries ago.
SMART STRATEGY: Layer plants from low to high when you’re planning your garden. Ground covers at the front, shrubs in the middle and taller trees at the back.
Think topiary, hedging and restraint when it comes to the Traditional garden; it’s a style that is no less appealing than it was centuries ago.
SMART STRATEGY: Layer plants from low to high when you’re planning your garden. Ground covers at the front, shrubs in the middle and taller trees at the back.
Can’t you just imagine sitting here with a G&T before heading off to the theatre? Kick off your Jimmy Choos and relax – you’ve earned it. Kidding aside, this elegant living room is conservative in its colour choices and that’s exactly why it works. Gorgeous greys merge with subtle silvers in soft furnishings, artwork and wall colour to produce a beautiful room that’s comfortable despite its air of formality. This is one of the few styles where extra-large rugs and wall-to-wall carpets are expected; just be sure they’re plush and of the highest quality you can afford. This is not the place for jute or other texture-heavy flooring choices.
SMART STRATEGY: When it comes to artwork, keep to tones already in the room. Paintings should blend in rather than catch the eye, and contribute to an overall effect rather than make a statement.