Different Styles for Everyone

It can be very confusing when someone asks you what your interior “style” is. Some people know that they are 100% traditional or contemporary but for the rest of you who can’t be quite so clear there is some ambiguity in determining what exactly it is your like. To make it easy for you I thought I would put together a glossary of what a handful of different styles are and it will hopefully help you narrow down what it is your prefer.
Contemporary: Contemporary style encompasses a range of styles developed late in the 20th century. Pieces feature softened and rounded lines, as opposed to the stark lines seen in modern design. Interiors contain neutral elements and bold color and focus on the basics of line, shape and form. Contemporary interiors feature tone-on-tone color palettes which are predominantly brown, taupe, cream and pure white. Accent colors can be found on one wall, on a rug or artwork.
Traditional: Traditional furnishings roots come from England in the 18th century, the French countryside, or even the exotic lands of the East. There are a variety of traditional styles and some of the most popular styles today are 18th-century English, 19th-century neoclassic, French country, and British Colonial revival. The colors you will see most are peach and green tones which are balanced with aubergine and tan for a slightly floral but unfussy palette. The colors are enhanced with bronze accents and warm wood tones for an inviting, comforting interior. On window treatments you will see a lot of swags with fringe and tassels. Two items you will almost always find in a traditional interior are chandeliers and oil paints.
Transitional: Transitional style is a marriage of traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics bringing a classic, timeless design. Furniture lines are simple yet sophisticated featuring either straight lines or rounded profiles. Fabric can range from graphic patterns on overstuffed sofas to textures on sleek wood frames. Accessories are limited in transitional interior. You might see potted orchids or glass vases. Most importantly you select items that blend with the interiors and do not call too much attention.
A few other styles worth mentioning but are not as frequently used as the three mentioned above are French country and cottage. French country furniture is left in their natural state with a handcrafted flair. Chairs feature caning for the backs and seats instead of heavy upholstery. Typical colors used in French country are deep and rich: Mediterranean blue, sunny yellow, terra-cotta red and green. Natural materials like stone and terra-cotta are used abundantly, in addition to wire and wrought iron. Cottage is a colorful, comfortable look characterized by painted and/or decorated furniture with graceful lines, textural elements like baskets, beadboard walls and natural fiber rugs and window shades, weathered finishes and colors taken straight from a lush flower garden.