Blue transitional dining room with glam touches, by Decorilla

Transitional interiors are far more than a blend of contemporary and traditional designs. Classic and fresh, this style is perfect for families and dinner party-worthy dining rooms. One recent client turned to Decorilla for exactly this reason. She wanted a transitional style dining room to replace her dated space. Read on to learn how we transformed a drab room into a classy yet approachable space.

The Challenge: Transitional Dining Room Design

The client wanted to update her dining room from floor to ceiling, as the entire space felt dated. Her home office, situated right across the hall and decorated in a transitional style, was the main source of her inspiration. She loved its refined yet casual atmosphere and wanted the same for her dining room. Bearing this in mind, the designers faced the following challenges:

  • Design a dining room that adheres to the top transitional interior design must-haves
  • Ensure the dining room coordinates with the home office, while making it slightly less feminine
  • Incorporate the client’s five existing black and white framed prints into the new design
  • Replace existing furnishings that contribute to the space’s dated look with transitional dining room décor and furniture

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Design Inspiration: Transitional Dining Room Ideas

Transitional dining room with wallpaper by Decorilla designer, Dana H.
Transitional dining room with wallpaper by Decorilla designer, Dana H.

Her online dining room design ideas made it clear that the client knew exactly what she wanted. All but one of her inspirational photos included a deep blue, white, and gold color palette. White walls and furnishings within the dining rooms grounded the spaces. In turn, it allowed the dark blue and golden accents used throughout to shine. 

Transitional dining room by Decorilla designer, Meric S.
Transitional dining room by Decorilla designer, Meric S.

The client also appreciated high-contrast designs, as well as a combination of modern and traditional pieces. Both her preferred use of color and love of simple yet sophisticated décor was typical of the transitional style.

Initial Concepts: Finding the Right Designer

Preliminary proposal by Decorilla designer, Aida A.
Preliminary proposal by Decorilla designer, Aida A.

In order to start the process, the client filled out a convenient online questionnaire. Afterward, she completed her design brief. Decorilla then identified two of their best-suited designers. They received all the client’s information and created a transitional dining room moodboard each.

Both designers came up with gorgeous concepts. They used the client’s preferred color palette, along with a good selection of classy contemporary décor. It was a difficult decision to make but ultimately it was Drew F.’s vision for the space that won the client over.

Decorilla transitional dining room ideas and mood board
Preliminary proposal by Decorilla designer, Drew F.

The client’s home office, right across the hallway from her dining room, served as a great source of inspiration for Drew. He wanted to link the two spaces while keeping them both unique. A shared color palette and transitional décor connected the two rooms. He was sure to use distinctly neutral-feeling dining room ideas, distinguishing it from the more feminine office. Drew also suggested sophisticated transitional dining room furniture. These pieces were specifically selected to further enhance the interior.

Results Revealed: The New Transitional-Style Dining Room

transitional dining table in a classy interior
Transitional dining room design result – Decorilla 3D rendering

The transitional dining room design outcome is everything the client dreamed of and more. Not only did it tick all the boxes but it made full use of the available space while maintaining an airy feeling as well.

From the transitional dining table to the chairs, as well as floor and wall materials – all elements within the space complement the others. Crisp white wainscoting creates visual interest, plus it balances out the midnight blue walls and dark wooden floors. It prevents the room from becoming too dark, while the deeper accents add to the room’s elegance.

Dining room before and after design by Decorilla
Dining room before and after design by Decorilla

Before Drew’s handiwork, the dining room hosted a mix of styles resulting in a lack of cohesive look. The original light blue wall color was nice, but missed the sense of elegance the client sought. Meanwhile, extra seating and storage along the walls left the room feeling cluttered. However, with some new paint, woodwork, furniture and decor, Drew had this dining room look sleek and stylish in no time.

Transitional dining room
Design with transitional dining room furniture – Decorilla 3D rendering

Replacing the old, ornate chandelier with an understated gold one, took the room’s new contemporary look to the next level. In fact, the moody yet elegant ambiance within the transitional-style dining room is due to the warm, low lighting. As the chandelier became a focal point, it tied the other metallic accents together, from slim curtain rod to mirror frames.

Positioning was everything when it came to the mirrors. Their placement lets them bounce daylight around while continuing to sparkle at night. The reflection also elongates the room, making it feel spacious. 

Transitional style dining room ideas
Transitional-style dining room – Decorilla 3D rendering

As per the design brief, the set of five black and white prints remained in the dining room. However, they moved from the wall opposite the entrance to the left side of the entrance, making way for a modern, abstract piece. The new artwork creates some much-needed contrast and cohesion within the interior. It’s especially true when comparing the piece to the opposite office’s floral wallpaper.

Transforming Challenges into Creative Solutions

The furniture, such as the transitional dining table, was carefully selected to bring out the best in the space. The table’s rectangular shape suits the room perfectly. Even with all chairs in place, there’s plenty of space to move around. The white chair upholstery and the faded area rug add lightness, echoing also the mainly white furnishings in the home office. Likewise, the six cane-backed chairs and warm hardwood sideboard boast an Eastern flair. and tie the dining room to the office‘s two Chinese-style Chippendale chairs.

Design Details: Sourcing the Perfect Pieces

Shopping list by Decorilla
Shopping list by Decorilla

Before anything was ordered, Drew walked the client through the full concept in Decorilla’s 3D renderings. Seeing the dining room in three dimensions showed her how the pieces related, which kept her choices clear. Exclusive trade discounts brought timeless, well-made furniture within budget, so the blue and gold scheme came together affordably. And finally, a white-glove concierge handled the ordering and carried the design from concept to a finished room.

Throughout, Drew stayed close to the client’s feedback, tuning pieces so the room echoed her home office across the hall. The final review says it all: “Hey Drew, thank you so much for creating this beautiful design! I love it!

Get the Look: Transitional-Style Dining Room

Whether you’re in love with the faded area rug or transitional dining table, use our top picks to recreate the look in your dining room.

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Decorilla Featured Project – Transitional Stylish Dining Room

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