Inspiration / Looks We're Loving / Traditional Reimagined

Traditional Reimagined

By Chelsea Harris Published On April 28, 2026

Sunlit traditional kitchen with white cabinets, wood countertops, an apron sink by a window and a basket of fresh produce on the counter

The start of a new year feels as good a time as any to get back in touch with our roots, and what makes Schoolhouse, well, Schoolhouse. This year, we're exploring and focusing on four style points when dreaming up new designs for our upcoming collections.

To kick things off, we're drawing attention to our own respectful yet updated spin on classic heritage-inspired silhouettes. Enter "Traditional Reimagined", a design philosophy focused on materials and finishes that reference American and European (such as British, German, and Scandinavian) designs from the 18th and 19th centuries. Below, we share simple ways to include this design style in your own home without doing a complete overhaul of your space.

To us, "Traditional Reimagined" is all about putting a twist on tradition by infusing time-honored styles with pattern, color, and new materials.

Entryway leading into kitchen with checkered floor.

Close up shot of living room built in shelf.

Kids bedroom with yellow armoire and plaid wool rug.

[article-products row_number="0" products_per_row="4"]

1. Embrace Pattern

Embracing the "traditional reimagined" design philosophy is all about introducing more modern colors and patterns in a time-honored way. One of our favorite ways to reimagine a space without having to do a complete revamp on your home decor, or switch up your furniture and lighting, is to simply add wallpaper. Whether you opt to wallpaper an entire room, or just an accent wall, this relatively easy project will make a big impact in any room.

Another easy way to add a pop of pattern to your space is in the form of throw pillows or textiles. Whether you opt for something more romantic, like our Garden Party Throw Pillows, opens in a new tab, or more folk-inspired, such as our Stillwater Floral Quilt, opens in a new tab, there's really no wrong way to introduce color and pattern to your home.

Bright red floral wallpaper on wall behind antique white vanity.

Close up shot of living room couch with colorful throw pillows.

White side table in front of wallpapered wall in living room.

[article-products row_number="1" products_per_row="4"]

2. Choose Heritage Lighting

When you think about traditional European designs from the 18th and 19th centuries a certain eclecticism may come to mind. Beginning with Early Colonial style that focused on unassuming and modest pieces, over time these designs steadily became more lavish and ornate until the Victorian era, when designers started reimagining styles from the past.

Our favorite heritage lighting picks, such as the Graduate Lamp, opens in a new tab or the sculptural yet refined Augustine Pendant, opens in a new tab, are our very own reimagining of styles from the past. So if you're looking to welcome a "traditional reimagined" style into your home, opting for our collection of heritage-inspired lighting is as good a place as any to start.

Dining room table with wine and wine glasses on top.

Bright and airy bedroom with floral bedding on bed next to scalloped side table with lamp.

[article-products row_number="2" products_per_row="4"]

3. Introduce New Materials

An easy way to embrace traditional design is by introducing classic materials and reinvented styles into your home. Whether it's swapping out your outdated hardware for something more luxe, or adding in a timeless piece of furniture, such as our Bentwood Caned Chairs, opens in a new tab which were originally designed by Michael Thonet in the mid-1800s, it's easy to reimagine your home in a new light with one of these simple swaps.

Breakfast nook with red bentwood cane chairs.