Do You Know What Your Style Is?

Well here goes…my first foray into the world of blogging. I do so with a bit of trepidation, but I’m hoping that in writing this blog I will grow as a decorator, and will be able to connect with readers who may be interested in learning more about design.

So, what better way to begin than talking about Style.

Decorators often talk about style, but what does it really mean? Aside from that certain something that some people seem to have in abundance, but is hard to explain, in decorating and design there really are specific “styles” — Traditional, Country and Modern. Just to make things confusing, the terms “Contemporary” and “Eclectic” are also discussed.

As a Decorator I have found that these terms mean very different things to different people, and although there are many interpretations of these terms, here are some general guidelines:

Traditional Style – think elegant and timeless (but not necessarily stuffy). This is a more formal style, where symmetry plays a strong role. Today’s traditional is less ornate, than in days gone by but it still has a connection with classic elements from the past.

Here is an example of a traditional room which I recently designed for a client.

Designed by Lesley Arnould of Embellished Interiors

Country – casual but also has a sense of history. Don’t be afraid — country style doesn’t mean roosters! It is a more informal style than Traditional and is comfortable and relaxed. Within this style you can have English Country which has a more layered and cluttered look (and usually some Chintz) and French Country which is less cluttered and more sophisticated. In all country styles, you will find the furniture to be more rustic – painted pieces and Canadiana Pine go beautifully with country style.

Here is an example of country style, done by Sarah Richardson, a well-known Canadian Designer, who is a master at mixing old and new to create relaxed, comfortable, country style rooms:

Designed by Sarah Richardson of Sarah Richardson Design

Modern – Modern style is a clean, uncluttered style that began with the Arts and Crafts movement around the late 1800’s, and was a marked departure from the excess of Victorian times. What’s confusing about the term “Modern” style that it encompasses about 150 years of varied design including the beautiful handcrafted work of William Morris, Frank Lloyd Wright and Gustav Stickley, the sinuous lines of Art Nouveau, the organic work of Antonio Gaudi, and the work of such influential people as Le Corbusier, Walter Gropius, and Mies Van der Rohe (whose Barcelona chairs are still being reproduced and used in homes today). Art Deco is also a Modern style and we, in Vancouver, are lucky to have the Marine Building which is a fine example of this style. In the late 50’s and 60’s Eames, Noguchi, Saarinen, Nelson and Jacobsen brought us such iconic pieces such as the Tulip Table (Saarinen) and the Egg Chair (Jacobsen). At this time we also began to see the influence of Scandinavian designers (remember Danish teak)? Today’s modern designers include Phillipe Starck (Louis Ghost Chairs) and Canada’s own Karim Rashid.

Here is a beautiful example of Modern design created by talented Vancouver Designer Patricia Gray of Patricia Gray Interior Design:

Designed by Patricia Gray of Patricia Gray Interior Design

And what is contemporary style? Well, it really means “now”. In other words, contemporary style incorporates what is current at the moment.

Finally, there is Eclectic which is generally a mix of two styles. This is not an easily achieved style, and it is important that the basic principles of design be applied when aiming for Eclectic style or the rooms can end up looking like a hodge-podge.

If you would like help defining your style to create rooms that you love, contact Embellished Interiors to set up a consultation.