Sourcebook: Traditional Style
Related: So Your Style Is: Traditional
A ginger or temple jar lamp (whether authentic or just the same shape) is a very traditional and versatile light that will always be in style. Shades, however, can date quickly. To keep your traditional lamp from feeling stuffy, try a simple pleated shade like this one or a silk or paper shade with no pleating in a solid color like black. Avoid off-white, which looks dated.Where to find it: • This one is from Ethan Allen.• Lamps Plus has many ginger jar lamps.• Search Etsy for terms like "ginger jar," "temple jar" and "chinoiserie lamp."• Browse ginger jars on Houzz.
Part of traditional style is architecture, usually what you might find in a turn-of-the-century home. You can restore or add architectural details like wainscoting, crown molding or beadboard to evoke a more traditional design. Where to find it: • New England Classic• Hardware stores and lumberyards. A designer can help you think through the styles, and a contractor can install your choice.
When you're ready to splurge on a true antique but can't make it to the flea market in Paris, 1stdibs has an unmatched collection of antique and vintage pieces, and you can sort by era and price.Where to find it: • 1stdibs has tables and other beautiful antiques.• Search for local shops that specialize in "fine antiques" to see pieces in person before purchasing.
If your taste leans toward more formal and elegant traditional pieces, you may find what you're looking for at Wisteria. The site even offers some antiques. Where to find it: • Wisteria has case goods and other traditional styles.• Home Decorators Collection offers many classic pieces.
You don't have to buy antique for traditional design. You can find lots of classic furniture shapes online that you can customize with different fabrics. Where to find it: • Ballard Designs has bergère chairs and other traditional furniture.• Horchow has many beautiful seating options.
When shopping for traditional furniture, look for antiques or antique shapes, like a bergère (shown here), wingback or slipper chair. Curvy legs and detailed carved wood are signs of traditional design. Instead of stiff and uncomfortable upholstery, look for down-filled cushions that are more forgiving for modern activities such as watching TV.
Designers known for their traditional style:• Legendary decorator Billy Baldwin loved slipper chairs (like the ones shown here) and used them often — always skirted. Check out his book Billy Baldwin Decorates.• Suzanne Rheinstein's interiors are extremely elegant and use ample antiques and fine fabrics.• Bunny Williams loves color and has an amazing eye for detail, both in furniture and accessories.• Tobi Fairley uses traditional shapes and arrangements but with a Southern flair for hospitality.• David Mitchell's smart use of color and interesting furniture layouts breathe new life into traditional pieces.Browse more designersMore inspiration on traditional style:Houzz Tour: Traditional-Style Townhouse in Colonial WilliamsburgGet Cozy With Traditional Old-World DecoratingHome Styles: New Traditional DesignTell us: Is your home decorated in the traditional style? Share a photo below!...
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