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Decorating Your Home (Styles)
by Sherri M. for HouseJudge.com

When decorating a home the space must be functional for the homeowner- it must be comfortable and reflect personality and taste. What is popular at the moment in decorating are the creation of "Great Rooms", a turn to casual living and all space being used to its maximum.

Today's newer homes may have what is known as a "Great Room", which is often a feature when selling. Frequently, the main floor of a house will combine kitchen, dining and living rooms without walls to separate the spaces. Families are able to spend more time together and it also creates the feeling of more space by eliminating the need for walls.

People are more and more often choosing to entertain at home and spend more time in their private "oasis" away from the outside world. Our busy lives have created the need for less fussy and more relaxed, casual living. This is reflected in the materials we use to decorate with and how we use our living space. Gone are formal materials in decorating but comfortable and cozy furnishings have arrived.

Today's living spaces often have more than one function- a dining area may also be used as an office, furniture may have hidden storage, everything is used to its maximum potential. Multifunctional is key.

How to turn your house in to a home when decorating?

Try to imagine the big picture. How will the spaces be used? How will it flow? Is there a theme? Does the space give you a good feeling?

Consideration must be taken when fitting a home to make the space cohesive. For example, if you have a "Great Room" or a small main floor it is a good idea to use the same flooring throughout so not to break up the space and make it feel smaller. Some of the same colors or materials should be used, again to give it a together feeling. The overall style of the home should be constant in all major traffic areas. Easier said than done? Not at all! For example, In a smaller home, hardwood flooring can be used in the entrance, living room, dining room and kitchen. Material for curtains can be the same in the kitchen as the living room, but maybe a different style. Similar color tiles can be used in the kitchen and in the bathroom and all of the faucets in the house can be the same style and finish. Gather together fabric samples, paint colors, wallpapers, sofa styles, wood finishes, etc. into a story board with a central design theme and try to plan where everything will go, this may save some costly mistakes.

Popular design styles

There are many, many different decorating and design styles dating back to the Ancient Egyptians but can be largely classified into five styles: Traditional, Modern, Contemporary, Country and Exotic.

Traditional

This style of decor is based on periods in history. It can be described as formal, classical, grand and elegant all of which are reflected in the furniture with graceful lines, fine woodworking and decorative details. Characteristics of this style include dark and polish woods, shiny metals, heavy fabrics in deep colors.

Traditional style also includes: Old world, Classical Renaissance, Beidermier, Victorian, William and Mary, Louis 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th, and others.

Modern

This style of decorating originated in the early part of the 20th century. It is bold, dramatic, minimal and innovative.

Characteristic of this style include geometric shapes, simple styling, no ornamentation and excellent quality. Materials used were chrome, leather, glass and plastics. Fabrics were simple with no pattern or large geometric shapes. Colors were contrasting, such as black and white with accents in bold primary colors and quite often unexpected color combinations were used. Very few accessories in this style but when they were used they had a huge impact on the space. Modern also includes: Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, Bauhaus, Minimalist, Scandinavian.

Contemporary

This style brings together elements from different styles. Interiors are simplified and furniture is updated. The feeling is relaxed, welcoming, comfortable, practical and warm.

Furnishings are simplified with strong lines, curves and shapes. Woods are light color, like maple, or stained dark like cherry. Metals are brushed, tiles are neutrals, fabrics are soft and textured.

Little or no pattern is used, colors are natural, earth tones, but often bold. Accessories are few but in a variety of styles. Contemporary also includes: Post Modern, Urban, High Tech, Industrial.

Country

This style is the most relaxed of all styles. It is simple, cheerful, cozy and rustic. Furniture is handcrafted, often distressed, made from pine and oak. Other elements include wrought iron, quilts and other wooden items. Fabrics are from natural fibers, like cottons and linens, and typical colors are blues, greens, reds and yellows.

Accessories are baskets and other handcrafted items like pottery, candles and wooden boxes and carvings. Country also includes: American country, French country, Colonial, Shaker, Lodge.

Exotic

This style reflects other cultures often Asia, Africa and Indonesia. The materials used are considered exotic, items are hand made from woods such as teak and bamboo as well as wicker and rattan. Fabrics are rich silks and linens in deep natural colors. Patterns are simple or solid and accessories can include masks, baskets and metals as well as exotic plants. Exotic also includes: Asian, Tropical, British Colonial

These are only a few styles of which to decorate your house to make it a home. When following trends and styles the most important thing to remember is that it must be a reflection of your own personal taste and lifestyle. Decorate for the life you live not for the life you hope to live!


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