How to Transition Between Interior Design Styles on a Budget
As with everything from music to food preferences, the decor style you crave in your home can change over time. Once drawn to a clean black and white color scheme (admittedly characterless), I’ve moved on to one more art deco-leaning aesthetic – not only because I like the moody style and warmth of brass accents, but it seemed like the easiest move for me without buying all new stuff. This of course made me curious to see what other advice the experts might have on transitioning between styles. As expected, they provided glimpses of other design styles that could easily transition into on a budget and tips on this.
“The easiest way to visually transform a space from one style to another is Transition style away from the existing style by a period of time– like going from traditional to transitional or from transitional to contemporary,” explains the Maryland-based designer Sydney Markus.
No matter what styles you’re switching between, simple updates include changing the wall color, replacing curtains, updating hardware, and swapping out decor. “It’s also important to remember that views from adjacent rooms leading to the new space may need to be updated to create a visual connection to the new aesthetic, z room in the next,” adds Markus.
Check out the designer-approved ideas in advance to makeover your home on a budget.
Traditional to transition
Designed by Tracy Morris Design, this transitional living room features sofas with tufted details and sleek moldings.
It goes no more on the nose than the transition to a style that is actually called transition. The transition to this style can be smooth from a traditional style and vice versa. “They’re very similar conceptually, but the transitional style’s clean lines will breathe new life into your traditional pieces,” says the Virginia-based designer Tracy Morris. She explains: “If you have a traditional Oushak rug with bold colors and heavier furniture pieces, place pieces with clean lines on the rug – think items with straight arms, solid fabrics and lacquered surfaces – and all the space is taken up in an updated look.”
Starting with the basics is a quick way to refresh your space. Replace the existing chairs in a traditional dining set with ones that have a slim profile. “If you want to keep your original traditional dining room chairs, upholster them in a new, color-coordinated fabric,” says Morris. You can even do both and use the newly upholstered dining chairs as desk or gaming table chairs throughout your home.
Transition to organic modernity
If you’re no longer reconnecting with your transitional style home, consider organic modernism. “There’s a lot of gray and white happening in transitional design,” says the New York City-based designer Emily DelBello. “To get that organic, modern feel, take those vintage tones and bring in beige, cream, and brown tones with lots of texture.” Bello recommends adding textured cushions to a gray sofa, or covering your walls with warm-toned paint or wallpaper provided to achieve a more organic, modern feel.
You love finding new design tricks. We also. Let’s share the best of them.
Mid-century modern to organic modern
Mid-century modern design features sleek lines and organic shapes in earth tones, allowing parts of the style to easily transition into an organic, modern look that’s a little cozier. If you already have large neutral pieces, swap out smaller items like accent tables and accessories. “If you want to move towards a more organic, modern vibe, you can swap out more textured side tables for raw wood stumps and add rough clay ceramics and heavily textured wool pillows,” says the Arizona-based designer Claire Ownby. “Conversely, if you’re looking to modernize your look, try an architecturally inspired glass and steel table with glass and leather vases and ditch the use of accent cushions altogether.”
Modern to coastal
Designed by Lindsey Lane, this Palm Beach bungalow features coastal accents like a rattan pendant light and side tables for a warm yet clean look.
Transitioning from a polished modern interior to a cozy seaside retreat might be easier than you think. Both styles can take on a minimalist vibe – look no further than that Grandmother trend on the coast that’s taken over this summer. California-based designer Hillary tribe recommends reusing loved items and adding new accessories. “I love taking a dresser and painting it or calling the electrician to move a favorite lighting fixture for a different ambiance.”
This works for any design style transition, and the same goes for bedding. “Add some new throw pillows and a comforter for a fresh look,” adds Stamm. “You don’t have to redesign an entire room to make it feel light, fresh and new!”
Maintain a mix of styles
Mixing and matching some of your favorite styles is not only a smart choice for those who love different looks, but it can also make it easier to freshen up your home in the future. “Keeping a consistent color palette throughout your home blurs the lines between styles,” says the Washington, DC-based designer Annie Elliott. “White walls with pops of color, for example through art and on furniture, or moody dark colors from room to room give the house a consistent tone.”
Another way to bring potentially competing styles together? Replace your lamps. Elliott explains: “Simple, modern lamps work well anywhere and bring freshness to a room. Crystal lamps, colorful ceramic gourd lamps, or metal (or metal-painted ceramic) column lamps modernize classic and mid-century styles while adding warmth to contemporary spaces. Modern lamps are a great connection in a home and provide a nice continuity as you move through the rooms.”
Keep following House Beautiful Instagram.