Mix and Match Budget Decorating Styles

Everyone has their own unique design style, even if the style is Early Graduate School or my budget favorite, Arts and Goodwill. The following categories are generally acknowledged as the major overall decorating styles, but your personal preference may be a combination of two or even three of them.

*Traditional

You prefer the familiar, comfortable and warm - kind of like Grandma's house with taste! You love the look of warm, rich woods and love formal window coverings that others might find heavy or "fussy." In line with the warm feel of your home, you love gold or bronze metal accents, traditional floral patterns and luxurious trims such as tassels, fringe or braids.

*Contemporary

You love clean lines, soothing colors, and simple spaces. It may seem a bit institutional to some, but you save it from the "hospital ward" feel with splashes of color. You prefer a neutral background that doesn't "fight" with those bright accents. You do not like "fussy," but instead love natural fabrics and textures like linen and leather. You don't use a great deal of embellishments, believing the "simpler, the better." Wood choices in your decor are either very dark or very light. Cooler metals such as stainless steel, nickel and chrome add flash to your simple decor.

*Transitional

You are in the middle between traditional and contemporary - between Grandma and the institution! Bright colors are not your preference, instead you stick to more somber deep browns and navy. You also hate "fussy," but love luxurious and touchable fabrics such as velvets, chenilles and satins. Your decor has contemporary lines, but you sneak in a few traditional details to soften the look.

*Old World

You were born in the wrong century. You love rich, deep jeweltone colors and natural building materials such as stone, granite and marble. You come from the "The bigger and more ornate, the better" school of furniture design. You love luxurious textures and fabrics throughout your decor, all accented with bronze or wrought iron.

*Country

You love decor that looks and feels "homemade," rustic, or even a bit neglected. You are from the "it was out in the yard for 50 years, so let's hang it on the wall" school of design. Painted furniture is a favorite, interspersed with antiques in many finishes. You like muted colors, but in plaids, florals or rustic patterns. Homemade accessories such as quilts, pottery or primitive paintings grace your decor. Metal accents are mainly copper or pewter.

Recognize yourself? If not, don't worry. Just pick a few attributes from any style and create your own. How about something like Grandma's Country Contemporary Fusion - lots of stainless steel rocking chairs with chintz cushions! On second thought, maybe just stick with the tried and true.

Still haven't figured out your style? Visit my How to Decorate in Your Favorite Style section for more decorating style clues.