There are many words people use to describe their home's style or what they want their home to look like.
Proper communication is essential when working with an interior designer, interior decorator, furniture salesman, architect, or other design professional to ensure that you get exactly what you want. In order to reduce confusion, you should know what each of these words means.
photo courtesy of Dennis Jarvis flickr.com/photos/archer10/8623307019/
Traditional Style
Traditional design is a style that is typically timeless.
It is not trendy or fashionable, but rooted in history.
Traditional furniture is often stained a dark color and has ornate detail.
Many homes decorated in a traditional style will use antique furniture (furniture over 100 years old).
Natural materials are generally used throughout traditional homes, such as leather furniture, wood floors, and granite or marble countertops.
Traditional design tends to be more formal and grand with rooms that are compartmentalized and closed off from other rooms.
photo courtesy of Boa-Franc flickr.com/photos/74783045@N00/4724527664
Contemporary Style
Contemporary style is what is in style now, which is a dynamic style that is ever changing.
It is not as ornate as traditional style - it tends to be minimalistic and uncluttered like modern design, however is more eclectic and less boxy in style.
For example, the glass on a traditional light fixture might have curves or other intricate details, however the glass on a contemporary light fixture will be nearly cylindrical and simple.
Contemporary homes have an open floor plan with rooms that flow into each other, instead of every room being closed off.
Many people often confuse this style with modern.
photo courtesy of Amanda flickr.com/photos/66376272@N07/13725546645
Transitional Style
Transitional design is a blend of traditional and contemporary styles. It is for people who like traditional style but don't want their home to be as stuffy and want to embrace some current design trends.
Transitional furniture may have some elements similar to traditional furniture, but with contemporary finishes, fewer ornate details, and/or a slightly larger proportion.
A transitional style can be achieved using traditional furniture by modifying the fabric to be more contemporary, painting the furniture, or adding contemporary accessories (throw pillows, rugs, artwork, etc).
Transitional homes often have traditional details with a more open floor plan.
photo courtesy of Haldane Martin flickr.com/photos/haldanemartin/4847543640
Modern Style
Modern design style is functional, minimal, and mostly angular.
There are few curves, minimal prints, and typically only neutral colors or colors found in nature.
True modern interiors are not eclectic, but consistantly modern in style.
Since there is not as much visual stimulation inside, modern homes often emphasize the view outside using large windows with minimal (if any) window coverings.
Modern furniture is often sculptural in nature.
A popular type of modern style is mid century modern, which refers to modern style as it was in the middle of the 20th century (1950's).
photo courtesy of bccnyc flickr.com/photos/briancarlock/2695067029
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