Decorating Styles

Luckily, we've gathered a variety of decorating suggestions for your home's interior, including spaces like the kitchen, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, home office, and additional areas such as hallways, the entrance, and attic. We also provide inspiration for outdoor living areas like decks and patios. If you have children, you’ll want to check out our guides on decorating for babies, toddlers, kids, and teens. The links below lead to decorating ideas that may ignite your creativity, possibly helping you create your dream home.

Each decorating style features distinct elements: for example, brass candlesticks and highboys are associated with Colonial style, while curved side chairs and wall-mounted porcelain plates represent French provincial. To find your style, start by listing your favorite rooms.

Maybe you admire your grandmother's kitchen or a friend's library? Consider what elements you can borrow from those spaces to create your own perfect environment. Finding a style that suits your life and space doesn't require starting from scratch, so don’t stress.

Furnishings are recyclable; heirlooms merge seamlessly. The strict traditions of the past are no longer necessary. You can have the style you desire, on your own terms. Getting familiar with popular design trends will spark your creativity.

Traditional Home Decorating

Traditional home decorating, once linked with older generations, has evolved into a style that young families can easily adopt. Discover how to craft a cozy, traditional-style room.

Country Decorating Style

Whether you're drawn to simple American country or the more intricate French provincial style, there's a country aesthetic that suits you. Explore the wide range of country-inspired styles.

Cool Contemporary Decorating

Contemporary decorating has evolved beyond its once cold and minimalist roots. While it still focuses on sleek, clean lines, it now offers warmth and a welcoming atmosphere. Discover how contemporary designs are also incorporating eco-friendly elements.

Eclectic Decorating

Do you have a collection of cherished items and furniture pieces that don’t quite fit into a single design style? Learn how to blend your favorites to create a unique look that represents your personal taste!

Decorating Retro-Style

A room can serve as the perfect stage for vintage enthusiasts and flea-market finders to showcase their most cherished discoveries. Learn how to decorate a room with a retro flair.

Decorating with a World Flair

Styles from Africa, India, Asia, Scandinavia, and beyond are as diverse as the countries and cultures they represent. Explore how to craft an interior design plan that embraces global influences in your home.

Arts and Crafts Decorating

Inspired by the natural hues and textures of wood and stone, Arts and Crafts decorating uses simple, clean lines to create rooms that are both sleek and inviting. Find design ideas inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement.

Casual Chic Decorating

This country-inspired style blends various patterns and colors to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. A combination of textures and patterns gives the room a rich, welcoming feel. Discover how to design a comfortable, relaxed, and stylish space.

Southwestern Decorating

The vast, open spaces and minimalist aesthetic of the Southwestern landscape are the foundation of Southwestern design. While furnishings are often simple, a Southwestern room exudes unique character. Learn how to infuse this style into your own home.

Spacious Decorating

A spacious and sophisticated design can seamlessly connect different areas of a home with an open floor plan, making them feel cohesive even when used for various purposes. The design flows naturally from seating areas to the dining room, and into the kitchen. Discover tips for creating a unified, spacious feel in your own space.

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Traditional Home Decorating

In its most precise form, traditional home decorating is closely linked to specific historical periods, such as the Georgian or neoclassical eras. However, broadly speaking, traditional style often represents a blend of polished, high-quality pieces from various periods and countries (or fine reproductions), combined with luxurious details and accessories.

Cary Grant and Grace Kelly would fit right in within a traditional-style living room. Nowadays, though, many young families would feel equally at home with a modern, refreshed version of this style.

Older homes often feature decorative trim and detailing that perfectly complement a refined traditional decor. In newer homes, incorporating architectural embellishments and decorative painting techniques—such as stippling and combing—can add a layer of elegance to the background.

In traditional rooms, you'll often find thick Oriental rugs on polished hardwood floors, skirted tables, and mirrors framed in gilt. Elaborate window treatments like tassel-trimmed swags and jabots are also common.

A more contemporary approach, however, lightens these classic rooms by opting for a softer color palette. Instead of rich, warm hues like red and yellow, walls are painted in neutral tones like taupe, cream, or pale lavender. Window treatments are simpler, often featuring tailored drapes, sheers, or shades.

Whether the atmosphere is refined or more casual, comfort remains the priority. A traditional living room, furnished with classic, timeless pieces, always creates a welcoming space to relax, no matter how formal it may seem.

For example, if an inherited Empire sofa is present, the cushions may have been refreshed for added comfort. Imagine inviting wing chairs and camel-back sofas perfect for curling up with a good book.

To encourage conversation, the furniture is typically arranged symmetrically in friendly groupings. Guests will never need to search for a spot to place a drink or magazine, as each seating area comes with its own table.

The upholstery, depending on the room's ambiance, may be either simply styled or adorned with intricate decorative trim. Fabric choices range from brocade and cut velvet in an elegant 19th-century space to linen and wool for a more minimalist look.

Lighting plays a key role in setting the mood, carefully curated with a mix of table and floor lamps to ensure ample light for everything from large social gatherings to a quiet evening of reading by the fire.

In classic traditional rooms, oil paintings, sporting prints, and various objects d'art are essential. In fact, a bit of carefully curated clutter -- like stacks of art books, plaster busts, and an antique globe -- contributes significantly to the inviting atmosphere.

Contemporary accents, fabrics, and artwork may be included, but nothing stands out as excessively modern. A more refined, minimalist traditional room would remove excess décor, keeping the furniture sparse and allowing the architecture to take center stage.

In the bedroom? Expect to see family photographs, delicate dressing tables, and furnishings that complement the room’s function: a bench at the foot of a four-poster bed, a pair of armchairs, and a writing desk.

For a traditional touch in the bathroom, imagine a tub framed with classical moldings, luxurious materials such as white marble on the floors and walls, or a classic black-and-white-tiled floor with painted walls.

Mahogany or rich cherry wood, along with cabinetry crafted to resemble fine furniture (or even an antique buffet or chest repurposed as a vanity), helps set the perfect tone for the room.

The same furniture-inspired cabinetry, paired with sleek polished granite countertops, can seamlessly carry the design into the kitchen. Consider adding glass-front cabinets to showcase beautiful china and silver, and choose appliances and hardware (polished brass is a timeless favorite) that subtly blend in. A warm wood or brick floor ties the whole space together.

The final touch? A luxurious balloon shade at the window to complement an impressive range hood, or, for a more relaxed aesthetic, a set of unpainted wood shutters in a rich, leather-bound book hue.

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Unlike traditional design, which usually reflects a specific historical era, country decorating prioritizes a handmade, artisanal aesthetic above all. On the following page, explore the variety of country styles that are currently in vogue, such as American country, English country, and French provincial. For more insights into interior design and tips on decorating your home, visit:

Country Decorating Style

The search for country-inspired items—whether painted or natural wood furniture, quilts, baskets, or folk art—began in the 1920s and 1930s when a group of discerning collectors recognized their timeless value and beauty.

By the late 1970s, the country style was in full swing, with a strong demand for ladder-back chairs and other quintessential country items.

Across America, people had discovered the timeless appeal of handmade rag rugs and quilts. This marked the beginning of a more relaxed, approachable decorating style, which sparked a renewed passion for antique collecting, flea markets, and tag sales—a trend that still thrives today.

Prominent designers like Sister Parrish had long integrated country pieces into their work, but by this time, the trend had become mainstream, with everyone embracing the look.

Timeless treasures such as tilt-top tables and Windsor chairs found their way into high-end Manhattan apartments, suddenly becoming fashionable and desirable.

As time has passed, the popularity of country elements has not waned. While the style has evolved to a more refined and sophisticated version, the love for handmade, quality-crafted furniture and accessories has only deepened with each generation.

Over the years, the 'country' style has been shaped by numerous influences, drawing design elements from around the globe. It has become a broad term that now includes American, English, and French styles, along with many others detailed below.

Even rustic Adirondack chairs, colorful Native American blankets and rugs from the Southwest, garden furniture from Europe, and early 19th-century porcelain china have all found their place within the country style.

While the components of a country room can vary based on personal taste and regional influences, every country room—whether minimal and modern or richly layered from years of collecting—embodies a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Yours can too.

Apple-Pie American

The uncomplicated and humble charm of American country style is highly versatile. You can create cozy, inviting rooms like the early settlers did, or embrace a more open, modern interpretation of country living. Start with colors reminiscent of our Founding Fathers—cheerful barn-red, yellow, dark green, gray, buttermilk, rust, and straw—or pair neutral walls with vibrant trims in colors like blue or wine-red. For a contemporary country aesthetic, particularly in smaller spaces, consider painting the walls, trim, and ceiling in soft cream or white.

For the floors, consider refinishing wood to enhance its natural grain and reflect light, or opt for a classic diamond pattern to serve as a striking contrast against a curated display of 18th- and 19th-century American antiques. Pre-finished wood floors, designed to mimic natural wood in various types, offer a modern alternative for high-traffic spaces like kitchens and living rooms. To elevate the interest, floor-cloths, flat-weave rugs, and thick rag rugs add texture and character.

Allow gentle breezes to move through simple window treatments. Roman shades or half curtains made from natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool offer timeless appeal. From seat cushions to table napkins, opt for straightforward, off-the-loom patterns such as plaids, checks, and stripes, in shades like spongeware blue, lime green, and butter yellow.

The furnishings maintain a balance of simplicity and comfort, inviting friends and family to relax. Sofas and chairs should be durable, designed for years of enjoyment; dining tables must be large enough to accommodate gatherings; beds should be indulgent, with blankets and pillows in the winter, and fresh cotton sheets in the summer.

Select accessories that embody the American country spirit: patchwork quilts hung as art, baskets, hand-carved toys, tinware, and sturdy creamware pitchers and bowls. For the kitchen, Shaker-style cabinets or raised panel designs, along with a combination of glass and solid doors, or wood-tone and painted cupboards, will carry the aesthetic forward.

Showcase your collection of black iron skillets or copper pots with a thoughtful display; selecting just a few of your favorites ensures they shine without creating clutter. For the bathroom, claw-foot tubs and vintage sinks are easy to find today. Alternatively, a classic white tub wrapped in tongue-and-groove paneling or slate would certainly be a design choice that your ancestors would admire.

Install durable ceramic tiles in timeless checkerboard patterns on both the walls and floors, adding Shaker-style peg rails to hold towels and robes. Create hidden spaces within wooden cabinets for daily toiletries. As night approaches, light the candles in a wrought-iron chandelier to enhance the ambiance. American country style embraces the beauty of simplicity.

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Oooh La LaFrench country, also known as French provincial, exudes undeniable charm. Renowned for its exquisite food, fine wines, and love for the good life, France has a deep appreciation for romanticism, beautifully reflected in its iconic 18th-century toile de Jouy (commonly called "toile") fabric patterns that depict the serenity of rural life. Today, toile is available in an array of colors, as well as timeless black and white, and is offered in everything from wallpaper to home accessories.

Design a living room around a bold black-and-white palette or create a bedroom with soft blue toile that evokes the color of wildflowers. Since toile typically features one color on a neutral backdrop, it pairs effortlessly with other patterns.

Incorporate accent pillows in stripes, checks, or solids that complement the main color in your print. Classic French-country window treatments often include lace, cotton, or simple panels of unbleached linen suspended from iron rods. For a more formal country room, consider striped taffeta in warm hues like tangerine. Walls painted in white or washed colors like peach, honey, or dusty rose paired with terra-cotta-tiled floors will instantly bring to mind the charm of France.

For furniture, seek out gently curved armchairs, an elaborately carved or painted armoire (an iconic piece in provincial homes dating back to the 14th century, now perfectly suited to store your TV), a farmhouse dining table, and traditional ladder-back chairs with rush seats.

If antique French decor is elusive, many furniture makers offer beautifully crafted reproductions, such as charming sofas and loveseats that can seamlessly blend with antiques and finds from tag sales.

To infuse your kitchen or bath with the essence of Provence, opt for cabinetry with an antique white or warm wood finish. Hang a chandelier with delicate fabric shades from the ceiling. Add French touches like paintings or prints inspired by impressionist colors, hand-painted tiles, murals, unglazed or glazed pottery, and airy bed linens to complement a carved pine or fruitwood bed.

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Tea for TwoEnglish country style is all about confidence; it mixes patterns, colors, furniture styles, and periods. Avoid anything that seems too modern; the charm lies in the aged, the patina of time. Sun-bleached chintzes in the hues of a summer garden and slightly worn rugs — layered over sisal or bare wood floors — recreate the essence of a Cotswold farmhouse.

To create a British ambiance, paint the walls in a warm, thick cream color to enhance the light. For added depth, introduce accents of ocher (a deep reddish-brown) or cantaloupe. Wood paneling that reaches the dado level (lower part of the wall) adds charm. For the upper part of the wall, use paint or wallpaper in delicate stripes, small geometric patterns, trellises, or floral motifs.

Create a soft connection between the wallpaper and the slipcovers using either color or pattern, but avoid being too deliberate. The most enchanting English country rooms have a sense of gradual evolution. With fabrics like tartans, tweeds, paisley shawls, chenille, cashmere, or simple gingham, there's a fabric choice for almost every preference. Window treatments can range from simple, unlined curtains to a more formal country-estate style with a valance paired with drapery panels.

What pieces are essential to complete the English country aesthetic? Think of classic items like cozy sofas and armchairs for the living room, a chaise by the bedroom window, or a scrubbed pine dining table. Mix heirlooms with flea-market treasures, and arrange casual displays of collectibles. In the kitchen, fine-grained hardwood cabinets will perfectly complement freestanding items like cupboards and hutches.

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A Farmhouse in the HillsTuscan country style is a captivating blend of pattern, texture, and color. More tactile than other styles, the Tuscan or Mediterranean vibe features rough-plastered walls in sun-drenched hues and hard floors made of terra-cotta tiles, stone, cement, or unpolished marble. This style thrives in warm climates, but thanks to modern technology, it can even be achieved in cooler regions where ambient heat makes floors feel as warm as toast.

Today, paints in a wide array of colors are available that can mimic the effects of sun exposure and aging.

Mediterranean homes feature carefully selected furnishings and accessories, kept to a minimum. A dining room, for instance, may contain just an antique table accompanied by a few carefully chosen, mismatched chairs.

To contrast the minimalist approach, you might include luxurious window treatments (such as velvet drapes with sheers) or a tapestry wall hanging that echoes an ancient mural. For a Roman-inspired vibe, consider pictorial wall coverings that illustrate pastoral scenes. Unfinished furniture, pottery, baskets, and candle sconces add additional character to the Tuscan home.

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Rustic BravadoComparable to American style yet more eclectic, rustic country decor features exposed, rough-hewn wood beams, open rafters, and expansive wide-plank flooring. It evokes the charm of a pioneer cabin, inviting a crackling fire in the hearth, an abundance of cozy textiles, and a color palette dominated by earthy tones, enhanced by autumn-inspired shades of red and gold.

Here, you'll find many of the treasures typically seen in a lakeside retreat or mountain hideaway: a freshwater pike mounted above the fireplace, a pair of snowshoes in the corner, and a fishing rod leaning by the door. Vintage signs and old photographs hang on the unpainted, wood-paneled walls. The furniture includes twig rockers, settees, and comfy sofas and chairs, all slipcovered in plaid or large cotton checks. The windows are either bare or dressed with simple burlap panels or wooden shutters. Accessories include hand-blown bottles, pressed ferns beneath glass, birdhouses, and, as the crowning touch, an actual canoe hanging from the ceiling.

Drawing inspiration from Southwestern decor, replace the paneling with stucco or plaster walls and stock up on colorful Native American blankets and rugs. A terra-cotta floor, along with a few pieces of ebony wrought iron, pays homage to the region's colonial Spanish roots. Add a bleached cow skull as a nod to the iconic Southwest painter, Georgia O'Keefe.

In a ski lodge, you can elevate the style by incorporating leather-upholstered seating and faux-fur throws draped over chairs and beds. If the structure permits, consider scaling up every piece of furniture, from the four-poster bed to the potted cactus in the dining area, to create an expansive, home-on-the-range atmosphere beneath a vast sky.

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Much like traditional country decorating, contemporary style can also feel welcoming and comfortable. On the following page, discover more about this refined design style, which increasingly incorporates eco-friendly principles.

For more insights into interior design, and tips on how to decorate your home, check out:

Modern & Cool Decorating

The contemporary decorating style is all about embracing spacious, light-filled rooms, with open floor plans, minimalist furniture, and smooth finishes. Within these parameters, you can explore different approaches: one that makes a subtle dramatic statement, or another that draws attention with bold and vibrant hues. Which direction will you take?

Where modern design once meant sterile, white walls, today's minimalist spaces are painted in relaxing tones such as sand, gray, and cream. Designers, increasingly inspired by the environment, are incorporating shades of green and blue, evoking the outdoors, to complement light wood and metal elements.

The once-popular pairing of black and chrome is now a thing of the past. Instead, designers are blending materials like metal, glass, and stone in new, inventive ways that add depth and interest to modern spaces.

Furnishings are likely to feature sleek, modern chairs and tables with unique forms and shapes, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional antiques. Upholstery is flawlessly crafted, with slipcovers often adorned with small buttons or a tasteful bow, adding a touch of elegance.

There are no bold patterns or common accents like red. If window treatments are present, they are minimal and designed to seamlessly blend with the wall color. Fabrics such as silk, rayon blends, and wool offer a graceful drape, while options like aluminum, vinyl, or bamboo shades and blinds maintain simplicity and style. No frills, no excess—just finely crafted materials.

The right accessories elevate the space but avoid cluttering it. Clean, open surfaces are key to enhancing a contemporary environment. What would best suit the aesthetic?

Consider a collection of silver desk items from the '30s and '40s placed on a glass-topped table, a pair of salvaged finials on the mantel, or a set of subtly beautiful pottery from the same era, neatly arranged in a built-in bookcase. Pairs of lamps, urns, and vases add a sense of harmony.

Another popular contemporary approach involves the use of bold colors that fill rooms, demarcate living spaces, and add the detailing often missing in modern designs. While ranch-style homes are more suited to this kind of treatment, vibrant hues can breathe life into various spaces and help create gallery-like settings that complement vivid paintings, prints, and posters.

Combine mid-20th-century modern furniture with contemporary pieces like slim upholstered chairs and leather-covered seating with built-in shelves. To balance the energy, it's best to use neutral fabrics for larger upholstered pieces, such as sofas, to keep the room grounded.

A thoughtful arrangement of shapes—whether round, square, or rectangular—will provide more visual interest than a chaotic mix of patterns. To make a statement, consider adding a custom-designed area rug that mirrors the room’s color palette, completing the design.

Contemporary kitchens and bathrooms are defined by architect-designed fixtures, cutting-edge elements, and rich materials, whether they lean toward a calm, minimalist style or a bold, colorful one.

Changing just the surface materials can transform a room into a modern marvel. Whether it's stainless steel, tile, or laminates, explore the various options. When remodeling your kitchen, think about a layout that features a sleek, functional island, choose industrial-style appliances, and weigh the benefits of durable, trendy materials like cement, which can be tinted in earthy tones for countertops and floors.

Lighting fixtures and hardware are key components in a contemporary room, as they assume a more prominent role in spaces that are free of clutter. With everything having its designated place, from audio equipment to personal grooming items, you'll enjoy less mess and fewer cleaning sessions.

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If you prefer a more varied design, eclectic style might be the perfect choice for you. On the next page, discover how to strike a balance between furniture and decor that seem, at first glance, to have little in common. For more interior design tips and guidance on decorating your home, visit:

Eclectic Style Decorating

An eclectic space reflects its owner more than other decorating styles. By combining various furnishings, textiles, finishes, and objects from different times and cultures, you can create a completely unique atmosphere. With no strict rules to follow, the freedom is yours to mix and match as you wish.

While the essence of eclectic decorating thrives on creativity, it’s still important to consider elements like form, scale, and proportion. But above all, the space must be comfortable. A room isn’t truly enjoyable without the basics, like cozy seating and adequate lighting, which everyone will appreciate.

Naturally, bedrooms often embody an eclectic spirit. Beyond your favorite items — such as a cherished bed or an antique chest — other miscellaneous pieces accumulate over time, like a rocking chair that doesn't fit elsewhere or an old family portrait.

The outcome can be delightful, but it's not a guarantee. Decorators caution against overloading a space. In a living or great room, opting for a neutral palette by removing wallpaper and ornate finishes is often the safest choice. When the backdrop and furniture shapes are simple, various styles mix effortlessly.

If whites and creams don’t appeal to you, consider a more modern hue like pale rust, straw, or smoke. Incorporate accent colors that complement elements like your rug, wall art, or a favorite fabric. A thoughtful use of color or pattern — on a chair, at the window, or around a framed print — helps unify the room. Carpets, particularly sisal, work wonders in tying everything together while being both affordable and aesthetically pleasing.

For a bolder, more dramatic effect, opt for dark, rich wall colors like chocolate brown, paired with crisp white trim. Against these deep tones, white-painted furniture, black-and-white photographs in dark frames, and white-upholstered pieces really stand out. Add texture with a rattan chair, a wicker footstool, or an antique wooden trunk from India. Keep window treatments simple with natural cottons or cotton-synthetic blends for durability. Roman or rattan shades always offer timeless elegance.

Once you've selected a comfortable sofa and chairs, choose additional furniture with character. A 19th-century Spanish table and a set of American Empire chairs might not seem like an obvious match, but try pairing them together. The old adage rings true — if you buy what you love, it will all come together. Hang an antique brass lantern over a glass-topped modern desk, and you've created your own personal moonlit scene over a water-like surface.

An eclectic room can blend items you've inherited with the vintage treasures you've found. Giving furniture new functions is a clever way to make the most of a smaller space. For instance, a chest of drawers can serve as a sideboard in a compact dining area, while a blanket chest or stacked leather suitcases can double as a coffee table. A bedside table can also work perfectly as a desk when paired with a chair.

This yin and yang approach is ideal for a kitchen where you want a warm, inviting atmosphere paired with professional-grade appliances. It also suits the bathroom, where the goal is both to pamper and rejuvenate. Think fine hardwood cabinetry with sleek, modern lighting for a balanced yet stylish touch.

A glass-block shower alongside a fruitwood French armoire (perfect for concealing a small television and towels)? Why not! Let go of the matching-only mindset of the past and embrace experimentation. Jackie Kennedy once advised women to remove one item from their outfit before stepping out — apply this to your room design too. If you think you've gone overboard, take a step back and see the improvement.

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Are you nostalgic for the style of the 50s, 60s, or 70s? Do you have a love for vintage pieces? If so, retro-style decorating might be just what you're looking for. On the next page, discover how to create a retro look without it veering into kitsch territory.

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Decorating Retro-Style

Retro style is loved by many for its vibrant and playful essence. Not confined to one single era, it blends the designs of the 20th century, including the bold elegance of 1930s art deco and the bright, psychedelic energy of the 1960s.

Collectors and avid flea-market hunters are naturally drawn to retro rooms that offer a place to showcase their treasures, from lava lamps to chrome chairs and quirky garden accessories. Retro spaces are often more lively than neatly organized, brimming with personality and stories of discovery behind every item.

Whether sleek and modern or charmingly rustic, retro design is enjoyable to live with and to curate, as it allows you to express the decade that resonates with you the most.

The funky, organic shapes and abstract patterns of '50s products find their place effortlessly in a ranch-style home. These vibrant spaces, typically lacking in architectural details, embrace the quirky charm of vinyl seat cushions and whimsical, flying-saucer-inspired lamps.

Many of the iconic '50s pieces have become highly sought-after collectibles, though mass-produced items are still accessible at flea markets and secondhand stores. Small, often overlooked items from that era, such as vintage game boards, make stunning wall decor, while fish-shaped plant hangers are a delightful addition to a bathroom!

Neutral walls set the stage for an eclectic mix of décor. In smaller spaces, white or cream walls create an illusion of openness. In a retro kitchen, gleaming white cabinets, chrome-edged counters, and stainless-steel appliances create the perfect nostalgic atmosphere.

Certain kitchen color combinations, such as the classic pairing of black, red, and white, evoke the cozy charm of roadside diners. For those with a passion for colorful dinnerware, consider a palette inspired by Mexican hues to bring energy into the space. Draw inspiration from your own collection for a personal touch.

Art and furniture shapes are beautifully accentuated by the right use of color. A pink-and-white plate or a vintage cranberry glass compote could serve as the perfect touch to enhance your color scheme.

Retro-style vinyl or linoleum flooring can bring a lively, free-spirited vibe to kitchens, family rooms, bathrooms, or children's rooms. Bright squares in black, red, turquoise, or yellow paired with white can evoke the playful feel of a jukebox. Vintage geometric rugs over hardwood or carpeted floors can provide an added burst of energy.

For cushions, upholstery, and drapes, seek out vintage or reproduction bark cloth. This fabric, available in an endless array of colors and patterns (sputniks, tropical flowers, cowboys), can lend a room a sophisticated or whimsical touch. However, keep the drapes simple to avoid overshadowing other features in the room.

Lace doilies, vintage tablecloths adorned with floral and fruit designs, straw hats, and picnic baskets—these nostalgic items are perfect for creating a romantic 1940s cottage vibe.

A simple tablecloth or scarf draped over a wooden rod makes a charming curtain. A lacy tablecloth on a bed or sofa adds a touch of whimsical fantasy. If this style speaks to you, enhance it with botanical prints, old watering cans, decoupaged trays, miniature houses, and an abundance of white wicker or painted furniture.

Give newer items a vintage look by painting them white and applying a crackle glaze, making them appear charmingly aged. Against soft, pale shades like white, light pink, or blue walls, these pieces will feel as light and airy as clouds on a summer day.

Keep your space fresh by rotating collections. In addition to open shelving, consider adding glass-front cabinets for displaying smaller treasures like delicate perfume bottles, salt and pepper shakers, or any other finds you might come across. There's always something exciting to discover around the corner.

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Instead of focusing on a specific era, world-inspired decorating is all about evoking a sense of place. Discover how to create a room that transports you to distant regions like Africa, Scandinavia, or other exotic locales.

For more insights into interior design and to find helpful tips for decorating your home, visit:

Decorating with a World Flair

Thanks to modern travel and technology, the world feels smaller than ever, with borders between nations becoming less distinct. This has led to a flood of new and inspiring ideas from across the globe.

Nowadays, you can embrace a variety of cultures without leaving your home by incorporating world-inspired elements in your decor. A blend of styles – whether Asian, Swedish, or Indian – will lend a room a unique and captivating character.

You might already be fond of hurricane lamps, wooden shutters, tie-dyed textiles, and bright hues like azure and lemon-yellow, all of which trace their origins back to the Caribbean.

The sought-after dark Colonial-style furniture, often featuring bold carvings, was originally made for British colonists who once inhabited the islands. With a ceiling fan, carefully selected rattan furnishings, and a few large plants, you can recreate a similar atmosphere without spending much.

If you expand your horizons beyond familiar styles, you'll uncover a wealth of stunning ideas waiting to inspire you!

Materials like bamboo, porcelain, lacquer, silk, and bronze – which we cherish today – all hail from Asia, a region that has influenced architects and designers for centuries.

Asian furniture and textile design significantly influenced the Arts and Crafts movement in the 1930s. Military personnel returning from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam brought Asian-style furnishings with them, sparking a growing interest in these pieces across America.

Today, with most trade restrictions lifted, many coveted Asian pieces are more accessible and affordable than ever. A space inspired by Japanese design, for example, creates a serene, Zen-like ambiance, offering a perfect escape from daily stress. For this timeless style, a minimalist approach works best.

Since walls take up more surface area than any other part of the room, wall coverings are one of the easiest and quickest ways to introduce an Asian-inspired vibe to your living or dining room.

Go global with patterns that mimic natural materials like bamboo, granite, and cork in subtle earth tones. For a more striking look, explore metallic grass cloth or textured grass cloth in shades of copper or gold. Neutral flooring options, like sisal or seagrass rugs, will allow your furniture to shine and make the space feel lighter and airier.

To introduce a touch of Eastern influence without completely overhauling your space, invest in one standout piece. A beautifully crafted Japanese stair chest or an intricate antique Chinese table will have more impact than an entire room filled with lesser items. To ensure your new piece fits seamlessly, maintain consistent scale throughout the room.

Remove all accessories from the space and then thoughtfully reintroduce those that send the right message. Small updates, like replacing the hardware on a vintage bureau with metal handles inspired by Asian characters, can make a significant difference.

When it comes to flowers, follow the decorators' lead: a collection of elegant apple blossom branches or the soft yellow of forsythia (you could force your own each spring) fits far better in an Asian-inspired room than a fussy, overdone arrangement.

Moroccan and Indian accessories are incredibly trendy right now. Look for vibrant throws, floor pillows worthy of a Bedouin tent, and affordable yet thoughtfully selected artifacts. Beautiful Indian-inspired jacquard panels draped over windows or hand-thrown black-and-rust pots from Tunisia offer an exotic, far-flung feel. Add a touch of spice to your own space as well.

A replica Balinese bed piled high with velvet pillows and topped with a luxurious Moroccan brocade duvet and shams conjures up the magic of Arabian Nights. Lay down a hand-knotted Turkish rug in warm gold tones where your feet will meet it first thing each morning.

Explore stores and galleries that specialize in imported furniture, rugs, and artwork. A stunning 20th-century kimono hanging on your wall adds an exotic touch. Design centers, home décor shops, furniture retailers, and mail-order catalogs offer a wide selection of globally inspired pieces, from budget-friendly hand-carved pagoda lamps and Chinese country baskets to lacquered Chinese-style storage units for your books, CDs, tapes, and more.

A design trend from the top of the world brings a similar minimalistic approach with a whole new vibe. Emerging in the mid-18th century under King Gustav III, Scandinavian style effortlessly complements modern, open-plan homes.

Features that were popular in the past—such as delicate furniture, uncluttered spaces, and decorative paintings—are making a comeback. The clean lines and serene, clutter-free interiors cater to our desire to slow down and enjoy life's simple pleasures, like the gentle morning sunlight across a bare floor or the peaceful silence that fills a house after snow falls.

Emerging from a country where the sun is scarce for months, Swedish style creates its own light with rooms painted in luminous shades of frosty blue or soft white. While these colors form the classic palette, you can evoke the same atmosphere by using the lightest shades of green or pink on your walls, whether they are plaster or paneling.

A simple swag or a stenciled border of summer flowers winding along a wall is a traditional touch that adds charm to a living room, bedroom, or bath. Wall coverings are also a fitting choice, but they should be delicate in scale. Classic blue-and-white tiles—think of using them as a decorative ridge above your kitchen or bath sink or around the hearth—are quintessential elements.

Avoid dark, somber wood floors and opt instead for lighter woods like beech or ash. Alternatively, you can cover an existing floor with a fresh coat of white paint. Curtains should be simple and made of unbleached muslin. If you crave a touch of color, gingham provides a lovely, light-enhancing option.

Dark furniture would disrupt the wintry vibe, and nothing unifies a mismatched set of furniture better than a layer of crisp white paint. One thing to note: Swedish interiors are minimalistic, with a limited amount of furnishings, all carefully placed around a focal point like a ceramic-tiled stove or fireplace. Pare down your possessions to a few cherished, comfortable pieces.

Achieve the Look

These styles are easily achievable in your own home. It’s all about making the right choices and sourcing the perfect materials. When you step into your space and feel that joy, you'll know you’ve nailed it.

One timeless style that has stood the test of time is Arts and Crafts. For a closer look at an Arts and Crafts-inspired room, check out the next page.

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Arts and Crafts Decorating

The meticulous cherry woodwork in this mountain hideaway highlights the Arts and Crafts movement's dedication to craftsmanship.

Here, the rich wood tones and stonework crafted from local Idaho quartzite (a metamorphic rock primarily made up of quartz with interlocking grains) create an inviting atmosphere in a great room where skiers come together. The narrow mantel above the hearth provides just enough space for treasured photographs without detracting from the natural beauty of the stone.

The Arts and Crafts movement championed natural warm hues and the use of high-quality yet approachable materials. This aesthetic is mirrored in the style's cozy and inviting furnishings.

In the kitchen, which remains visible from the hearth, and the entryway, cherry wood cabinetry continues the warm, inviting atmosphere. Even the light fixtures echo the movement's principle of marrying functionality with beauty.

An Arts and Crafts approach ensures that everything has its designated place, so even with a large gathering, the room remains tidy and organized.

At night, soft pools of light – some even cascading from a thoughtfully placed second-story window – enhance the millwork, giving it a deeper, more radiant glow.

The Arts and Crafts style in this home is evident in the natural motifs found in its woodwork and stone details, as well as in the colors that complement the overall decor. For a similarly inviting yet relaxed look, explore the Casual Chic design on the next page.

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Casual Chic Decorating

Casual Chic design prevents the stark white layout and architecture from feeling too sterile by adding warmth and personality. Opening the wall at the base of the window seat also ensures that this corner remains connected to the rest of the space, rather than feeling isolated.

This spacious room is infused with warmth thanks to upholstery that brings the beauty of the garden indoors year-round. A soft area rug, plump pillows, and warm wooden furniture balance the glass surfaces and sleek flooring in the dining area.

Along with the red-brown bricks of the hearth and the inviting L-shaped window seat, cozy elements like art, flowers, candles, and family photos add a personal touch.

The close layout of the kitchen with the dining and living areas creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere, perfect for gatherings with family and friends. A gently curved sofa acts as a soft boundary between the sitting area and the rest of the space.

The stools easily slide aside, transforming the kitchen counter into a convenient serving station for everything from a festive turkey dinner to a casual spread of chips and dips. Thanks to the thoughtful design, family members can enjoy different activities — whether it’s reading, watching the news, or cooking — while still spending time together.

The casual arrangement of photos, vases, and various decorative items in this room gives it a cozy, lived-in feel. This stands in stark contrast to Southwestern décor, which tends to follow a more minimalist style. To explore Southwestern décor further, check the next page.

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Southwestern Decorating

The architecture serves as the foundation for the Southwestern living room's captivating design. The step-down feature of the entry, highlighted by imposing pillars, sets the tone for the room that lies beyond. Combining bricks with wood adds to the visual richness.

The smooth stucco walls and wooden ceiling are staples of the Southwest. The robust beams convey a style that has stood the test of time, largely unchanged for centuries.

To let the room’s natural character shine, the furniture was kept simple, modest, and minimal. The deep chocolate-brown upholstery and luxurious leather chairs are perfectly complemented by vibrant Navajo rugs and lush green plants.

By pulling the chairs and furniture away from the walls and allowing them to float in the room, space is used more effectively, creating the illusion of a larger area.

Black iron accents pay homage to the Spanish influence in the region. The best part is that the cleverly designed armoire conceals electronics, ensuring that the room's ambiance remains undisturbed when the doors are closed.

The owners of this Southwestern space may prefer to lounge on floor cushions by the warmth of the fire, but the window seat is likely the main attraction, especially at sunset when the rugged landscape is bathed in vivid colors.

The vast, open landscapes of the Southwest have inspired numerous decorating styles. Turn to the next page to explore a version of spacious style adapted to an urban setting.

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Spacious Decorating

Without changing the color palette or introducing any harsh textures, this expansive room is seamlessly divided into separate living zones. The glass shelves and chrome dining chairs contribute to the room's sense of spaciousness, with a hint of sparkle.

Black accents inject bold energy into the design of this space. To balance the room's more formal feel, a playful mismatched chair has been added.

The smooth, light-colored wood floor seamlessly transitions from the sitting area to the dining space, while the ceiling shifts above it: a low soffit extends above the gleaming dining table and chairs, creating a distinctive visual element.

A thoughtfully arranged set of cabinetry separates the dining table from the living area, yet allows for easy flow of traffic on both sides. The tall, wall-to-ceiling cabinet provides ample storage for fine china, silver, and linens, while the waist-high segment serves as a practical serving station and buffet.

While the cabinetry wall remains sharp and angular, the bar area on the opposite side of the dining room entrance is designed with a curve, making it more approachable. Although the space is filled with art, the living room captures the spotlight with its impressive floor-to-ceiling glass doors and the captivating view they reveal.

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