Of all the interior design styles out there, traditional is among the most enduring and classic – one that's always in style, especially in older homes. There are many foundational elements to consider when creating a traditional scheme, and the right color choices are one of the most vital.
But what are the best colors to use for traditional decorating ideas? While muted cool tones like pale blue and green are strongly associated with traditional design, this decorating style also lends itself to darker hues as well as neutral room color ideas.
To help you on your way with creating your own traditional color ideas, we spoke to interior designers who share below their favorite colors to decorate with for this classic design style.
1. Decorate with cool tones
Traditional interior design schemes often reflect cool color schemes, such as soft blues and greens which feel soothing yet put-together.
'In some of our recent projects, we embraced a traditional color scheme of soft cool tones – pale blue, soft green, and off-white – to create a serene and timeless living space,' explains interior designer Sarah Hargrave, owner of The Collective. 'In traditional design, blues and greens are basically neutrals, offering versatility and an effortlessly classic look. To maintain this aesthetic, we paired these tones with elegant details such as tailored drapery, intricate trim work, and antique-inspired furnishings.'
When decorating with cool colors, Sarah advises incorporating warmer tones through accents to create balance: 'Balance soft cool tones with warm accents, like brass lighting or natural wood, to keep the space feeling inviting and grounded.'
2. Create a fresh look with blue and white
Decorating with blue and white is another go-to color scheme for traditional rooms, which also nods to coastal color schemes.
'The living room in this home is done in blue and white, with warm tones included for contrast,' explains interior designer Lina Galvao of Curated Nest Interiors. 'Blue and white is a timeless color scheme that will never go out of style, perfect for a design that leans traditional or coastal.'
'This home is near the water and offers a great setting for using these colors in their purest form. When contrasting blue with bright white, we recommend going all bold or all light in the blue tones, which creates a major statement or a softer statement, but not in between, which can feel confused or washed out. This living room is a high-contrast take on the color combo, drawing upon nature and offering depth in a space with lower ceilings,' adds Lina.
3. Reflect nature with soothing greens
Decorating with green is a timeless choice, and pared-back, not-too-saturated shades of green also feel classic, making them a great choice for traditional rooms.
'Greens are perfect for a traditional scheme,' says interior designer Jenny Luck, who designed this green living room. 'Classic period homes are enriched with a variety of architectural features such as ornate ceiling roses, wooden paneling, and moldings that you can accentuate with your choice of paint. I like to vary the shades slightly with a tonal palette which provides interest yet feels soothing and leans into the history of the home.'
4. Decorate with pink and green
Another tried and tested color pairing for traditional rooms is pink and green. Pairing these two hues creates a complementary color scheme, meaning they sit opposite one another on the color wheel so naturally work well together. When doing so, opt for soft and slightly muted variations of each hue to ensure the room feels classic and not too lively.
'Muted pink and green have been a classic pairing in interior design for centuries, evolving out of historical European interiors,' explains Josh Maniaci, senior interior designer at Blackberry Farm Design. 'It’s a timeless combination. The blending of the warmth of pink with the freshness of the green gives a space a balanced and elegant aesthetic that feels both traditional and inviting.'
In this traditional living room, the pink and green color combination is used subtly through smaller decor items while the neutral walls help create a timeless and calming feel.
5. Use muted colors as neutrals
Muted and de-saturated colors can work in place of neutrals in a traditional scheme, much like the subdued green walls in this bedroom. This understated hue provides just enough color to create interest but feels classic enough to look great for many years to come.
'When you want a space to transition through multiple seasons of life, selecting a traditional color scheme is always where you should start,' explains interior designer Kelly Sutherland of Kelly Sutherland Designs. 'This muted green serves as a handsome backdrop for this little boy’s room that will carry him into his teen years.'
Here, Sherwin-Williams' Svelte Sage at 70% was used on the ceiling and walls, complete with Benjamin Moore's Galápagos Green on the trim.
6. Keep it classic with light tones
'Creating a traditional color scheme can be created with paint choices that evoke history and elegance while maintaining an element of sophistication and warmth,' says Paula Dixon of Paula Dixon Design. 'A neutral color palette paired with muted blues and taupes can be the perfect combination for this timeless aesthetic, allowing your space to feel timeless and inviting.'
'Our client's home is in a neighborhood built in the '40s and '50s. Our firm wanted to design something that would stand the test of time but pay homage to the history surrounding it. Infusing with the homeowner's preferred style we chose a creamy white by Benjamin Moore called White Dove for the cabinets paired with Tapestry Beige for the walls. Bringing in blues in the backsplash, countertop, and window treatments,' explains Paula.
'Traditional schemes thrive on intentional application. Stick to a limited range of colors to avoid clashing tones or too many accent colors. This keeps the look cohesive and refined,' Paula adds.
7. Opt for blue and red
While soft and muted colors feel at home in a traditional color scheme, there's a whole realm of darker hues to explore too. For example, dark navy blue and dark red are undeniably classic and sophisticated, a great option if you want to go bolder with your color choices.
'The combination of navy blue and crimson red continues to be a timeless and sophisticated choice,' says interior designer Betsy Wentz who used this color pairing in this snug room.
'To create a traditional room, pair navy blue walls with red accents. Balance these bold colors with neutral elements, like beige or cream-colored upholstery and wood tones, to prevent the space from feeling overwhelming or too dramatic,' Betsy suggests.
8. Embrace dark paints in small rooms
If you want to achieve a moodier feel with your traditional color scheme, dark paints can be both timeless and chic. In this study, a deep blue is used, color drenching the space for a dramatic look that's complete with gold accents which add sophistication.
'Blue is a versatile color that exudes calmness and stability. In traditional design, shades like navy or royal blue offer a sense of depth and formality,' explains interior designer Karen Wolf of K+Co. Living.
While dark colors like this one are classic, they may be best placed in rooms such as home offices or cozy snugs that are most likely smaller rooms. Used in the main living spaces they can feel overwhelming day-to-day.
Whether you're drawn to soft and muted colors that feel both classic and relaxing or want to go bolder with your color choices by using dark paints, there are many different ways to create a traditional color scheme for a timeless approach to decorating your home.
