Home decor: A beginners guide to traditional interior designs

by Ryan Mandigo 07/15/2025

green and purple image with flowers and text

Ready to start decorating your space? Traditional design styles are a great option to try! Traditional interior designs are classic and sophisticated. This style is simple but in no means boring. Here’s a beginner’s guide to traditional interior design for those considering the style. 

Definition of traditional style

So, what is traditional design style? Traditional style is known for embellished details. Soft lines and curves which create the feeling of grandeur. This type of design is heavily influenced by the 18th and 19th century and takes inspiration from cultures all over the world. 

For example, a traditional living room may have Victorian-style sofas. This furniture is often wide, with neutral tones, curved lines and often has tall backs. 

Traditional fabrics are heavy and ornamental

Fabrics used to adorn traditional interiors are usually heavy. They are often patterned with flowers, velvet and other bold prints. For example, think of long, heavy green curtains with flowers covering the length of the material. 

It's all in the details

With traditional interior style, you have to go big! Details of furniture and decor have key features of long curves and bold patterns. Traditional rooms may have large columns with an abundance of wood panels. Traditional interior design utilizes even small details such as crisp carving of material to present a grand appearance. 

Dark, warm colors define the color palette

Often, traditional interior design style uses dark and warm shades. These darker backgrounds make for an excellent canvas to really make patterns used over these hues pop. 

Overall, traditional interior design is elegant and classy. It uses fine lines, curves and bold prints to create a sense of splendor. To learn more about this style, consider speaking with a local interior designer. 

About the Author
Author

Ryan Mandigo

Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Realty ONE Group Dockside. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.

He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"

When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.

Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"