Decorating
What is Your
Style?
by Kathy Burns-Millyard
There are many different styles of decorating out there. Many people know what
styles they prefer best. But there are some who haven't the faintest idea of
what style suits them best. In the world of decorating there are a few basic
styles to go by. Below you will find a listing of some decorating styles and
which characteristics are common with each one.
Country-Country style is trademarked by is simplicity and practical use of
decorations and furniture. It is the type of home that is well balanced and is
steady through the best of times and the worst of times. A country style home is
best described as a home that screams simplicity. And its owner wishes for a
simple and rural life. Some characteristic features of the country style are
handcrafted furniture, wood planked floors, simple hung curtains and plain white
walls. The plain white walls are accented by primary colors such as red, green
and blue.
Colonial-The colonial style is characteristic of bold colors and attractive
décor. The colonial style is a mixture of the world of ideas, philosophy,
science and nature. A colonial style home is one that has either painted floors
or stylish Oriental rugs. In a colonial home wainscoting is a prevalent method
of wall treatments. An obvious example of a colonial home is that of George
Washington's home. Although the colonial style is not very popular today, there
are still a few older homes that have this décor and look very well with it.
Southwestern-The Southwestern style is characterized by it thick and commanding
adobe walls and it Native American décor. Most modern southwestern homes have
beautiful kiva fireplaces in the main room. This gives the room a beautiful and
homey feel of the desert southwest. Bright color furniture is great in a
southwestern home.
Traditional-Traditional style rooms and homes are open and allow air to pass
freely throughout. A traditional style imitates the late 18th and early 19th
centuries. It is common for rooms to be either painted in bold colors or papered
with bold wallpaper. Although it is common for the traditional style to have
boldly painted rooms, it is customary to use white paint in coordinates with the
richer and bolder colors as an accent.
Victorian-Victorian style is excessive. A Victorian home can be described as one
that uses everything in excess which inadvertently created a dark and oppressive
surrounding. The Victorian style pays close attention to detail.
Contemporary-Contemporary style is defined as clear and straightforward interior
designing. Contemporary style is characterized by linear and geometric shapes
and design. A contemporary home is usually white accented by black or any darker
bold colors. The contemporary style is a style which showcases a certain object
in the room. Loud and bold colors breathe life into a white contemporary room.
An example of a contemporary room is an art museum or a fresh urban studio
apartment.
Whatever your preferred style a guide into some of the basic styles of
decorating will help you choose which way to go.
Kathy Burns-Millyard - Kathy is a professional published writer who covers a
variety of popular topics such as health, fitness, decorating, and gardening.
Find more home decorating ideas at The Do It Yourself Home Decorating Network
http://www.DIYHomeDecorating.com