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Decoration Styles

There are many different decorating styles for your home, sometimes it can become confusing between Modern & Contemporary, French Provincial and Shabby Chic. So here are some basic descriptions of some popular styles.

~ Victorian ~

Characterised by rich brocades velvets, both in furniture, walls and window dressings. Mauves, burgundies, rich blues and greens, along with lace and fringing compliment Victorian furnishings. Ceiling roses, moulded cornice, detailed or contrasting paintwork, wicker and timber furniture are all wonderful accent pieces to Victorian Decor.

~ Country ~

While country is quite a general term, it actually depicts a style incorporating hand crafted furnishings, such as antique cotton quilts, country animal motifs, display cabinets, stoneware bowls, enamelware and wooden dovetailed boxes. Patterned cotton fabrics prevail in Country Decorating and accessories are plentiful.

~ French Provincial ~

Yellows, blues and whites, with tiles on the floor and walls. The french provincial style is a mixture of elegant and rustic. Faded or white-washed wood, blue, pink and yellow small prints and flowered fabrics, sunflowers in a primitive pitcher. Timber or stone floors with scatter rugs. Simple, uncluttered decor in natural materials.

~ Contemporary ~ 

This is a style in which patterns are bold and bright, while using a lightly coloured background. Use neutral colouring for walls and furniture with bright splashes of colour for accessories and feature walls. Colours such as reds, greens and browns create dynamic accents, while large modular furniture with simple lines will compliment a Contemporary decor.

~ Art Deco ~ 

This term comes from the designs of the 20's, 30's & early 40's. Lines were elegant, streamlined and angular with geometric motifs. Vibrant colours were prodominant. Neon, chrome, and other metal furnishings, bakelite plastics and inlayed furniture were popular for the Art Deco period.

~ Eclectic ~

This is a style that many people are comfortable with. It can be a combination of many styles. Just choose your favourite pieces to combine into a look of your own. Using varying styles with a common link, such as colour, pattern or shape can help to balance your room and create a cohesive arrangement. Remember when blending pieces from different styles not to overcrowd - the use of space is equally important so as not to overwhelm the senses. Wall colours and floor coverings can be used to link adjacent areas. This is a style which allows you to express your individualism.

~ Modern ~  

Futuristic look design, concrete, stone, metal, glass. High tech comes to mind when thinking of this type of decor. Lots of open space, bright lighting and square lines. The main colours are basic and cool, with splashes of bright colour. Abstract artwork will combine well with this decor as well as unusual hand blown glass pieces.

~ Shabby Chic ~

Here we are talking a mix of flea market finds, redone to suit the new owner. Comfortable, inviting, with character, are a few words to describe this new/old decorating style. Worn but comfy chairs covered with an old faded quilt, old trunks remade into coffee tables, baskets holding magazines and worn lace hung as a curtain. A very feminine decorating style which is very popular all over the world. Whites and pastels predominate.

~ Oriental ~

Most oriental decor is sparsley furnished with dark wooden pieces standing out against light walls. Simplicity, balance and practicality are the words most used when describing the oriental style. There is a colourful array of accessories that can be used to compliment , of course beautiful rugs, jade, ivory, coral and onyx pieces, elephants and dragons, silk kimonos, fans, teak and lacquered wooden pieces, delicate tea sets and silk prints. Strong colours and shapes in almost minimalist arrangements.

~ Mediterranean ~

Use colours such as terracotta, warm yellows and other earthy tones. Distressed finishes and simple patterns will suit this style best. Blue and gold accents on a neutral background will really set off this style. Accessories here should include pottery and aquatic pieces in simple designs. Use natural materials in both hard and soft furnishings and fixtures, such as terracotta, stone, timber, ceramic, cotton and wicker.

~ Spanish ~ 

Stuccoed walls, bold colours such as red, orange and gold. Heavy dark coloured furniture and use of wrought iron accessories. Other accent pieces include guitars, castanets, lace, bolero hats and spanish blankets for floor or wall hangings.