Casual Lifestyle

Casual Lifestyle

Contemporary/Modern

The broad category of “contemporary” or “modern” furniture typically is defined by angular or clean lines, a general lack of ornamentation, and a creative use of materials such as metal and stone. But many contemporary styles are simply a designer’s exploration of shape, material and color. The style is patterned after the “form follows function” mantra of Ayn Rand’s “The Fountainhead.” In the 1950s, the post-Modern style prevailed with simple boxes placed on conical or block legs. Derived from the Danish Modern influence, the style also was noted by the curious kidney shaped tables, slab-style upholstery, and introduction of materials such as plexiglass. Today, modern furniture takes on all sorts of shapes and sizes, particularly in modular styles that can be fitted together in a myriad of ways to create furniture that fits the individual user’s lifestyle. Accessories and fabrics usually follow the same pattern. Industrial shapes, materials, and colors mixed with natural, organic shapes and colors are common. Bold or tonal color palettes are used to create visual interest.

Country/Cottage

Country/Cottage

Eclectic

This style isn’t really a style at all. It is a personal style that mixes a variety of styles into one. It is driven by a love of individual items and is less about creating a unified look and feel. Classic upholstery might mix with contemporary tables. Animal print fabrics might blend with a traditional paisley. There are no rules here. Find things you love and mix them up, regardless of their influence. Try finding a common color, say red, and use it to bring each unique item together in disharmonious harmony. The end result will reflect you, your life, and your loves.

European Traditional

European Traditional furniture is similar to Traditional except that its roots are purely European in influence, whereas Traditional furniture was molded by American craftsmen. This style includes French Country, Louis Phillippe, and European Traditional. Many of the design elements of European furniture carried over to America, but there are some unique differences. Finishes tend to be lighter and more brown than red. Crowns are straight, whereas traditional crowns are arched.

Mission/Shaker

Both of these styles derived from a desire to create furniture and accessories that are pure in form, without a lot of ornamentation and showy flair. The Mission movement began just prior to 1900 as a response to the heavily gilded and carved Victorian styles. It espoused a simpler way of life with functional decorations instead of collections of useless clutter. It was made of simple oak with right angles, slats, and uncarved wood. It was typically accented with wrought iron and stained glass in geometric patterns. Mission is often decorated with geometric patterns created by architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, or in Native American/Southwestern patterns.

Traditional

Traditional furniture styles get their cues from history. Many of the American styles were heavily influenced by European styles that were brought to the New World and used as patterns and inspiration. Topping the short list of Traditional styles are 18th Century, Early American, Sheraton, Chippendale, Queen Anne, Duncan Phyfe, Hepplewhite, and Empire. The styles are numerous, but generally the wood is dark brown or reddish brown (cherry, maple, mahogany) with brass hardware. Many traditional styles feature fancy veneers, pediment crowns, and cabriole legs.

Transitional

Somewhere between traditional and contemporary lies Transitional. It is one of the hardest furniture styles to describe adequately. The simplest way is to state that Transitional furniture can go from traditional to contemporary just by changing the way you decorate around it. Put a big floral comforter on the bed, brass and crystal accessories on the dresser and a Oriental rug on the floor and the style leans toward traditional. Now take the same furniture and add a muted grey comforter, modern off-beat accessories and a geometric pattern rug and the room swings to contemporary. Generally, Transitional is a contemporary profile with traditional elements, or vice versa.