Traditional Style: This is ordered, calm and even predictable. There are no surprises around any corner, any bright colors or pieces of furniture that don't match. Some would even call the look of traditional furniture as "outdated". Everything has its place and often furniture and accessories come in matching pairs. Traditional homes don't usually have large open plan rooms and are likely to have separate dining rooms. You won't find anything made of glass or stainless steel in a house that is of traditional style.
Formal Style: If you like the look of hotels or formal buildings this is ideal for you. Usually the furniture in the room is in pairs arranged around a central point in the room such as a large fireplace or window. Often sparkling chandeliers, large pieces of furniture, shining mirrors and other intricate detail will be found in a formal room as a way of attracting attention. Formal rooms do not go for understated furniture or cozy furnishings. Instead bold fabrics are used; oversized furniture and often bright colors are dotted around too.
Contemporary Style: Rooms decorated in this way are free from clutter and frills. Usually the look of the room is clean, sophisticated and simple. If this appeals to you then you should pursue this look for your home. You won't find fussiness in a contemporary styled room. There will be clean lines and sleek shaped furniture. Contemporary rooms are often light and provide a nice, calming atmosphere to relax in.
Casual Style: If none of the above grabs your attention then perhaps your style is casual. Think comfortable sofas, warmth and an inviting look. Nothing matches and anything from books to flowers to candlesticks can be incorporated as design accessories. Materials such as iron, brass, rattan and wicker look good in a casually styled room, as do antiques of all kinds. Because nothing matches you can incorporate all sorts of items into the room. Pieces from around the world can easily be used to create some exotic finishing touches.
Once you have established which style you would like follow you can start to plan how you are going to decorate each room in the home. The best way to proceed is to gather together some ideas from magazines, books and from the internet too. Online there are a wealth of resources that provide color ideas and design inspiration that can help you turn your home into a stylish and comfortable place to live. Start with one room and move outwards to avoid getting yourself in a muddle by taking on too much at once.
Author Resource:
Kath Dawson writes articles for InteriorDesignScene, a leading UK online furniture store established with the aim of offering our customers high quality branded home office furniture at a fraction of high street prices. Buy furniture online, choose from ranges such as
Bentley Designs , Cambridge oak furniture and Mobel Oak.