8 Traditional Interior Design Trends Making a Comeback in Chicago

As the charm of yesteryear meets modern sensibilities, traditional interior design is reemerging as a beloved aesthetic in Chicago homes. Offering a warm, timeless appeal, this style showcases rich textures, classic motifs, and heritage-inspired details. Let’s delve into eight trends that are making a grand return in the Windy City.

1. The Return of Ornate Woodwork

Incorporating rich wood details such as crown moldings, wainscoting, and carved trims is gaining favor once again. These elements offer depth and sophistication, transforming rooms into elegant statements of traditional craftsmanship.

Homeowners are reconnecting with the refined artistry of ornately carved woodwork, which can serve as the linchpin of any traditional design scheme. This renaissance of intricate wood designs provides an opportunity to personalize each room, from the dramatic entry hall to the intimate study. The National Wood Flooring Association highlights how these embellishments not only celebrate traditional craftsmanship but also boost the home’s resale value by emphasizing authentic style.

Lakesha Rose from L Rose Interior Design has often been inspired by the timeless appeal of woodwork, incorporating rich textures into her projects to bring depth and dimension. She explains that when reintroducing woodwork, it’s essential to balance it with modern minimalism to avoid overwhelming the space.

2. Classic Patterns in Modern Spaces

Patterns like damask, toile, and plaid are reappearing in modern interiors. These classic designs blend beautifully with contemporary furnishings, adding visual interest and a touch of history.

In contemporary spaces, classic patterns like houndstooth and paisley serve as bridges between the old and the new. These motifs can be subtly integrated through upholstery, area rugs, or even wallpaper, offering a dynamic contrast against sleek modern lines. The resurgence of these patterns is akin to a visual dialogue between periods, demonstrating how tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously.

Visitors to showroom spaces, like those by Drury Design, often express delight at how such patterns enliven a room. Mixing these time-honored styles with modern elements doesn’t just enhance décor but also tells a captivating story through design.

3. Elegant Antique Furniture Pieces

Antique and vintage furniture are being celebrated for their timeless appeal. These pieces not only add character but also tell a story, enhancing the overall narrative of your home. Look for quality craftsmanship and intricate details.

The charm of antique furniture is its ability to transport us to different eras, inviting the warmth and intimacy of the past into our present-day homes. Selecting pieces with a history not only adds depth to any setting but also encourages sustainable design practices. Pieces like an intricately carved dining table or a stately armoire bring a sophistication that’s difficult to replicate with modern mass-produced alternatives.

4. Charming Chintz Fabrics

Once considered dated, chintz fabrics with their vibrant floral patterns are making a spirited return. Used for upholstery, draperies, or accent pillows, they bring a lively, garden-inspired feel into the home.

Chintz fabrics are reclaiming their rightful position in the tapestry of interior design by reviving their bold, lavish florals. When Deftly applied, they embody a cheerful nostalgia while perfectly aligning with the broader trend of biophilic design, which seeks to bring the outdoors in. By pairing chintz with natural, earthy tones or vintage-inspired colors, homeowners are finding new ways to blend the vibrancy of these prints with a subtler, modern taste.

5. Exquisite Chandeliers and Light Fixtures

Dramatic, elegant lighting is marking its return as chandeliers become focal points in dining rooms and entryways. Vintage-inspired light fixtures add a sense of grandeur and can elevate any space.

Chandeliers, with their cascading crystals and intricate metalwork, are illuminating homes once more with a grand flourish. These fixtures deliver a dose of luxury and, when juxtaposed with modern LED technology, showcase a seamless marriage of form and function. Intricate details captivate the eye while providing practical lighting solutions—a sentiment echoed by lighting designers committed to preserving the art of the chandelier even amidst tech advances.

Incorporating statement lighting from L Rose Interior Design, such as a breathtaking chandelier, not only underscores a room’s aesthetic but also enhances the ambiance, bathing the space in a warm, inviting glow that harmonizes with traditional interiors.

6. Rich, Luxurious Textiles

Velvets, silks, and brocades are being reintroduced into home decor, adding a layer of luxury and comfort. These materials lend richness and warmth, perfect for cozy yet upscale interiors.

Velvet recalls a rich heritage of opulence and comfort, its tactile dimension inviting touch and fostering warmth. Brocades, with their regal patterns, can add fascinating textures when used smartly as a unifying theme through cushions, drapes, or even as statement upholstery on chic accent chairs. The subtle shimmers of silk create a soft elegance that complements the time-honored themes of traditional design while maintaining an adaptive appeal that fits even the most modern of rooms.

7. The Comeback of Wallpaper

Wallpaper is back in a big way, offering a wealth of stylish patterns and textures that paint simply can’t match. From understated elegance to bold designs, wallpaper can redefine a space’s personality.

The appeal of wallpaper lies in its ability to act as a canvas for the imagination. With numerous patterns—from regal damasks to geometric Art Deco—wallpaper becomes an integral part of the room’s character. Utilizing textures and colors previously unimaginable in paint, contemporary wallpaper options redefine spaces, offering versatility that resonates well with today’s design sensibilities.

With the steady hand of a seasoned designer, such as those at L Rose Interior Design, choosing the perfect wallpaper can transform a simple room into an exquisite masterpiece, reflecting your personal style through intricate details.

8. Sophisticated Architectural Features

Elements like built-in bookcases, arches, and coffered ceilings are being embraced once again. These features add depth and architectural integrity, creating a home that feels both historical and enduring.

The resurgence of sophisticated architectural features like arches and ornate ceilings signals a return to stately home design. These details produce a grounding effect, anchoring the space in a sense of tradition while adding a visually engaging layer of complexity. In the realm of traditional interiors, bookcases lined with cherished volumes subtly weave thematic richness, effortlessly blending functionality with undeniable elegance.

By consulting experts, such as Lakesha Rose from L Rose Interior Design, homeowners can seamlessly integrate these historical elements, crafting interiors that not only honor tradition but also herald a personal connection to the past.