A home is a sanctuary where we spend a lot of time away from the outside worries. We put a lot of effort into creating an ultimate comfort at home, making it an intimate reflection of our taste, personality and style. Needless to say, we surround ourselves with things that are memorable and have a deep sentimental value. So, when the time comes to replace the beloved pieces if they no longer work in a new home or due to wear, leaping to a different style might appear as a big challenge. Though it is very tempting to start from a blank slate and try a different decorating style from what you have currently, incorporating the memorabilia, such as grandmother’s side table or a favourite painting, causes all sorts of confusion to the home owners.
In my opinion, finding your own formula of style is the key to solving your decorating dilemmas. How do we accomplish this? The backbone of this approach is to get familiar with today’s most in demand styles and then see what styles you are attracted to the most.
So, let us review today’s design styles and see what defines them.
Contemporary style
is characterized by simple lines. It uses the flow of softly curving lines and organic shapes such as gentle waves or ovals without ornate or intricate shapes. The emphasis of a contemporary room is on open and spacious layout. Natural lighting when possible is an essential part of the style along with sculptural and artistic in appearance light fixtures. Recessed fixtures, in-cabinet lighting and other sources of indirect light are especially common. Contemporary tables and chairs are typically low to the ground and have exposed legs. Multi-purpose items are popular as well as built-in storage. The key to this style is to select materials that are simple and easy to live with, but are sensuous and appealing.
Traditional
Timelessly on-trend, traditional style lends a sense of stability and collected-over-time charm to any indoor or outdoor space. We often think of a more opulent and formal space when thinking of the classic traditional style. Nevertheless, it can be relaxed by welcoming timeworn, weathered and perfectly aged pieces. This style emphasizes symmetry, loves pattern and uses all the colours of the rainbow, the more saturated the better. A traditional home features rich fabrics, tufted furniture, ornate detailing, dark woods and elegant light fixtures that are inspired by the classic European styles. This style is calm, elegant and organized.
Transitional style
being a careful blend of traditional and contemporary elements such as finishing and materials encompasses the best of both worlds. Essentially, it is a combination of two styles in one space, resulting in a cohesive design. A transitional space often reads as classic and timeless with an unexpected twist. It is a natural transition in the original meaning of this word from a traditional style as well as a nice balanced look if a purely contemporary style is not your cup of tea.
In the next post we will continue reviewing other decorating styles, such as country, modern farmhouse and eclectic.
Meanwhile, feel free to contact me with any design questions you might have.
I am hosting a Finding Your Style webinar in March and invite you to attend it!
