Some decorators venture into bold and artistic, but the basic theme rarely ventures far from the basic ideal of what is ?right? in home decorating.



Most surveys agree that the average homeowner puts extreme importance on style in their home. The only variation in style is country, which is divided into mission, Shaker, and French country. The folk art, crafty look of the 80s has given way to a sophisticated, and stylish, ducks and deer have been replaced by wedding ring quilts.

The heavy furniture is now overstuffed and new, but distressed to give the illusion of wear and tear.

The contemporary home gave up the bold colored plastic and vinyl with elegant woods and comfortable cushions and fabrics. The homeowner is no longer trying to make a statement. Instead, comfort is the key to a successful room.

Traditional has seen a major change in fabrics, quality, and color. Traditional was born from generations of mixing and matching furniture and fabrics. Each generation added their footprint to the home.

Today, traditional is a finished look that often comes in a kit.

The bathroom has seen the most dramatic changes. Manufacturers have worked hard to bring style and elegance into the bathroom. Faucets have grown from simple molded tools to the sophistication seen in the artistic designs.

Bathtubs have grown in style. Small shower stalls are now moved to the workroom. Rain forest showers and elegant wash stands have expanded the size and purpose of the bathroom.

Chrome is still the fixture of choice, with brushed nickel following a close second. Bolder decorators may want to try oil-rubbed bronze or wrought iron.

Trends in the bathroom are not a good idea. The short-lived glass bowl balanced on a thin steel frame is a perfect example of manufacturers ignoring American's love affair with the main three design styles.

Maintaining the allure of the three classic styles, while thinking ?out of the box? is the trademark of the natural-born decorator. Today, the style is in the accessories. The quality of cotton towels, an elegantly designed towel rack, or a simple shelf can bring together an entire decorating scheme.

Today's home decorators start with the small items and build the room around them. This deviates from the past where home decorators choose rugs and wall coverings first, then worried about furniture and left accessories to the last.

Rooms are made and broken on the quality of the room's lighting. No matter what classic style a decorator wants to bring to life in their home, success starts with their manipulation on the room's lighting.

A stark white bathroom can look sterile and cold. Adding a gold shade to the ceiling light will warm the room without diminishing the overall style and mood of the room.

The secret to a beautiful home is found in a combination of the style, incorporating the right fixtures and accessories, and blending it all together under the right lighting.