Decoration and design trends and themes keep changing with times, as do the facilities and appliances one uses in the home. It plays quiet an important role in almost all of the decorating decisions. The three most talked about and basic decoration trends are:
- Country or rustic look;
- Casual or contemporary décor; and
- Traditional and classic look.
While most prefer to decorate their homes in contemporary style, traditional styles bring back nostalgic memories to many. There are some others who feel that country and rustic style home put us closer to nature. All the other themes are considered secondary in nature and are developed on one of these themes as the foundation. Such as country style is said to provide the base for Country French or Mission-style home decoration. We can see that in some regions, one style dominated others while in another region, some other style or trend may have the upper hand.
The decoration style preferred by a person usually depends on individual taste, age and color combinations. Casual home décor is usually guided by home decorating magazines and may range from black plastic to chrome and glass combinations. These days, people are going for clean, simple and minimalist décor with occasional geometric patterns. Colors most preferred these days beige, white and gray with light wood furniture and accessories such as those made from natural maple to match.
The traditional style of course uses rich and ornate designs that reflect grandeur and opulence and deep and dark colors with jewel tones such as emerald green, burgundy and navy blue. The details are often in polished brass and gold work while woodwork is generally of cherry wood and has dark stains. Leather furniture is also common in such décor.
The country style keeps changing too. While plaids, fruity and birdy patterns have long gone out of style; baby boomers love to be ‘cool and trendy’. Bright color combinations are quite common with ample use of lime green, bright blue and red that are muted down using the soft pastels and earthy tones here and there. Sturdy, overstuffed, nostalgic furniture is a common sight in this style with an antique look enhanced by crackled or distressed paint finish. They are meant to be very very comfortable, warm and cozy.
While decorating homes in a particular style, you do not only pay attention to family rooms, kitchens or dining areas only but also extend it to the master and guest bathrooms and powder rooms for the complete effect. Chrome and brushed nickel are the most popular bath accessory finishes closely followed by oil-rubbed bronze and wrought iron looks. These bath accessories can also be categorized under the heads of country, casual or contemporary, and classic or traditional. New trends include ‘retro-style’ designs and wood finishes such as that of maple and oak along with constant influx of new simple, creative and innovative designs such as open towel ring or stylish glass shelf that add new dimension to bath décor and complement the overall bath designs.
There are faucets and showerheads that should be chosen according to the decoration style that you choose and accessories should match the finish of faucets. Use traditional accessories in non-traditional ways such as placing small votive candles in existing soap tumbler holders for a soft glow or tall tapers in a large bath to add the dramatic and romantic touch. Decorative shelves can be used to place fresh flowers or family photos for that special touch. You may also add color and texture to the bath by using towels and napkins of all sizes to match your chosen decoration style without having to spend big bucks for enhancing the character of your home.