About Decorating

Decorating can refer to everything from designing an entire apartment to embellishing a piece of furniture. Whatever your definition, this article will attempt to guide you through the numerous decorating styles, give you a few ideas and get your creative juices flowing.

Significance

Decorating the spaces we inhabit gives us a sense of ownership and pride in our environment, particularly for those of us who are sensitive to our surroundings. Our homes should also reflect who we are while being functional at the same time. If you can't relate to any one designated decorating style, it's okay to mix pieces from various styles together, as long as the whole effect is pleasing to your senses. In the end, the only people who need to like the room's decor are the people who live there.

Types

There are several traditional decorating styles as well as a few new ones that have only been on the scene for a few years. Two newer ones that come to mind are Tuscany style, made popular by Frances Mayes' book "Under the Tuscan Sun," and shabby chic, a style invented by designer Rachel Ashwell. Also relatively new as a specific decorating style is the cottage style. Even though it has been around for years, it has only recently been recognized as a decorating style. Another new trend is garden style, which involves bringing the outdoors in, decorating with furniture that is typically found in gardens and on patios. More traditional decorating styles include a style that is actually labeled "traditional," as well as French country, French provincial, Mediterranean, Spanish, Asian, Southwestern, Colonial (formerly known as Early American), country, contemporary, art deco and mission. For a complete listing, see the website link below to a listing on HGTV.

A mix of pieces and design features from any and all styles is now recognized as a legitimate decorating style in and of itself for those of us who are either style schizophrenics or who have commitment issues. It is called "eclectic." Another style has evolved from pieces, colors and patterns that were considered contemporary in the mid-20th century and is now called "retro" or "vintage."

Identification

The Tuscany style is characterized by colors in nature such as browns, golds and greens, and by lines inspired by the art of Michaelangelo and Leonardo DaVinci. Arched doorways, sponge-painted textured walls and classical art are three traits typically found in the Tuscan style. Shabby chic is identified by its combination of elegant pieces like crystal chandeliers that may be a little tarnished alongside faded fabrics that were once fine. The background of shabby chic rooms is normally white, as are most of the furniture pieces. Cottage style features furniture typically found in family vacation homes in the early half of the 20th century. Upholstered pieces are normally slipcovered, sometimes in pastel florals or white canvas. Wooden pieces are sometimes twig chairs and tables, or wooden slat folding tables and chairs.

French provincial often features white or cream painted furniture gilded with gold leaf trim, whereas French country pieces are stained wood and often fabric is blue and white. Country style is distinctive for its rustic look - 18th and 19th century period furniture pieces - everything from those made by pioneers and Shakers to pieces from the 1920s and 1930s. A little Asian inspiration can be added with some bamboo, ginger jars, cherry blossoms and black painted furniture pieces.

Anything goes in an eclectic room, even the mannequin leg lamp with the fishnet stocking and fringed lampshade like the one Ralphie's Dad had in "The Christmas Story." It might also work in a vintage style room. To see these examples and more, see the website link below to Home and Garden television network.

Considerations

If you're tired of the furniture you've been living with for years, try to look at it with new eyes to see if it can look different with a few modifications. A coat of paint or a different color stain and new hardware can dramatically change the look of a furniture piece. New fabric slipcovers, throw pillows or accent rugs can make a room look completely different. Sometimes just moving the furniture all around and adding new accent pieces can make a world of difference.

Misconceptions

You don't have to decorate a whole room in one style. Just one or two pieces of furniture of a given style, along with a few accent pieces, can give your room the "flavor" of a decorating style without redoing the whole room. If you love the country look and your spouse or roommate likes southwestern, you'll have to find a compromise that works for you both. One solution could be to decorate one room in your style and another room in your spouse's. Another option is to go eclectic and mix pieces from both styles together in a way that pleases you both. As long as the people who live in the room like it, whatever anyone else thinks doesn't matter.

Resources

• HGTV decor styles