Or, if you prefer, go for a more formal Colonial style, which uses deeper colors on the walls and heavier fabrics in window treatments to create a slightly more formal look without the fussiness of Victorian décor.

Simple patterns add some interest, but the goal is to keep rooms simple in appearance. Most Colonial homes had small rooms with little natural light, so light colors and streamlined designs helped to keep rooms from feeling cramped and claustrophobic.

A variety of colors are used in dull or muted hues: think olive green, brick red, and putty rather than forest or garnet.

Colonial Décor Walls and Floors

• Wood flooring is one of the most common choices
• Floral rugs in muted colors can introduce warmth to floors
• Sisal rugs were also common to help keep dust and dirt off the floors
• Walls may be whitewashed or painted
• Borders are very common, using either wallpaper or stencils in fruit (particularly pineapples), flower, or plaid patterns
• Chair rails, simple molding, and wainscoting are some common architectural details to integrate into your design
• Trim and exposed beams may be stained or painted to best match your décor

Colonial Décor Furnishings

• Common materials:
  • Wood
  • Leather
  • Iron
• Wood furniture in Chippendale, Sheraton, and Hepplewhite styles are good choices for homes decorated in Colonial style
• Slat back chairs with turned legs were particularly common in Colonial homes
• Make them a little more comfortable with a cushion in a cheery pattern
• Place the chairs at a small corner pedestal table with a lace tablecloth to create an attractive nook for reading or conversation
• Try hiding modern equipment like the television in a traditional furniture piece that can be closed when not in use
• Most furnishings are stained rather than painted, and color is added through the use of textiles

Colonial Décor Accessories

• Wall decoration ideas:
  • String some dried herbs along a wall
  • Hang black and white family photos in simple frames: wood, silver, and gold are all good choices
  • Frame some antique wallpaper or fabric swatches in floral or fruit prints
  • Display some pieces of fine china along a wall
  • Try a still life painting
• Table and counter decoration ideas:
  • Line a counter or mantle with a collection of tin plates
  • Display a row of painted or glazed stoneware
  • Create a symmetrical line of vases with a large hand-painted piece occupying the middle spot
  • Display a unique hand woven basket
  • Pot a fern in an attractive, hand painted vessel
• Lighting ideas:
  • Table lamps with stained glass shades add color without overwhelming the room
  • Simple sconces with ceramic covers serve as decoration and light sources
  • A simple chandelier offers light without eclipsing the restrained furnishings

One key design element in African style décor is the use of woven textiles. When most people think of African themed textiles, they usually think of animal prints. While animal prints can certainly be used in African themed rooms, there are many interesting tribal patterns that are too good to pass up.

Integrate traditional patterned textiles into every room: use them as wall hangings, table cloths, runners, rugs, or drape them over plain furnishings to spice them up. If you do elect to use animal prints in a room, use them sparingly so that they’re not overwhelming.

African Décor Walls and Floors

• Wood flooring is one of the most common choices
• As noted above, woven rugs and textiles can introduce warmth to floors
• Tiles are another good choice and can be painted or stenciled with patterns to introduce visual interest
• Because deep colored woods are common in African décor, walls are usually painted in a light color
• Trim may be left unpainted and can be very attractive if stained to a deep hue to match the furnishings and accessories
• Wallpaper and borders in African prints are also available

African Décor Furnishings

• Common materials:
  • Wood
  • Leather
  • Iron
• Wood furniture, and particularly dark colored woods, work well in an African decorating scheme
• Upholstered pieces may use leather or woven fabrics
• Comfort is essential, but steer away from overstuffed pieces that look too country
• Generally, colors are dark, but consider painting a key piece in an unexpected color like red to make it really pop

African Décor Accessories

• Wall decoration ideas:
  • Hang a carved tribal mask or collection of masks
  • Prop or hang spears along a long wall
  • Hang or drape a traditional raffia runner
  • Frame and hang a collection of handmade tribal necklaces
  • Display a collection of wood carved wall hangings made from muhuhu
• Table and counter decoration ideas:
  • Use a Babuka cloth to cover a side table
  • Display a colorful soapstone plate on a stand
  • Use a traditional wood carving as an unusual centerpiece
  • Show off some fresh flowers in a hand decoupaged vase
  • Display a collection of handmade wooden dishes or bowls
• Lighting ideas:
  • Hand carved candlesticks are good choices for light and decoration too
  • Wrought iron chandeliers work well in dining rooms
  • Table lamps with bases made of natural materials integrate seamlessly into the room

Victorian décor combines elaborate, elegant furniture with comfortable throw pillows and upholstery to create a room that is both stylish and homey. An abundance of knickknacks and other accessories adds to the appeal of the Victorian style.

One hallmark of Victorian style decorating is the use of doilies on tables, armchair backs, and even as wall art. Rooms decorated according to Victorian principles are, however, quite feminine in appearance, so make sure that the décor will be acceptable to all members of the family.

A variety of colors will work in Victorian style, and many paint manufacturers carry Victorian lines to help you with the selection. Generally, darker hues such as mulberry, slate, and forest green are used, just to name a few. Historically, lighter colors weren’t used in cities because of soot stains.

Victorian Décor Walls and Floors

• Wood flooring is one of the most common materials found in Victorian décor
• Patterned floors are also very common; consider a parquet floor or add a stenciled border to spice up a hallway
• Tile is one cost effective way to introduce patterned floors
• Oriental rugs, particularly those in floral designs, were quite common, and can be used to cover generic carpeting for a more lush look
• A variety of deep colors can be used on walls
• Generally, trim is done in lighter colors to make the ornate patterns more visible
• Wallpaper became increasingly more popular during the Victorian era

Victorian Décor Furnishings

• Wood furniture, and particularly dark woods like mahogany, is the most common material used for furnishings in the Victorian house
• Elaborate Victorian style furniture has a lot of decorative scrollwork, attractive turned legs, and inlayed wood patterns
• However, comfort should never be sacrificed: soften wood seating with plush pillows
• Look for overstuffed upholstered pieces
• Pick up some pieces that will allow you to display knickknacks like butler trays, pedestal tables, and side tables
• The most common furniture style used in Victorian rooms is the Louis style of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Victorian Décor Accessories

• Wall decoration ideas:
  • Hang a piece of fine china, or a grouping of odd numbered pieces
  • Display a collection of porcelain dolls in shadowboxes
  • Frame a collection of doilies or antique needlepoint
  • Hang a canopy in the bedroom that trails down the wall to meet with the headboard
  • Cluster some mirrors with ornate antique frames
• Table and counter decoration ideas:
  • Use a teacup and saucer to store odds and ends on a counter
  • Top a handmade doily with a vase of fresh cut flowers for a simple centerpiece
  • Cluster brass or silver candlesticks topped with tapers
  • Display black and white photos in antique frames
  • Show off a collection of painted porcelain figures
• Lighting ideas:
  • Elaborate chandeliers work well in elegant Victorian rooms
  • Wrought iron wall sconces add low levels of light
  • Tiffany stained glass lamps are extremely popular choices

Use of materials like glass, chrome, and leather create an upscale, modern look that still allows for living, eating, and gathering.

By relying more on clean shapes, interesting textures, and a deliberate use of color, accessories are kept to a minimum without creating a boring room.

Most contemporary rooms have a white, black, or neutral base, with most of the furnishings, walls, and flooring done in one or more of these colors.

Visual interest is added through a small number of accessories in one or two bright colors. Accessories are either large in scale or clustered in groups based on size, function, or shape.

Additional design interest is contributed by the use of interesting geometric shapes in furnishings, architectural details, and accessories.

Contemporary Décor Walls and Floors

• Wood, vinyl and tile flooring contribute to the sleek feeling of a contemporary room
• Floor coverings can be minimalist or plush
• Try a plush faux fur area rug in a living area or a woven rattan mat in the dining room
• Modern geometric print rugs or wallcoverings are also common
• Walls are often painted in white or neutral
• Trim can be painted to match the walls or can be done in black or another dark color to draw the eye to architectural details

Contemporary Décor Furnishings

• Common materials:
  • Wood
  • Leather
  • Glass
• Choose furnishings with simple geometric shapes
• Cushions should also be geometric rather than plush and overstuffed
• Steer away from ruffles, flounces, and skirts; leave furniture legs uncovered
• Natural fabrics such as jute, cotton, linen, and wool add texture and depth to simple furnishings
• Draw the eye with tables or other furnishings that incorporate materials like glass and chrome

Contemporary Décor Accessories

• Wall decoration ideas:
  • Hang a large picture or poster alone on a wall and light it with a spotlight
  • Hunt down a great piece of three-dimensional modern art
  • Inject a little exotic flair by hanging a tribal mask, kimono, or another oversized piece
  • Try doing the unthinkable and leaving a wall bare; place a large piece on the floor to take up the space
• Table and counter decoration ideas:
  • Elevate a small sculpture on a miniature column or a block of wood painted with black lacquer
  • Display a large vase with a few big, dramatic blooms
  • Use a large piece of coral with an interesting shape as a bookend
  • Place fresh fruit in a tall glass vase and use it as a centerpiece
  • Use baskets or lacquered boxes to store odds and ends out of sight
  • Cluster a collection of glass pieces in one vibrant color
• Lighting ideas:
  • Track lighting provides focused light without eating up space
  • Use wall sconces in streamlined shapes
  • Try a fixture with a large, oversized shade

Southwestern is another natural style, like rustic and tropical décor. It is characterized by its use of traditional Native American accessories and natural, desert inspired elements.

Brightly patterned fabrics such as Navaho prints are commonly used in Southwestern design as window treatments, blankets, and in rugs. Use patterns sparingly to avoid overwhelming the room; mix them with solid fabrics in complementary colors.

Natural colors are used in Southwestern style, but they’re the colors that can be found in the desert landscape rather than the woods or the jungle.

Shades of green, pink, and red are all found in cacti, while blues, purples, and corals all bring to mind the desert sunset. Many paint manufacturers carry Southwestern lines that work well with this design style.

Southwestern Style Décor Walls and Floors

• Flooring can be any natural material such as wood, stone, or tile
• Slate and terra cotta floors are the most accurate choices
• Rugs in Native American prints are common, some of the most common prints are the diamond shapes found in Zapotec rugs
• Walls are often painted in pale hues
• Leave beams unpainted and unfinished
• Faux finishes such as plaster or color washing can add depth to walls

Southwestern Style Décor Furnishings

• Common materials:
  • Wood
  • Leather
  • Iron
• Wood pieces are polished to a warm finish
• Painted furnishings should be distressed to better fit in with the rest of the décor
• The furniture has simple lines and minimal detailing
• Wrought iron pieces are commonly used as accents
• A variety of fabrics are used, including wool, cotton, and suede

Southwestern Style Décor Accessories

• Wall decoration ideas:
  • Use a brightly patterned rug as a wall hanging
  • Frame and hang a few pieces of traditional jade jewelry
  • Display a collection of traditional dream catchers
  • Native American style paintings depict common subjects include Kachinas, Kokopelli, and desert animals
  • Traditional sand paintings are good if you can find them
• Table and counter decoration ideas:
  • Desert plants such as cacti can be displayed in terra cotta bowls
  • Tie a bundle of twigs together with twine and flank it with candles as a centerpiece
  • Fill a glass vase with smooth white pebbles
  • Display a collection of Pueblo pottery instead of fine china
  • Put a few short rain sticks into a tall glass jar
  • Longhorn skulls make good bookends, and imitation versions are available
• Lighting ideas:
  • Wrought iron wall sconces and chandeliers are good choices
  • Try carved wood table lamps with simple shades
  • Candles provide natural light

However, the exotic jungle element is introduced through animal prints and palm fronds. Playful elements like animal prints can also be introduced but should be used minimally to avoid a silly, cartoonish vibe.

Because tropical style décor relies on intricate textile patterns in furnishings and window treatments, accessories should be kept to a minimum.

As opposed to a bunch of small accessories clustered together, try using one large item to fill the space. Natural colors such as greens, browns, golds, and ivories are most often found in tropical style rooms.

Tropical Style Décor Walls and Floors

• Flooring can be any natural material such as wood, stone, or tile
• Dark colors in flooring are common
• Rugs can be natural woven materials such as sisal, sea grass, or rattan
• Inject a lush look with a faux animal hide rug
• Walls are often done in light colors to contrast with the dark tones of the furniture
• Faux finishes such as plaster or color washing can add depth to walls

Tropical Style Décor Furnishings

• Common materials:
  • Dark colored wood
  • Leather
  • Wicker
• Oversized pieces of furniture are common in tropical style décor
• Plush upholstery ups the comfort level
• Fanciful hardware such as iron pieces in animal designs is a popular choice
• Lighter weight wicker, bamboo, and iron pieces balance out the larger, heavy pieces
• Fabric pieces might be done in animal prints or leaf prints

Tropical Style Décor Accessories

• Wall decoration ideas:
  • Hang jungle themed artwork like close ups of palm fronds and jungle animals
  • Tribal or animal masks contribute to the exotic feel
  • Hang some matchstick window shades or placemats from an accent wall to add texture
  • Display a collection of antique birdcages
  • Hang mosquito netting or pale fabric from the ceiling to arch around furniture in a half canopy
• Table and counter decoration ideas:
  • Large plants such as palms are good choices for low tables and floors
  • Light plants from underneath to maximize their visual appeal
  • Use woven baskets as bookends (fill them with something sturdy first!)
  • Display a collection of smooth white stones in a hand carved wooden bowl
  • Cluster some tall pillar candles in warm colors
  • Display a collection of books with worn leather covers
• Lighting ideas:
  • Oversized table lamps balance out the large furnishings
  • Consider lamp bases in natural materials like sisal or bamboo
  • Wrought iron chandeliers inject elegance and plenty of light

Swedish style is becoming increasingly more popular in the United States through vendors such as Ikea. It works particularly well in homes with very little natural light such as those on heavily wooded lots or homes that sit particularly close together.

Colors are pale, with whites and ice blues being the most popular. However, yellows, pinks, greens, and tans are also seen in pale tones.

Many rooms integrate a piece or two in a darker color to keep rooms from feeling overly monotone. Red is the most popular choice, although other colors may of course be used.

Swedish Décor Walls and Floors

• Light colored wood floors are most common
• Woods such as birch, beech, white pine, and alder are good choices
• Darker colored woods can be painted with white or pale paints
• Patterns are sometimes painted onto floors but are low contrast and use only pale hues
• Rugs should be simple, woven versions or florals with a lot of open space
• Walls are also painted in white or pale colors
• Stencils or wallpapers may be added to draw the eye, although they should stick with the restrained color scheme

Swedish Décor Furnishings

• Common materials:
  • Blonde wood
  • Glass
  • Metal
• Furniture is left unpainted or is painted in white or pale colors
• Shapes are simple, with straight lines and gentle curves
• Hardware is designed to reflect the light. Silver finishes, glass, and crystal are some possibilities
• Some furniture staples seen in Swedish homes include Swedish style benches, daybeds, and canopy beds

Swedish Décor Accessories

• Wall decoration ideas:
  • Hang leaded glass or colored glass accents where they will catch the light
  • Display a delicate china collection with a pale colored design
  • String some simple wreaths on ribbons to use as simple window treatments
  • Use a lot of mirrors in simple frames to reflect the light
  • Hang mosquito netting or pale fabric from the ceiling to arch around furniture in a half canopy
• Table and counter decoration ideas:
  • Display some fresh flowers in a simple white pitcher
  • Cluster some tall candles in silver candlesticks
  • Collect some pale stones or shells in a decorative bowl
  • Display coral or bleached driftwood in interesting shapes or use it as a bookend
  • Plant ivy or another trailing plant in a white ceramic planter
  • Display a collection of crystal figurines or bowls
• Lighting ideas:
  • Mirrored sconces make the most of even the dimmest light
  • Chandeliers are very popular choices, the brighter the better
  • Table lamps with clean lines and simple shades provide task lighting

The focus in this style is on elegant lines and uncluttered rooms. Rather than displaying a cluster of knickknacks on a shelf, a home decorated in Asian Style Décor would display one or two fabulous pieces.

Since the accessories are kept to a minimum, furniture pieces are often ornate, with curved lines and intricate details. This minimalistic attitude makes Asian Style Décor a terrific choice for lofts or homes with small interiors.

Bright pops of color and interesting textures are also used to add visual interest to otherwise minimalistic rooms. Bright, shiny red is a hallmark of Asian Style Décor, but you can also integrate electric blues, bright golds, and emerald greens, to name a few.

Asian Style Décor Walls and Floors

• Generally, Asian Style homes have wood floors
• Floors are covered by Oriental rugs or textured tatami mats
• Walls are generally painted in a neutral color such as white or cream
• Folding screens may be used to section off large rooms or to block off private areas
• These screens may be plain rice paper or elaborately painted with designs like flowers, pagodas, or geisha.

Asian Style Décor Furnishings

• Common materials:
  • Wood
  • Rice paper
  • Bamboo
• Furniture is often lacquered in colors like black, red, or brown
• Lines may be boxy and minimalist or elaborate and almost pagoda-like
• Iron hardware is common and is usually painted black
• Since space is often at a premium, many Asian style interiors use furniture that can be repurposed, like a futon that can serve as seating or bedding

Asian Style Décor Accessories

• Wall decoration ideas:
  • Hang a shoji screen painted with a large mural on the wall
  • Display paintings or scrolls ornamented with Japanese or Chinese characters
  • Paint a series of characters over a doorway
  • Hang a kimono or use kimono fabric in your window treatments
  • Display a collection of Asian inspired wind chimes
• Table and counter decoration ideas:
  • Use plants such as bamboo (in a Chinese themed room) or bonsai (in a Japanese themed room)
  • Asian style fountains add unexpected interest to bookshelves or dining areas
  • Display a sushi kit, bento box, or sake set
  • Use a gong as a unique centerpiece
  • Display a collection of Chinese style terra cotta warriors
  • Oriental vases are always a lovely choice for walls or floors depending on their size
• Lighting ideas:
  • Asian style lanterns are an obvious choice
  • You can hang rice paper lanterns or use stone versions for sconces or tabletops
  • Rice paper globes offer diffuse light as well as a high design factor

The 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s all have great retro elements and slightly different styles that you can reproduce in your own home. Of course, there’s nothing that says that you can’t mix up the eras a little too.

Generally, bright colors and streamlined shapes are found in retro style homes. But you can also integrate patterns and elements from your era of choice.

A 50’s inspired room, for example, might have a lot of shapes with curved lines and a bright monotone color scheme with a lot of chrome and abstract art.

In contrast, a 70’s inspired room would prominently feature paisley patterns and plush fabric furniture.

Retro Décor Walls and Floors

• Patterned tile is a hallmark of retro style
• You can retile, or just paint patterns like black and white checkerboard or mod circles onto your existing floor
• Deep textured multi colored carpeting or shag rugs add comfort to floors
• Glossy, smooth paint is most common in retro style
• You can also stencil the walls with geometric shapes, fruits, etc.: whatever fits best with your design scheme

Retro Décor Furnishings

• Common materials:
  • Plastic
  • Glass
  • Metal
• Furniture is often painted or upholstered in bright colors
• Lines are simple and smooth, with relatively little ornamentation
• Tulip chairs are one popular retro choice and can be painted to match a room
• If you have an existing piece with smooth lines that you just can’t bear to get rid of, try painting it
• Chrome spray paint can be used on hardware to give it a retro flair

Retro Décor Accessories

• Wall decoration ideas:
  • Hang a cluster of vintage signs for candy, beer, or any other product type
  • Frame classic film posters or mount them on painted Styrofoam
  • Display a collection of vintage costume jewelry in shadowboxes or integrate it into window treatments
  • Hang strings of beads along walls or in doorways
  • Retro wall art is easily available on eBay or from art retailers
  • Attach small square or circular mirrors randomly along a wall or create a pattern
• Table and counter decoration ideas:
  • Scatter vintage toys around a bookshelf
  • Keep clutter to a minimum by storing items in vintage tins or baskets
  • Pick up some vintage magazines from your era and fan them on a counter or table
  • Display a collection of vintage shoes or hats
  • Display a collection of colored glass
• Lighting ideas:
  • Novelty lamps are the way to go
  • Consider lava lamps, neon lights, or brightly tinted shades
  • Hang globe lamps from ceilings or in corners
     

The style is based on the homey and nature-friendly decorating found in the Italian villas of Tuscany.

There are also some elements of classic European style that distinguish Tuscan design from other rustic and nature-based decorating styles.

Colors are natural but bright. Warm terra cottas, rich greens, sunny golds, and brick reds all have central places in Tuscan decorating.

However, natural materials such as marble and stone also take center stage in flooring, countertops, arches, and other decorative elements.

Water is another hallmark of Tuscan style, so fountains are a wonderful addition to any room

Tuscan Décor Walls and Floors

• Marble, stone and brick floors are ideal for Tuscan homes
• Leave floors uncovered and natural looking – unless temperature is a problem, in which case try a natural woven floorcovering
• Stick with natural colors for walls and use finishes that allow the texture of the wall to show through
• Exposed brick, stone, and wood add depth to rooms – there’s no need to paint them

Tuscan Décor Furnishings

• Common materials:
  • Wood
  • Scrolled ironwork
  • Metal
• Straight lines and simple shapes add to the comfortable, laid back feeling
• Wherever possible, leave furniture unpainted and stick with a varnish that allows the natural patina to shine
• Tile accents can add to the attractiveness of furniture and are a common element in Tuscan furnishings
• Consider integrating café style tables with brightly patterned tile tops
• If furnishings are bought new, consider distressing them to make them integrate better into the room

Tuscan Décor Accessories

• Wall decoration ideas:
  • Hang a wall rack and stock it with decorative copper pots
  • Display brightly colored tiles in frames or shadowboxes
  • String dried flowers along a wall or over a door
  • Hang braids of onions or garlic
  • Display a collection of patterned Italian plates
  • Landscape paintings are commonly used
• Table and counter decoration ideas:
  • Since water is so important in Tuscan design, try a small decorative fountain
  • Stack dishes and pottery out in plain sight on shelves or in cupboards with open doors
  • Display cooking utensils or staples such as rice and beans in tall glass containers
  • Start an herb garden in a sunny nook
  • Display fruit or wildflowers in a metal urn
• Lighting ideas:
  • Try using table lamps with intricate scrollwork bases
  • Hang decorative wall sconces or lanterns
  • Iron candlesticks provide natural light as well as decorating the table

However, there’s an injection of old world flair and style that makes rooms both comfortable and elegant.

French Country makes extensive use of patterns and themes not found in English Country. Roosters, olives, fruits, sunflowers, and grapes are some of the themes that can unite your rooms.

Colors also tend to be brighter in comparison to English Country. They’re still nature-inspired, but are often in brighter jewel tones.

Try combining traditional Provencal prints or French toile fabrics with other basic patterns like checks and stripes to keep them from becoming overwhelming.

Toile comes in a variety of themes to match your rooms, such as farm animals and country scenes.

French Country Décor Walls and Floors

• Stone, clay, and brick floors are ideal for French Country homes
• You can leave floors uncovered or use rugs to warm them up
• Leave beams on ceilings exposed and unpainted
• Patterned wallpaper, particularly in toile, is a popular choice
• Try a plaster faux finish in a pale hue to add depth to walls

French Country Décor Furnishings

• Common materials:
  • Wood
  • Scrolled ironwork
  • Painted metal
• Stick with furnishings with gently curving lines that are graceful without being overly formal
• Chairs with woven rush seats are one hallmark of French Country
• Rusted metal gives a lived in and comfortable look in both furnishings and light fixtures
• Try painting a large display item in a bright, unexpected color like forest green to draw attention to the items within

French Country Décor Accessories

• Wall decoration ideas:
  • Consider a decorative mural, either a large French countryside vista or a small grapevine painted over the doorframes
  • Hang decorative iron scrollwork items in odd numbers
  • String dried flowers along a wall or over a door
  • Display an old iron weathervane prominently on a wall
  • Try hanging a chalkboard in the kitchen or another common area to display the menu for the evening meal or maybe a shopping list
  • Still life paintings are commonly used
• Table and counter decoration ideas:
  • Display a set of pottery painted with colorful designs
  • Make a centerpiece with fresh fruit arranged in an attractive wire basket or earthenware bowl
  • Fill a copper pot with flowers like lavender and wild geranium
  • Rest a handful of dried grasses crosswise in a shallow woven basket
  • Cluster an odd number of iron candlesticks on a bright woven tablecloth
• Lighting ideas:
  • Try using table lamps with intricate ironwork bases and streamlined shades
  • Or go the opposite direction and use a frosted glass lamp
  • Candles, either in decorative sconces or in chandeliers, create warm light

It’s very similar to French Country style, except that colors are generally more muted, florals and laces more popular, and lines tend to be straighter in English Country.

Rooms in English Country style are clearly designed to be used: places where families gather to chat, eat, or relax.

English Country décor works particularly well in cozy spaces like Bungalows or larger homes with relatively small rooms like Victorians.

This decorating style works best with nature inspired colors, which are usually in pastel hues or muted tones.

Delicate patterns, particularly those found in florals and laces, are good choices.

Most fabrics used in English Country style have some kind of embellishment, such as flounces, ruffles, or ribbon trim.

To keep rooms from looking too overdone and fussy, consider painting and distressing furniture to give it a more casual and lived in appearance.

English Country Décor Walls and Floors

• Hardwood floors are ideal for English Country décor
• Warm up the floors with Victorian style floral print rugs
• Leave beams on ceilings exposed and unpainted
• Patterned wallpaper is a popular choice, although it’s best not to use it on all of the walls to keep rooms from becoming too busy
• Cabinetry and trim are usually painted white to allow walls and other decorative features to pop

English Country Décor Furnishings

• Common materials:
  • Wood
  • Wicker
  • Painted metal
• Wood furniture in traditional Queen Anne or Victorian styles is most commonly used
• Furnishings generally have straight lines in comparison to the curved lines used in French Country
• However, don’t rule out using metal café style table for a breakfast nook or a white painted wicker set for a sunroom or living area
• Cluster furniture in small groups to encourage family and guests to gather
• Brass hardware in a traditional style is usually used

English Country Décor Accessories

• Wall decoration ideas:
  • Frame intricate doilies and group in a wall display
  • Enlarge a family photo in black and white and hang in an ornate frame
  • String dried flowers along a wall or over a door
  • Hang a collection of old hats by their ribbons
  • String wreaths on ribbons and hang in windows as a casual country window treatment
  • Botanical paintings are commonly used
• Table and counter decoration ideas:
  • Display an antique or reproduction tea set
  • Make a centerpiece with fresh fruit arranged on an attractive cake stand
  • Arrange sets of canisters or milk vases in odd numbers on counters or shelves
  • Place crystal vases filled with fresh flowers in unexpected places
  • Stack books in irregular piles and use them to elevate smaller display pieces
• Lighting ideas:
  • Lighting should enhance the feeling of coziness
  • Try oil lamps – either vintage or modernized electric versions
  • Victorian style painted glass fixtures work particularly well

As a result, you want to concentrate on integrating natural materials into your home. Handmade craft items also inject a little homey flair and work well with this style.

Rustic décor works best in less formal homes; it would be out of place in a Greek Revival mansion but absolutely suitable in an A-frame cabin.

The best colors for a rustic design scheme are found in nature. Forest greens, browns of all shades, sunny yellows, and brick reds all work well.

Steer away from fussy patterns and move more toward natural, simple ones. Leaf or flower patterns work well, but so do geometrics like gingham checks.

Rustic Décor Walls and Floors

• Hardwood floors are ideal for rustic décor
• Warm up the floors with casual rugs
• Leave beams on ceilings exposed and unpainted
• Consider using unpainted paneling on the bottom half of the walls
• Leave brick, wood, and stone unfinished except for stain or varnish

Rustic Décor Furnishings

• Common materials:
  • Wood
  • Wicker
  • Leather
• Rustic furniture has a rough hewn look and is often handmade. A room full of handmade furniture can be very visually overwhelming, so choose one or two pieces to focus on per room. Select basic pieces in wood or other natural materials to complement your focal points
• You still want your furniture to be comfortable, so add cushions and pillows in natural colors to wood or wicker furniture
• Consider bench seating around the dining room table to enhance the comfortable feel

Rustic Décor Accessories

• Wall decoration ideas
• Stick with paintings of animals or nature scenes
• Group birdhouses in a wall display
• Hang antlers over doorframes
• Display family photos in rough wood frames
• Hang old doors or window frames as wall decorations
• Group old or antique kitchen utensils, cups, or baskets
• Table and counter decoration ideas
• Display pine cones in a wooden bowl or tall glass jar
• Make a centerpiece with wildflowers in a bell jar
• Place candles in a bowl filled with small stones
• Use large river stones as bookends
• Live plants are a great way to bring the outdoors inside
• Lighting ideas:
  • Consider cast iron lanterns on the walls
  • Use chandeliers with real candles
  • Try oil lamps; either vintage or modern electric lights in the same shape