One question you may be asked as you begin your remodeling journey is: “What style do you prefer?” While professional designers will likely ask you for more details, a style short-hand can often help get you started when you aren’t sure about specifics. For this, we can turn to the three basic styles as a starting point—Traditional, Transitional, and Contemporary. These broad categorical terms have evolved over time, though, and what they meant ten years ago may not be exactly what the term implies now. In today’s interior design, each of these styles embraces an up-to-date way of using materials and technologies, and accounts for modern-day lifestyles while retaining their core, categorical style identities.
Traditional Style
Traditional design is rooted in historical references, drawing inspiration from 18th- and 19th-century European and American architecture. Previously, this style may have gone heavily into ornamentation and deep, rich colors, but the core of the style has always emphasized symmetry, structure, and a refined sense of formality.
In Traditional spaces now, you’ll still see some detailed millwork and architectural details, but the space will favor lighter, muted colors and finishes over anything dark and heavy. Materials like marble and quartzite, and luxury hardwoods for flooring and accents play a key role. This base is then paired with understated and classic textures, lighting, and hardware to finish the look. The result is a home that feels anchored in heritage without feeling overly ornate.
Transitional Style
Transitional design is a bridge between traditional elegance and modern simplicity. This style has become a favorite among homeowners who want something timeless but not too formal and has the broadest popularity. Transitional interiors favor simple lines softened and made more interesting by classic details—shaker-style cabinetry, honed or antiqued finishes, and low-maintenance materials with a casual appeal.
The color palette typically leans neutral, creating a calm backdrop for subtle texture and contrast, but often features a bold or unexpected accent color, such as crisp cobalt or fresh sage. While the spaces are usually open and functional, Transitional spaces often favor a sense of formal structure and intentionality, creating welcoming familiarity in how rooms are defined.
Contemporary Style
Contemporary design has always been about capturing the style of “now”. It draws on the principles of modernism—clarity, openness, and minimalism—but continually updates these ideas over time. In today’s contemporary spaces, natural materials, linear forms, and a sense of simplicity form the core of the style.
Spaces aim for an uncluttered look, with little to no ornamentation, and rooms are often designed with an emphasis on open flow and connection, making contemporary spaces feel more spacious. Materials like metal accents, warm woods, and natural stone are common, and lighting is often integrated with one or two "showpiece" fixtures that help support the style. Contemporary homes tend to feel open and deeply intentional, reflecting the homeowner’s preference for sincerity in design.
Though these three styles offer distinct style entry points, it’s also important to understand that many modern remodels blend elements from each to suit a client’s specific lifestyle and personality. A home might have traditional millwork in the entryway, a transitional kitchen with custom cabinetry, and a contemporary living area that opens into the landscape. The goal isn't to choose one label and stick to it rigidly, but to understand how the principles behind each style can shape a space that’s both functional and meaningful. By working with a designer who understands how these categories translate in today’s context, clients can create spaces that reflect who they are while honoring the timeless principles of great design.
