Your guide to using traditional home decor

If you like rooms with warm and welcoming atmospheres, consider trying traditional home decor. While some might say the style is outdated, traditional decor endures as a popular option for even the most trendy and contemporary homes. To help inspire you, here are some ideas for using traditional style home decor at home:

Furniture placement

Furniture placement matters in traditional interior design. Focus on symmetry and balance when choosing where to put furniture in a room. Group furniture together to promote conversation and togetherness. One simple way to accomplish this is to place a sofa and armchairs facing each other. Add a coffee table in between for a classic and functional balance.

Color choice

Traditional home design usually includes neutrals and earth tones. Try mellow grays, beige, light yellows, greens and pale blues. Subdued jewel tones are a great way to add more depth and drama with color, but do so sparingly. Reserve bolder colors for accents like pillows and textiles.

Area rugs

Area rugs are essential to traditional home decor. Persian-style and Kilim rugs are a staple of traditional interior design because they add color and detail while still blending into the rest of the room's decor. A patterned rug is an excellent guide for your room's color scheme, as well. Pick out particular reds, blues and greens from the design and carry it through on other furnishings for a cohesive aesthetic.

Wood & metal accents

Traditional home decor has always emphasized both natural wood furnishings and metallic accents. Hardwood flooring is common in traditional designs, as are polished wood furnishings and accent features like railings, banisters and even molding. For metal elements, think bronze or copper finishes for sink faucets and light fixtures.

Trim & molding

Architectural details like crown molding and wainscoting will instantly give a space a homey, traditional vibe. Try crisp white painted trim with a contrasting wall color. Add crown molding to draw attention to the ceiling and make the room appear larger. Wainscoting can add dimension and charm to the walls of any room.