What’s Your Style?

Casual. Lots of people enjoy this style. It’s not fussy and brings to mind a comfortable and restful space. The term ‘shabby chic’ can fit into this category; often including low, overstuffed furniture with mismatched coffee and end tables.

Garage sale finds and recycled items can find a home in a casual decorating style. Fabrics are soft and have varying pattern mixes, often with bold colour groupings.

Furniture placement is usually at angles around the room. Finishings can include berber carpet, antique or rustic hardwood or multi-coloured tile on floors, wood trim and cabinets in pale hues such as natural oak. Strong paint colours are often used to co-ordinate with mixed pattern choices.

Formal. Tall furniture in matching pairs (coffee tables and lamps), high ceilings, ornate woodwork such as crown molding, along with separate rooms for specific functions are generally an indication of a formal decorating style. Things are balanced and symmetrical.

Furniture is formal – high backed chairs with rich upholstery, armoires, and tall bookcases. Balanced but bold pattern mixing in textiles and finishes is common – for example a bold stripe could be mixed with a large floral.

Another cue to identifying a formal decor – bling! Shiny candlesticks, gilded picture frames and mirrors are often the chosen accessories. Rooms can also beadorned with elaborate trim-work, velvet cut pile carpet, oriental rugs and inlaid wood floors. Strong colour is present in artwork, fabrics and accessories and is usually presented against a neutral background.

Contemporary. Modern, up-to-date and stylish are words that come to mind when we think of contemporary style. The look can be monochromatic, minimalist or sleek. There are lots of open spaces with bold, strong lines.

Loft spaces often use contemporary styles – often with an industrial look – plain concrete floors, wide open space, big windows. Furniture is low and sleek with little adornment or fuss.

Colour is minimal and when used, it’s usually in a bold accent piece or area that creates a strong focal point.

Traditional. Rich and warm, this decorating style is comfortable, casual and classic. Warm woods and colours are abundant. Fabrics are soft and muted; understated – not shiny or bold.

Furniture is rich in colour and classic in style. Flooring is often hardwood or warmly coloured tile with a lush area rug that creates a specific functional area such as a dining area or seating area for family get togethers.

Decorating is calm and predictable. The use of symmetry prevails - accents are usually placed in pairs, for example, two end tables with matching lamps on each.