How to Decorate Transitional: Interior Design Styles Explained

[@LindsayLiving]

You asked for it! 😃 Today I'm sharing a deep dive into one of the most popular design styles out there right now - and the most highly requested on this channel - TRANSITIONAL. Would you try it in your home? I'd love to hear your thoughts! 👋Let's connect on socials! instagram.com/lindsayliving facebook.com/lindsayliving pinterest.com/lindsayliving twitter.com/lindsayliving

[@jerseygirlmillie]

Well, perhaps I am more eclectic.🤔 The modern bent is not quite me. Your well researched tips and photos were helpful. Maybe an eclectic deep dive video next? 😂

[@LindsayLiving]

Definitely! I’m so glad to hear these videos are helping people to clarify their design styles. I think it’s also important to note that not everything has to be labeled and named. Follow your own inspiration and create a home that you love, regardless of the label. ❤️

[@DavidOwenCreates]

Yes that would be so fun to see

[@svet-lana8744]

Great informative video, I’m definitely a translational style. Love clean, uncluttered lines but welcoming and cozy at the same

[@marianelasaravia-hurley9771]

Amazing teaching skills! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I do feel much more empowered in making decisions in this scary interior design beast!

[@LindsayLiving]

Oh wow - thanks so much! That is my #1 goal - to help you feel empowered to make your own decisions in design and grow that confidence. Let me know if anything stumps you along the way! I'm planning a follow-up video to this one soon. 🌺

[@lynt.4493]

You just solved my problem. I wanted traditional style but longed for contemporary after I was finished shopping and had arranged everything. You are concise and don’t get sidetracked into the abyss of explaining your whole life in 10 minutes or less. You are a refreshing change! Thank you, thank you, thank you. I just subscribed.

[@DavidOwenCreates]

I love the way you explained everything and gave so much information on this. Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@tashagervais8733]

Love, love, love this video and was so excited when I saw what it was about this week! I knew this was my style and I think I'm off to a good start cultivating it in our new home, but I am so grateful for the guidance, clarification, and spot-on photos in your video. I feel all design-energized now. "Designergized?" Thank you!

[@LindsayLiving]

Designergized! I love it! 😍 I’m so glad this video hit the right note - transitional can be confusing so I’m hopeful this helps make it feel more achievable. Such a beautiful style. Thanks so much, Tasha! ❤️

[@realgirl2704]

Very informative without making me feel shamed into a strict design style. You just educate your viewers and that’s why I like your videos. I think I would like to see more eclectic videos and you could show how different peoples homes can be in that style. 😁

[@LindsayLiving]

I'm so glad - that is definitely the note I'm trying to hit here. It's all about showing you options, helping you understand the intention behind the design style, so you can move more confidently in the direction you want to take your decor. I'd love to explore some more eclectic and maximalist leaning styles to show to difference in styling. Thanks for sharing that idea! 😊

[@polgara28]

What a great video! I was so excited when you said you were doing a transitional deep dive. Thank you for explaining the difference between contemporary and modern, I was a little confused about that. Thanks also for the sourcing tips and especially Amber Lewis. Awesome video! 😊

[@LindsayLiving]

Glad it was helpful! This is such a fun style to dig into because it can lean in different directions with the styling. I could flip through Amber Lewis's book for days - so much inspo there! Thanks for watching, Christie! 🌻

[@Clauds71]

Wondering, thanks 😊

[@LindsayLiving]

Thank you for watching! I appreciate your support.

[@barbaramallow3870]

I love transitional style and this is the best video I've seen explaining the concept. It blends theory with practical application, which is key to being able to implement it yourself. Love that you name specific stores, designers and other sources for inspiration. One suggestion... put links to these things in your comments section to make it easier for viewers to explore. Also links to your own videos on this same design style. Thanks so much! Nicely done and very helpful!

[@LindsayLiving]

Thanks so much for your kind words and useful ideas. I'm planning some more videos on this style as I've gotten so many more questions about it. Thanks again for taking the time to write your comment. 🌺

[@marilynrafla6628]

Mostly me, I just put the print on the curtains instead of the rug. I also like a touch of coastal vibe in the color palette not by displaying sea shells. Now it makes sense that I love the studio McGee collection in target and control myself not to bring everything home, since I like minimal display. Would love to see your take on costal and how to blend it with different styles. And maybe how to blend kids stuff in grown-up's space for each design style (I don't find enough inspiration for that except in Ikea catalog which is not my style)

[@sampuatisamuel9785]

Love it

[@LindsayLiving]

Yesss! So glad you loved it! Thanks for watching!

[@megmc80]

I have seen several videos of designers trying to explain this style and all of them are different! It had me so confused!! This is the first video where I feel like i got a clear, comprehensive understanding of what transitional actually is. I think I am doing it right 😄🤞 Edit: spelling

[@LindsayLiving]

I’m so glad this video was helpful. Let me know if you have any specific questions. ❤️

[@sampuatisamuel9785]

It’s great but Lisa Holt is excellent aa well

[@janellekendall8652]

I finally feel complete!! I have a name for my style.... transitional!! 🙏 All of these beautiful examples, I have in my own home. But I have struggled with describing my style to people. This video I chanced upon... light bulb moment! Thank you x

[@LindsayLiving]

That is amazing, Janelle! I'm so happy this video found it's way to you. I find Transitional is one of the most misunderstood styles, and because it marries two elements, if often has people searching for answers. I am so glad this helped! Let me know if you have any questions. I might be able to answer it in an upcoming video.

[@laurenkcole]

Omg this video helped me sooo much! Thank you!!! My husband and I have a few pieces of traditional furniture that were handed down to us from our grandparents and I feel like I've been in a design rut not knowing how to decorate around them. Transitional sounds like the perfect happy medium and with the knowledge and advice you gave in this video, I feel way more comfortable decorating the space and making it more me! 😀🙌

[@LindsayLiving]

Glad it was helpful! Experiment and have fun finding your style in the process.

[@marianaconstantinou127]

Well well well! Have been so stuck for so long!!!! Finally found my style!! This is so me!!! Thanks for the educational video! 🙌🙌🙌

[@hazeljames6994]

Had no idea I was transitional. I love this video. Have watched it 3 times and will watch again and again.

[@LindsayLiving]

That is such a great compliment, thanks so much Hazel! I’m so glad this is helping you to identify your style a bit more. I’ll have to do some more transitional related content as it seems the style really resonates with a lot of people. Let me know if you have any specific questions as you progress on your interior design journey. Good luck!

[@Colorbrush21]

I think most people's houses are transitional by accident. We've been mixing transitional, traditional and modern for years. My question is: Whatever happened to eclectic? Eclectic used to be a hodgepodge of styles. Isn't transitional a new word for eclectic? 🤔

[@LindsayLiving]

Not at all! They are actually very different from each other. I highly recommend you watch this video I made on How to Find Your Design Style which provides a framework I created to help DIY designers to make sense of the various styles and identify their own: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZjViZ-gar2fldk It goes over eclectic and a lot of other adjacent styles that will provide more clarity on your question. 🌺

[@Colorbrush21]

Thank you Lyndsay! 🌼 🌸 🌻 🌹

[@flowersfrom7311]

Thank you for the inspiring illustrations! Is it just me, or the quality of the sound could be improved?

[@LindsayLiving]

I'm always working on improving something technically in my videos with every upload. I have learned so much since starting in summer 2020. Thanks for encouraging me to work on audio mastering.

[@beverlynorris557]

This is definitely my style. I am redoing my living room and this video is great for inspiration! Thank you!

[@LindsayLiving]

Awesome! Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed this one! 🌻

[@eddiealva4453]

Greetings from Perú, the land of the Machu Pichu. Biggest thank you.

[@LindsayLiving]

Thank you so much!!! It is so fun to hear from people all across the world. Thanks so much for watching!

[@marycontreras7560]

Love this video! Your video confirmed this is my style. My husband loves traditional and I like modern. I have mixed both and now I am in style.

[@cesarbahar786]

I love your transitional style. Decor mix with with soft Locs and a touch of modern discourses. 🤗🙏🏡

[@LindsayLiving]

Thank you! 🤗

[@patcampisano2536]

Thank you thank you thank you very much! You helped me identify my style, giving me confidence in it. I wasn’t sure before I found you. What a relief!

[@LindsayLiving]

Aw, thanks so much, Pat! I’m so glad you found this one helpful ❤️

[@melissaleeo]

You've described everything I couldn't put my finger on. Great video! This will definitely help me decorate my new home!

[@LindsayLiving]

Oh yay!!! This video has been especially gratifying as it has reached a lot of people who were looking for this style. Let me know if you have any questions along the way… you never know, it might be the next video!

[@corwilliams3098]

I like your examples but wish you would show them longer, while you explain

[@laitae]

Another excellent video, you're always so thorough and good at presenting (thanks to your teaching experience I think). I wonder where the image from 6:34 comes from? I know that it adds more work, but perhaps in the future you could start adding sources?

[@LindsayLiving]

I include on-screen credits in just about every other video I've made - in this one I decided to try something new and list them in the description box. The photo at 6:34 is of "The Great Room" at the McGee Home in Utah (Shea and Syd McGee's private home). You can find a full tour of all the spaces in this incredible home by visiting studio-mcgee.com/design/mcgee-home/ . Make sure to let me know if you want a source for anything and I'll make sure to get it to you, Laitae. Thanks so much for watching! 💛

[@04nbod]

I don't understand the necessity for a neutral colour pallette at all. Lots of traditional spaces were very loud with pattern and colour and a lot of modern spaces are too. I'd argue the key to transitional is the fabric of the building (walls, floors, ceilings, light fixtures, crown mouldings, fireplaces) should be traditional. The sofa, chairs, vases, lamps, decorative items should be modern. Large wood furniture elements like Desks or bookcases or console tables should veer between the two. The key to the look is as if you bought a Victorian house and modernised it without losing its character.

[@LindsayLiving]

I appreciate your perspective! It's true that traditional and modern spaces can both be vibrant and full of color. The key to transitional design is finding the right balance between the two styles, while maintaining the character of the building.

[@veronicajensen7690]

and voila! -Americans now have their own Scandinavian style-because Scandinavian also blend old, new and mid century modern, rustic and clean lines, muted colors or pops of color, natural items-wood floors (the tone you prefer not always light actually often mid tones) often no window treatments or very light window treatments-its Scandinavian but now you can use it with more traditional American furniture

[@LindsayLiving]

Scandinavian modern has long been super popular and influential in American interior design. Transitional is something different. And this is not about what I personally prefer at all, more of an overview of the style as it exists in popular design right now. Do you see similar styles where you live?

[@nancyglassman9979]

Thank you, thank you thank you. I love it all.❤

[@hotchicsf]

I guess I have transitional style tastes since I'm Vietnamese and my husband is Italian. Our home is a transition of Asian/Italian fusion, which sounds strange but it works for us.

[@LindsayLiving]

Your aesthetic sounds transitional, but it could also veer eclectic depending on your aesthetic. I made this video to help people understand an overall framework of design styles to see what you gravitate toward. You might find it helpful. Let me know if you have any questions. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZjViZ-gar2fldk

[@azfarsyed7082]

Good 🏡 sweet 🏡 E, We like 17 th. Century We say good natures are. 🎁 Like your help to make rooms cool colors

[@LindsayLiving]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@baharejafari2239]

It was great. Thank you. I have a question for you. What do you think about carpetting wall to wall? Is it out of style? can we use it in transitional decoration?

[@LindsayLiving]

I think you can make it work with wall to wall carpeting for sure! Don't be afraid to layer area rugs over your wall to wall carpeting to break it up, add dimension, and ground the central area of a space.

[@sharonfox8281]

I absolutely love this style however I have colorful art framed in black that I love ❤️. Do I really have to get rid of my art to achieve this this look. Is there any way to is a way to make it all work?

[@LindsayLiving]

I think it's important to remember your home must not fit into any box. Although I share an overview of design styles here, the real joy is in mixing styles to create a home that is uniquely you - balancing aesthetic desires with functional needs. You can make ANYTHING work as long as it "works" to your eye. Keep your art if it brings you joy. Create a home all your own. You got this!

[@jalferrer7973]

My large bay windows in both the living and dining rooms will have light beige/grayish motorized blinds. But I wanted neutral/white, sheer/light-feel type of drapes that don’t close but just “crown” the bay windows. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts. I’m getting opposition to my ideas but I think it would lighten the space that already has wood floors, a dark walnut dining table and sideboard.

[@shebacastro4729]

I like transitional but these examples are boring looking. Everything don't have to be neutral

[@LindsayLiving]

Clearly you're drawn to more color and contrast. I'd love to recommend watching my video on How to Find Your Design Style: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZjViZ-gar2fldk This one goes over a framework for understanding the various styles, how to find your style, and the power of mixing styles which really addresses your question well. 🌺

[@leesmeereads2much]

Great page, definitely following

[@trentontrenton7337]

As a place where we spend most our time, a home should feel and look just like a, a professional interior designers, is the best did an amazing job on my second time using them.

[@millacull6306]

Thank you for an explanation. I always like the style ( hotel/ spa resort) as I would explain it , You defined my style

[@Tayamiz]

Looks more minimalist and modern to me than trasitional, also it's toooo afraid of colours.. Too safe!

[@LindsayLiving]

I don't consider Transitional afraid of color at all - it just incorporates more muted tones. If you prefer bolder color, maybe you lean towards another style.

[@lorena92966]

Loved how you gave deisgner names and stores to look at.

[@LindsayLiving]

I'm so glad that was helpful, Lorena! I try to answer the questions I had when I was first learning about different design styles. Let me know if there's anything else you're wondering. Good luck in your designs!

[@peaceofrefuge]

This was filled with so much inspiration.

[@LindsayLiving]

Oh I’m so glad! That’s always my goal with these videos. There’s so much to discuss in design styles it can be hard to keep it around 15 minutes. Let me know if you have any lingering questions and I’d be happy to answer them!

[@TarraLHudson7]

I loved this video so much! This is the style I’ve been embracing as of late and this was so informative. TFS

[@LindsayLiving]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching, Tarra. 💛

[@rosierose1167]

Hey Lindsey, You spoke bout taking pics of Hotel rooms or Lobby's when vacationing, this is terrible, but I dont take pics of friends houses but, in my mind I'm redecorating there rooms, I did that my to my Moms house as well & now I own it & made all the changes. I guess it's just a habit, I love decor changes 😊 A tree, foulage, new Lamp's Carpet, Paintings/or Wall Decor is all good.

[@LindsayLiving]

As interior design enthusiasts, we can't help it! Whether friends and family ask our opinions or not, we're always analyzing spaces an engaging with our growing opinions on different design challenges and styles. You are not alone! Sounds like it paid off with regards to your mother's former home! 😹Thanks for sharing, Rosie!

[@nazaninmozaffaripour]

thank you so much , it was great and very useful

[@LindsayLiving]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ryanlumayag2545]

Very informative,and easy to understand...

[@LindsayLiving]

I'm so glad you found this helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@patriciadancy6781]

This was so helpful and made so simple thank you

[@LindsayLiving]

I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, Patricia! I hope you check out some of the others in this series. 🌸

[@ashleylee1281]

I have never been able to describe my style until I saw this. It also gave me some design ideas. Also thank you for wearing a microphone, I am hard of hearing and it made it so much easier to hear you enunciate words without having to read your lips or the captions.

[@LindsayLiving]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this one, Ashley! I have been so happy to find this one has been helpful to a lot of people who are trying to figure out this style. It can be a tricky one, so let me know if you have any specific questions. I'd be happy to help!

[@katherinecorrell4817]

Thank you so much for this! I love how thorough you are! Like you share who to go to for inspiration-which shows you are not ego driven. You offer where to buy and what to look for-you are a great teacher! This is the first video I have ever seen of you. I am now a subscriber! You are perfect!

[@LindsayLiving]

Thank you so much! That means so much. I'm so glad you got so much out of this video. 😊

[@thakurshouryapratapsingh3506]

Rustic+contemporary vibe plz

[@brittneyfruge2330]

Omg! This is a video I didn’t even know I needed. I feel like my style is a mix of Shea McGee and Amber Louis. This was perfect and so educational! Thank you!!

[@LindsayLiving]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this one - thanks so much! Let me know if you have any questions - I always get great video ideas from the comments section.

[@terri4353]

Great video! It made me realize I lean toward this style. Never knew that before. It doesn’t seem to have any whimsy to it though and I like to add that in art etc.

[@LindsayLiving]

Glad it was helpful! I think there may be subtle ways to add whimsy but more than anything make it your own! In this video I share the history of interior design and mixing design styles to create something new and YOU. 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZjViZ-gar2fldk

[@kelleyhasapis1]

Love this video! I definitely feel like I lean this way in decorating.

[@tamiewert808]

Great video! I know another spendy retailer that many designers refer to is Anthropology, but oftentimes you can get ideas from there and with a little effort, it's possible to obtain similar products at other places, such as C&B and PB. Personally, I love Transitional style, but I also am fond of French Country as well.

[@LindsayLiving]

Thanks Tami! Great point - I love Anthropologie! Amber Lewis has a new collaboration with them that is beyond gorgeous. Certainly on the spendy side but incredible quality. Great tip! I love discussing anything French so I'll keep that one on my ideas list. 🌻

[@Mama-nu7it]

Thank you beautiful well done keep it up

[@LindsayLiving]

Thanks so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed this one. 😊

[@RyanJohnsonD]

@6:29 what would you say was the material for the black surface on the fireplace facade?

[@LindsayLiving]

It's likely solid surface stone or sanded or a heat-treated painted wood.

[@stardustgirl2904]

This isn't Transitional decor ti me

[@LindsayLiving]

There's a ton of articles just a click away that might help you make sense of transitional. It's the most misunderstood style for a reason. Give this a read: www.apartmenttherapy.com/transitional-design-36765367

[@dopacogeter1605]

A lot of people think that they can design their own homes and have them look and feel is often not 's better

[@LindsayLiving]

I'll always make the case that investing in your home is investing in yourself. We all deserve to go home and feel warm and comfortable and cared for. Good interior design can do that, at any price point.

[@d.a.strahl4821]

Thank you so much for the depth of clear and complete information. Its such a professional presentation.

[@LindsayLiving]

My please! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one. 😊

[@Verah24400]

I think leclair decor and studio mcgee are some of the transitional decor brands right😅

[@LindsayLiving]

Absolutely! LeClair Decor did James Charles's home. Have you seen that video? That would make for an interesting home review video. They lean a little Modern Farmhouse, but definitely in that Transitional range.

[@deborahmcdougall4526]

I cannot believe I did not discover you before now. Happy new subscriber

[@LindsayLiving]

Your comment means so much! I’m so glad we found each other. Let me know if you have any design questions! I get the best video ideas from the comments section. Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@dopacogeter1605]

A lot of people think that they can design their own homes and have them look and feel is often not 's better

[@LindsayLiving]

I think everyone can design their own homes if they want to! It’s all about finding inspiration, sourcing things within your budget to fit your design style, exploring, and trying new things. My entire mission here on KZbin is to help people tap into their inner interior designer and create a home they truly love.

[@annmathew6966]

This was an incredibly helpful video on the design type and how to achieve it.

[@LindsayLiving]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching!

[@valerie-anndehaseth4196]

This is my style! Thanks for explaining it so well Lindsay.Living in the caribbean I need color in my house like accent pillows or even a bold wall color but my house is in general transitional like a hotel ,that's the feeling and energy I'm going for.

[@LindsayLiving]

Yay! Thank you! I knew you were waiting for this one and I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I agree that in the Caribbean you absolutely need a splash of color - what's nice about transitional is it can lean a bit coastal where shades of blue really shine. No matter the styling direction a bit of color always works within the neutral field of transitional. 🌻

[@tslilbearshoppe9870]

McGee and co are very talented designers and I love everything they do. Great video!

[@LindsayLiving]

Yes they are incredibly talented. Shea has assembled a creative team that takes spaces to the next level. I'm so inspired by her living room!

[@thiagovilla970]

Really good. Thank you!

[@LindsayLiving]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this one! Thanks for watching!

[@jocelynd5920]

Awesome! Thank you so much for this great topic.💕💕💕

[@LindsayLiving]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this one, Jocelyn! Let me know if there are any other styles you'd like to see next. 🌻

[@lilliangraham9850]

coastal /eclectic ,coastal/transitional ("Florida style " )

[@LindsayLiving]

Oooh! That would be fun. One place that begs for bold color and airy lightness, all at the same time. z

[@menaf.2295]

Thanks for sharing!

[@LindsayLiving]

Thanks for watching, Mena! ☺️

[@amandabremner5355]

Is that pacific NW Coast art behind you?

[@LindsayLiving]

This is a Haida piece, vintage original from the 1970s. The Haida people are an indigenous group based off the coast of British Columbia.

[@lorenah2083]

I had no idea I was decorating my home in this style.

[@LindsayLiving]

Sometimes it's helpful to have words to describe your style. I hope you found this video helpful. Happy decorating!

[@kcaldwell3371]

Great information

[@LindsayLiving]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you found the information helpful.

[@xeniaboutchard6496]

With all these blank walls my heart was aching for pattern and geometrics! Can you do Mid Century Modern next, please?

[@reginaharkin6112]

Great. Video thx

[@LindsayLiving]

Yes absolutely! It’s been on my list for some time, so I have to make that happen this fall. Let me know if you have any specific MCM questions that you’d like me to answer. Thanks so much for watching!

[@LindsayLiving]

Thanks so much for watching, Regina!

[@xeniaboutchard6496]

@@LindsayLiving Hello Lindsay, thank you for wanting to do a video 🙏 Wondering would you mix Mid Century and Transitional? Some traditional design (not the Louis XYZ etc) almost feels pared-back. Also MCM can be garish and themed; is there a way to keep it classy?

[@karenfeaster4655]

Thank you this was great! This is definitely my style

[@LindsayLiving]

Oh yay, I’m so glad! It seems transitional really resonates with a lot of people. I may need to do some more content related to this style. Let me know if you have any specific questions you’d like me to answer.

[@ninastepanyan-gandilyan6000]

I'm happy that I found your channel!

[@LindsayLiving]

Me too! Hooray! Let me know if there's any design styles you'd like me to break down in an upcoming video. I'm always looking for great ideas. ☺

[@neisihornadayesq.9365]

This was fantastic and so informative!!!❤

[@LindsayLiving]

Glad you liked it!!

[@ashakuldip1657]

Thanks a lot for a great video.

[@LindsayLiving]

I’m so glad you enjoyed this one - thank you!

[@rugs.ieireland]

Loved this video!

[@LindsayLiving]

Glad you liked it!!

[@kimdrew1664]

eclectic please

[@LindsayLiving]

I’ve gotten lots of request for eclectic styles, so you know that’s where I’m going to go next! Let me know if you have any specific questions you’d like me to answer in a future video. Thanks so much for watching!

[@verevv5200]

👏👏👏💖💖💖🌼

[@LindsayLiving]

Thank you! 💛😊🌻

[@connyhanson6293]

This is the most bland and boring and generic style. If you are going to mix traditional and modern you always should pick pieces that are definitely traditional and definitely modern. Not this in between bland boring pieces. It looks great to have typical Art Deco chairs with a traditional sofa with typical 1700 style antique tables.

[@LindsayLiving]

That's the thing about design - there is literally something for everyone as your example so clearly demonstrates. Thanks for watching, Conny!