Style Glossary

If you're ready to decorate but need some specific style details to help you make up your mind, read below for info on over 40 styles, including historical periods and what's hot now.

Don't miss our collection of in-depth articles on 16 popular styles, plus a quiz to give you an idea on what look suits you best.

a b c e f g j l m n o p r s t v

A

art nouveau
The forerunner to art deco, it was developed in France between 1890 and 1910. Furnishings and accessories, like Tiffany lamps, contain ornate and flowing lines and freeform shapes taken from nature and the feminine form. More info>>

arts and crafts
The arts-and-crafts movement was a reaction to the Industrial Revolution’s reliance on mass production and the Victorian era's focus on heavy ornamentation. Popular during the early 1900s, this style glorified craftsmanship in simple shapes with exposed joinery, spare ornamentation and strong lines. Materials used to embellish the look include metals, stained glass and painted tiles and fabrics featuring stylized floral motifs. Notable artisans of this period are William Morris, Gustav Stickley and Charles and Henry Greene. More info>>

	Japanese
	Chinese

Asian
Typically refers to Japanese and Chinese influences. Traditional Japanese interiors are sized according to a 3' x 6' human form, represented by natural fiber floor coverings called tatami mats. Raw materials like bamboo and colors taken from nature are used to create a serene, calm environment. Furnishings characteristic of the look are shoji screens and rice-paper lanterns. Chinese interiors are identifiable through highly-stylized furnishings featuring handpainted designs on lacquered finishes, brightly-colored accessories and ornaments or statues of animals or mythical creatures. Red is used abundantly as a symbol of good luck. More info>>

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B

C

Colonial
A style that dominated the designs of American furniture from the 1700s up to the Revolutionary era. Depended on the heavy use of wood for floors and walls, which were often left unfinished. Spindle forms were used for chair legs and backs in lieu of fancy ornamentation. Accessories that are part of the look include delicate embroidery like crewel work, needlepoint samplers, family portraits and pewter.

contemporary
Encompasses a wide range of styles developed in the latter half of 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. More info>>

cottage
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. More info>>

country
A wide-ranging style depending on geographical location but in general exemplified by primitive furniture, muted colors, milk-paint finishes and vintage fabrics. More info>>

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E

eclectic
Eclectic style encompasses a variety of periods and styles and is brought together through the use of color, texture, shape and finish. More info>>

English
Interiors feature heavy use of wood, collections and patterned fabrics in traditional colors. Wood is used for floors, wainscoting and intricately-carved moldings. Fabrics consist of plaids, florals, paisleys and striped prints in color combinations of hunter green, navy blue, red and gold. Common collections include delicate china and silver pieces.

English country
A relaxed, comfortable style that is an interpretation of more traditional looks. Colors are natural and subdued; a rustic, textural quality permeates both the interior and exterior through the use of wood, iron and stone. Textiles include embroidered rugs and fabrics in muted floral prints; furnishings range from dark-stained chests to pine bookcases. More info>>

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F

G

garden
Garden style is typified by an atmosphere of fresh and pretty things, including floral prints, especially in chintz fabrics, needlepoint pillows, framed botanicals, painted wood furniture, lace accents, fresh flowers and china antiques.

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J

L

M

Mediterranean
This style originated in countries north of the Mediterranean Sea, such as Spain, Greece and Italy and is often referred to today as Spanish modern. Mediterranean-style furniture ranges from simply functional to extremely formal. Pieces are short with ornately turned legs and feet; hardware is heavy and often burnished. Walls are predominantly textured; a bull-nose edge is a common design detail on countertops and fireplace mantels. More info>>

mid-century modernism
Style that was created from the 1930s to '70s. The look is comprised of accessories in organic shapes, clean lines, flat-painted walls and bent plywood frames used for furnishings. Materials developed and used during the period include colorful plastics,vinyl, melamine and Formica. Other materials used abundantly during this period include plywood, wood veneer, fiberglass, steel, aluminum and wrought iron. Lighting became an artistic statement with pieces featuring floating circles, triangles, cones and radiant arms made out of steel, brass, aluminum and brightly-colored shades.

modern
A clean, streamlined furniture style from the 1930s with roots in the German Bauhaus School of Design and Scandinavian modern design. Characterized by polished surfaces, sleek geometric shapes and asymmetry. Expansive windows play into the overall aesthetic. Expansive, unadorned windows marry the interior with the exterior landscape. More info>>

Moroccan
A detailed look consisting of intricately patterned fabrics, colorful mosaics, metal lanterns, textured walls, gauzy fabric, jewel-toned colors, layers of Oriental rugs and pillows in luxurious fabrics and ornately-carved wooden accents.

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N

O

Old World
The hallmark of Old World design is a comfortable, broken-in look that shows the wear and tear of usage. Textured walls, hand-trawled windows and walls and natural materials like tumbled marble exemplify the style. The finish of the materials is extremely important--distressed furniture and matte, honed finishes are preferable to highly polished, reflective surfaces. Colors are muted and subdued. More info>>

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P

R

romantic
A comfortable style that appeals to the senses through soft fabrics with floral patterns, laces, painted furniture, a color pastel palette, filtered light and aromatic flower arrangements. More info>>

rustic
A simple style typical of country life, regardless of geography. Interiors are primitive with exposed walls, wood paneling, rough-hewn beams and stone. Furnishings are simple yet sturdy pieces with little ornamentation with natural or worn finishes.

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S

	country
	Gustavian
	modern

Scandinavian
Encompasses three different Nordic styles--country
, Gustavian and Scandinavian modern. Each holds true to a light and fresh color palette and an abundance of wood pieces meant to counteract the region's dark, cold winters. Distinguishing characteristics of the country style include bare or painted wide-plank, wood floors, furniture made of birch or pine and fabrics that feature minimal patterns in white-washed hues. The Gustavian look is a combination of the country pieces with a brighter color palette and elegant accessories, like crystal chandeliers and furnishings with graceful curves. Scandinavian modern evolved with the modern movement in the 1930s. It features the same blond wood furniture but with an emphasis on line, shape and form. The look is punctuated with bursts of color in small doses, like area rugs or artwork.

shabby chic
This style has become popular in recent years because of its accessibility and affordibality. White-painted furniture, painted motifs, muted colors, slipcovers and vintage fabrics are all indicative of the comfortable, eclectic look.

Shaker
A simplistic furniture design featuring clean, spare lines. The style originated in the mid-1770s from an American Shaker religious sect who built furniture according to their belief that the beauty of the object was found in its usefulness.

southwestern
Generally characterized by earthtone colors, rough textures, handcrafted objects, an abundance of terra cotta and clay tile roofs. More info>>

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T

traditional
Traditional furnishings can hail from England in the 18th century, the French countryside, or even the exotic lands of the East. Among the most popular traditional styles today are 18th-century English, 19th-century neoclassic, French country, and British Colonial revival. More info>>

transitional
Transitional style is a marriage of traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics. Furniture lines are simple yet sophisticated featuring either straight lines or rounded profiles. Fabric can range from graphic patterns on overstuffed sofas to textured chenilles on sleek wood frames. More info>>

tropical
Ornamental carvings in island motifs, exotic woods and framed botanicals are indicative of this style. More info>>

Tudor
A highly-decorated style in effect from 1485 to late 1500s. Elements reflect an almost medieval look with stone or brick floors, contrasting colors and ornate furniture. Pewter accessories are plentiful. The look depends on a recurrent use of textural fabrics on beds, windows and walls. See a Tudor kitchen makeover completed on just $500!

Tuscan
Tuscan interiors feature a rustic, sun-baked look characterized by crumbling stone patios, simple and sturdy furnishings with elegant iron accents, terra-cotta tiles and textured wall finishes, in addition to elegant, detailed murals and trompe l'oeil designs. More info>>

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V

Victorian
A furniture and architecture style named for England's Queen Victoria that was very popular through the latter half of the 1800s. Usually constructed of mahogany, walnut and rosewood in dark finishes, which were often highlighted with elaborate carved floral designs. Common elements of this style include oval chair backs and marble tops on tables and dressers. Fabrics and wall coverings feature bold patterns in strong colors. Draperies and upholstered pieces are embellished with extensive trimmings and fringe.

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