Choosing a Decor Style

Posted On August 19, 2024

When it comes to decorating a home with Fort Wayne custom furniture, everyone has their thoughts about what’s stylish and what’s not–just like beauty, it’s all “in the eye of the beholder”. Choosing a décor style that matches your personality is essential for not only expressing what makes you happy but also ensuring that the time and money you invest in expressing your style are well spent.

The Most Common Décor Styles

Traditional

Traditional décor embraces a sense of history through the use of heirloom-quality antiques, rich woods, plush carpets, and elaborate patterns. While traditional-style leans towards the formal (think symmetrical arrangements and high-end materials), comfort, warmth, and a welcoming feel are always the goal.

Contemporary

As the word implies, contemporary décor is current and new, inspired by what today’s professional designers are creating. However, contemporary isn’t just about what’s new–it’s also about embracing negative space, strong shapes, and clean lines, while leaving room for experimentation and personalization with colors, patterns, and custom living room furniture. On the spectrum of décor style, contemporary is on the opposite end of traditional.

Modern

A modern décor style emphasizes form and structure rather than surface design. Instead of elaborate woodworking, think large expanses of glass and smooth surfaces such as concrete, steel, and stone, accented with chrome and black leather.

Farmhouse

Farmhouse décor is a stylish balance between modern comforts and the timeless simplicity of regional, rural architecture. The focus here is on durable furnishings and natural textiles that are down-to-earth, practical, and easy to live with.

Industrial

Industrial décor is often seen in urban lofts and converted industrial spaces, where the emphasis is placed on the use of industrial finishes and decor. Industrial décor has a certain “stylish grittiness”, a means of defining beauty and creativity through raw materials and open spaces.

How to Pick Your Style

Stay Flexible

When it comes to expressing your décor style, there’s no right or wrong. Experiment often until you settle on the look that feels right for you. Cultivating and refining your personal style isn’t a linear process, which is a big reason why it’s so rewarding once you find what you’re seeking.  

Create a Style Folder

Collect your inspirations in a style folder. This could be clippings from magazines or a virtual design folder consisting of screenshots on your phone. Every time you see a space you love or furniture that grabs your eye, snap a photo and add it to your collection. Having a broad palette of the colors, patterns, and items you love, right at your fingers, provides instant and invaluable inspiration.

Start With Your Closet

If you’re struggling to take the first step towards defining your décor style, check out your closet. Spending a few minutes with your favorite clothing will no doubt spur design cues and ideas via the colors, fabrics, and patterns that you have embraced again and again.

Express Your Décor Style Today

On one hand, expressing your décor style is about showing the world who you are. On the other hand, it’s a path to discovering more about yourself. None of this happens overnight, but Fairfield Galleries can help you get off to a great start with our top selection of dining room sets, bedroom furniture, and much more.