Traditional interior designers are masters of bringing the past into the present and devising spaces that will stand the test of time. But, though these maestros may take inspiration from history, their interiors are anything but dated. Younger generations are rediscovering the allure of classic design and its signature elements, including antiques and vintage furnishings, chintz, and lots of blue and white. Alongside them, designers have found fresh ways to reinterpret timeless styles for a new era of living, giving their clients personal and functional spaces. Whether you’re a longtime traditionalist or a newly minted grandmillennial, the following traditional interior designers—all of whom are listed on the AD PRO Directory—can give your home a look that is timeless yet livable.
JMA Interior Design
Based in Jupiter, Florida, JMA Interior Design proves that traditional design doesn’t have to be boring. Principal and creative director Jackie Armour brings a sense of fun and creativity to each of the firm’s projects across the country, infusing spaces with color, pattern, and luxe details. Armour and her team pride themselves on translating their client’s needs into elegant and livable spaces—whether it’s a residence or a private jet—using their signature combination of timeless and lively style.
Marea Clark Interiors
Known for her artistic eye, Marea Clark Interiors founder Marea Clark combines traditional Southern sophistication with California ease. The Kentucky-raised, San Francisco–based designer blends antiques, fine art, and contemporary design with the work of Californian artisans and makers to create inventive, approachable spaces that reflect her clients’ lifestyles and personalities. The firm focuses on bringing comfort, elegance, and functionality to its projects from coast to coast.
Cheri Etchelecu Interior Design
Beauty and function are at the heart of each of Cheri Etchelecu Interior Design’s projects. Founded 30 years ago by principal Cheri Etchelecu Martin, the Dallas firm is known for its collaboration with clients, resulting in highly personalized spaces filled with warmth and elegance. Etchelecu Martin mixes old and new, incorporating homeowners’ beloved pieces with new finds for rooms that feel layered and comfortable. From high-rise apartments to ranch houses, the firm creates classic designs that stand the test of time.
JLA
Based on the Gold Coast of Michigan, JLA is known for its classic creations, from shingle-style lake houses to grand country estates. Founder Jonathan Lee has a deep understanding of traditional design thanks to his decades of experience in the design industry and time teaching at the University of Notre Dame Rome Studies Program, Parsons School of Design, and the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. The firm brings the latest materials and construction methods to each project, devising elegant spaces that feel like they’ve been there forever.
Robert Frank Interiors
The lifestyle and design history of California inspire designer Robert Frank’s polished yet laid-back interiors. The Pasadena-based firm infuses each design with a sense of “fresh informality,” and functionality is always a top priority. Frank makes his interiors unique by contrasting finishes, textures, and colors while maintaining a tranquil and comfortable atmosphere. If you’re looking for a full-service designer who can tackle every aspect of a project, from preconstruction planning to project management, then Frank might be the pro for you.
Bambi A’lynn Interior Design
Another one of AD PRO Directory’s traditional interior designers is Austin-based firm Bambi A’lynn Interior Design. Their specialty? Translating clients’ personal style into fashion-forward homes. Owner Bambi Bratton has an eye for pattern and color and isn’t afraid to go bold with either, whether it’s with a leafy green lacquered kitchen or a sapphire blue library. Bratton takes an individualized approach to each project, collaborating closely with her clients to help them discover their sense of taste and create a home that celebrates it.
Alexandra Naranjo Designs
Spirited, fresh, and timeless: That’s how Ontario and West Palm Beach–based designer Alexandra Naranjo sums up her signature style, which incorporates an unexpected mix of modern and classic design. Naranjo is known for her skillful use of color and ability to transform traditional spaces into vivid jewel boxes. Bold wallpaper; lacquered cabinetry; and sparkling, sculptural lighting fixtures add panache to Naranjo’s curated designs. The traditional maximalist also puts her fearless style on display in her sunny, Mizner-inspired Palm Beach showroom.
Trade Mark Interiors
Sarasota-based firm Trade Mark Interiors takes a psychological approach to design, paying attention to how a home’s interior can impact mood. Principal designer Tracee Murphy and her team strategically use color to create spaces that not only look good, but also make their clients feel good. (Fittingly, Murphy holds degrees in both interior design and psychology.) The firm specializes in devising homes that fit their clients’ lifestyles and individual tastes, using soothing hues and natural materials to create polished, livable spaces.
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Elizabeth Ghia Interiors
Designer Elizabeth Ghia brings her extensive knowledge of design history to her many projects along the East Coast. The Coral Gables, Florida–based talent draws inspiration from 20th-century design icons and is known for designing spaces that are classic yet fresh. Artistic materials, vintage and antique furnishings, and custom upholstery are all hallmarks of Ghia’s personalized interiors.
Meredith Ellis Design
Traditional doesn’t have to mean formal and impersonal. For proof, one only needs to look at the work of Dallas-based firm Meredith Ellis Design: Founder Meredith Ellis prides herself on designing spaces with soul, a feat she accomplishes by skillfully layering patterns, textures, and color. The results are detail-packed interiors that are a feast for the eyes. Currently working on projects across the country, the designer also applies her knack for curation to JAMES, a to-the-trade showroom with locations in Dallas, Houston, and New York.
Casagrande Studio
If you’re seeking traditionalism with a side of whimsy, look no further than Casagrande Studio. Founder Cecilia Casagrande specializes in creating joy-inspiring interiors, confidently incorporating rich colors, eye-catching patterns, and eclectic treasures into deeply layered and personal spaces. The Brookline, Massachusetts–based firm is known for its work on historic homes, giving older houses new life and making them work for modern living.
Ariel Okin Interiors
“Traditional with a twist” is how designer Ariel Okin describes her signature style. It’s an aesthetic that has garnered a star-studded list of clients, including Lena Dunham and Sara Foster. Her namesake New York–based firm tackles luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality projects across the country, infusing each one with warmth and personality—whether it’s a Manhattan co-op apartment, the Brooklyn office of Maisonette, or the Manhattan headquarters of Goop.
Stephanie Parisi Studio
Del Mar, California–based firm Stephanie Parisi Studio looks at design through the lens of wellness, believing that interiors can impact our well-being and our sense of harmony and balance. Founder Stephanie Parisi finds inspiration in her extensive travels, and she collaborates with artists, artisans, and tradespeople both internationally and in the US to bring unique elements to each project, whether it be a luxury residence or a boutique hotel.
Kate Figler Interiors
New England meets Nashville in the work of designer Kate Figler, which blends the charm of the northeast, where she was raised, with the tradition of her new home in the South. The Nashville-based designer doesn’t shy away from pattern or color and uses luxe fabrics and natural textures for spaces that are both classic and comfortable. Functionality is a crucial consideration for Figler, who believes her clients’ homes should be both livable and beautiful.
Are you looking for an interior decorator or designer to hire for your next project? Whichever style suits you, visit the AD PRO Directory to browse our list of AD-approved designers and find your match for a design consultation
