Some people have a natural eye for style. Some don't. Wherever you fall on the scale, these design tips can give your home office a designer look, without the assistance of an expensive interior decorating expert. Get inspired with these five decorating styles.
1. Contemporary
This decorating style can be traced back to the 1970s. Meaning "of the moment," contemporary style can sometimes be hard to define because it borrows pieces and elements from other design styles. Most often, contemporary style combines a mix of traditional, art deco, modern and even futuristic design elements. Although constantly evolving, neutral shades are widely used in contemporary design. A variety of textures are often commonly found in contemporary design and can be used to add visual interest to your home office.
2. Traditional
Traditional style is the most predictable of all the styles. It is orderly and calm; there is nothing wild or chaotic about this decorating style. A traditional style is often homey and understated. When it comes to color, a range of hues are commonly used, ranging from light tones to dark colors. This familiar decorating style is suitable for any age group. Traditional decorating commonly features symmetry. You can apply this to your home office by arranging a set of framed artwork on the wall or with a duo of table lamps.
3. Scandinavian
A Scandinavian decorating style embraces very simple silhouettes and clean lines. Warm wood tones and sometimes greenery are used against a backdrop of white walls. Geometric shapes including squares, rectangles and circles typically make their way into Scandinavian styles and are often found as patterns on throw rugs or window treatments. Scandinavian style is immaculate. In a home office, all of the essentials are included but there is no clutter. Plus, a clutter-free desk in your home office can ensure that you can work efficiently without distraction. Consider opting for a sleek Scandinavian-style computer table with built-in storage to stay organized and clutter-free.
4. French Country
There are a myriad of different elements that contribute to French Country style, but it's often recognized for its rustic, old-world charm. The full spectrum of the color wheel is commonly used in French Country style - think soft golds, sunny yellows, dark hunter greens, vivid grassy greens, cobalt blues, ocean-colored tones, fiery reds and burnt rust hues. When it comes to the accessories, blacks and grays are used to offset the colors. Brushed or rusted metal is used in lighting accents and furniture. And dark wood beams can be used to accentuate the style.
5. Minimalist
With this style, less is more. Minimalism is essentially the practice of stripping something down, a home office, for example, to its bare minimum. When applied in home decorating this commonly means removing all items that do not play an essential or functional role. This decorating style can make interior spaces appear larger and can often evoke a sense of calm because of its clean and open, airy environment. Accessories are kept to a minimum. In minimalist-style homes, furniture is sometimes mixed-use or adaptable.
From French Country to Scandinavian to minimalist, contemporary and everything in between, these five unique home decorating styles can be used to give your home office designer appeal, whatever approach you choose.
