m With so many things on the market available for

home decorating, it may be difficult to decide

just what your favorite decorating style is.

m The Decorating styles will help you focus on

your likes and dislikes and learn elements that
will help you achieve your dream room or make
your home express your very unique taste.
m Traditional Style
m Modern /Contemporary Style
m Country Style
m Art Deco Style
m Victorian Style
m Cottage Style
m Craftsman Style
m Traditional home decorating is p p
 and
pp.

m Many decorating styles are actually under the

definition of traditional style.

m Traditional home decorating consists of classic

themes, colors and fabrics to give a home a
classic and timeless look.
m ˜or carrying off a ˜ine Traditional home decorating
scheme, a large formal home is the best background.

m Intricate moldings, fireplaces, ˜rench doors, finely

proportioned rooms, chair rails, wood floors, a formal
dining room, built in bookcases; these are the
hallmarks of traditional home decorating.

m ˜
p

 in traditional decorating lean toward
the jewel tones. Topaz and Golds, Deep Reds and
Rose Quartz, Marine Blues, Vibrant Greens, along
with Grays, Beiges, and Whites form the color
scheme for the traditional home decorating palette
m The emphasis on furniture selection should be on
pieces that reflect a refined sense of style with
proportion and symmetry, along with soft curved
lines with an abundance of detail and
ornamentation.

m This time period includes a ppp  p

with its curved legs and smooth lines, 
 p
  pwith it ornate designs, and p p
with its cabriole legs, ball-and-claw foot, and
broken pediment scroll top on tall case pieces.
m Traditional furniture is generally p


, such
as cherry and mahogany, and has fine carved details, with
inlays. These furniture pieces are usually p 




m A traditional room might also use lighter woods as long as

the lines of each piece are classic.

m ˜  

pp

include a four poster bed, a

lowboy, a highboy, or an armoire.

m ˜ootstools covered with needlepoint and fringe are the

norm as are embroidered cushions which are scattered
throughout the room. Table are often skirted.
m `


  pcan consist of a large table

with abundant seating, a buffet, sideboard, or a
breakfront cabinet that show off a variety of china,
glassware, and silver.

m 2pmay be classic gold rimmed or a simple

floral design.

m Among the 
pppp is oversized seating,
and an ottoman or two can be placed in the living
room.

m Sofas and chairs are upholstered, along with the seats

on formal dining room chairs.
m The addition of ¦p 
p 
over
hardwood floors or atop carpeting gives the room
a warm feel and makes it very inviting.

m When thinking of  


 
p

this elegant and opulance.

m The p
 , such as ` , 
p

p, or p p   is featured
heavily in Traditional home decorating.
m `pp are full and heavy and held back with
ornate tassels. Draperies are usually topped
with 
or 
p  p cover sheer
curtains and add elegance to the room.
m ½eedlework and tapestries are often in evidence.

m Patterns used are florals, stripes, and Jacobean

crewel work.

m 2p and heavy tassels pull drapery panels to

the sides to give the curtain a scalloped look as well
as to enhance the window.

m ëther window treatments include  p , and under

treatments of  pp pp . 
p may
also be featured.
m ˜or art, include 
 , 
with still life,
and family portraits. The frames can be gold leaf
or bronze.

m The 

should reflect the time period.

m  such as   p p and  


p help complete the traditional look.

m ëther lighting includes     p 

and 

  that are fairly plain and ivory or

white in color.
m Victorian decorating is a traditional look that is the effect of a
combination of influences, including classical, ëriental, Gothic
and Italian.

m When you hear the words "Victorian house", an image that

immediately springs to mind is a  ,
p 
pp

 p
p with gables, 

p 
p

p . This is the predominant style that symbolized the
Victorian era.

m 0owever, many of the Victorian homes were in the Greek Revival

style, such as the Southern plantations, while many Victorian
homes on the East Coast were done in Gothic Revival with tall
peaks, pointed arches reminding one of church windows, and
narrow windows
m An important element in Victorian decorating is
  

and  is used.

m Since the wall color is an essential component,

using colors, such as deep reds, Persian blue, rich
greens, dark plum and wine, terra cotta, along with
items having vintage appeal will give the space a
dramatic effect.
m Since the wall color is an essential component,
using colors, such as deep reds, Persian blue, rich
greens, dark plum and wine, terra cotta, along with
items having vintage appeal will give the space a
dramatic effect.
m Tubs and sinks were enclosed in wooden surrounds to
resemble furniture. i and 
 p were hand
painted with all manner of scrolls, florals, and sea
figures.

m Bathtubs had claw feet that were often gilded with

gold. Pedestal sinks were often used but many sinks
were attached to the wall and had exposed plumbing
as Victorians learned through experience that the
enclosed fixtures created a perfect breeding ground
for mold, mildew and vermin.
m Pieces of small furniture such as shaving stands,
small tables and if the room was large enough
even a small sitting area added to the comfort of
the victorian bathroom
m 0eavy, flamboyant, excessive are words often used to
describe Victorian style decorating. ˜urniture was
usually made of dark wood with ornate carving and
tables with marble tops were the norm.

m Wooden pieces like side tables and curio cabinets

look amazing .

m Victorian decorating and furniture are intended to be

the focal point in a room because of the large
proportions, sturdiness, darkly stained and radiant
woods.
m The Victorian bedroom is furnished with beds that are
ornate and made of wood or cast iron with bolsters.

m The bedding consists of a long pillow, two pillows,

sheets and blankets covered by an eiderdown quilt for
extra warmth.

m ˜or chairs, most have upright backs, with ornately

carved legs.

m Another favorite in this style of decorating is

the grandfather clock. This antique clock has a striking
air of sophistication and is an heirloom piece that can
be passed on from generation to generation. Its gentle
tick tock is comforting and adds grace and elegance to
a room.
m 0eavy drapes
m You can work with layered drapery, velvet curtains, or
heavy draped curtains that come in a variation of
fabrics.

m To fully dress your windows, use at least three distinct,

flowing layers of curtains and shades.

m The optimal color choice is white fabric because the

white layers will enable the sunshine to filter through
even with completely covered windows.
m Also, shades that were dark and rich were the most
popular color designs in the Victorian period.

m Stained glass windows were also a popular feature

in the Victorian period.
m ^se area rugs such as oriental rugs, genuine
antique rugs, or reproductions to add warmth to
the room.

m Adding accessories helps tie your Victorian

decorating together. Incorporate old photos,
artwork, mantle clocks, vases filled with flowers,
and vintage fabrics to bring out the charm of your
Victorian interior, while giving it an interesting
appeal.
m Choose table and floor lamps with metal bases
that are finished in iron, brass, copper, or silver.

m ^se silk lamp shades as well linen and parchment

as alternatives.

m Crystal accented chandeliers add a sense of

lavishness to your dining room.
m The Art Deco furniture style was popular during the
late 1920¶s and early 30¶s, with the term originating
from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs
et Industriels Modernes held in Paris in 1925.

m Art Deco furniture and decor are opulent and consist

of clean lines and geometric shapes, along with the
use of unusual materials, such as marble and ebony.

m Art Deco furniture and decor are opulent and consist

of clean lines and geometric shapes, along with the
use of unusual materials, such as marble and ebony.
m Art Deco furniture and decor are opulent and
consist of clean lines and geometric shapes, along
with the use of unusual materials, such as marble
and ebony.
m Art Deco furniture and decor are very unique, with
clean lines and interesting shapes.

m Some sofas can be described as comfortable with

barrel shaped frames and sloped arms.

m ëther pieces consist of tubular steel with a chrome

plated frame upholstered in a nice fabric.

m You may also find club chairs in a black lacquer finish

that have hand carved details painted in vibrant colors
and upholstered in a gorgeous velvet fabric.
m Some sofas can be described as comfortable with
barrel shaped frames and sloped arms.

m ëther pieces consist of tubular steel with a chrome

plated frame upholstered in a nice fabric.

m You may also find club chairs in a black lacquer finish

that have hand carved details painted in vibrant colors
and upholstered in a gorgeous velvet fabric.

m Some chairs come in red leather, with a flip out leg

rest, black painted metal legs, and brass sabot feet.
m ˜or lighting consider an Art Deco chandelier
because of the characteristic of materials that
identify this style.

m The materials that make up these chandeliers

consist of aluminum, stainless steel, inlaid wood
and lacquer.

m ˜urthermore, these chandeliers usually have

sweeping curves in its design, with some having a
sunburst motif, which is a famous example of the
Art Deco chandelier design.
m ˜looring is definitely an important element of Art Deco
furniture that requires special attention when
decorating in this style. Carefully choose carpeting
and flooring that bring out the best qualities in this
theme.

m ½atural color flooring is a good choice because it can

complement the Art Deco look in a room.

m A patterned floor is more representative of this style,

such as inlaid linoleums, which can be made to order.
m You may also include rugs that have vibrant
geometric patterns, ones that have an overall
color and contrasting borders, circular area rugs
with target striping, or animal skin rugs, such as
zebra, polar bears, or leopards for that dramatic
contrast.
m Window treatments were often non-existent

m If you do wish some privacy, ventian blinds were

often used.

m Draperies were very simple and sometimes

consisted only of fabric draped over a pole.
m Walls were often painted with a glossy finish to highlight the
brightness of the Art Deco style.

m They were usually painted in plain colors.

m Cream and brown were the favored color schemes. ëften

however, bold, stylized patterns were painted on the walls.
m These were often zigzig or chevron patterns.

m Stenciled borders at the ceiling line were also used.

m Wallpaper with geometric patterns was also a favorite.

m In the not too distant past, country style was called
"Early American" style decorating. It has it's
beginnings in the start of this country. Pioneers,
farmers, trades people all contributed to the style
we today call "Country".

m All aspects of country decorating derive from the

simple cottages on the shores of Massachusetts
to the stark log cabins of the West. At that time
homes were simply decorated with items that were
used for everyday chores.
m Spinning wheels, butter churns, quilting racks
were all used for practical reasons. Today they are
the decorative accents we search out in antique
malls and flea markets.
m Simple oversized sofas and soft chairs are the
perfect choice for country rooms. The look of
country is one of comfort and charm

m Trestle tables, welsh cupboards, canopy beds,

and antique sideboards are all used in county
homes. Look for used, utilitarian, painted furniture
in antique malls and flea markets.

m Chairs can be upholstered, caned, or wicker.

m Windows had small panes.

m ½atural fabrics of cotton, linen, wool and homespun

were the choices available in colonial times.

m The most popular fabric of the time was chintz. This

was a fabric patterned with fruit or flowers on a light
background and with a glazed finish.

m Ginghams, plaids, and tickings were also popular.

Stripes were also widely used.
m Metal fireplace accessories that are handmade
are always good and used in conjunction with
bellows make an attractive display.

m Exposed beams decorated with baskets and

herbs.

m Antique photos adorned the mantelpiece.

m Blue Willow English china filling the antique hutch.

m Earthenware pottery was used for everyday
meals.

m Enamelware and cast iron was used in the kitchen

and many practical kitchen items were used for
decoration.

m Butter stamps, rolling pins, and wash boards were

on display.
m Craftsman style is a term most often connected
with the popular home called the Bungalow.

m This popular style found it's roots in the Arts and

Crafts movement which followed the Victorian era.
m These small quaint beloved houses were originally
built in planned neighborhoods in the early 1900's
and were the more modest version of the Arts and
Crafts home.
m It is characterized by a style of home design and
furnishings that emphasizes natural materials
(especially wood) and showcases precise straight
lines in squares and rectangles in its design.

m Bungalows were not only unique but also

practical.

m Emphasis was placed on using natural materials

inside and out.
m They were typically one to one and a half stories
high with a hip or gabled roof and projecting
rafters.

m ëne of the more endearing characteristics of the

bungalow is the deep shaded front porch with it's
front posts.

m Exteriors were wood shingles, stone, or brick and

windows often contained beveled glass or brightly
colored art glass.
m Mission style furniture is made of wood, and
sometimes, it contains wrought iron or ceramic tile
accents.

m The furniture shapes are squares, rectangles and

octagons.

Coffee tables and end tables are typically made of

wood and have glass inserts in which the stained
glass is placed.
m Generally, there are spindles or columns of wood
built into these pieces and are another trademark
of this style of decorating.

m Also, tables generally have at least one drawer

and shelving for storage.

m Sofas and chairs have a wood back, bare wood

arms, and cushions.

m Mission style furniture often offers sofas or chairs

that have a deep wood shelf surround, which acts
as the arm and a table.
m Lighting in a Mission home is important because of all the dark
wood.

m Mission style lamps and lighting fixtures are generally made from
brass or iron and have square glass shades and square brass
tubing.

m Table and floor lamps in this style possess a simple elegance,

with basic shapes created out of iron and copper and linked to
large chains in fixtures.

m What was common in this period were lamps made with square
wooden bases and had stylish glass shades. The characteristics
intrinsic to this style were functionality, simplicity, and excellent
craftsmanship.
m
m ˜or lighting, table lamps and floor lamps are good
for general lighting and for providing ambiance.
You can include accent lighting through the use of
mantel lamps, sconces, and dresser lamps.

The two most prevalent types of lamps in Mission

style decorating are those in mica and metal
designs, with the body of the lamp being
hammered bronze or copper, and the shade is
made from a sheet of mica; and the glass lamps
with a wood or art glass base, and shades of glass
in geometric patterns.
m ëak is commonly used for flooring

m 0owever, if wood does not suit your taste for

flooring, you may use tile or slate laid in a linear
pattern.
m 0istorically, many of the Mission style homes
displayed art glass windows. This gave the opportunity
to leave windows uncovered, while appearing
decorative.

m 0owever, in this day, art glass windows are costly. You

may opt for Roman shades, silhouettes, wood blinds,
or tab panels hung on a wood or wrought iron rod.

m ˜or tiebacks, consider sisal tassels, simple, or a band

of matching fabric. ˜abric patterns used may be a leaf
print or one with geometric designs.
m Contemporary decorating covers a range of styles
developed in the second half of the 20th century.

m The most distinctive element of a Contemporary interior

design is line.

This is found in the use of bold colors, architectural details,

high ceilings, exposed windows, and the geometric shapes
of the wall art and sculptures.
m 0owever, in Contemporary design, less is more
because the bare space on walls and between
furniture pieces becomes as critical as the areas
filled with objects since each piece stands out as
unique.
m Although the common color for
Contemporary furniture is black, other colors
include beige and white.

m In Contemporary decorating, smooth, clean,

geometric lines are essential for furniture pieces.

m ˜urniture that is upholstered is often black, white,

or in other neutral colors that are textured natural
fibers consisting of wool, cotton, linen, silk, or jute.
m ˜urniture pieces should be simple without
elaborate curves or ornate decoration. The sofas,
chairs, and ottomans have visible legs, while the
beds and chairs have no skirt or fringes.
m Generally, floors are bare and smooth in a wood,
vinyl, or tile material.

m If area rugs are used, plain or geometric patterns

are a good choice to add color and texture.
m Elegant, almost invisible lighting is the look you
are aiming for here.

m ½o stained glass, fringed lamp shades, or ornate

ceiling lamps are found here.

m Install recessed lights along with track lighting. ˜or

spot lighting use chrome or metal lamps with
modern interesting shapes.
m Large mirrored walls are often installed to reflect
light and add to the feeling of openness and
spaciousness.
m The Colonial style decorating period ranged roughly
from 1600 to the 1800 hundreds.

m This style is rooted in 17th century English

architecture.

m The term "colonial style decorating" actually covers a

time period of over 300 years.

m It begins with the homes of the first settlers and

continues to the Georgian period of the late 1600
hundreds through the ˜ederal style of the late 1700
and early 1800 hundreds.
m Because there were no trained architects in this
new country, most fine homes of the land were
built by local carpenters using English designs.

m There was no mass production and everything

was done by hand using only local building
materials.

m The homes had simple uncluttered lines. Because

of this elegant simplicity, these homes are still in
fashion today and have stood the test of time.
m While the more affluent section of the population
decorated in the Colonial Georgian and ˜ederal
styles, most of the people of the colonial time
period decorated their homes in a more rustic
approach that is sometimes called "Early
American" and today comes under the heading of
"Country Decorating.´
m Traditional sofas and chairs with curved lines are
upholstered with heavy luxurious fabrics such as
velvets and tapestries. 0ere you will find button-
tufting and elaborate trims.
m Much of 18th century furniture uses mahogany
wood.

m The lines of the furniture tend toward elegance

and sensuous curves. Queen Anne and
Chippendale variations use ornate carvings and
frequently base the design around curves.

m Sheraton style often features classic elements of

form and ornament, using swags, urns and
medallions. Inlays were also used in this type of
furniture.
m Colonial colors were based on natural pigments
and because of this have soft muted hues.

m Cream was the favorite for walls and woodwork.

Deep green was a favorite as was mustard yellow.

m The blues ranged from a soft muted blue found on

Chinese porcelain to a soft blue gray. Barn red is a
color that was often used and browns and taupes
were the neutral choices.
m Delicate embroidery like crewel and Jacobean
needlework, needlepoint samplers, family portraits
and pewter.

m The silver work of Paul Revere was also treasured

in colonial style decorating.

m ëriental ginger jars, ivory, and other accessories

brought from the ërient by clipper ships were also
considered important decorative accents.
m Retrieved from:
ü http://www.decor-medley.com
ü http://www.home-decorating-room-by-room.com