When you hear the term “traditional design,” I know some of you may see the following: ornate patterns, heavy fabrics, and (gasp!) DARK furniture that feels straight out of another era. At Common Thread Interiors, we see traditional design as the foundation for something much more versatile and approachable.
Our take on traditional design is rooted in balance. We draw from the classic lines, timeless proportions, and balanced design that has, well, worked for a century.Then, we add our updated touches: fresh color palettes, fun, updated (performance) fabrics, and carefully chosen accent pieces that breathe life and personality into spaces and, most importantly, reflect the client’s personality.
What Does “Updated Traditional” Look Like?
Years ago, a friend shared a saying with me: “If it’s brown, put it down.” Who dubbed this?! Beautiful, brown furniture— rich, wood tones—can bring gravitas to an interior and create harmonious balance. The warmth and depth of wood anchor a room and provide a timeless quality that lighter finishes simply can’t replicate.
That said, design trends are always evolving. Lighter, white finishes often take center stage, accompanied by the neutral aesthetics that Hollywood and Restoration Hardware popularized—think monochromatic off-white palettes and oversized, cloud-like sectionals. While these styles may shine in their moment, they often lack the depth and timeless appeal of spaces that integrate traditional elements.
Picture a beautiful, solid wood dining table passed down through generations, paired with custom upholstered chairs that not only add comfort but also a touch of the unexpected with a vibrant fabric. Or a living room featuring timeless neutral tones, brought to life with striking grasscloth wallpaper, brightly colored art, and, of course, some bold, cheery pillows.
Combinations like this honor the past while embracing the present—creating a space that feels not only personal and warm but current and, most importantly, yours.
Why This Philosophy Works
A room should feel like it belongs to you—not to a fleeting trend. By grounding our designs in traditional elements and infusing them with thoughtful updates, we create interiors that stand the test of time. These are spaces that grow with you, adapting to different seasons of life while retaining their charm and functionality.
Investing in high-quality furniture pieces with classic appeal ensures that your interiors don’t just look good today but will remain beautiful for years to come. By adding modern touches, we keep the design fresh and current.
Designing for Lasting Value
One of our core beliefs at Common Thread Interiors is that great design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about how a space supports and enhances your life. Updated traditional design prioritizes both form and function, blending timeless beauty with the needs of modern living. Whether it’s creating a cozy reading nook or a dining space that inspires lively family dinners, our goal is to craft interiors that feel like home.
Here in the showroom, we source from many companies renowned for their refined approach to updated traditional design. For highly customizable wood furniture, Chaddock offers our clients an impressive array of finishes to choose from. When it comes to upholstery and leather, we are loving MT Company, Hancock & Moore, and Carolina Custom Leather for our clients these days. As for fabrics and wallpapers, while we source from numerous suppliers, Thibaut and Schumacher remain key players in our workroom rotation.
Let’s Make It Timeless, Together
If you’re ready to transform your space with a look that combines classic elegance and contemporary ease, let’s start the conversation. At Common Thread Interiors, we’re passionate about creating homes where beauty and practicality coexist, delivering a timeless style with a modern twist.
