How to Find Your Home Decor Style....And Why You Should Care.
I know, I know, I'm getting all Designer-y here. Most people go their whole lives without ever needing to define their decorating style. And that's OK, unless you have ever attempted to redecorate a room or even buy a new piece of furniture. If you have ever set foot in a furniture store, wanting something simple like a new couch, then you know the choices can be downright overwhelming.
Perhaps a nice sales person approaches you, all smiles and business cards and, pleasantries aside, asks quite innocently, "What style were you looking for?"
Panic.
"Style? I don't know...comfortable?" you squeak, feeling slightly out of place.
She smiles condescendingly, and says, "They're ALL comfortable."
You then proceed to wander around indiscriminately, feeling more and more confused as you go, suddenly convinced that your couch at home is perfectly adequate.
Sound familiar? Then you suffer from a little known, and quite recently made up condition, called Decor Style Indecision. Don't worry, it's completely treatable, and requires very little therapy. In fact, I'm going to share with you the tools to conquer your DSI and face the furniture store once again. Admitting that you have a problem is the first step to recovery. Ready? Here we go.
You may not know it, but your home has a style. Phew, that's a relief! And I'm willing to bet that it falls into one or more of the categories that I see most often:
- Traditional
- Contemporary
- Modern
- Transitional
- Country
- Eclectic
If you can identify the style(s) you like, you'll save lots of:
- money - by buying the right things the first time,
- time - by only looking at the pieces that fit your style, and
- anxiety - by being able to converse knowledgeably with salespeople and feel confident you're not being "sold" something that doesn't suit you.
The good news is that it's not too hard to define a style. The bad news is you probably have more than one style, and sometimes it can be hard to separate and identify them.
I feel like the best way to understand your style is by looking at pictures, rather than definitions. But just in case, I'm going to give you both below.
First, let me offer my disclaimer that style is subjective, just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder. These are my own definitions, written in everyday English, which means that probably every designer out there will disagree with some part of them. That's OK with me. There are no hard and fast rules, merely suggestions to get you started looking in the right direction.
Traditional
Traditional Style is marked by molding (crown molding, chair rail molding, etc.), muted historical colors, and classical furniture lines. Think greek urns, wingback chairs, and oriental rugs. Most people today who say they are traditional in style actually fall into the transitional category (coming up later). When you want Traditional style, Ethan Allen can be a good place to start.
Contemporary
Contemporary Style and Modern Style (defined next) are often confused for each other, partly due to the similar names. I define Contemporary as clean lines, less wood and more metal, with blocks of intense color on clean grays, whites, and blacks. Think "Loft" style, with some Scandinavian (IKEA) influences.
Modern
Modern Style is defined differently by some people, but I keep it straight in my head by tacking on the phrase "mid-century" at the front. When you say Mid-Century Modern, you're in the realm of Mad Men, the Jetsons, and all sorts of other iconic 50's and 60's images. Modern is similar to contemporary, but with a mid-century flair, rather than late century. (That's 20th century for you young-uns.) This style is seeing a huge resurgence right now, with most stores carrying some modern pieces.
Transitional
Transitional Style is like an updated Traditional. (Think "transitioning" from Traditional to Contemporary.) As a designer, when clients tell me they want traditional style, I ask a lot of questions because what they usually really want is Transitional. (Of course you can call it whatever you want, but I'm just giving you the tools to talk to the couch salesperson.) With Transitional, you see lines and framework that follows traditional influences, but with some contemporary colors and twists on fabrics thrown in. Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware have some great examples of this style.
Country
Country Style is as diverse as there are countries in the world. Some of the subcategories that fall into this style are: Shabby Chic, French Country, and English Country. I won't go into all the distinctions between each because they usually share the same characteristics of natural woods, creamy or sunny colors, and floral, gingham or natural fabrics. Flea market finds such as chippy dishes and antique figurines usually play into the decor as accessories.
Eclectic
Finally, Eclectic Style. I've saved this one for last because it's the most misunderstood. When people tell me their style is Eclectic, what they usually mean is they like a little bit of everything and don't want to be defined by one style. OK. That's fair, and technically not a bad definition. However, I'd like to suggest that a true Eclectic style is not a hodge-podge, but a carefully curated collection of furniture, fabrics, colors, and accessories that reflect a sense of travel and world culture. You often see Moroccan and Bohemian influences, and exotic materials and patterns in true Eclectic rooms. You can't just throw a bunch of castoff furniture together and call it Eclectic. Well, you could, but it wouldn't help you when you try to find a wall color that ties everything together.
I hope these definitions have cleared a few things up, or at least given you a starting place in defining your style. DSI (Decor Style Indecision) doesn't have to ruin your life...er...shopping trip. Remember, rules are made to be broken, but it's good for everyone to at least know the rules of the game first. Next time you set off to find a new couch, you can wow your salesperson by confidently jumping in with something along the lines of... "I'm looking for a transitional style couch in neutral tones to match my living room." Then enjoy the ride as she takes you to see a small group of pieces that fit your needs, rather than trailing her all over the showroom like a lost puppy.
If I've raised more questions than I've answered, please let me know! I have a lot of experience in treating DSI - you don't have to suffer alone. And don't forget to check out Pinterest for more examples...
normaleverydaylife says
Great tips! I think it's hard for me to pick out a style living with five kids. My style tends to be what's affordable, what hides dirt well, and what's most sturdy. Sprinkled in is all the stuff they happen to have out any given moment! I do like to keep trying though and refuse to give up! 🙂
Meredith says
Thanks! I think we should make up a new kid style. It would include wall treatments of magic markers at a height of 3 feet, legos scattered on carpeting, and fingerprint-smudged lightswitches. 🙂
Stacy says
I so enjoyed this post! Your visuals and comments were quite helpful. Admittedly, I tend to look through Pottery Barn catalogues for ideas, so you mentioning PB was helpful in my diagnosis- although I found I love bits and pieces of all the styles! 😉
Meredith says
Thank you Stacy! I'm with you - I like bits and pieces of all the styles. Especially YOUR style! 🙂
Paul Graham says
Well summarized, Meredith. With some knowledge of the basics, most will gain the confidence to develop a style of their own within one of these well tested areas.
Meredith says
Thanks Paul! I think it's good to know the basics, even if you immediately throw them out the window and set off in your own direction.
Jeri Walker-Bickett (@JeriWB) says
I veer toward rustic southwest decor with a bit of the eclectic thrown in. I like to put items and colors together based on the places I've visited. Go figure 🙂
Meredith says
That sounds lovely! I think rustic southwest would complement eclectic nicely, which makes total sense for a person who likes to travel.
Anita says
What a great post.There's definitely another book wanting to com out of this! As I am traveling in France right now I am looking for ideas for inside the house and for the gardens. We'll be in Provence in a few days, so I'll see what ideas that area offers for my traditional and country French taste.
Meredith says
Bring me back some good examples of French Country! Or anything French!
Laurie S Hurley says
Yeah! I can finally relate to one of your blogs (being the anti DIY'er that I am :)) I love to decorate and have an eye for color and style. That I can do and I totally enjoy it. I would say my home is an eclectic combination of modern and contemporary. I love basic pieces with lots of bright oranges and teals. Let me loose in a Home Goods any day, and I will come out with at least $100 worth of goodies.
Meredith says
Yay Laurie! I'm so glad. Gotta take a break from DIY-ing sometimes. I love HomeGoods! It's a dangerous place for me.
lenie5860 says
Meredith, when I was first married the ladies of the church wanted to give us a weddin gift and called to ask our furniture style. I told her 'old-fashioned' which got a laugh but be darned, if they didn't find a couple of gorgeous table lamps fashioned after old time oil lamps. and I still do old-fashioned (its comfortable)
Lenie
Meredith says
That's great Lenie, don't ever let anyone tell you what your style should be. Just go with what you like and you'll be comfortable and happy, which is the whole point!
jankedonna says
Nice summary of styles. I once attended an evening design session given by a interior designer to a group of non-design people. She had an exercise where we were shown a series of 2 pictures of decorated rooms and had to choose our favourite. At the end, she told us what our preferred style was based on our choices. It was interesting and mostly accurate, although I admit I can often appreciate things across styles.
Meredith says
I appreciate all sorts of different styles, too. I often tell people that's why I had to become a decorator - so I could play with all the styles I wanted, without having to find a way (or a budget) to have them all in my house!
jacquiegum says
This was so wonderfully succinct! I've decorated 10 homes!!! But what I found is that often my taste for those homes was dictated by the locale. I've no idea if this is right or wrong, in the design world, but somehow my mid-west traditional wood floor, huge crown molding wasn't suited for a Florida Bermuda style home. So over the years, I think my style has varied and is often influenced by location and architecture. Maybe that's strange? LOL
Meredith says
Thank you Jacquie! It's hard to be succinct and still capture the essence of what you're trying to describe. I keep thinking of other points I should have added in, but I think I'll leave it alone. 🙂 And you're so right that decor style should be influenced by the architecture and surrounding culture.
A.K.Andrew @artyyah says
Thanks so much for clarifying the different styles. I love modern, and liked how you separated it out from contemporary. There reality is our house is eclectic in the "not truly eclectic' sense. Still it's home, so it suits me. Like Jeri I also like Southwestern too.
Meredith says
I love modern too, but have hardly any of it in my house. I think if you like your home, and it suits you, then that's all you have to worry about when it comes to picking a style.
William Rusho says
Being a bachelor, I am not that big on interior designing, but, some of this article even gives me some thought about what to do at home.
Meredith says
Good! It was just intended to help give you an idea where to start, if and when you're interested in doing some decorating.
Susan Cooper/findingourwaynow.com says
I love this lineup of styles. It really helps a person who has no idea what they like to give them a guide. I am a mix of contemporary and traditional. It's weird, I know, but it works for me. 🙂
Meredith says
I don't think that's weird, I'd say that's what I am too. Or maybe it is weird, but I can't tell because I'm weird too? Anyway, I think style should be whatever works for you and makes you feel happy in your own space.
Arleen says
I would say my style is traditional. I also feel that it is also old world with a touch of European flavor. I am starting to change to the more cleaner lines and less ornate decorations. I think I am trying to have a more unclutterd life.
Meredith says
Your style sounds beautiful Arleen. But I know what you mean, I appreciate having an uncluttered life more and more these days too.
Tim says
I now know my style to be contemporary with a dash of Asian traditional and a spritz of modern. A potpourri of style. Like Arleen though I am trending towards the less cluttered approach and there are few things I look forward to more than a good purge.
Meredith says
Me too, Tim! Nothing feels as good as sending a few bags of things to be donated. I like the idea of Contemporary with Asian and Modern accents - it sounds very zen.
Susanna Duffy says
Just discovered my style is eclectic! By the way, I love the image you've used as an example of that style (drool)
Meredith says
Thanks Susanna, I fell in love with that one too! I think Eclectic is the most fun, especially for someone who loves to travel.
William Butler says
Hi Meredith,
I'm definitely contemporary. What style do you prefer? Speaking of sales people and cards. We were at a furniture store, and looked at a few sofas. The young saleslady handed me her card asked me to give her a ring (phone call.) I said, "Are you kidding? I'm already married! She burst into immediate laughter.
All the best for a nice week ahead.
Bill
Meredith says
Bill, you win the prize for the best sales person reply! I love contemporary too, and would probably put myself in the Transitional category which blends traditional and contemporary. But it's too hard to pick just one style!
Mina Joshi says
So many lovely choices here but I like the traditional and country style. However, our houses in UK are so small that we often have to go for the clutter free IKEA style which I am not fond of at all.
Meredith says
Yes, it can be difficult to pull off those styles in very small spaces, since the furniture pieces tend to be a little oversized. Perhaps adding in some accessories or art on the walls will give you more of a feel for your style, while still being functional in the limited space.
Welli says
Thanks for this educational piece nicely put. I am stuck up between contemporary and modern, and as you say, they are similar and interchangeable so I will get away with that. I lean more towards the contempo I will say. I love the solid colors and straight lines and neatness.
Meredith says
Welli, it sounds like you have a pretty good handle on your style. I definitely think you can get away with mixing Contemporary and Modern. Most people do anyway, these days.
crystal Ross (@CrystalRoss55) says
Great post and you did great at explaining everything too! I am a pinterest addict as well. I would say my style is a cross between transitional and country. Although I can get sidetracked by other beautiful pieces of furniture. =)
Meredith says
Thanks Crystal! I'm with you. I think the reason I'm addicted to pinterest is because I can have it all, at least on my computer!
jbutler1914 says
I'm not a designer at all but looking at those pictures I would say that I would like my next place to have a modern feel to it.
Meredith says
Nice! I really like modern too.
Duke Stewart says
Thanks Meredith. Based on my lack of style in all realms, this guide will prove most helpful! Categorization always works for me so I'd probably go with modern or contemporary if I had to choose.
Meredith says
I'm so glad this was helpful! Categorization is so helpful to me too. I don't want to get too bogged down in the differences, but just to help give people a place to start.
Julie Corbisiero says
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and the nice comment on the marinated chicken. Thanks for the nice post and have a nice weekend.
Julie
Meredith says
Thanks Julie! Nice to meet you...
tuhinmech says
The pictures used in the modern and contemporary categories are too good. In the weidner apartment(contemporary) pic,the three wall pictures above the bed compliments the theme so well. Adding a suitable wall photo adds to the beauty of the room.
Meredith says
Good eye, Tuhin! We'll make a designer out of you yet. 🙂
tuhinmech says
Haha..thank u, thank u.. 😛
Natalie says
I love style decoders and yours was probably the best I've read! I like your pics but also how you mentioned specific stores attached to those styles. And it's good to hear I can have mixture because I have a hard time narrowing it down to one. 🙂 I'm curious- of those listed, what is your style?
Natalie says
Oh and how would you categorize the book-page, burlap, lace, peonie, put-a-bird-on-it, repurpose-wood-pallets style that's so hip (or perhaps hipster?) these days? I have been thinking about that and can't decide between transitional, country and eclectic. Or a mix...?
Meredith says
Hi Natalie and thanks! I can never pin down my own style (does that make me a hypocrite?) because I like them all. I think if I had to choose one dominant style it would be transitional. And I think in your second comment you're describing our current phase of shabby chic, which I would put under country. But I like your definition better - transitional, country and eclectic put together!
Lisa - A Merry Mom says
This is helpful. I love that you have a Pinterest board dedicated to decoding the styles! Thanks for sharing on the Merry Monday party.
Meredith says
Thank you Lisa! I appreciate you stopping by to visit!
Debra Yearwood says
So with full confidence I started reading this post, smug in the knowledge that I knew what style I was...WRONG. Thought I was traditional, but that formal room is far from me, guess what I was? Transitional (with a hints of country). Had a good laugh. BTW, since I'm now feeling completely predictable, LOVE the Pottery Barn. I can wander in there indefinitely. Restoration Hardware is where we got our switch plates. Just cause you might as well add to your list, Rejuvenation is where all the light fixtures in my kitchen (eventually the rest of the house) come from. 🙂
I will say this, I've never wandered into a furniture store unsure about what I wanted. When you live with a designer (graphic), you learn to be crystal about objectives BEFORE you get to the store. 🙂
Meredith says
I love it! Your comment just made my day. Especially the part about designers. 🙂