Decorating your home can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options and styles to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. However, sticking to a decorating theme helps create cohesion and really makes the space come together. Here, we explore four classic decorating themes and provide tips on how to successfully work them in your home.
Traditional
Traditional decor aims to be timeless and classic. It often features floral fabrics and patterns, rich wood tones, and ornate accents. The overall look is polished yet comfortable. When working with traditional decor, focus on these elements:
Furniture
Choose sturdy wood furniture with carved details and claw feet for a sense of permanence. Upholstered pieces should feature classic fabrics like damask or brocade in neutrals or soft colors like ivory and light blue. Tufted leather armchairs add another traditional touch.
Accessories
Look for candlesticks, porcelain vases, framed art and silver serving pieces to accessorize traditionally. Airy lace curtains, Oriental rugs, fresh flowers and table linens add elegance. Collections like antique books, globes or framed maps keep the look grounded.
Colors
Stick to a neutral palette of ivory, cream, taupe and soft blues and greens. Patterns should be classic like toile, chintz or delicate florals. Accent with metallics like bronze, pewter and aged brass. Deep tones like burgundy and navy blue work for big pieces.
Textiles
Natural fiber rugs like wool and cotton are ideal for traditional rooms. Choose upholstery and drapes in silks, velvets or linens for depth and sheen. Incorporate embroidered and lace pillows and tablecloths for ornamentation.
Paint Colors
Look to historical colors like the soft yellow of parchment, sage green, pale blue and cream. Paint architectural trim in white for contrast. Deeper shades like crimson can be dramatic accents.
To make a traditional scheme feel fresh and current, mix in some modern or minimalist elements like sleek lamps, abstract art and simple linen pillows. The blend of old and new creates an inviting, livable traditional look.
Rustic
The rustic look embraces nature and the simplicity of country living. It focuses on raw, organic textures and materials to create a cozy, relaxed vibe. Tips for executing rustic decor:
Furniture
Choose unfinished wood pieces, preferably in oak. Pine, maple and other woods also work. Look for natural edge slabs for dining tables. Woven wicker and rattan add texture. Distressed leather sofas feel right at home.
Accessories
Display found objects like weathered books, galvanized buckets, vintage crates and painted signs. Incorporate woven baskets, ceramic crocks, and metal lanterns. Add softness with wool blankets, hide rugs, and linen curtains.
Colors
Use warm neutrals like tan, almond, gray and white as a base. Bring in sky blue, sage green, brick red and sunshine yellow as accents. Deep forest hues complement the natural scheme.
Textiles
Rough linens, wool, cotton and burlap remind of the outdoors. Incorporate Native American prints and muted plaids. Furry pillows and shearling throws add cozy texture.
Paint Colors
Whites should have cream or gray undertones, avoiding bright white. Try pale blue-grays like Gustavian Gray by Farrow & Ball or warm taupes like Fieldstone by Sherwin Williams.
Rustic rooms tend to have a collected feel. Don’t over style —allow things to evolve organically. Mix high and low: raw wood furniture can pair with elegant chandeliers or gilt frames. The blend of refined and rugged is the essence of rustic chic.
Modern
The modern aesthetic focuses on clean lines, negative space and a minimalist look. It embraces both sleek and natural materials. When decorating modern, keep these guidelines in mind:
Furniture
Choose sleek upholstered sofas or MCM styles with tapered wood legs. Platform beds with crisp lines work well. Opt for unadorned pieces in sophisticated neutrals or wood tones.
Accessories
Lean into geometry and abstraction with accessories. Sculptural ceramics, framed graphic art prints, industrial lamps and asymmetric rugs enhance the modern mood.
Colors
A neutral base of white, charcoal, tan and wood tones creates serenity. Pops of bright colors like yellow, red and teal provide energizing accents. Metallics add polish.
Textiles
Natural fibers like linen, wool and cotton in solid hues or subtle patterns keep the look understated. Furry throws and sheepskin rugs add softness and texture.
Paint Colors
Stark white is a popular modern choice and makes spaces feel clean and bright. Complex neutrals like Benjamin Moore Gray Owl offer a softer alternative.
Edit out clutter to keep the look simple and airy. Allow negative space to breathe around furniture groupings and on walls. Mix sleek and natural elements — a stone coffee table next to a Mies van der Rohe lounger, for example. The blend of raw and refined enhances the modern aesthetic.
Coastal
Coastal decor embraces easy, beachy living with light, casual elegance. Keep these pointers in mind when designing coastal interiors:
Furniture
Choose weathered wood pieces, woven rattan, or slipcovered sofas in linen or cotton. Metals should have a patina like bronze and aged brass.
Accessories
Incorporate objects like sea glass, seashells, driftwood, sand dollars, coral and nautical maps. Ceramic urns and vases work well. Display family photos in weathered frames.
Colors
Use soft hues like ocean blues, sandy tans, seashell pink and sunny yellow. Accent with navy and white stripes and touches of red.
Textiles
Lightweight cotton, linen and seagrass ground the look. Incorporate thick linen curtains, braided and striped rugs and netting for an airy vibe.
Paint Colors
Soft blues like Benjamin Moore Whale Gray, greens like Beach Glass and off-whites like Swiss Coffee work beautifully. Painted wood ceilings in white are a coastal touch.
Coastal decor walks the line between casual and refined. Mix high and low pieces like a farmhouse dining table with elegant shell chandeliers. Keep decorating relaxed and inviting — this style embraces easy living.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of four classic decor themes, here are tips for seamlessly working them in your home:
Choose a Style that Fits Your Personality
Your decor should reflect you. If you love antiques, a traditional scheme will likely suit your tastes. Prefer a laidback vibe? Coastal or rustic may be right for you. Don’t just default to what’s on trend – go with a style you connect with.
Blend Old and New
No need to overhaul everything at once. Start by adding key furniture or textile pieces that reflect your chosen style. Then slowly build upon the look by mixing in decor that fits the aesthetic. Even traditional rooms can have modern lamps or abstract art.
Create Cohesion Through Color
Limit your main palette to two or three core hues. Neutrals like cream and gray work in almost any style. Then pull in accent colors through smaller pieces like pillows, art and accessories. Repeat colors to tie the space together.
Rethink How You Use Rooms
rooms don’t have to serve just one purpose anymore. A living area can include your dining space. Turn a guest room into a stylish home office. Taking down walls or getting creative with room uses opens up possibilities.
Embrace Layering
Thoughtfully layer rugs over carpeting, lighting atop existing fixtures, and art over wallpaper or painted murals. Layer in pillows, throws and accessories too. Varying textures and patterns keeps the look interesting.
Invest in Key Foundation Pieces
Spend your main budget on flexible furniture like sofas, beds and dining tables that work in your theme. Less expensive pieces like pillows, throws and decor are easier to swap out if you want to refresh later.
Display Meaningful Collections
Incorporate items with sentimental value that reflect your loves and interests. Collections lend personality to a space. Edit items regularly and rotate in new favorites to keep displays fresh.
Seek Inspiration from Travel
Bring home small mementos like pottery, art pieces and textiles from places you love to infuse personality into your decor. Or get inspiration from a style distinct to a region, like Provencal or Scandinavian design.
Work Within Your Architecture
Choose a style that complements your home’s existing features. For example, play up the antique character in an old farmhouse. Let an airy loft embrace modern style. Enhance Spanish style in a stucco home with terracotta accents.
Ask Yourself: How Do You Want to Feel?
At the end of the day, your home should make you feel nurtured, inspired, peaceful – whatever you need. Identify the mood you want to cultivate, and then design spaces with that goal in mind.
FAQ About Working Classic Decor Themes into Your Home
Still have questions about implementing a decor theme at home? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How do I pick just one decorating style? I like elements from many!
Don’t limit yourself to just one look if you love blending styles. Many designers masterfully mix traditional with modern or rustic with refined. Just ensure there is continuity in your color scheme and textures.
I’m a renter. How can I work a theme into a space I can’t renovate?
Use removable wallpaper or contact paper as inexpensive backdrops. Update lighting and swap out knobs and pulls on existing pieces. Rugs, pillows and throws quickly transform a room. Ask if you can paint – even one accent wall makes a statement.
Do all rooms need to match the theme?
Absolutely not. Having a kitchen or office that differs from your main decor scheme keeps things interesting at home. Just repeat some colors from room to room for cohesion.
I’m stuck! How do I move past a decor rut?
When you feel your home needs an update but can’t envision changes, try just taking everything off the walls and shelves. Start fresh by only displaying your very favorite things in new arrangements. Editing out excess helps reinvigorate stagnant decor.
I love color – how can I work more in while sticking to a style?
Use color in moderation in big furniture or on walls to stick to your aesthetic. Then layer in bolder hues with changeable items like throw pillows, blankets, flowers and art. This allows you to easily shift colors seasonally.
How do I make a themed room feel livable day-to-day?
A space should ultimately suit your lifestyle. Carefully consider how you use an area. If you love to read in your living room, include cozy chairs and ottomans. Use stain-resistant fabric if pets or kids will be on the furniture. Don’t let a decor theme override comfort.
Conclusion
Decorating your home around a central theme helps create harmony and style. When thoughtfully executed, rooms feel curated yet inviting. By following the suggestions outlined here for four popular decorating styles, you can create an elegant, cohesive look that works for your space and personality. Remember to embrace what makes you happy and focus on how you want to feel in your home. The rest will beautifully come together.
4 Classic Decorating Themes — and How to Work Them Just Right
Decorating your home can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options and styles to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. However, sticking to a decorating theme helps create cohesion and really makes the space come together. Here, we explore four classic decorating themes and provide tips on how to successfully work them in your home.
Traditional
Traditional decor aims to be timeless and classic. It often features floral fabrics and patterns, rich wood tones, and ornate accents. The overall look is polished yet comfortable. When working with traditional decor, focus on these elements:
Furniture
Choose sturdy wood furniture with carved details and claw feet for a sense of permanence. Upholstered pieces should feature classic fabrics like damask or brocade in neutrals or soft colors like ivory and light blue. Tufted leather armchairs add another traditional touch.
Accessories
Look for candlesticks, porcelain vases, framed art and silver serving pieces to accessorize traditionally. Airy lace curtains, Oriental rugs, fresh flowers and table linens add elegance. Collections like antique books, globes or framed maps keep the look grounded.
Colors
Stick to a neutral palette of ivory, cream, taupe and soft blues and greens. Patterns should be classic like toile, chintz or delicate florals. Accent with metallics like bronze, pewter and aged brass. Deep tones like burgundy and navy blue work for big pieces.
Textiles
Natural fiber rugs like wool and cotton are ideal for traditional rooms. Choose upholstery and drapes in silks, velvets or linens for depth and sheen. Incorporate embroidered and lace pillows and tablecloths for ornamentation.
Paint Colors
Look to historical colors like the soft yellow of parchment, sage green, pale blue and cream. Paint architectural trim in white for contrast. Deeper shades like crimson can be dramatic accents.
To make a traditional scheme feel fresh and current, mix in some modern or minimalist elements like sleek lamps, abstract art and simple linen pillows. The blend of old and new creates an inviting, livable traditional look.
Rustic
The rustic look embraces nature and the simplicity of country living. It focuses on raw, organic textures and materials to create a cozy, relaxed vibe. Tips for executing rustic decor:
Furniture
Choose unfinished wood pieces, preferably in oak. Pine, maple and other woods also work. Look for natural edge slabs for dining tables. Woven wicker and rattan add texture. Distressed leather sofas feel right at home.
Accessories
Display found objects like weathered books, galvanized buckets, vintage crates and painted signs. Incorporate woven baskets, ceramic crocks, and metal lanterns. Add softness with wool blankets, hide rugs, and linen curtains.
Colors
Use warm neutrals like tan, almond, gray and white as a base. Bring in sky blue, sage green, brick red and sunshine yellow as accents. Deep forest hues complement the natural scheme.
Textiles
Rough linens, wool, cotton and burlap remind of the outdoors. Incorporate Native American prints and muted plaids. Furry pillows and shearling throws add cozy texture.
Paint Colors
Whites should have cream or gray undertones, avoiding bright white. Try pale blue-grays like Gustavian Gray by Farrow & Ball or warm taupes like Fieldstone by Sherwin Williams.
Rustic rooms tend to have a collected feel. Don’t over style —allow things to evolve organically. Mix high and low: raw wood furniture can pair with elegant chandeliers or gilt frames. The blend of refined and rugged is the essence of rustic chic.
Modern
The modern aesthetic focuses on clean lines, negative space and a minimalist look. It embraces both sleek and natural materials. When decorating modern, keep these guidelines in mind:
Furniture
Choose sleek upholstered sofas or MCM styles with tapered wood legs. Platform beds with crisp lines work well. Opt for unadorned pieces in sophisticated neutrals or wood tones.
Accessories
Lean into geometry and abstraction with accessories. Sculptural ceramics, framed graphic art prints, industrial lamps and asymmetric rugs enhance the modern mood.
Colors
A neutral base of white, charcoal, tan and wood tones creates serenity. Pops of bright colors like yellow, red and teal provide energizing accents. Metallics add polish.
Textiles
Natural fibers like linen, wool and cotton in solid hues or subtle patterns keep the look understated. Furry throws and sheepskin rugs add softness and texture.
Paint Colors
Stark white is a popular modern choice and makes spaces feel clean and bright. Complex neutrals like Benjamin Moore Gray Owl offer a softer alternative.
Edit out clutter to keep the look simple and airy. Allow negative space to breathe around furniture groupings and on walls. Mix sleek and natural elements — a stone coffee table next to a Mies van der Rohe lounger, for example. The blend of raw and refined enhances the modern aesthetic.
Coastal
Coastal decor embraces easy, beachy living with light, casual elegance. Keep these pointers in mind when designing coastal interiors:
Furniture
Choose weathered wood pieces, woven rattan, or slipcovered sofas in linen or cotton. Metals should have a patina like bronze and aged brass.
Accessories
Incorporate objects like sea glass, seashells, driftwood, sand dollars, coral and nautical maps. Ceramic urns and vases work well. Display family photos in weathered frames.
Colors
Use soft hues like ocean blues, sandy tans, seashell pink and sunny yellow. Accent with navy and white stripes and touches of red.
Textiles
Lightweight cotton, linen and seagrass ground the look. Incorporate thick linen curtains, braided and striped rugs and netting for an airy vibe.
Paint Colors
Soft blues like Benjamin Moore Whale Gray, greens like Beach Glass and off-whites like Swiss Coffee work beautifully. Painted wood ceilings
