When I am training a new designer or working with the staff, I often tell them…when a client is struggling with telling us what they want…go straight to emotion.  When you use descriptive words, you can almost always pinpoint what people want.  My clients know that I will often say to them, “do you want this to feel demanding and in control or cozy and warm?” “do you want bright and happy or stunning and rich?” and “you want fast and cheap and right?” Too bad……can’t have them all, you only get 2 out of the three.  So, when this week’s blog topic came up, I decided to use descriptive words – they paint a picture.  Yes, there are rules to styles but who cares, the bottom line is you want your room to “feel” a certain way.  I’ve described the different interior design styles below so read through and see what makes your heart sing.  THAT is your style. 

Coastal

Breezy, bleached, wavy, natural, light, wood

Cottage style

Worn, slipcovered, comfortable, casual, painted, lazy, simple, shabby, recycled

Transitional

Balanced, mixed, comfortable, fresh, clean

Traditional

Proper, classic, timeless, flawless, elaborate, ornate, collections, patterns

Modern

Clean, crisp, bold, sleek, pristine

Contemporary

Current, trendy, now, hip, shape

Minimalism

Less, clean, light, open, clutterless (is that even a word?), essential elements

Shabby Chic

Feminine, loose, pastels, light, soft, distressed

Industrial

Exposed, raw, warehouse, hard, metal, wood

Mid-Century Modern

Slight, organic, wood, clean, nostalgic

French Country

Distressed, substance, warm, earthy, naturals, mixed, busy, brick, stone

Bohemian

Mixed, fun, colorful, patterns, bold, daring, eclectic, gathered

Rustic

Rough, stone, wood, bold, dark, distressed, heavy, beams, vaulted