Journal

How many people would describe their decorating style as ‘Traditional’? Not too many I’d bet. For many, ‘traditional decorating ‘ conjures up visions of deep dark colours (or overly sweet pastels) and fussy, formal rooms with knick knacks galore. But of course this is a hangover from a bygone era – largely in the 1980’s, when traditional decor was hugely popular and many regular people just over did it. At the high end, there were plenty of decorators working in a traditional style including handsome antiques and fine upholstery, pattern on pattern fabric schemes and even some voluminous window treatments, while exercising restraint and finding a balance that kept their spaces inviting rather than cluttered.

But of course the mass market globed on to the traditional decorating hallmarks and rammed them down people’s throats so that a regular at home decorating practitioner might have over done it a tad. Heavy drapes plus a heavy patterned sofa, plus too many accessories and a sweet colour scheme with the absence of balancing neutrals and solids.

It’s totally understandable that this 1980’s Barbie Dream House hangover has put many people off Traditional Decorating but what if we redefined it means? I am happy to say that my own personal decorating style is traditional because I see if very differently than this stereotype above.

For me, traditional decorating means taking the best of the past and making it fresh for today. Things like a classic English roll arm sofa that’s been around for years and years so that’s its both familiar, comfortable and beautiful to our eye. It’s curvy and relaxed and perfect for napping – why dismiss it as old fashioned? A handsome chest of drawers with a warm stained finish and the mellow patina from years of use and care provides storage and a visual anchor and need not be thought of as stuffy. Patterned fabrics including the much-feared floral chintz carries with it a centuries old tradition from the Far East with colour combinations that surprise and delight while celebrating nature’s beauty. As long as there is some restraint, fabrics like these can sing in a space today.

As you can see, these traditional decorating elements, once taken out of context and given some breathing space, look simply beautiful! So what does it look like to use elements like these in a fresh way today? Here are a few wonderful examples designed by Connecticut mother-daughter decorating duo McGrath II. I just love their use of traditional elements, freshened up with 1. Breathing Space 2. Humble Fabrics 3. Natural Elements from outdoors.

Take a look and see if you agree!