DESIGN STYLES

Traditional

Traditional style turns to the classic decor and elegance of 18th and 19th century Europe, in particular, that of France and England.  Elegant furnishings and deep wood tones (lacquered maple, mahogany, and cherry ) are prevalent. A great emphasis is placed on lines, silhouette, and symmetry.  Classic examples include elements on furnishings such as claw-foot legs, wing-backed chairs, and detailed woodwork.  Carved moldings, paneled walls and coffered ceilings are also often used.  Although walls are usually neutral in tone, warm, vibrant colors are added in furniture and accessories, which usually are a combination of elegant fabrics including solids, floral, paisley and damasks. Furniture from this style includes Chippendale, Queen Anne and Sheraton. In kitchens, carved corbels and deeper wood tones with raised paneled cabinets are more prevalent.

Contemporary

Often times confused with Modern design, Contemporary design is ever-changing, making it very easy to relate to and mix with other styles.  Right now, the trend is all about keeping it “sleek and simple”. Clean lines and smooth surfaces without intricate details are essential to this style. Yet the key to pulling this off successfully is layering… A neutral color base, with pops of brighter hues as accents. Mixing in metals and textures; and introducing pieces from various design styles all help to add depth, making it one of the most versatile of design styles. In kitchens, clean lines are the norm, with the Shaker style cabinet being the most popular by far for its simple silhouette and versatility. Natural stone as well as engineered quartz countertops are popular in the contemporary arena, for their ability to achieve a minimal, un-fussy look.

Modern

Modern design typically refers to styles originating from the 1920s-1950s. It is recognized by its clean, unadorned interiors with a distinct use of asymmetry. Use of natural materials such as woods, leathers, linens and cottons, combined with glass and plastic or acrylic accents are prominent.  Color palettes for walls and ceiling are usually neutral (especially white) and stripped floors showing their natural beauty are key. Modern interior design is also hallmarked with brightness and openness, therefore large windows and open floor plans are not uncommon for this style. Even furniture is adjusted to this open feeling, with large tables, comfortable sofas and armchairs with raised legs. Designers such as Eames, Saarinen and Van Der Rohe created iconic pieces that are still used in homes and commercial spaces, even today. In kitchens, cabinetry leans towards Shaker style and, more often than not, flat panel style, to achieve a much more unadorned, minimal look. Countertops are often engineered quartz for that simple, clean, less-is-more aesthetic.

Industrial

This style celebrates turn of the 19th century engineering and mechanical advancements. Common elements include exposed beams and walls, mixed metals, brick and natural woods. Decor tends to accentuate the function of a piece and color palettes tend to stick to warm neutrals, thus softening the coolness of the metals in a space. In kitchens, look to unusual materials such as stainless steel or concrete for countertops or metal or glass for cabinetry. Elements that will have a longevity and a rawness to them will be the common theme in this style.

Organic

This style can be interpreted in a number of ways: from using natural materials for flooring, counters, even insulation. Or taking advantage of nature’s aesthetics through furniture and fabric to artisan goods that are locally made. Organic wall treatments run the gamut, from no VOC paint (volatile organic compounds are essentially solvents that get released into the air as the paint dries), to natural wallpaper, to living green walls. And the design industry is seeing Mother Nature more and more, through the use of woods and grasses in furniture, lighting and accessories. In kitchens, we are seeing more and more organic options in cabinetry, such as bamboo. Artisanal tile for backsplash can also be sourced, and materials such as concrete, recycled paper, recycled glass, and salvaged wood all make great options for countertops.

Rustic

Rustic interiors derive their warmth and heart from the sense of history and simplicity they evoke. They have a rough-hewn charm that embraces weathered woods, cozy colors and patterns, hand-stitched fabrics, distressed metals, and repurposed pieces. These interiors have a welcome, lived-in look that feels like home. Kitchens from this style often times use vintage furniture pieces restored into a quaint mismatch and repurposed as cabinetry.