Style Mania Continued!

As promised, in this blog post we will continue to go over the different types of design styles out there and what sorts of elements you can bring into your space to further enhance these types of décor.  Last month we talked about the most common types of styles; traditional, transitional, contemporary, modern (and mid-modern) and shabby chic versus eclectic. You may have found that you don’t really fit in with any of these genres and that may be because you have found yourself further in a design niche and that is exactly what the this months blog post is for! Let’s jump right in.

Arts and Crafts: Also known as American Craftsman, the focus here was simple and put purely on form. No embellishments were needed because the way that furniture and materials were put together was more than enough to catch the eye. Within this style you will find many handcrafted items made from wood, glass or metal. Since the focus here was not on colors or furnishings, it’s much easier to spot a craftsman style home based on certain architectural features that it may have; for instance most craftsman kitchens will harbor a breakfast nook.

- Arts and Crafts  -

Art Deco: Although this style originated in France, this style reflects the mood during early 20^th century – sparkling, bright and cheerful. This genre mixes craftsmen motifs with machine age imagery and materials, embracing the new technological developments. Here you’ll find bold jewel tone colors and geometric patterns offering sleek lines in the flooring, architecture and furnishings. This is not to be confused with Art Nouveau which focuses purely on organic shapes as opposed to geometrical. Within those furnishings you’re likely to find mirrored surfaces, lacquered cabinets, chrome and glass lighting fixtures and zebra skin accents added for those exotic embellishments. There is not a more lavish, exuberant and glamorous style than art deco.

- Art Deco -

Oriental: Asian inspired design has a flare of its own, inspired from countries such as Japan, China, Thailand and Vietnam. Feng Shui was derived from this style and some a lot of the same elements that Feng Shui requires show up in the oriental style, such as natural fibers and colors to create a serene and Zen environment; this design is focused around positive and negative energy. Bright colors show up in hand painted furnishings, iconic statues may be strategically placed and you may see fine china in the space made from a very specific oriental blue and white; which were considered prized possessions by European royalty.

- Oriental -

Moroccan: A style that has become more and more popular over the years with its lavish textures and patterns is Moroccan; it should evoke warm feelings of wonder, luxury and sensuality. This is a heavily layered look, whether that means having a carpeted floor with a wood trim and a rug, or numerous layers of intricate pattered blankets on your bed. This is a genre filled with mosaics, bright jewel toned colors, heavy textures and ornate wood carvings. Some typical Moroccan furnishings would be a Persian or Oriental rug, pattered pillows, poufs or side tables.

- Moroccan -

Coastal: Last, but certainly not least, is Coastal – very common for the West Michigan area in which we are based. This is a look inspired by the ocean, lake or really any body of water and should evoke a light and airy feel like as if your doors and windows were always open. A nautical color palette of red, blue, white and gold is very typical in these settings and lighthouse, seashell and other nautical embellishments are the most used decorative accents. If you are looking for a coastal feel without using the typical method, perhaps an all white back drop is for you and focus more on textures that you would find at the beach, such as rope or stone, and incorporate it into your furniture.

- Coastal -

While there are of course even more design styles out there, hopefully we have covered most of your preferences with the big top five and these more intricate niches. Have we missed your favorite genre? Leave us a comment and we’ll be sure to fill you in!