Tired
of your old decor, but not sure what you want? Read this brief guide
to decorating styles.
There
are so many ways to decorate and as trends come and go, it may be time
for you to look around your home and think about updating the look.
If you are unsure about how to get started, this guide to some of the
more popular decorating styles may give you some ideas.
Arts & Crafts
Also known as Mission. The focus is on spare, bold lines that are based
on the expert craftsmanship of earlier days. Raw wood colors and deep
browns and golds define the style while complemented with forest green,
dusky rose, and ocean blue. Lighting style includes lamps with mica
and copper shades. Fabrics and tiles in simple floral designs contribute
to the Arts & Crafts style.
Cottage
Bring East Coast ocean decor to your home with light breezy shades of
yellows and a touch of navy blue. Wicker and whitewashed Adirondack
chairs, bowls filled with natural items, and plenty of mirrors to reflect
light will bring your cottage look together.
Country
Ever-popular and lends itself to a wide range of themes from fruits
to ducks to gingham checks and aged floral art. Eggshell blues and other
cheery pastels promote a rustic look. Farm finds will fit right in rustic
picture frames and favorite collections of thimbles and spoons.
French Country
Take country decor to the French countryside and imagine filling your
home in the spirit of earthy reds and vibrant golds. Old lace and busy
floral fabrics accent furniture that is textured in distressed painting
technique. Open or glass-paned stands are home to dinnerware.
Modern
Take a sparse white background and fill it with in-your-face bold shapes
and glorious impressionist paintings. Large indoor plants add warmth,
but the "ah" factor is in creating a wide open space that
leads the eye from bright white to bursts of color. Forget practicality,
go for the beauty of the design.
Oriental
The Asian continent provides an array of choices that are meant to create
harmony and peacefulness within the home. Lacquered boxes, paper shades
and room dividers, and miniature water gardens are popular decorating
choices. Simplicity is key and bright colors mingle with subtle woodsy
accents. Add figurines and art in strategic spots and complete the look
with a subtle glow of small table lamps.
Southwestern
Bring the desert inside with adobe accompaniments and plenty of subtle
colors. A touch of Mexico can be filtered in to complete the look, but
try to concentrate on the styles of Native Americans and you'll easily
achieve this style.
Traditional
Time-honored for its warmth and family feel. Heavy fabrics, embroidery,
and symmetry combine to make a cozy environment. Quality furniture is
a necessity to carry an authentic traditional decor - so choose carefully
among those old garage-sale finds. They may be better off in the garage
until your next style swing. Bronzes, gilded items, and the warmest
of earth tones all fit.
Tribal
This style is fairly new, but very popular. Imagine walking into the
room of someone who has traveled around the world, collecting unique
and memorable items from each region. You can mix and match any colors,
fabrics, and textures to achieve the tribal style - painted wood bowls,
beads, faux exotic animal hides will complete the theme. Don't forget
a cannibal fork from Fiji!
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