Dear Friends,
As I mentioned earlier this month, we have been house hunting. Because we don’t have to move I’m being incredibly picky about what I want in a house this time around. The floorplan is the most important thing but I’d also really like a non cookie-cutter home if we can find it. Most importantly though it has to feel just “right” for our family. Think Goldilocks here. Looking at homes has led me to evaluate my own design style. Sometimes I think my design style could be labelled “identity crisis.”
HGTV.com lists 18 home design styles
I’ve crossed out the ones that are not represented in my home.
Arts & Crafts
Coastal
Contemporary
Country
French
Traditional
Transitional
I feel like many bloggers are strongly associated with a particular style. The Lettered Cottage immediately makes me think “coastal.” Miss Mustard Seed has the French look embodied in her beautiful design. Centsational Girl calls her style “casual elegance” which is right on target. I feel like my house is a melting pot of design in comparison. Work in progress strikes again!
Traditional
Contemporary
Transitional
Traditional
Transitional
French
Coastal
Arts & Crafts?
Coastal
Traditional
Transitional
Country
Coastal
Traditional
Transitional
Contemporary
Country
Coast
Design Styles Defined
definitions taken from this article at HGTV.com
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Coastal: This look is inspired by the ocean. It evokes a light and breezy feel by way of airy fabrics for window treatments, and the emphasis on nautical or beach-themed accessories such as lighthouses and seashells. The classic Ralph Lauren-inspired palette of navy and white with gold accents is a striking look for any home.
Contemporary design often has clean, sleek lines and is marked by solid colors, predominantly muted neutrals or bold punches of color in furniture and accessories. Furniture is sleek, lower to the ground and often has metal frames or straight legs with an emphasis on basic shapes and forms. Graphic elements in artwork or as accents work well with this look.
Country: A rustic elegance is characteristic of this look. Some country looks are marked by extensive use of white wood paneling and soft floral patterns, muted hues and pops of red, black or pure white accents. Floral, checked and striped vintage fabric patterns are standards, and elements have a handmade, rustic quality: wood, handmade pottery, baskets and hand-forged metal to name a few. Primitive furnishings have history to them, and are bought in antique shops and flea markets.
French: An ornate, fanciful and decorative style is characteristic of this look. Colors range from rich, sun-drenched Mediterranean hues to softer, muted shades. Often, one color or fabric is repeated throughout the space. It’s characterized by rich details and extensive use of gold, bronze and gilt. Antique or heirloom furniture, layered dramatic window treatments and abundant fresh flowers fill out a French home.
Traditional: Furnishings are usually 18th-century English, 19th-century neoclassic, French country and British Colonial revival. Use of classic styling and symmetry to create a calm, orderly decor. Color palette is usually in the mid-tones and fabrics are muted, usually simple florals, solids, stripes or plaids.
Arts & Crafts:Arts and Crafts style furnishings became popular in the United States between 1910 and 1925. The focus was simple in form, without extraneous decoration, often showing the way pieces and materials were put together. Architecturally speaking, Arts and Crafts covers Craftsman style, work by Frank Lloyd-Wright as well as the bungalow style popularized by Greene and Greene. “Truth in Materials” was very important to Arts and Crafts designers, who often used local materials.
Transitional: The transitional look bridges contemporary and traditional design. Offering a deep rooted sense of history in some pieces, while furniture often gets an update with cleaner lines. Leather ottomans used as coffee tables is very popular in this decor. Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn could be considered transitional looks.
So, what is the verdict? Transitional seems to be the closest to what I would define as my style. When I was looking at these different design styles I kept thinking that the word for my style should be “catalog”. I feel like I have always tried in some fashion to emulate catalog style. In fact, all of my home decor education comes straight from the mailbox. Also, I definitely have a blend of antique and contemporary furniture in my home. I also love clean lines!
What is your style?? Do you have multiple personalities like I do?
Regardless of what it is called, I love your style.