Conventional design can have the reputation for being dated and dark. However, by following a few simple principles, you skip the stuffy vibe and might have a proper look. Start looking for furniture in traditional shapes and use symmetry and match pairs to arrange them in a timeless way. Keep everything refreshing with lighter, brighter colors and by updating particulars like lamp shades and curtains to provide a nod to present trends. Listed below are a few great resources to keep on hand in case your style is traditional.
Related: So Your Style Is: Conventional
Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc..
While shopping for traditional furniture, then look for antiques or antique shapes, like a bergère (shown here), wingback or slipper chair. Curvy thighs and detailed carved timber are indications of traditional design. Instead of rigid and uncomfortable upholstery, look for down-filled cushions that are more forgiving for contemporary pursuits like watching TV.
Ballard Designs
Bergère Chair – $959
You do not need to buy antique for conventional design. You may discover a great deal of classic furniture shapes online that you could customize with various fabrics.
Where to find it:
• Ballard Designs includes bergère chairs along with other classic furniture.
• Horchow has many beautiful seating options.
Wisteria
Wisteria, black Bow-Front Four-Drawer Chest
If your preference leans toward more formal and elegant traditional bits, you might find what you’re looking for in Wisteria. The website provides some antiques.
Where to find it:
• Wisteria has case goods and other traditional styles.
• Home Decorators Collection offers many classic bits.
1stdibs
English Tea Table/Candle Stand
When you’re ready to splurge on a legitimate antique but can not make it to the flea market in Paris, 1stdibs has an unmatched assortment of antique and vintage pieces, and you’ll be able to sort by age and price.
Where to find it:
• 1stdibs has tables along with other beautiful antiques.
• Look for local shops that specialize in”fine antiques” to observe bits in person before buying.
New England Classic
Vintage Traditional Raised-Panel Wainscoting – $239
Section of conventional style is architecture, usually that which you might discover in a turn-of-the-century home. It’s possible to restore or add architectural details like wainscoting, crown molding or beadboard to elicit a more conventional design.
Where to find it:
• New England Classic
• Hardware stores and lumberyards. A designer can help you consider the fashions, and a builder can install your choice.
Ethan Allen
Vintage Ginger Jar Table Lamp – $829
A temple or ginger jar lamp (whether accurate or just the same shape) is a very conventional and versatile light that will always be in fashion. Colors, though, can date immediately. To keep your conventional lamp from feeling stuffy, try a simple pleated colour like this one or a lace or paper colour with no pleating in a solid color like black. Keep away from off-white, which looks obsolete.
Where to find it:
• This one is from Ethan Allen.
• Lamps Plus has many ginger jar lamps.
• Hunt Etsy for terms like”ginger jar,””temple jar” and”chinoiserie lamp.”
• Browse ginger jars on .
Elizabeth Dinkel
Designers famous for their conventional style:
• Legendary decorator Billy Baldwin adored slipper seats (like those shown here) and used them frequently — always skirted. Check out his book Billy Baldwin Decorates.
• Suzanne Rheinstein’s insides are extremely elegant and use ample antiques and fine fabrics.
• Bunny Williams loves color and has an amazing eye for detail, both in accessories and furniture.
• Tobi Fairley utilizes conventional shapes and structures but with a Southern flair for hospitality.
• David Mitchell’s smart use of colour and interesting furniture layouts breathe fresh life into traditional bits.
Browse more designers
More inspiration on conventional style:
Traditional-Style Townhouse in Colonial Williamsburg
Get Started With Conventional Old-World Decorating
Home Designs: New Traditional Style
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