Discover how classic furniture in this traditional living room came together with fresh design to breathe new life into a timeless living space.
When a homeowner reached out to Herman’s Furniture for help with new window treatments, she had no idea she was about to begin a full makeover of her traditional living room. What started as a small update quickly turned into a creative collaboration between homeowner and designer, resulting in a stunning transition from traditional décor to a sophisticated, light-filled transitional style.
Honoring the Past Traditional Living Room While Designing for the Present
The homeowner had a beautiful collection of classic Chippendale furniture and burgundy Oriental rugs—pieces full of character and history. Rather than replacing them, the designer focused on elevating and integrating these investment pieces into a fresher, more modern look.
The original space featured deep jewel tones and floral patterns. By introducing a white sofa, glass coffee table with matching side tables, and a soft winter white area rug, the room took on a brighter, more open feel.
Thoughtful Choices, Modern Updates to This Traditional Living Room
Instead of adding more bulky furniture, the designer brought in two custom ottomans upholstered in textured fabric and finished with nailhead trim. These offered extra seating while keeping the space airy and flexible.
A serene color palette of light blue, soft teal, gray, and metallic accents helped unify the room. Above the sofa, stacked modern artwork created a striking focal point—bringing a bold, contemporary edge to the otherwise classic room.
Breathing New Life into Beloved Traditional Living Room Pieces
One of the homeowner’s must-haves was keeping her pair of wingback chairs that flanked the fireplace. The solution? Reupholster them in a rich velvet texture and add tufted accent pillows for a cohesive, luxurious touch. A repurposed side table between the chairs proved that great design doesn’t always require new purchases—sometimes it’s about seeing what you already own in a new light.
To finish the space, mixed metal accessories were added to the mantel, along with a modern canvas artwork, creating a balanced blend of old and new.
Let Your Design Story Begin
This transformation from a traditional living room style to a modern living room is proof that refreshing your home doesn’t require starting from scratch. Whether it’s reupholstering a favorite chair or adding modern accessories, even small updates can make a big difference.
At Herman’s Furniture, the design team makes the process seamless, guiding you through every step. Ready to begin your own transformation? View our Inspiration Gallery, explore more inspiring episodes of House Stories, and get started with your new furniture here.
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