Defining Transitional Design

Have you suddenly be hearing about transitional interior design all over town lately?  I feel like, have I been missing out on something?  Suddenly it's the go-to genre.  Not for no reason though, it is tasteful and calming.  So the big question is, what exactly is transitional design?

As the name implies, it's mix of traditional and contemporary styles.  Some clues would be calm fabrics, mixing plain, geometric and floral.  Lighting fixtures that have white linen shades and mixing oil rubbed bronze and satin nickel finishes.  Below are some good examples.....

Photo credits: http://elenidecor.com/dining-room-lighting/, hgtv.com, http://www.homeportfolio.com/Designers/Room/30642,