Monday, January 18, 2010

Decorating Your Home for 2010: Design Styles




What is your style? Each person has a style that reflects who you are and how you see yourself; your home should reflect this same aesthetic. In this second installment on ideas for decorating your home in 2010, let’s look at design styles.

You may not have thought about your style before. In fact, you may not even know what your style is. Yet, figuring this out will enable you to create a home that beautifully defines who you are and makes both you and your guests feel welcome. Here’s a little help in determining your style.

Do you find your eye drawn to rooms and photos in which the couch is flanked by end tables, with a lamp on each table? Do you enjoy decorating using items in pairs? Perhaps medium to dark-toned woods with unique design elements capture your attention. If these warm tones and calm symmetry appeal to you, your design style is traditional. For a photographic example of traditional style, check out the photo that accompanies “Decorating Your Home for 2010: Focal Points”.

On the other hand, perhaps you’re a person who likes a cozy, cottage look. A more casual version of the traditional style, this one has homey touches such as ruffled kitchen curtains, handmade quilts and needlepoint, design motifs that include fruit, flowers or animals, and colors in dusty tones such as mauve, gray, blue-gray, and deep greens. If this style sounds perfect to you, then your design style is country.

Or maybe sleek, spare design attracts you. Characterized by steel, glass, plexiglass and smooth, unadorned woods, this design style focuses on spaciousness and placing few items in each room, thereby allowing individual pieces or a spectacular view to take center stage. If this uncluttered style calls out to you, your style is modern.

Often confused with modern, contemporary style has the sleekness of modern design, but with personal touches such as rugs, art and other accessories that add personality and quirkiness to the décor. The photo accompanying “Home Décor after the Holidays” is an example of contemporary design.

Old World or Ethnic design introduces the flavors of other countries. A more eclectic style, this one uses elements of one or more cultures to reveal your heritage, travels or interests and happily coexists with traditional, modern or contemporary designs. If you enjoy items that highlight your cultural sensibilities, this style is for you.

Don’t hesitate to mix these design styles in whatever way you find appealing. What matters is that your design style reflect your life, interests and personality. Next time, we’ll look at color’s role in your home's décor for 2010.

Source examiner.com

No comments:

Post a Comment

Join us on Facebook