Art Deco: Evolving during the early 20th century, Art Deco followed the fallout of Art Nouveau. Art Deco consists of industrial designs that feature angular, clean lines and modern colors in an eclectic style. The design style is based on mathematical geometric shapes, with New York City's Empire State Building as a prime example. It was an opulent style and international design movement, mainly popular from the mid-1920s to the 1940s. At the time, this style was seen as elegant, glamorous, functional and modern. Its rich, festive character affected a wide variety of the arts, including architecture, interior design, industrial design, fashion, graphic arts and film. In fact, Art Deco really became popular after World War I thanks to films like 42nd Street and Grand Hotel.
Art Nouveau: Peaking in popularity around the turn of the 20th century (1890-1905), Art Nouveau came as a shock to most of society as it was the first modern design style created. Either you loved it or hated it. Art Nouveau was an international movement seen in art, architecture, decorative arts and jewelry. It was a new approach to design and worked to incorporate art into everyday objects, no matter how utilitarian they were. The Art Nouveau style was inspired by nature and organic themes like spider webs, dragonflies and peacock feathers. It also incorporated plant-inspired motifs like poppies along with non-geometric and sinuous whiplash-like curves. Jewelry in this period also took its inspiration from nature. It brought new materials, semi-precious stones and enameling to these new designs. Art Nouveau broke the barrier between fine art and decorative art and is seen as an important bridge between the Neoclassicism and Modernism periods.
Baroque: The Baroque d�cor style spanned from the late 16th century all the way into the early 18th century. The period was full of elaborate and extravagant decoration in order to theatrically flaunt wealth. As a style encouraged by the Catholic Church, the Baroque period was intended to impress others and express boastful power and control.
Contemporary: Contemporary design evolved in the 20th century, when ornate design and decorative accessories began to be phased out. Style attributes like ruffles, tassels, extra drawers, and intricate carvings were gone. Instead, designers began to focus on form and function and the new theory that less is more. Lines became cleaner, and designs became simpler. Furniture began to complement a room rather than overwhelm it. Colors such as white, gray, black and pops of bright color keep things simplistic and uncluttered, while materials such as dark or light woods, metal, glass and leather look fresh and up-to-date.
Edwardian: Named after King Edward VII, the Edwardian style spanned from 1901 to 1919. It indicated society was ready for something lighter and completely different from the Victorian era. Edwardian style brought pastel, muted and neutrals colors into popularity, as well as wicker and bamboo. Fresh flowers were used in informal settings accompanied by floral fabrics and wallpaper.
English Cottage: Fresh, tidy and welcoming describes English Cottage d�cor. Featuring an asymmetrical design, the style is still prevalently found in rural England. On the outside of homes, you will see flowers and creeping vines. On the inside, you'll find cozy yet oddly-shaped rooms in an eclectic style. A mix of antique-like aged pieces that don't match and the colors of fall, with added pinks, is what creates the English Cottage d�cor style.
French Country: French Country d�cor is all about being rustic, Old World and welcoming. Featuring a warm and casual feel, it showcases bright tones accented by softer and darker versions of that tone. French Country d�cor can include a rustic fireplace, natural and weathered pieces, colorful tablecloths, wire baskets and large pottery instead of fine china. Featured motifs are roosters, olives, sunflowers, lavender, grapes and beetles.
Mission: Taking elements from the Spanish tradition, mission homes were popular from 1890-1920. Exteriors feature basic white stucco with accented tile roofs, decorative windows, arched entries and black iron rails and balconies. Interiors showcase simple and natural materials with Spanish accents including light neutral walls, a wealth of tile and simple lighting pieces such as wall sconces or stained glass lamps.
Modern: Smooth lines, open space and a lack of small decorative pieces describes Modern d�cor. White walls, huge windows, modular furniture and low cabinets are indicative of this style. Inspirations for the Modern style are Art Deco, Cubism, abstract paintings, and Pop Art. The Modern d�cor period brought about fascinating furnishings such as the egg chair, day bed, and stacking tables and chairs.
Neoclassical: Dominant during the mid-18th century until the end of the 19th century, Neoclassical d�cor was the revival of classical architecture. It features large scale, simple geometric pieces, columns and blank walls - all inspired by Greek and Roman elements. D�cor pieces include Chippendale and Hepplewhite furniture, ceiling medallions, candlesticks, fireplace screens, urns and ancient pottery.
Renaissance: A cultural movement that started around the 14th century in Florence, Italy, Renaissance decor is characterized by the flourish of ideas within the period. Some key decor themes were very geometric shapes, such as spheres and obelisks, mixed with mythological images, such as astrology. Paired with the exquisite craftsmanship of Europe, Renaissance pieces were truly remarkable.
Rococo Revival: Introduced by John Henry Belter of New York, the Rococo Revival decor style was prevalent in America from around 1840 through 1860. Rosewood, mahogany and walnut tones were most popular during this decor period, as was richly carved cabriole legs and marble tops. Decor pieces also featured adornments of roses, leaves, grapes, scroll and shells. The Rococo Revival style was part of a romanticized American idea of what they thought portrayed rural Italy.
Victorian: Victorian style was prominent during the reign of Queen Victoria in the mid-19th to early 20th century. It was known for having elaborate structure and decoration; an empty, non-decorated room was frowned upon. All surfaces were covered in some sort of decor, including the more popular floral wallpaper. The term "cluttered" was a positive word during the Victorian time since the more decoration you had in your home, the wealthier you appeared.