Five Elements of Style

A home is considered a man’s castle, so selecting a décor for a home can be daunting given our primary interest for comfort and beauty that will best reflect our lifestyle and personal taste. To look at our options, we have listed five home decorating ideas that reflect all sorts of personalities, temperaments, and lifestyles.

1. Traditional

The traditional or classic look is said to be timeless, but often looks dated.  Many people prefer this style for its homey, inviting and welcoming environment with wood materials, neutral shades, prints in floral patterns, and simple symmetric designs.   A traditional theme is perfect for those who shy away from experimenting with bold colors or exploring exciting new designs, yet want a beautiful home with classic appeal.

2. Contemporary

Modern times call for modern home décor that is edgy and adventurous. Veering away from wood and fabrics and upholstery, metal is used for furnishings and objects that have simple lines and a hard edge as can be seen in wall plaques, sculpture, and wall hangings.  The color palette is limited, but dramatic, typically including gray, black, silver, red and white.  We do not see any floral patterns here, but more basic geometric shapes. The core principle of modernism resides in form, artistic expression, and minimalism.

3. Country

Old-fashioned country décor is rustic, cozy, busy, making you feel like you are in the midst of farmland or a vast open field. Vintage fabrics, floral patterns, stripes and checkered patterns are shown together and abound in each room.  It is also typical to see wall art featuring roosters, horses, cows or decorative plates, bowls, and pottery. Colors are bright in shades of red, orange, brown and yellow.

4. Tropical

The tropics always conjure up images of lush surroundings, visions of basking in the sun, walks along sandy beaches, and a cool ocean breeze.

Replicating this theme and mood can easily be achieved by using light or bright hues of blues, yellows, oranges and greens for patterned fabrics reflecting palm trees, hibiscus blooms and floral designs. To complete a tropical look, add home accents of woven baskets, bamboo mats, shells, and tropical plants.

5. Ethnic

An environment that is ethnic or tribal is characterized by dark earth tones such as brown, deep red, yellow and green. Beaded patterns, wooden bowls, clay and terracotta sculptures, and natural ornaments are some of the many home accessories. Wood is always the material of choice for furnishings.  Décor along these lines can represent an original, creative approach that sets you apart from your friends.

The end result should be satisfying and gratifying giving you the perfect environment that is comfortable, suits your lifestyle and reflects your personal taste.