| From sleek and modern to rustic and old-world, today's | | | | Formal: |
| interior design styles are as varied as houses and | | | | Much like the traditional style, a more formal design is |
| homeowners are themselves. What is the most | | | | elegant and luxurious. Everything is big and overstated; |
| common design styles being sought after today? | | | | the furniture, the lighting, the accessories, even the rugs. |
| Traditional: | | | | Deep colors are most popular as is lots of intricately |
| Traditional design styles are more comforting and | | | | carved wood and rich marbles. A formal style works |
| classic than most. It is calm, orderly and predictable, | | | | best in a home with: |
| with little or no bright colors, or brash designs. This | | | | -High ceilings. |
| homey style is quite casual, and is often used in homes | | | | -Large rooms. |
| with young children where formality has been lost. | | | | -Big windows. |
| When designing a traditional-looking room, you may | | | | -And lots of architectural details. |
| want to opt for some of these design elements: | | | | Rustic: |
| Upholstered furniture. It is functional and unfussy. | | | | Rustic styles are generally reserved for woodsy |
| Unstated accessories. | | | | areas and vacation homes. The design is simple, with a |
| Lots of wood furniture, trims and moldings. | | | | penchant toward colonial living. It often features very |
| Contemporary: | | | | earthy colors and textures such as natural wood |
| Contemporary design is hip and up-to-date. This very | | | | furnishings; lots of wood flooring and very little |
| modern style can be eclectic. It's bright and airy; | | | | extravagance. Nature is used as a theme throughout |
| comfortable and quiet and features characteristics of | | | | this style in both design and accessories. |
| simplicity, clean lines and texture, with just a hint of | | | | Victorian: |
| sophistication. Features of a truly contemporary design | | | | This is the most recognized of all the design styles. It is |
| should incorporate: | | | | intricate and delectate featuring the styles, designs, |
| Color - Neutrals, blacks and whites are most common | | | | colors and fabrics of the late 18th and 19th centuries. |
| in this design style | | | | The best way to pull off a Victorian design is to |
| Line & Space - In a contemporary room, less is more. | | | | remember to incorporate lots of: |
| Walls are left uncluttered, windows are left bare, as | | | | Color - Deep greens, reds, mauves, burgundies and |
| are floors and ceilings are often raised to give the | | | | purples are most used. |
| room a large open and empty feel. Architectural details | | | | -Rich wood furnishings with intricate carvings. |
| such as exposed beams, pipes and even chipped or | | | | -Accessories; especially small trinkets, boxes, |
| broken bricks provide texture. | | | | candleholders and such. |
| Bold Furniture - This key element to this modern | | | | -Elaborate Window Coverings using the best (and |
| design. Furniture and accessories should be bold and | | | | heaviest) materials. |
| bright. Small and cutesy has no home here. | | | | -Area rugs. |