Traditional decorating consists of classic themes, colors and fabrics to give a home a classic and timeless look. The emphasis on furniture selection should be on pieces that reflect a refined sense of style with proportion and symmetry, along with soft curved lines with an abundance of detail and ornamentation.
The choice of colors should be simple, tasteful, and inviting. Soft and neutral colors are used on the walls, while colors, such as dark reds and dark greens, are utilized in the room through the use of fabrics. Also, textured or patterned wallpaper is incorporated into the room.
One method to add a pattern to a room without hanging wallpaper is to use stencils or vinyl letters. A fleur de lis, floral pattern, or a thick vertical stripe stencil can be traced and painted on the walls to add interest and beauty to the room.
The use of fabrics, such as Damask, Romance Brocade, or velvet is featured throughout the home. Also, draperies topped with swags or scalloped valances cover sheer curtains and add elegance to the room. Tie backs and heavy tassels pull drapery panels to the sides to give the curtain a scalloped look as well as to enhance the window. Other window treatments include shutters, and under treatments of pinch pleated sheers. Cornices may also be featured.
The styles of furniture vary and the range of furniture periods goes from the Renaissance to the Victorian era. This time period includes Queen Anne furniture with its curved legs and smooth lines, Baroque furniture with it ornate designs, and Chippendale with its cabriole legs, ball-and-claw foot, and broken pediment scroll top on tall case pieces.
Traditional furniture is generally made of hardwood, such as cherry and mahogany, and has fine carved details, with inlays. These furniture pieces are usually heavy and dark in color. A traditional room might also use lighter woods as long as the lines of each piece are classic. Furnishings for the bedroom include a four poster bed, a lowboy, a highboy, or an armoire. Dining room furniture can consist of a large table with abundant seating, a buffet, sideboard, or a breakfront cabinet that show off a variety of china, glassware, and silver. The china may be classic gold rimmed or a simple floral design. Among the upholstered pieces is oversized seating, and an ottoman or two can be placed in the living room. Also, sofas and chairs are upholstered, along with the seats on formal dining room chairs. The addition of Persian and oriental rugs over hardwood floors or atop carpeting gives the room a warm feel and makes it very inviting.
By incorporating accessories, it helps tie in the furniture pieces. These accessories emphasize details, such as buttons tufted onto ottomans and needlepoint stitched onto throw pillows. Furthermore, furniture pieces that contain bronze or pewter nail head trim add pizzazz. For art, include mirrors, paintings with still life, and family portraits. The frames can be gold leaf or bronze.
Lastly, the lighting should also reflect the time period. Lamps such as crystal chandeliers and wall sconces help complete the traditional look. Other lighting includes lamps with silk shades and floor lamps that are fairly plain and ivory or white in color.
