The client wasn't sure what style they wanted, but they knew they didn't want something that was too formal or too modern. Like Goldilocks, they wanted something just right, which meant to me that a transitional design would be ideal for this project.
My clients weren't the type to do a kitschy Jonathan Adler room or a giant 'pattern on a pattern' Jungalow style scheme. Instead, they wanted something timeless and classic but not boring. I got this!
Lucky me – this client was amazing and so easy to work with. Throughout the process, they were patient, they trusted me, they were fun to chat with and most importantly, heeded my advice. A perfect client! They were transitioning into their new lives as empty nesters so it was apropos to give their complete renovation a fresh new look in a transitional style.
Who Doesn't love a good Before and After Transformation?
What Is Transitional Design?
“I love this modern kitchen!...oh but I also love this traditional dining room!” If you find yourself thumbing through design magazines saying something like that, then transitional style may be for you! Transitional design incorporates both tradition and modern design styles. The end result is a space that will age well AND feels fresh.
Mixing and matching pieces to create a balanced, cohesive, and beautiful design is the fun part of this process. Drawing connections between eras and styles, which could be through the color palette or materials or scale of pieces, is what makes transitional style so appealing. It’s the best of all worlds!
Typically, transitional colors consist of warm neutral tones like off-white, black, charcoal, and sand for a stately traditional feel. Playing within a neutral monochromatic color scheme also makes things easier. We peppered in some brightness and color to this project, though, with patterned window treatments, bedding, lighting, and décor.
PRO TIP: Color can often trip people up - choosing the right color can be daunting and polarizing so starting something in black and white with a design makes color choices more obvious later on.
The Process of Designing the Clients Transitional Home
In the summer of 2021, the client called me to say they were about to become empty nesters and needed a complete renovation of their home. Almost everything was needed for my client's 3500 square foot home, from new furniture and lighting, to window treatments, to a fresh coat of paint on every wall, new kitchen and powder room, updating the electrical throughout, and a fully updated fireplace.
After several months of design work, ordering, and procurement, we hired a general contractor that would be in charge of all the painting, flooring, kitchen and bath work, as well as the overhaul of the electrical and any repairs needed for the job. My client had the foresight to get out of dodge so we could complete all items on their to-do list. The client was away for four weeks and I took on the challenge to get it all done before they came home.
We had a big reveal for the clients at the end of the job and they were more than thrilled by the result. They had never imagined that their home could look this good and wondered why it took them so long to pull the trigger. The pets absolutely love the new space, and the kids love coming home to a new home that feels like their old one, but better.
