| When it comes to home decorating, there is a | | | | style, use it more as a broad theme to help guide |
| nearly infinite variety of styles to choose from. | | | | your decisions, rather than as a strict rule that |
| Decorating styles such as modern and traditional | | | | must be followed without deviation. Remember, |
| are influenced by the defining aesthetic sensibilities | | | | this is your space, and as such, it should manifest |
| of different historical periods, whereas country, | | | | and reflect your experiences, preferences, and |
| coastal, and cottage styles have been shaped by | | | | requirements, rather than the arbitrary whims of |
| the topography and lifestyles associated with | | | | an outside designer. |
| certain regions. | | | | Keep your stylistic theme in mind when selecting |
| Other decorating styles, such as Tuscan and | | | | colors, furniture, and accents, but don't harbor a |
| Southwestern, have been influenced by unique | | | | sense of obligation to it. This will help you achieve |
| ethnic groups and their cultural and artistic | | | | the focus and unity of purpose that a specific |
| traditions. These styles represent only a few of | | | | interior decorating style can bring to a space while |
| the hundreds of choices that are available to you. | | | | preserving a sense of your own unique style. |
| No matter which interior decorating style appeals | | | | Here's a quick recap of some of the most popular |
| to you, you should not feel obligated to adhere | | | | decorating styles: |
| rigidly to the "rules" of that approach in the | | | | *Contemporary - Bold and sleek look. Low tables |
| process of making design and decor decisions. | | | | and beds are standard elements |
| Indeed, one of the most notable trends that have | | | | *Traditional - Rich and sumptuous. Luxurious |
| impacted interior decorating over the course of | | | | furniture and accessories. |
| the last several decades is the growing popularity | | | | *Transitional - A cross between Contemporary |
| of a more relaxed, personal interpretation of | | | | and Traditional. |
| existing decor styles. | | | | *Country - Natural wood tones and barn reds. |
| The emerging philosophy of interior decorating is | | | | Does not have to have farm animals in every |
| less concerned with creating exact replicas of | | | | nook and cranny. :o) |
| established decor styles, emphasizing instead a | | | | *Coastal - Bring the beach home. Seafoam greens |
| more individualized version that reflects the unique | | | | and aqua blues are the main colors in this style. |
| style and sensibility of the people who will be living | | | | *Modern - Very similar to the contemporary style. |
| in and using a space. | | | | Sleek and clean with a monotone color scheme. |
| Taking this into consideration, it may help to look | | | | *Cottage - Light, sunwashed colors are used here. |
| over design and decorating books and magazines | | | | White furniture with a mix of pale floral patterns. |
| to develop a stronger sense of the options that | | | | *Southwestern - Think New Mexico and Santa Fe. |
| exist and how different interior decorating styles | | | | Include terra cotta reds and paintings, pottery, |
| relate to your own tastes and needs. | | | | and sculptures featuring Hispanic or Native |
| When you finally select an interior decorating | | | | American themes. |