Interior Decorating Reflects Personality, Lifestyle

When it comes to interior decorating, there are so many styles — from mid-century modern and French country to industrial and shabby chic. Which one is for you?  Determining your decorating style can be overwhelming with so many choices, but it doesn’t have to be. Take a close look at the way you live and use your space.  Do you lead a casual lifestyle or do you like to entertain friends formally? Is space plentiful or are you trying to make the most of a small house?

XI custom
This sleek and shiny modern living room is by XI Custom Design.

Look through magazines and design websites and collect pictures of decorated rooms. See which decorating style appeals to you most. Using those pictures as a guide, you can shop and plan your spaces, whatever your decorating style.

Modern

bauformat kitchen copy
If you prefer modern, then this Bauformat kitchen will appeal to you. Clean lines and hidden appliances contribute to the colorful, sleek  design.
Stone chairs
Modern decorating styles can also be very minimal. These pieces from Seomi International are exceptional in their spare design and  use of alternative materials.

Shabby Chic

Bed setting
This shabby chic bedroom includes many of the elements typical of this decorating style: vintage-looking  linens, pillows, distressed wood and pastel colors.
romantic
If you love romance, this decorating style is for you. A canopy four-poster bed with a billowy canopy and delicate prints on the linens add up to a soft, enchanting room.

Contemporary

artemano live edge table
If you like softer lines than what modern style offers, but are not the traditional type, a contemporary decorating style may appeal to you. Natural woods and a neutral palette are hallmarks of the style. This dining room from Artemano incorporates the warm wood of a live edge table, leather chairs and softly colored stools.
contemporary
Contemporary style can also be a bit more sleek. This low-profile sofa, edgy coffee table and round pendant lights come together for a contemporary room that borders on modern.
Newell armchair and light
A contemporary decorating style often incorporates elements from other styles. This arced lamp from Newell is Mid-Century Modern, but the heavier upholstered armchair is not, yet they work together well.

Luxe

extra luxe
Ok, so perhaps Luxe is not an established decorating style, but it should be. Like the old Hollywood Regency style, it incorporates glamorous, sophisticated elements. It can include bold color or dramatic prints, and luxurious textiles, like these generously tufted ottomans and quality leather sofa.  The glossy coffee table and bold, shiny art piece contribute to the luxe decorating style.
Luxe modern living
More masculine yet no less luxurious is this room by Essential Home. The lacquered sideboard, unique leather seating and top notch accessories come together in a magnificent decorating style.
luxe sleek
Your bedroom in particular should reflect your decorating style because it’s your most personal space. This one is definitely luxe thanks to the upholstered headboard, patterned wall and shiny accents.

Modern Global

global style
Whether or not you’re a traveler, the Modern Global decorating style embraces unique pieces from cultures across the world. Whether you stick to pieces from one country, or mix articles from a region or continent, its an easy, casual style that can be colorful as well.
Upholstered Wing Bed copy
By choosing a global modern style when planning your interior decorating, you can incorporate pieces that you already own. Perhaps your nightstands or dresser can serve as the basis for a global modern bedroom when mixed with accessories and textiles that have a worldly, well-traveled look. This one is from Jalan Jalan of Miami, Florida.

Mid-Century Modern

Modern chair grouping
The Mid-Century Modern decorating style has always been popular — it has spawned quite a few iconic furniture pieces that are still sought after today. It has also seen renewed interest lately because of popular television programs like Mad Men. The leggy furniture of this decorating style mixes well with pieces from other styles, like this rug and the ornate screen.
casa life living room
Mid-century modern pieces can easily mix with more contemporary pieces like the fluffy rug and media console from Casa Life.
Chastel chair grouping
This setting from Galerie Chastel-Marechal of Paris is quintessential Mid-Century Modern decorating style. The leggy chair, organically shaped coffee table and spare floor lamp all work together to make a cool room.
mid century modern
Clean lines and a lack of excessive knick-knacks and accessories are characteristic of the Mid-Century Modern decorating style. If you like a clutter-free environment, thrill likely appeal to you.
LaffaneurBooth
Other example of classic Mid-Century modern decorating style is this one by Galerie Downtown – François Laffanour. The Paris studio specializes in furniture by European and American masters of design.

Scandinavian

scandinavian
Wood — lots of it — along with an uncluttered feel and very livable arrangement are characteristic of Scandinavian style interior decorating. All furnishings are useful and comfortable and there is no excess in any way.

Traditional

traditional
Perhaps you fall into the traditional camp when it comes to interior decorating. In many regions, this the predominant decorating style. Even though the weathered leather sofa is set on unusual legs (wheel, actually) its style is definitely traditional. The other pieces in the room may be a bit quirky, but are still traditional.
upcountry sofa
Here’s a similar leather sofa from Upcountry, which is an updated traditional decorating style. The tufted sofa back is old-school, but combined with the hide pillows and rug, and the glass coffee table, it’s a fresher version of traditional.
contemporary kitchen
A traditional style of interior decorating is also common in the kitchen. This one has traditional paneled cabinet doors and range hood, but is kept fresh with a light wood choice. Having a traditional chandelier over the island is a nod to traditional style and keep the room from being modern.