If you asked most people what style their home is decorated in, you’d most likely hear “transitional.” That’s because transitional style lends itself to interpretation. Most homeowners have a home that’s acquired, meaning that they’ve added to their decor with time, and as their budget allowed. But that’s not really the best definition of transitional – one of America’s favorite styles today.

Strong on tradition: Transitional style borrows heavily from traditional style but uses a modern interpretation, particularly where color is concerned. While traditional style incorporates color, transitional leans heavily toward neutrals for a cleaner, leaner, lighter-feeling room. Yet, the bones of traditional are still there.

Transitional isn’t just lightening up an old favorite; it’s about incorporating neutrals and making a nod to another popular decorating style.

Cool contemporary: Transitional can be mislabeled as traditional light, but also as a heavier contemporary. But transitional does borrow a lot from contemporary, such as avoiding fussy accessories or frills on furniture. The use of simple neutrals and heavy use of a singular color is another way it relates. Transitional also borrows from the gender-neutral qualities of contemporary styles, but it’s a warmer, more inviting decor than contemporary due to the heavy use of textured and graphic fabrics.

Total transition: If you want to create a transitional decor in your home, start with color. Chances are, you can create a transitional style in a room simply by using what you have. Think of color as a paint swatch from a home center. Typically featuring six shades of a single color, the paint chip is divided by intensity of color.

Gather furnishings that would function like individual shades on a paint chip. This will keep all your items in the same color family. Choose pieces that are amply-sized yet have clean lines. Next, select textiles or upholstered items that are highly textural, such as a nubby chenille or fabric with a bold pattern, still in the same color family.

Look for accessories similar in color to your furniture and add just a few distinct accents, such as a bubble crystal lamp or a mirrored chest. These work like neutral exclamation points in the room – a hallmark of transitional style.

When pulling together accent pieces and accessories, items like glass tables and metallic accents add lightness and elegance. Pull in a plant, such as a simple potted orchid or a single large silk tree, to round out your look.

Transitional is a style that has a cool sophistication that’s still warm and welcoming. Adding some graphical wallpaper can help you create a transitional space quickly. You’ll be rewarded with a room that exudes comfortable sophistication.