If you’ve always been partial to classic home decor, the traditional design style is one worth exploring. While it never has truly gone out of style, it’s having a major moment as of late as many people are craving more warmth and personality in their homes.

Due to its emphasis on timeless materials and shades, the traditional design aesthetic also has the effect of making any space instantly look more expensive an elevated—an added bonus if there ever was one. Keep reading to learn more about how to embrace this look at home like a total pro.

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Why Traditional Decor Is Having a Comeback

There are a few reasons traditional style is having a comeback, interior designers explain. One is a simple desire for personality and character following decades of minimalism.

“Clients are craving spaces that feel layered, personal, and grounded,” says Sarah Goldstein, senior designer and licensed realtor at Teela Bennett Design. “Traditional style brings back craftsmanship, rich textures, and timeless silhouettes that make a home feel lived-in and meaningful.”

Traditional style is also seen as a welcome alternative to the trend-forward aesthetics that often dominate the design conversation.

“Many of our clients are looking to move away from fast-moving trends and invest in a classic decor style that can be built upon year after year,” says Pamela Forman, the founder of PBF Homes.

Plus, many people are craving comfortable, nostalgia-fueled spaces, and traditional decor is an excellent way to honor these desires, which have emerged following the pandemic.

“The shift has been linked to a need to feel cozy, grounded, and content in the home after spending significant time indoors,” Forman says.

How to Decorate Your Home With a Traditional Style

Interior designers share their go-to tips for how to decorate each area of the home so that it corresponds with the traditional design aesthetic.

Bedroom

Those seeking a traditional style bedroom will want to prioritize “softness, symmetry, and thoughtful details,” Goldstein says.

She recommends sticking with classic furnishings and decorative choices including upholstered headboards, matching nightstands, and layered bedding, to name a few.

Living Room

In the living room, layering and incorporating a mixture of colors and textures is key. Goldstein recommends weaving in rolled-arm sofas and skirted chairs by way of furnishings.

On the floor, lay down a patterned rug. To create that cozy, lived-in look, opt for built-in shelving and say yes to warm wood tones, the designer adds.

Kitchen

You can implement similar design choices in the kitchen and bathroom when decorating a home in traditional style.

Timeless elements that Goldstein recommends including in both of these spaces include inset cabinetry, classic hardware in brass or bronze, farmhouse sinks, polished nickel or brass fixtures, and more. A traditional kitchen is not without character.

“Warm paint colors, vintage dishware, and classic lighting details help complete the look while keeping it timeless,” Goldstein says.

With that, it’s fitting that Goldstein cites marble as another key feature of traditional kitchens and bathrooms—there’s no need to worry about patina over time; this simply adds even more history and character to a space.

Bathroom

Goldstein recommends taking your traditional bathroom design to the next level by incorporating wainscoting in the walls and even displaying a set of monogrammed towels.

Other Trending Styles Designers Are Loving

• Quiet luxury: Subdued in nature, this style prioritizes natural materials and subtle elegance, according to Goldstein.
• European rustic: Ideal for those inspired by old-world style, this aesthetic focuses on textural touches and warm neutrals, Goldstein explains.
• Warm minimalism: Rather than feeling stark, warm minimalism “pairs clean lines with organic shapes and soft wood tones,” Goldstein says.
• Earthy vibrancy: This aesthetic draws from the colors of the natural world and focuses on saturated versions of basic neutrals.