Ready to spruce up your living room for spring? It’s easy to do with style, if you can choose a style, that is. There are so many and each can reflect your personal lifestyle and design preference. Or you can base your decorating style on budget and current style.
Here are eight different styles to consider. Some may require a total makeover, and others may blend seamlessly with the style of your home’s architecture and your present furnishings. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to look at an eclectic or cottage style that could be achieved with pieces you already own or those you could buy secondhand. Buyers of Chicago furniture modern and contemporary will be glad to know their favorite furniture retailer offers design advice.
*Mid-century modern style take cues from nature and is rather minimalistic. If your home has large windows this might be a good look to try. Also, stick with an open floor plan and use elements of nature to bring the outdoors in. Finding a classic mid-century piece, one design site suggests an Eames chair, can be a starting point. Lots of woods pieces and organics will complete the room.
*A Contemporary look leans more toward rounded lines and neutral colors, using accent pieces to bring in color. To achieve this look you can begin with a neutral wall color in the gray or taupe range and sprinkle in bright-colored decorative pieces or textiles. Lamps or small furnishings should boast metallic finishes and clean lines. When shopping for the best furniture Chicago offers remember to check for accessories as well.
*If you already have a lot of pieces that you love, head for the eclectic side of decorating. You can comfortably mix time periods and styles if you connect your look with textures, colors or patterns. Keep the backdrop simple with a neutral color on the walls and look for commonality among your favorite pieces: similar wood trim; texture of upholstery; color; etc. Don’t be afraid to throw in your own unique touch.
*A look that’s easy to complete with attic cast-offs, grandma’s quilts and second-hand treasures is the Cottage look. Graceful curves and painted furnishings as well as old-fashioned striped, checked or floral textiles are the hallmark here. Adding beadboard to the walls and painting in pastel colors will provide the backdrop you desire. Add in several frivolous or frilly pieces just for fun.
*Modern style also utilizes a base of neutrals, but incorporates asymmetrical elements and geometric shapes. Glass and metal surfaces or accessories will provide interest and graphic textiles or art a bold accent. When shopping for Chicago furniture modern style, remember that geometric shapes provide interest.
*If you prefer a bit more old-world, try on a Spanish flavor. Very colorful and flavored more rustic than contemporary, this style plays up architectural elements such as fireplaces and archways and blends a beautiful array of yellows, oranges, blues and greens – anything you would expect to see if you visited a Spanish village. Stucco walls make a powerful statement for not much money and distressed or dark woods bring in the old world flavor. Search out accessories that look like they came from the Spanish market – colorful dishes and pottery, wrought iron pieces and bright tapestries.
*Romantic style is very feminine and features light or sheer fabrics and pastel colors. Similar to the cottage style, but more polished and less busy, lace and ribbons on lampshades or curtains and overstuffed chairs and ottomans rule.
*Traditional style doesn’t have to look like your mother’s living room when you were growing up. If this is your taste, just update the basics. Stick with clean lines and symmetrical arrangements, more formal window treatments . Also note your fabric choices – traditional covers tend toward damask and sometimes floral. Add a few favorite pieces to update and personalize your look. When shopping best furniture Chicago, look at the various showrooms to see what most closely fits the style you plan.
