Top Decorating Styles Demystified
For many of us, home decor just happens. Choosing decorating styles just isn’t a priority, but free furniture sure is.
That first apartment was filled with a thrifted, gifted, and sifted modge podge we gleaned from family, friends, and Craigslist. Then, one day we decide to actually exert some control over our space and decorate. It doesn’t matter whether that impetus is moving into a new home, or because you get tired of your college-era furniture.
But what if you’re ready to make a change, but not sure how to get started?
Well, there’s good news. The starting point is pretty simple: you decide among the decorating styles and go with the ones which you most identify. This will give you a frame of reference from which to begin your decor transformation and add furniture, finishes, and flourishes.
Are you not exactly sure what decorating style best describes your taste? Read on for a breakdown of some of the most popular decorating styles.
Top Decorating Styles Broken Down
Contemporary
Image: Couch via Shutterstock
Contemporary is the style of now and is sort of the absence of all of the other decorating styles. It’s about comfort with somewhat of more of an emphasis on function over form. Neutral colors with pops of color predominate.
Modern
Image: Modern Room via Shutterstock
Minimal design is the defining trait of modern style. Streamlined furniture, minimal furnishings, and neutral colors are other staples. Modern interiors are very uncluttered and there’s an emphasis on form and function. Modern is different from contemporary, as it is fixed in time from when it was first seen in the mid-twentieth-century.
Shabby/Cottage/Vintage Chic
Image: Shabby Chic via Shutterstock
This style places an emphasis on repurposing and features distressed furniture pieces with lots of character. It’s a casual, charming, and comfortable style that looks “lived-in.”
French Country
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French country reflects a laid-back European-style that also has an emphasis on distressed pieces and repurposing, but with a definite nod to the old world. Furniture pieces will be in the European as opposed to American styles.
Scandinavian
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Of course everyone thinks of IKEA when thinking of Scandinavian style and that’s not actually too far off the mark. Scandinavian style can be defined as a minimalist style that takes both form and function into account. White and neutral colors are key, as are clean lines and uncluttered interiors.
Coastal
Image: White Chair via Shutterstock
Coastal as a style had its roots in vacation decor, but it has emerged as a mainstay among home decorating styles. And while there are certainly elements that give a nod to coastal living, the goal is to create a calm, comforting, and inviting space and not a kitschy seaside-themed space.
Eclectic/Bohemian
Image: Anthropologie
Eclectic, or bohemian decor, combines bits and pieces of many other styles and is about creating a creative space. It features lots of patterns, textiles, pillows, and exotic touches. The boho home is packed full of visually appealing colors and textures.
Industrial Chic
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This style is a blend of the utilitarian style of iron, and other metals, with the warmth of aged woods and worn textures. It’s another subset of modern design.
Classic/Traditional
Image: Ethan Allen
The classic American style features simple and tailored lines and furniture styles, as well as muted and neutral colors. Symmetrical groupings and high-quality fabrics and simple patterns are also important.
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Image: Modern Living Room via Shutterstock
