What's in a Style?
To some people, the names of design styles contain a wealth of knowledge
, history, and opportunities. To others, they're just words. So with the wide variety of different looks and designs, what does it all mean?
We searched around for the most popular styles, researched what characterizes these looks, and this is what we came up with:
Asian: Design elements from Japan, China, and Thailand dominate this theme. It combines colors found in nature with natural fiber elements to produce a calm, tranquil environment. Furniture and dcor items often feature lacquered and hand-painted finishes with ornamental designs. Brightly colored accessories or statues can also feature animals or mythical creatures.
Contemporary: This incredibly popular theme often has clean, simplified designs and features an uncluttered appearance. Solid colors (cool palettes of whites and creams and muted shades of brown, taupe, and grays) complement very light or very dark wood construction. Furniture is typically sleek and sits lower to the ground; plumbing fixtures will feature bright, shiny finishes; and
lighting fixtures boast angular and striking features.
Kids: Remember what made you the most happy and comfortable when you were a wee lad or lass? Well, life may be different for our children than it was for us, but a lot of things remained the same. Kids themes are typically characterized by fun and bright colors (pink, purple, and yellow for the girls, blues and greens for the boys). Simple designs and looks abound. Sports themes dominate the boys' rooms, while the girls' rooms are clad in hearts, butterflies, and flowers. Youth furniture and lighting are becoming more popular as well as diverse, and your kids' bedrooms are beginning to resemble our own master bedrooms.
Rustic/Lodge: As you might imagine, this theme is characterized by darker hues and a handmade quality. Wood paneling and soft floral patterns complement country design elements, such as checked and striped vintage fabric patterns. It's not uncommon to see a natural element on a lighting fixture (like branches or leaves) and plumbing fixtures can sometimes resemble a water-pump. Furnishings are typically older and have plenty of history and character to them.
Traditional:Traditional-themed products echo history and take their influence from French, Italian, and English designs. This theme features a color palette that's richer and warmer than most, with medium to dark tones in its woods. Architectural detailing includes wainscoting, moldings, baseboards, and antiquities. Everything is in its place, it features compartmentalized plans, and each room serves a specific purpose.
Transitional: Currently one of the most popular themes in American homes (if not THE most popular), this look bridges contemporary and traditional design. Clean lines in the furnishings balance a historical look in some plumbing and lighting fixtures. Want subtle scrolling and striking angles on the same fixture? That's what this theme offers. Less ornate than traditional, it resembles contemporary with its reliance on lack of colorvanilla, cream, taupe, and chocolate. Look for textures such as chenilles, corduroy, raw silk, and tweeds.
What's in a Style?
By: Sean Murphy
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