Tile for Every Style: Transitional Design

Love the elevated elegance of traditional design, and the sleek lines and modern shapes of contemporary design? “Transitional design” might be for you! This universally pleasing design style melds the traditional design elements–think lots of layering and trim–with contemporary patterns, colors and silhouettes. Read on for six tips on how to incorporate tile to achieve this timeless style.

1. Mix and Match Styles & Eras

One way to achieve transitional design is to use a combination of elements from different design eras. This charming kitchen designed by Timber Trails features a balanced mix of styles. The Hampton Carrara Amalfi marble tile combines a classic material in a traditional format (subway tile first gained popularity in the Victorian age), while the sleek chrome lines of the range are decidedly contemporary. This blend of eras and styles is carried through to the chrome light fixtures with their more traditional shape and the combination of chrome hardware and white cabinets. Though this space melds materials and styles, the neutral monochromatic color scheme maintains the harmonious cohesion representative of transitional design.

2.Pair Classic Materials with Contemporary Shapes

Another way to blur the line between traditional and contemporary is to use classic materials in more up-to-date shapes. This bathroom features the Elia Polished by Alison Victoria tile, a classic Greek Volakas marble in a fashionable leaf shape. This theme of classic-made-modern is carried through with the contemporary silhouette of the gold light fixtures and the chic, unadorned double mirrors.

3. Create Unexpected Moments

What sets transitional design apart from its traditional roots is the embrace of “quirky” and unexpected elements–typically more characteristic of contemporary design. This stylish bathroom demonstrates how to add surprising, yet subtle, details. The Coco Canvas Matte tile installed in a horizontal straight stack throughout is interrupted by a band of vertically laid Coco Canvas Glossy tile. While the design still maintains its warm neutral tone, the glossy finish will catch the natural light, adding brightness to this design. The mirror with its minimal gold trim and rounded corners is another contemporary design element, while the layered trim on the shower niche is traditional, with a band of a gold metal adding a modern element. The effect is a visually complex, yet it achieves a soothing serenity.

4. Strategically Pair Patterns, Colors and Shapes

Pattern, color and shape are some of the most basic design elements, and mixing styles is often a process of intentionally pairing these elements so that they are united by a single commonality. Take this transitional kitchen backsplash: the Vintage Nero patterned tile features an ornate traditional design while the Picket Florencia Super Bianco tile with its angular shape is decidedly contemporary. The sage green range hood and cabinetry are modern touches, but traditional details are sprinkled in through the Firenze Carrara marble Somerset (used as a border to the patterned tile) and countertop with its Barnes edging. In keeping to three basic design elements and colors, this space maintains a harmonious pairing of classical and current styles.

5. Layer Materials

Layering is a hallmark of traditional design that, when carried over to your transitional space, will add an air of refinement. The layered picture frame in this elegant bathroom features both Arctic White marble and Claros Silver travertine, giving this space great visual texture. This stone mixture is carried throughout the space with marble wall tile and travertine floor tile. The traditional tile design is paired with contemporary elements–the chic wall sconce and simple brass shower fixtures–for a highly sophisticated space.

6. Use White Subway Tile for a Backsplash that Transcends Trends

With its origin in Victorian design, white subway tile is as timeless as it is versatile–perfect for a style that marries classic and contemporary. This chic kitchen designed by Timber Trails features our best-selling subway tile, Retro Lino, in a stylish backsplash. The cabinets in this space are the more traditional closed cabinetry in a demure navy shade, while the brass hardware are a simple contemporary style.

Is this marriage of classic and contemporary the style for you? Discover more transitional design ideas on Instagram and our Customer Room Gallery where our tiles are used in a variety of real spaces! Or, if you’re looking for some guidance on an upcoming project, set up a free design consultation to get advice from our tile experts.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi! I'm Eimile, Marketing copywriter. What I love about working at The Tile Shop is getting to see all the new design trends. I especially love bright, bold colors and retro designs. When I'm not writing copy, I'm usually reading a novel or taking a walk around my Minneapolis neighborhood.

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