The Classic Traditional interior design style has European influences and roots ranging from English country style to French classics. There are many hallmarks of the classic aesthetic that make it easy to recognize. For instance, the traditional genre is known for its matching dark wood furniture sets, heavy use of patterns and weighty window treatments. Traditional furniture and home decor offer familiar shapes and styling that will always have a place in home design.

Do you love traditional design, but don’t know how to make it work in your contemporary home? Today’s traditional designs often pair some of the most recognizable silhouettes with modern styling; and designers who do traditional style well aren’t afraid to mix and match some traditional pieces with some more current items. We’ve put together a Classic Traditional living room trend board, also referred to as a mood board, that highlights familiar furniture shapes—and also adds some fresh touches, creating a look that is both elegant and comfortable.

View the Classic Traditional Trend Board.

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A Classic Traditional Color Palette

Traditional designs will typically feature beige, cream or ivory walls; and the large furniture pieces will be these same hues. However, there is room for color to be brought in through accent pieces, if desired. Typically, these pieces will stick to dark, rich tones, including deep reds, browns and sometimes green. You’ll also see plenty of wood, especially in dark finishes.

Our Classic Traditional color palette is based in beige, with two shades of the light and versatile hue. A dark brown-bronze color fills out our palette, bringing in warmth and the comfort that comes from familiar and earthy shades. With a few variations of these colors brought into our living room through furniture and décor, some pops of black and a little greenery, this Classic Traditional palette will never go out of style.

• Accessible Beige SW7036
• Urbane Bronze SW7048
• Balanced Beige SW7037

Classic Traditional Sofa and More Seating

When you think of classic furniture, there are likely a few pieces that come to mind. In a bedroom, it may be a sleigh bed or spindle bed frame. In the living room, it’s often a Chesterfield sofa! A British design classic, Chesterfield sofas are recognized by their high rolled arms that are the same height as the back of the sofa, as well as tufted (often dark leather) upholstery.

A stately sofa was the perfect choice for our Classic Traditional living room trend board, with its Chesterfield design lightened up by a perfect shade of beige upholstery. It is paired with a leather chair that also has the hallmark look of classical tradition with a tufted back and nailhead trim details. Not only are they stunning to look at, but both of these pieces were selected due to their high-quality design and optimal comfort. A set of accent pillows and a throw blanket bring in additional color and texture, inviting you to come in, take a (classic) seat, and get cozy.

Traditional Accent Pieces and Home Décor

Another Classic Traditional must-have item is an area rug. The pattern has a repeated damask, which is a traditional motif. However, the distressed look gives it an updated appearance that works with many of today’s most popular design styles. The background is ivory but has hints of grey and beige to create this stunning design, fitting right in with our Classic Traditional color palette. The rug also has a high-low pattern, which gives it dimension and brings inviting texture into the room.

A hearty coffee table with square baluster legs set on a broad lower shelf has a great presence in the space. Featuring elm wood veneers and a framed and plank-effect tabletop, this piece suits the traditional vibe, yet with a fresh and updated twist. And just because this design is based on historical design trends, doesn’t mean it should be dark. A table lamp brightens up our living room design. The lamp is charming in its classic stance, and finished with the crisp, natural, modified drum shade.

Finally, every living room needs artwork to enhance the space and give it that finishing touch. Depicted in a versatile and neutral color palette, a set of four world map prints featuring historical text are a definitive choice that fits readily and easily into this living space design. With prints in sepia tones and framed with warm, bronze, simple frames, they are versatile, yet interesting. The maps are paired with a traditional wall clock featuring Roman Numerals in an antiqued bronze finish.

Looking to design your living room in the Classic Traditional style?

Start with a sofa in a rich fabric or leather that has a tufted back and/or a nailhead detail. This Classic Traditional look is all about rich fabrics and colors that lean more on the warm side, ornate details and classical touches for accents.

Looking for a fresh take on classic design? Read our blog post: The New Traditional.

Learn more about HOM Furniture’s Design Services.