TRADITIONAL Interior Design Style | Tips for a TIMELESS Look

Hello, design lovers. I'm Ashley Childers. And while trends may come and go, there's one design style that remains a classic choice, and that is timeless traditional. Traditional design has a classic appeal that endures. It exudes elegance, sophistication, and a sense of history that results in warm and inviting spaces that never go out of style. Now, creating a timeless traditional space can seem a bit overwhelming. There's lots of details to consider, and it can be a difficult style to execute. But, never fear, I am going through all of the design elements of this beautiful style step-by-step so that you can incorporate the timeless traditional look in your home. Now, I know you're going to love this week's video, so be sure to hit the subscribe button because we drop a new home and garden design video every week. Now, here's a few ways to get the polished and curated look of timeless traditional in your home. Number one is to put an emphasis on symmetry. Creating symmetry is such an easy way to add instant classic appeal to a room. It sets a decidedly formal tone and creates focal points and order. I personally love how creating symmetry in a room makes a room feel finished and polished. Now, a couple of easy ways to do this are to incorporate a pair of paintings or artwork or mirrors on each side of a fireplace or a grouping of paintings above a console table or buffet, adding a pair of lamps or even two pillars on each side of a door adorned with ferns or florals. Second on our list is to incorporate traditional architectural details. Examples of this could be wainscoting, crown molding, paneled walls, arches, and columns. All of these types of architectural details add a bit of formality and history to a space. So if you're looking to add a traditional twist to your home, these details create a beautiful and timeless backdrop. Number three is to include classic decor elements. This tip is an easy way to inject a bit of timeless appeal to your home, even if you don't want to go all in on this style. Examples of decor to include could be glass candle hurricanes, woven trays, ginger jars, leather boxes, brass candlesticks, stacks of coffee table books, and ceramic vases for fresh flowers. Number four is to embrace a neutral color scheme with pops of bold color. So for walls, opt for classic colors like buttery cream, warm beige, and tonal tans, and accent with colors like rich red, dark brown, and deep navy. It's really all about creating a classic shell that shows off your traditional furniture and decor in a timeless and sophisticated way. Number five on our list is to choose classic upholstery details, proportions, and fabrics. When it comes to choosing upholstery, go for timeless shapes with a rolled arm, like a Chesterfield or Camelback sofa, and accent with wingback or club chairs to add a layer of timeless appeal to your seating groupings. In addition, choose upholstery fabrics like cotton, velvet, and wool to make sure that your upholstery pieces will be comfortable and stylish for years to come. Number six is to incorporate furniture pieces with traditional silhouettes. This could be a wooden side table with spindle or barley twist legs, a classic darkwood secretary, an intricately carved armoire, or even a more streamlined parson or trestle table. These furniture classics are always a good investment and can often be found at antique markets for an affordable price. The bottom line is you can never go wrong when investing in a timeless furniture silhouette. It is something that you will enjoy and you would have in your home for a lifetime. Number six on our list is to include window dressings in your rooms. This tip covers all things window treatments, from drapery panels and shears to valances and Roman shades. The key is to add that textural layer of interest to your windows and create cozy sophistication in your rooms. Seventh on our list is to include classic patterns in your home design. Now, this could be houndstooth, a plaid, a stripe, a floral, or even a damask. And don't feel overwhelmed by this. It could literally mean a splash of plaid on a rug or a floral-patterned pillow. I'm not saying to swath everything in the room in a dizzying pattern. That would not be a timeless choice. Just choose a classic pattern or two, petite or large scale, and incorporate them in easy-to-live-with ways. Number eight is to opt for timeless flooring choices. This includes wooden floors in darker wood tones, classic tile patterns in stone and ceramics, and textural woolen carpets and rugs. Making timeless flooring choices goes a long way in the longevity of your home, so pay attention to this one. If you're getting new floors, lean towards hardwoods that are rich in tone and think about ways to incorporate classic shapes in them, like an inlaid herringbone or parquet section. For tile floors, stick to timeless patterns like basketweave, harlequin, running brick, and octagon and dot patterns. And when you're choosing wall-to-wall carpet or area rugs, go with natural wool fibers in classic patterns. Number nine is to make classic lighting choices for your rooms. This tip focuses on chandeliers, sconces, table, and floor lamps, and incorporating classic choices for each. I love how a pair of stately buffet lamps can instantly elevate a room, and the gathered fabric shade of a brass sconce immediately makes a space feel more refined. Now, for hanging fixtures, choose classic metals like polished nickel and unlacquered brass, and if you're feeling fancy, incorporate crystal accents into the mix. The 10th and final tip on our list for creating a timeless traditional look in your home is to bring in the botanicals. There's nothing more gracious than a billowing vase of hydrangeas or a rose posy perched on a side table, and incorporating flower arrangements and houseplants into your home decor is always an easy and timeless choice. Now, friends, I hope that this week's video has inspired you to add a dash of timeless tradition. I think that you will love the way that it makes your rooms and your home look and feel. If you loved this video, please give it a thumbs up, and let me know in the comments if you have a particular tip from timeless traditional style that was your favorite. If you love all things design, which I think you probably do, follow us over on Instagram at Ashley Childers Home and check us out on Pinterest for daily design inspiration and to become a part of our design-loving community. And if you want even more designer tips and tricks right now, you're going to want to watch this playlist next. As always, I'm Ashley Childers. Thank you so much for watching. And remember, good design is for everyone. So create a home that inspires you. Have fun adding timeless traditional charm to your spaces and fall in love with where you live one room at a time.