When mixing old and new styles, the key is for it to feel effortless. And the living room of The Castle, designed by Joanna Gaines, is a lesson in making this tricky balance look totally easy and natural.
Also known as transitional design, the mixing of styles and eras can be found throughout the whole of The Castle. Joanna is, of course, known for her love of mixing modern and rustic, but in the living room, the mix is even more layered, bringing in touches of mid-century modern, plus some really luxurious pieces that nod to the room's grand architecture.
Here, we take a tour of the space, learning what makes this transitional space work and how to recreate this effortlessly layered look.
Built in 1890, The Castle is an example of the Gilded Age's immense wealth and architectural progression. Joanna began renovating the building in 2019, using her eclectic eye to bring the interiors back to life.
Joanna Gaines's Castle entryway connects to the transitional living room. It's undoubtedly one of the grandest rooms on the property as it embraces the original architecture, only enhanced by the mix of old and new decor.
While many may be tempted to go down the traditional route (it is a castle after all), Joanna stayed true to her style, making the space feel refreshed and contemporary. Following vintage furniture trends as well as current ones, she's incorporated a pair of antique-style leather armchairs to go alongside a sleek velvet sofa. A curved brass coffee table brings the two styles together, acting as a source of storage as well as an area for more chic decor.
Joanna has definitely considered all of the transitional style decorating rules by ensuring that she's balanced the modern decor with rustic pieces. Nodding to the grandeur of the living room, Joanna has featured a classic mantel clock that ties in with the 19th-century style, along with a vintage easel holding a scenic landscape. To balance this out, she's scattered metallic decor, like the candle sconces and statement chandelier, lifting the darker wood and setting the more contemporary, luxurious tone of the space.
The living room (like much of the property) features original wood paneling. Following a transitional color scheme, Joanna cleverly lifted this room (unlike the dark wood hallway and dining room) with muted gray paint, highlighting the architecture while giving the space a refreshed, airy feel. The rest of the walls have been painted white, adding to the room's brightness.
Tying the room together and adding to the uplifting feel, Joanna has incorporated a few different types of greenery, from the large potted tree in the corner to the leafy plant on the coffee table, channeling nature and adding pockets of freshness.
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Joanna has incorporated several small side tables throughout the space, adding to the laid-back, lounge feel of the room. This glass gold table is the perfect transitional piece, acting as the transition between old and new pieces.
Joanna has used an easel to hold the painting in the living room to not detract from the beautifully paneled walls. This antique-style example will do a great job of holding any piece of art and allow your architecture to shine.
A mantel clock is a classic traditional piece that will give your fireplace a traditional, timeless feel. Inspired by vintage designs, pair some rustic decor alongside this clock for a truly transitional mantel display.
You'll notice two gold candle sconces on either side of the mirror in The Castle living room. This brass double sconce will elevate the elegance of any space and provide you with the perfect warm glow.
No coffee table is complete without a set of classic design books and Joanna proves this in The Castle living room. This Monte Carlo edition is a staple and will encourage guests to flick through whilst lounging.
A leather armchair is a living room staple, guaranteed to make a space feel cozy and eclectic. With its midcentury-shaped frame, the Holland chair feels vintage and would blend beautifully in a transitional space.
Joanna has perfectly balanced current trends with a traditional feel, creating an uplifting and inspiring living space that embraces The Castle's stunning architecture. Recreating the transitional look is about embracing new pieces (as well as old), for even the most traditional settings.
