So you?ve decided to remodel you home, that?s great just make sure you are prepared for all of the decisions that need to be made regarding what you want to see in your remodel. Depending on what you?re remodeling the questions you have to answer will differ. That being said no matter which room you?re remodeling it will be a whole lot easier if you?re aware of what design style you ascribe to. There are a variety of design styles from which to choose. For an optimum effect with your remodel acquaint yourself with all the different design styles. Do you know which design style you prefer above all? As you continue to discover you will see that I have compiled a breakdown of some of the various design styles available to help make the process of remodeling a little easier.
Traditional
Much like the name itself the traditional style is about a classic home design where every element is in the correct place and feels familiar, in a good way according to Houzz. There are several aspects that make this style work such as refined furnishings, dignified colors and as I mentioned a sense that everything has a place and there is a place for everything. One component to the traditional style is symmetry, in many areas from the architecture of the house or room to the furniture placement. Traditional rooms also don?t have any sharp edges, for the most part everything has curves with pillows and cushions that you can sink into giving you that cozy at home feeling. Using rich dark wood tones, like walnut, cherry, mahogany, and oak goes hand in hand with traditional style.
Another design element that traditional rooms are known for is statement molding and trim especially if it?s detailed or ornate in design. When it comes to accessories and accent pieces brass, bronze, and copper compliment the traditional style nicely. In fact the same can be said for crystal chandeliers and sconces because they create a gentle shine that portrays an elegant design which is what traditional style is all about. Speaking of accessories, a traditionalist likes to have collections such as china, figurines, plants or books, for example, displayed to give the home a lived in comfortable look.
Transitional
Transitional style is all about combining the warmth of traditional design with the understated colors of the contemporary look according to Houzz. That being said it is acceptable to add a few design elements from other styles just as long as it doesn?t detract from the casual tailored look. The transitional look goes best with warm neutrals like cream, tan, and gray, but it can also have some darker colors thrown in to ground or tie the space together. Flooring in transitional spaces can range from just about anything such as wood, stone, tile, or carpeting. Basically you will see any flooring material because the important aspect is the color, something subtle that fits with the rest of the space.
As I already mentioned the use of color to brighten up a transitional space isn?t going to happen, instead texture is used to give the space something extra. Think of using material like leather, sisal, or burlap to give the room more depth. Unlike the traditional design this style utilizes the principle that less is more. Meaning that the accessories you choose to display such as a few pictures should be simply framed. In terms of kitchens it?s not unusual for transitional kitchens to be influenced by different styles. For instance in a transitional design you might see wood or stone with stainless steel or paneled cabinets with minimalist hardware. According to Houzz the important aspect to take away from the transitional design style is that everything in your space should exude an air of peace and restful tranquility. Basically every part of your design from the walls to the picture frames should fit into the space as a unified whole.
Contemporary
Contemporary style ascribes to a design that has its foundation rooted in the moment, the here and now. While at the same time representing something that stands apart from the conventions of traditional d?cor as described by Houzz. Often times you will hear the terms contemporary and modern used when talking about this design style and you might not be aware but they aren?t the same thing. The term modern is a design movement from the 20 th century and has guidelines. While contemporary, is more fluid and can withstand some bending of the rules. One of the key components of this design style is having strong horizontal lines from the architecture to the furniture, to the accessories.
When it comes to picking color for a contemporary space neutrals are key ? cream, white, tan, beige, and black to be specific. Relying on these neutral colors will allow the clean, simple, and straight lines in the space to be the focus of the room. Having big open spaces is another important aspect. The open spaces create the opportunity to showcase large scale furnishing or artwork. When it comes to the flooring options when dealing with the contemporary design style think sleek and hard floors, such as bamboo, or other blonde woods. High gloss finishes like chrome, steel, glass, plastic, and tile are surfaces that will be most at home in a contemporary design.
Eclectic
You know the saying ?throwing the rule book out the window?, well eclectic style is not so much throwing out the rule book, but more like reshuffling it in a way that mixes and matches opposites like old and new or luxury and modest is a good description for eclectic design. That being said, there is a fine art to mixing and matching for contrast without making the space look disorganized and cluttered. As stated by Houzz eclecticism is about finding that fine line and being able to pull enough elements together that are different while at the same time having a cohesive feel that makes that space gel or fit together.
It?s all about scale, proportion, and composition otherwise your space will look chaotic and messy when in reality you have found the perfect spot for every piece in the room. Texture, specifically layering textures is what gives an eclectic space depth. From the pillows on the sofa to the rug on the floor every piece should add something unique to the space. Since there are going to be a mix and match of different pieces it?s important to keep the background such as walls, floors, or windows as simple as possible so there is no competition.
Rustic
This next design style is about highlighting natural beauty and brings truth to the saying that everything comes full circle. Rustic interiors work so well because they have the ability to connect to a time that was simpler, honest, and warm. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of the rustic design style, is rough wood beams that go across the ceiling, doorways, or fireplaces. Having organic pieces is important to the rustic style, you don?t want many mass-produced items. In keeping with the same theme your rooms should be full of weathered materials like reclaimed wood, distressed or tarnished metals basically your room shouldn?t feel shiny and new.
The rustic color palette should consist of warm and earthy colors that can be found in nature like tree bark, stone, or soil for example. However that?s not to say that you can?t throw in color in the form of subtle nuanced colors. Making due with what you have and repurposing it is an important component of the rustic design style. It?s about creating a sense of invention by necessity according to Houzz. As you can deduce rustic interiors are no place for textures like lace or silk, instead think fabrics like wool, burlap, linen, and cotton fabrics that can handle wear and tear. Incorporating sliding barn and Dutch doors couldn?t be more appropriate for a rustic space.
Midcentury Modern
The design style midcentury modern has been around for nearly two and a half decades, from the mid 1940?s to 1970. At the beginning the goal of midcentury modern design was to propel postwar America into a more modern era and reshape design altogether. This style is about joining the natural or organic world together with the manmade ?new territory.? Using wide windows, sliding doors, and patios are all essential in bringing the indoors out and the outdoors in so there is a cohesive balance between the two. Having innovative mass produced furniture, like marshmallow sofas and egg chairs is another aspect of midcentury modern design.
Houzz says that it?s important to have furnishings and floor plans stripped down to their essential forms with no detailing or flourishes. Graphic patterns such as bold geometrics or whimsical motifs combined with heavy textures like burlap are significant design element in midcentury modern. Sputnik chandeliers, bubble lights, and Arco floor lamps incorporated into a room midcentury modern can be striking. Having a balance between warm neutrals and rich saturated colors will give the space strength and presence.
Coastal
You didn?t think I?d forget to cover coastal design style did you? I mean we do live on the coast so it?s only right that we cover coastal design style. When most people think of coastal style they associate it with beach houses, light and breezy with colors pulled from sand, sea shells, and sky. While that description isn?t necessarily inaccurate coastal style at its core is about evoking a sense of ease and carefreeness. Meaning that you can incorporate elements of the beach into your home but you want to be careful because you don?t want to make it feel bombarded with too much beach. Instead you should aim for a more subtle approach. According to Lisa Frederick light might be the most important yet overlooked element in coastal style. Which makes sense given the number of beach houses that have numerous windows, glass doors, and skylights to allow the sunlight to flood the space. When it comes to fabrics that fit into the coastal design think linen slipcovers, cotton rugs, and light curtain panels that, will sway back and forth in the breeze when the doors are left open.
As you probably already figured out the color white is a key component in coastal design. However don?t be afraid to add some other colors into the mix like cream, beige, khaki, or light blues. And when it comes to accessories use honed and matte finishes instead of shiny and bright finishes. In terms of furnishings think along the lines of light and weathered woods, for instance driftwood that has been smoothed and bleached out. In keeping with that theme whitewashed wood, blond maple, and bamboo floors all fit the bill when it comes to coastal design. Having open spaces is key to making a coastal design feel breezy and relaxing. The furniture in a coastal style setting should be able to withstand the salty air and sand covered towels such as sturdy sofas with slipcovers, coffee tables, wickers chairs, and thick glass. Don?t forget about the accessories from shells, sea glass, bottles, and starfish, the key is to use them sparingly because if you use too much you will overwhelm the space and make it feel cluttered to too beachy.
Now that you have more of an insight as to the various design styles you are more equipped to making the right choices when it comes to your remodel. So do you know which style best describes you? Are you a mixture of different styles? Do you ascribe to a style that wasn?t listed above? Let us know. If you want more information before making design decisions schedule a free consultation and we will be more than happy to help. There are endless design possibilities that await you, so what are you waiting for.
