Eclectic style is one of the most popular styles. In essence, this style is created when items from two or more different styles are combined together. It is often the most natural way to decorate because you can use items that your client already has and add different style items to them.
Although this style can offer you the most unique and interesting way to decorate that can characterize the personality of your client and include the items they love, it needs to be brought together with the important design elements of decorating kept in mind such as balance, scale, color, line, form, texture. If these are not taken into consideration, the final effect can be a mismatched mess. However, if basic decorating principles are used when decorating Eclectic style, the outcome can be both fabulous and interesting.
For example, a casual Southwestern style armoire can be mixed with a contemporary sofa (similar to a contemporary style you might find at Ikea) and combined with a coffee table that has a contemporary looking rounded glass table top sitting on a base made of two casual Southwestern style pots. The lighting could include a contemporary looking floor lamp and table lamp and accessories could include plants in pots, contemporary candleholders with colored candles, Southwestern style pieces of art, a contemporary glass vase filled with calla lilies, decorative boxes, stacked books, etc. The combination is a mix of two different styles (one being the casual Southwestern style and the other being a contemporary more modern style).
Although it might seem that decorating with an Eclectic style will be the easiest, it is in fact one of the hardest styles to pull off successfully and that is why it is key to remember to take into consideration the design elements to ensure that the look is finished and pulls together to create a fabulous looking space.
The Modern style first originated in the 1920's to 1950's. In Modern style, the space is kept simplistic (pared down) and basic with little or no decoration and limited color is used. Clutter is definitely not part of the Modern look.
Furnishings have clean, no fuss lines, with rounded corners. Fabrics are often monochromatic. Chrome and glass are used for tables, as are lacquer and plastic laminate. Furnishings are "geometrically useful" and leather is a popular choice for upholstery with black, gray, white or brown being the most common colors. However, leathers and other upholstery can also be found in striking primary colors. Teakwood is often used with this style, or other neutral toned woods can be used for tables and cabinets. Built-in shelving, built-in beds and other built-in units such as cabinets and cupboards are commonly seen in Modern decorating, as are modular units. Other items seen in Modern style homes are mirrors and glass block (glass brick) to reflect and let in light. Floors are kept simple (either hardwood or polished parquet) and if carpet is used it can be found in neutral colors. Sometimes bright colored area rugs are used that have abstract patterns or geometric shapes on them.
Often walls are painted white and windows are covered in blinds or simple drapes or they are left bare all together to let in the light. Accessories are used sparingly and often have geometric shapes or curves and can be found in vibrant colors. Glass is a popular accessory choice.
The Neo-Classical style is traditional and formal and it originated from the influence of ancient Greece and Rome (and Egypt, to a degree). The Neo-Classical look is fresh and clean, not fussy, while at the same time it is formal, dignified and classic. Symmetrical balance is an important element of Neo-classical decorating. Furnishings are normally in light woods and can have simple lines, however, furnishings can also be quite ornate with curvy lines and ornate detailing. Cream and natural color fabrics are very common within this style and other colors that are used within this style are reds, yellows, golds and greens. Additionally, Egyptian or Greek motifs can be used either in fabrics or on wall coverings. Window coverings are normally sheer, light and airy fabrics that hang symmetrically.
Common architectural elements within a Neo-classical designed home are columns, archways, crown moldings, rosettes and ceiling medallions. Rich and elegant fabrics in silks, velvets and brocades are used and predominant colors are gold, black and red.
Marble (or faux finished marble) is a popular flooring choice as are tile and wood or parquet. Marble, stone tile or faux finished marble paint are popular on walls. Popular accessories are urns, mythological figures, Greek style vases, Greek and Roman artwork and Greek style busts and sculptures.
The Victorian style is traditional and formal, even somewhat fussy, and originated in the 19th Century (when Queen Victoria reigned in England). The Victorian style is reflected by ornate furnishings in dark woods, patterned area rugs, and lots of accessories. Furniture is solid and large (somewhat bulging in shape) and often made from mahogany or walnut (dark woods). Upholstered furnishings have curvy shapes and deep buttons on them and they stand on cabriole or fluted legs. Popular furnishings are settees, marble topped chests and tables, armoires, corner cupboards, small writing desks and bathtubs with ball and claw feet.
The fabrics are deep colored, heavy and rich, such as velvet, silk, satin, damask and chintz and are often trimmed with cording, tassels or fringe although lacey fabrics are also used quite a bit. Popular patterns found on fabrics are florals, birds, landscapes, scenes of animals or scenes of children. Needlepoint, whether it is on cushions, furnishings, or even wall hangings, is also a reflection of the Victorian style.
Floors are often covered in wood or parquet (in main areas) or tile or linoleum in kitchens and bathrooms. Oriental rugs or other patterned area rugs are often found on floors. Walls are often covered in boldly colored wallpaper or are painted in cheery colors (such as crimson, vibrant greens, yellows and blues) in main rooms while bedrooms often have cooler and lighter shades of blues, greens, pinks and grays. Paneled wood may be used on the walls in some rooms (such as studies) while tiles may be used on the walls in kitchens and bathrooms.
Windows are covered with luxurious drapes or curtains (again with fringe and tassel and rope trimmings) and stained glass windows are commonly found in Victorian style homes. Popular accessories of the Victorian style are a pitcher sitting inside a wash bowl, bottle collections, silver framed photographs, wooden toys, china door knobs, landscape paintings, brass clocks, bronze statues, candelabras and silver dinnerware.
Our website is not responsible for the information contained by this article. Webworldarticles.com is a free articles resource thus practically any visitor can submit an article. However if you notice any copyrighted material, please contact us and we will remove the article(s) in discussion right away.
This article was sent to us by:
Mioara T. at
03012010
1. How to Get Experience as an Interior Decorator
All articles in this directory are property of their respective authors. Additionally, read our Privacy Policy
© 2010 WebWorldarticles.com - All Rights Reserved. Partners: Gunblade Saga