If you have been considering remodeling your home, you probably already have an idea of what you want it to look like. You may have even spent a considerable amount of time browsing the internet for inspiration. Depending on how interested you are in design, you may or may not be able to define and put a label on your particular style. The following design styles have been refined and established over the years, but they are not necessarily blueprints for what you envision for your own home. These design styles can be a helpful foundation on which to inject your own ideas and create a design plan that is truly your own.
Contemporary design style is all about the now and what will come next. It is most commonly characterized by simplicity, subtlety, sophistication, clean lines and the deliberate use of texture. Contemporary design typically emphasizes color, shape and space in a way that creates a comfortable, welcoming feel. It is more about highlighting space and lighting of the room itself rather than what is housed within it. Thus, the color palette is generally dominated by black, white and neutral tones that give the space a more expansive feel and cause any brighter accent colors to stand out. Overall, contemporary style tends to emphasize individual pieces and avoid clutter through placement and lighting, giving the entire space a very open, inviting atmosphere.
Contemporary design style is all about the now and what will come next. It is most commonly characterized by simplicity, subtlety, sophistication, clean lines and the deliberate use of texture. Contemporary design typically emphasizes color, shape and space in a way that creates a comfortable, welcoming feel. It is more about highlighting space and lighting of the room itself rather than what is housed within it. Thus, the color palette is generally dominated by black, white and neutral tones that give the space a more expansive feel and cause any brighter accent colors to stand out. Furnishings are often bold and sleek without many curves or decoration. Overall, contemporary style tends to emphasize individual pieces and avoid clutter through placement and lighting, giving the entire space a very open, inviting atmosphere.
Traditional design style is one of the most popular choices when it comes to renovating and decorating homes. It is broadly characterized by comfortable furniture, symmetrical lines, warm colors and casual decor. It seeks to promote an atmosphere of calmness and order by utilizing symmetry and consistency. Everything tends to feel like it is exactly where it should be. The furniture typically plush is often sold in sets, giving a sense of continuity throughout the space. Architectural features like crown molding and columns add a hint of opulence as well. Though traditional style may feature curves and intricate designs, it is not overly ornate or extravagant. Many homeowners often lean toward this design style because it is warm, familiar, and makes the environment feel like a home.
Traditional design style is one of the most popular choices when it comes to renovating and decorating homes. It is broadly characterized by comfortable furniture, symmetrical lines, warm colors and casual decor. It seeks to promote an atmosphere of calmness and order by utilizing symmetry and consistency. Everything tends to feel like it is exactly where it should be. The furniture typically plush is often sold in sets, giving a sense of continuity throughout the space. Architectural features like crown molding and columns add a hint of opulence as well. Though traditional style may feature curves and intricate designs, it is not overly ornate or extravagant. Many homeowners often lean toward this design style because it is warm, familiar, and makes the environment feel like a home.
Often confused with Contemporary style, Modern style is a broad term that refers to a design movement started in and developed throughout the first half of 20th century. It typically features clear, clean lines, a neutral color palette, natural materials and minimalist decor. This style celebrates natural light and unadorned windows as well as exposed structural elements like beams or concrete. Modern designs often utilize a lot of glass, chrome and steel brought together with natural, unpainted woods, leather and natural fibers. A cornerstone of the Modern school of thought is that “form follows function”, meaning that only elements which serve a purpose are necessary to a space and all others can be eliminated.
Often confused with Contemporary style, Modern style is a broad term that refers to a design movement started in and developed throughout the first half of 20th century. It typically features clear, clean lines, a neutral color palette, natural materials and minimalist decor. This style celebrates natural light and unadorned windows as well as exposed structural elements like beams or concrete. Modern designs often utilize a lot of glass, chrome and steel brought together with natural, unpainted woods, leather and natural fibers. A cornerstone of the Modern school of thought is that “form follows function”, meaning that only elements which serve a purpose are necessary to a space and all others can be eliminated. As a result, one could sum up this style as sleek due to its lack of clutter or extraneous accessories.
Born out of the architectural tradition of Southern Europe, Mediterranean design style is a reflection of the climate and lifestyle of this region. Since the climate of the Mediterranean is so warm and hospitable, there is a stress placed on a marriage between indoor and outdoor living. Arched windows and doors tend to offer gorgeous views of the world outside. The color palette is light and warm, inspired by the sun, sky and sea. There is a significant emphasis on natural materials like wood, ceramics, stone, iron and cotton. This design style is perhaps best known for its unpretentious beauty, conciseness and functionality, making it a popular choice among homeowners to this day.
Born out of the architectural tradition of Southern Europe, Mediterranean design style is a reflection of the climate and lifestyle of this region. Since the climate of the Mediterranean is so warm and hospitable, there is a stress placed on a marriage between indoor and outdoor living. Arched windows and doors tend to offer gorgeous views of the world outside. The color palette is light and warm, inspired by the sun, sky and sea. There is a significant emphasis on natural materials like wood, ceramics, stone, iron and cotton. Mediterranean furnishings are fashioned from such natural materials and diluted with colorful fabrics in the rugs, cushions and bedding. Mosaic elements are also popularly featured. This design style is perhaps best known for its unpretentious beauty, conciseness and functionality, making it a popular choice among homeowners to this day.
