Formal Traditional
Furnishings and designs from the Renaissance, Baroque,
Early and Late Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival and
Victorian eras. This style is shown with fine
furnishings, elegant, refined and exquisite wall
coverings, elaborate moldings, formal window treatments
and Oriental rugs.
Informal Traditional
The
same eras as above but this style has less refined
versions of furnishings. There are more touchable
elements, more earthy colors, and some urban archaeology
without restoration is common. This style is comfortable
and inviting.
American Country
This
style holds furnishings from the 17th century through
the present, all simple with the appearance of
hand-crafted work. Two versions are popular today:
Upscale Country with the use of more tactile,
comfortable elements and very close to Informal
Traditional but with a clearly country theme in all the
furnishings; and Rustic Country, which sports a reused,
recycled quality. The wall coverings and window
treatments set the theme and the furnishings have a
just-found-it-at-the-antique-market feel.
Country French
This
style is exhibited in Classic Rococo, Neoclassic or
Empire-inspired country furnishings. Wall coverings
include florals, ticking, toile, and moirés depending on
the level of formality.
Arts
& Crafts
This
simple style is also known as Early Modern or Organic
Modern. The era focuses on hard, stained oak furniture
with simple, straight lines.
International Modern
This is
a look of ultra simplicity, hard lines, and smooth
surfaces contrasted with abstract patterns and unusual
textures.
Environmental
Designs
in this theme contain colors, textures and very subtle
patterns of the earth.
Romantic Victorian
This
style still is a favored theme for rooms with lots of
pattern featuring English garden florals in dreamy
colors. Both fabric and wall coverings can be patterned,
and clutter decorating – especially with accessories –
is part of this look.
Ethnic and Primitive
This
masculine approach has many faces from African to the
American Southwest, from the lodge-look to the South
Seas. Heavy or tactile textures coupled with patterns
that are charming because of their lack of
sophistication fit here.
Fabric and Wall Covering Themes
This is
a wonderful way to decorate – by selecting a great
fabric or wall covering that inherently features a
theme. Some examples include sea and shore, sports,
outdoor recreation, kitchen or domestic elements,
juvenile elements, feminine floral themes, exotic
designs from far away lands, and more.
About the Author
Kathy Iven, Columbus, OH
kathy@fabricfarms.com
Kathy
Iven is the owner of Fabric Farms Interiors, located in
Hilliard, OH. Fabric Farms Interiors specializes in home
décor fabrics and trims. They also offer custom drapery,
bedding and upholstery services. The company was founded
in 1971 and is the largest home décor fabric store in
Central Ohio. To learn more, visit
http://www.fabricfarms.com
Decorating Themes