Decoration and design
trends and themes keep changing with times, as do the
facilities and appliances one uses in the home. It
plays quiet an important role in almost all of the
decorating decisions. The three most talked about and
basic decoration trends are:
Country or rustic look;
Casual or contemporary décor;
and
Traditional and classic look.
While most prefer to decorate
their homes in contemporary style, traditional styles bring back
nostalgic memories to many. There are some others who feel that
country and rustic style home put us closer to nature. All the
other themes are considered secondary in nature and are developed
on one of these themes as the foundation. Such as country style is
said to provide the base for Country French or Mission-style home
decoration. We can see that in some regions, one style dominated
others while in another region, some other style or trend may have
the upper hand.
The decoration style preferred by a person usually depends on
individual taste, age and color combinations. Casual home décor
is usually guided by home decorating magazines and may range from
black plastic to chrome and glass combinations. These days, people
are going for clean, simple and minimalist décor with occasional
geometric patterns. Colors most preferred these days beige, white
and gray with light wood furniture and accessories such as those
made from natural maple to match.
The traditional style of course uses rich and ornate designs that
reflect grandeur and opulence and deep and dark colors with jewel
tones such as emerald green, burgundy and navy blue. The details
are often in polished brass and gold work while woodwork is
generally of cherry wood and has dark stains. Leather furniture is
also common in such décor.
The country style keeps changing too. While plaids, fruity
and birdy patterns have long gone out of style; baby boomers love
to be 'cool and trendy'. Bright color combinations are quite
common with ample use of lime green, bright blue and red that are
muted down using the soft pastels and earthy tones here and there.
Sturdy, overstuffed, nostalgic furniture is a common sight in this
style with an antique look enhanced by crackled or distressed
paint finish. They are meant to be very very comfortable, warm and
cozy.
While decorating homes in a particular style, you do not only pay
attention to family rooms, kitchens or dining areas only but also
extend it to the master and guest bathrooms and powder rooms for
the complete effect. Chrome and brushed nickel are the most
popular bath accessory finishes closely followed by oil-rubbed
bronze and wrought iron looks. These bath accessories can also
be categorized under the heads of country, casual or contemporary,
and classic or traditional. New trends include 'retro-style'
designs and wood finishes such as that of maple and oak along with
constant influx of new simple, creative and innovative designs
such as open towel ring or stylish glass shelf that add new
dimension to bath décor and complement the overall bath designs.
There are faucets and showerheads that should be chosen according
to the decoration style that you choose and accessories should
match the finish of faucets. Use traditional accessories in
non-traditional ways such as placing small votive candles in
existing soap tumbler holders for a soft glow or tall tapers in a
large bath to add the dramatic and romantic touch. Decorative
shelves can be used to place fresh flowers or family photos for
that special touch. You may also add color and texture to the
bath by using towels and napkins of all sizes to match your chosen
decoration style without having to spend big bucks for enhancing
the character of your home.
