When planning your next luxury home you’ll want to consider the design of your home from all aspects. You may like a feature of one style but prefer other features of other styles as well. There is no reason you can’t incorporate several styles of architecture into your home. This is called Transitional Home Design and it’s all about mixing architectural styles to achieve your ideal home. For example, if you love a craftsman style exterior but prefer and open floor plan for the interior you’ll want to incorporate a transitional design into your home.
When incorporating Transitional Home Design into your plan there are several things to keep in mind. Here are 6 guidelines to consider:
- Keep it Simple. It’s best not to mix more than two architectural styles at once. If you choose to use more than two different styles your design could run the risk of losing direction as the styles will compete with one another.
- Focus on a common element. Try to choose a key feature and carry it through the home. For example you can mix up the finishes of your lighting depending on the room and other design elements of the room. Change out the finish but maintain the style to keep a common element flowing through the home.
- Transition in separate spaces. When you want to switch themes, do it in separate, private spaces such as an owner’s suite or upper/lower level.
- Use fabrics, furniture or art to pull elements together. Furniture makes a wonderful transition piece as does wall art, sculpture or even fabric. You can transition with a large piece of furniture like a chaise or ottoman or go for a more subtle change with a piece of bold art.
- Use your themes throughout your home. Don’t just use one theme in one room. Take accent elements from that theme and place them throughout your home. Start in the kitchen with stunning time piece on the wall and carry it into the living room with a similar clock or thermometer in a book shelf. Carry a nautical theme from the bathroom to child’s bedroom or pool room
- Don’t get trendy with expensive elements. Expensive items like light or plumbing fixtures, cabinets or countertops shouldn’t be used to provide color elements to support your architectural themes. Keep them neutral and timeless to avoid costly future updates.
Transition Design doesn’t have to be complicated but it can be tricky if you aren’t sure which styles you like and which styles work within the architecture. There are no rules, the home should reflect your personal style and preference, but you may feel more comfortable discussing your choices with a designer. Don’t be afraid to stretch your creative mind when designing your home but don’t be afraid to ask for assistance either.