By Ryan Frank
There are numerous different interior design styles, and they are evolving constantly as designers find nuances and invent variations, spinning off new trends of established stylistic traditions. As new styles emerge, older styles are tweaked and re-invented, creating a wide selection of decorative potential. When comparing different interior design styles, it helps to include a wide selection, taking the best of each to arrange a home design that uniquely fits your personality.
Traditional
Traditional design generally combines 2 historic periods, 18th century European antiques as well as classical Roman/Greek décor. English antiques focus on Georgian and Louis XV styles, evident in richly colored porcelain, fringed lamp shades, colorful majolica and richly jeweled tones. Garden florals with hand-painted European motifs are also a popular traditional style.
Contemporary
Contemporary styles were once thought of cold and minimalist, but are actually comfortable and welcoming. It's a simple style that avoids clutter, embracing modern approaches to style. Fundamentally, this style focuses on subtle sophistication, textures and clean lines. Color, shape and space are sleek and fresh with a minimalist décor that can be quite relaxing. Neutrals, black and white are the focus colors, though accents of bright and bold colors can be used to add dimension.
Rustic
Comforting and relaxing, yet back to the simplicity of the earth, rustic decorating evokes all the charm of the great outdoors. It has all the appeal of a deep woods fishing lodge. Color and texture often come from the same palate. Neutral, natural earth tones evoke a hint of nature, as well as shades that occur in the weathered construction of timber and stone. Texture is important, using woods that aren't finely pained, making an art of imperfection.
Retro
Cool, sleek and tipping its hat to the past, retro designs make an art of the unexpected. Rather than looking outdated and old, retro takes the best of past style and remakes it into something modern. There's a hint of wit to retro, a spin on the past that takes a creative approach. Timeless combinations of checkerboard patterns are popular, as are polished chrome, rounded corners, and red and white motifs reminiscent of a Coke ad. Funky designs of the '60s and '70s bring out the imagination with a modern twist. Retro thinks outside of the box by re-inventing the past.