Good Afternoon! 2/19/14Today we are:• Learning about decorating styles• Tips on how to figure out your style• If time: finish color schemes as needed

Decorating Styles

Traditional Style

Traditional decorating is calm, orderly, and predictable. There is nothing wild or chaotic in a traditional room.

Furnishings are classic and might feel outdated. Nothing is a surprise. Pieces match and are consistent.

Furniture and accessories are place in pairs and centered in the room. There is nothing out of

place or of a different style. Everything has the look that it goes together.

Traditional rooms are not ostentations but rather somewhat casual. Furniture pieces are often reproductions. Modern, eclectic pieces

have no room in a traditional space.

Here are some of the elements of a traditional room.

Upholstered furniture in a traditional room exhibits classic lines and understated details. It is

functional, unfussy, and restful looking. Edges are soft, smooth, and blend into the whole.

In general, a traditional room will use a mix of vertical lines with more restful horizontal lines. Gentle curves are seen in furniture, pillows, and

accessories.

Fabrics in a traditional room are generally neither too shiny nor too textured. Florals, plain

colors, muted plaids, understated stripes, geometrics, tone-on-tone and small all-over

patterns are common.

The overall ambiance of traditional decor is homey, understated, and non-jarring.

ContemporarySimple, subtle sophistication, texture and clean lines help to define contemporary style decorating. Interiors showcase space rather than things. By focusing on color, space, and shape, contemporary interiors are sleek and fresh.

Neutrals, black, and white are the main colors in

contemporary style interiors. The palette is often punched up and

accented with bright and bold color. Black is often

used to ground and define a contemporary style room.

Color

Line and SpaceThe most obvious and distinctive element of a contemporary style interior design is line. It's

found in architectural details, use of bold color blocks, high ceilings, bare windows, and

geometric shapes in wall art and sculpture. Each piece stands out as individual and unique.

Contemporary Design Furniture-Smooth, clean, geometric shapes are

essential for contemporary style furniture pieces.

Furniture pieces should be simple and uncluttered, without curves or decoration.

Sofas, chairs, and ottomans often have exposed legs. Beds and chairs usually have no skirt, trim, fringe, or tassels.

Pillows add a shot of color and texture in clean geometric shapes.

Less is more! In a contemporary style interior, go basic, bare, bold, and structural!

Video Break

• Finding your own style• Which style shown do you like best? – Think about it– Share with partner– Share with class

Cottage Style

Technically speaking, Cottage Style isn’t

really a style. After all, a cottage is meant to

be lived in, to be enjoyed, and is usually the recipient of all the cast-offs from the real

home.

But Cottage furnishings and accessories have grown in popularity in

recent years. In Cottage Style anything (and everything) goes.

The furniture in a Cottage Style home

is often recycled, purchased from a

flea market, or collected from family

rejects.

Cottage Furniture

Nothing really needs to match -- and it shouldn’t -- yet the overall effect is charming and comfortable.

In Cottage decor, pieces are often adapted from one use to another. For example, a

bench might serve as a coffee table, an old kitchen

cupboard can hide towels in a bathroom, or a kitchen table

might become a desk.

Reuse Vintage Items

While there can be many colors and patterns in a cottage style setting, it’s good to have a unifying theme. English Cottage

suggests pinks and greens in floral prints.

Rustic style, with twig wood furniture, works

well with forest colors—greens, rust, and golden

tones.

Color and Pattern

Any odd thing can serve as an accessory in a Cottage Style home, so be on the lookout

wherever you go. Charming plates, old hats, musical instruments and interesting frames

become the center of attention in a comfortable cottage room. Antique shops, tag sales, grandma’s attic, and flea markets are all

places to find Cottage Style accessories.

Accessories

Eclectic This is a style that most people use. It is a

combination of many styles. Just choose your favorite pieces to combine into a style all your

own.

The palette can vary, but it's best to stick

with a few neutrals to help tie all the

elements together. In the red and gold room pictured, creams and browns are used to

ground the palette so the great design isn't lost among the many

hues.

Color

Lines, finishes and materials of the pieces in a room are tied together

with paint or fabric.

Wrap Up

• Tips to find YOUR style• Many quizzes online– BHG– HGTV

So…what style are YOU??