Custom Search

Decorating Style

Everyone has their own decorating style, yours will be different from mine, and your sister's will be different from yours...

It is very important to truly understand your own decor style, before you make any decisions regarding your hardwood floor purchase.

Understanding your personal style is essential when selecting hardwood flooring, as it serves as a foundational element that influences the overall ambiance of your space. Your choice of wood species, color, and finish should harmonize with your interior design preferences to create a cohesive and inviting environment. Here's a guide to various decorating styles and the hardwood flooring options that complement them:

Various Decorating Styles

Then there are the traditional, sophisticated and rich dark tones of majestic oak floor, with just the right amount of grain interwoven throughout each board. Here you may find gleaming dinning room tables and Persian area rugs, with tailored drapery framing the windows.

If you like the traditional style, but are a bit more daring in life, you may love hardwood similar to oak, but with a lot more grain and character, incredible beauty of ash will work with your style.

No matter what your own style is, you should know it, before you start making any decisions regarding your new hardwood flooring choices.

You see, the choice that you make here will become one of the major parts of your decorating scheme. If all your furniture are shaker style or traditional country, they will be out of place on a modern, seamless maple.

Traditional Style

Traditional interiors exude timeless elegance, often featuring classic details, rich colors, and sophisticated furnishings. To enhance this aesthetic:

Wood Species: Opt for darker wood floors like mahogany, oak, or cherry, which add a sense of sophistication and grandeur.
Patterns: Herringbone or parquet patterns can introduce an element of classic design and craftsmanship.

Modern and Contemporary Style

Modern designs emphasize clean lines, minimalism, and a neutral color palette. To achieve this look:

Wood Species: Select hardwoods with subtle grain patterns, such as maple or birch, to maintain a sleek appearance.
Finishes: Light, matte finishes align with the minimalist approach, providing a seamless and uncluttered look.

Rustic and Farmhouse Style

Rustic interiors embrace natural elements, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. To complement this style:

Wood Species: Choose woods with pronounced grain and knots, like hickory or reclaimed pine, to add character.
Plank Width: Wide plank flooring enhances the rustic charm, offering a sense of authenticity and space.

Bohemian (Boho) Style

Bohemian decor is eclectic and vibrant, incorporating various textures, colors, and patterns. To match this free-spirited style:

Wood Species: Exotic species or reclaimed wood with rich colors and unique textures can serve as a captivating backdrop.
Accents: Layering area rugs with bold patterns and colors over the hardwood adds depth and personal expression.

Industrial Style

Industrial design draws inspiration from urban lofts, featuring raw and unfinished elements. To enhance this aesthetic:

Wood Species: Opt for distressed or weathered wood to evoke an industrial feel.
Finishes: Gray or cool-toned finishes can mimic the look of concrete, aligning with industrial themes.

Coastal Style

Coastal interiors are light, airy, and inspired by the beach. To achieve this look:

Wood Species: Lighter woods like ash or white oak create a breezy atmosphere.
Finishes: Whitewashed or bleached finishes enhance the coastal vibe, reflecting natural light beautifully.

Identifying Your Decorating Style

To determine your decorating style, consider the following approaches:

Assess Your Wardrobe: Your clothing choices can provide insights into your style preferences. For instance, a wardrobe filled with classic pieces may indicate a traditional style, while bold patterns and colors might suggest a bohemian flair.
Evaluate Existing Furniture: The furniture and decor you gravitate towards can reveal your aesthetic inclinations. An eclectic mix of vintage and modern pieces may point to a transitional style, whereas streamlined furniture with minimal ornamentation aligns with modern design.
Create a Mood Board: Collect images, fabrics, colors, and materials that appeal to you. Over time, patterns will emerge, guiding you toward a specific style.

The best way to find out what your design style is, is to look around you. If you are just starting out in life and do not own any furniture; you are just out of collage and have no idea what you like... take a good look in your closet.

Your favorite pieces will tell a story, will guide you in the right direction. If you have been around for a while, and over a years had a chance to collect different furniture pieces, they will also tell you what you like and where to go from there.

You may have an eclectic style that started with some of your grandmother's pieces, you added to them over time to complement them and to, to form your own decorating style. You may discover that you like the rustic feel of the wide plank pine floor, with it's own build in beauty, showcasing the deep, dark knots, that give it tremendous character.

Or you may love the stream-lined style of modern design, at home with spectacular, smooth maple floors, that look seamless and elegant.

Decorating Style Mistakes

If you own high lacquered, sophisticated pieces it will be a mistake to showcase them on the wide plank, knotted pine. If you are sure of what your decorating style is, your choice of hardwood will work not only with the furniture that you already own, but also with those, that you will acquire in the future.

One other aspect of choosing your hardwood floor process that must be considered along with the decorating style is your lifestyle, or in other words, you need to look into your families, activities, their habits, and their favorite locations within the house.

Avoiding Decorating Style Mistakes

To ensure a harmonious design, be mindful of the following common mistakes:

Ignoring Scale and Proportion: Ensure that furniture and decor items are appropriately sized for your space to maintain balance and functionality.
Overmatching Furniture: While coordination is important, overly matching furniture can result in a lack of personality. Mixing different styles adds depth and interest to your decor.
Neglecting Lighting: Proper lighting enhances the beauty of your hardwood floors and overall decor. Plan your lighting to complement and highlight key design elements.
Inconsistent Flooring: Using different flooring types in connected spaces can disrupt the flow of your home. Opt for cohesive flooring choices to create a unified look.

Lifestyle Considerations

Your lifestyle plays a crucial role in selecting the appropriate hardwood flooring:

High-Traffic Areas: For spaces with heavy foot traffic, choose durable hardwood species like oak or hickory that can withstand wear and tear.
Pets and Children: If you have pets or young children, consider hardwoods with a strong finish to resist scratches and stains.
Maintenance Preferences: Some hardwood finishes require more upkeep than others. Select a finish that aligns with the level of maintenance you're comfortable with.

Wise choices, helping you choose the right hardwood for you.

Conclusion

Understanding your decorating style is a pivotal step in selecting hardwood flooring that not only complements your interior design but also enhances your home's overall aesthetic. By considering factors such as wood species, color, finish, and lifestyle needs, you can make informed decisions that result in a harmonious and inviting space. Remember, your flooring choice is a long-term investment that sets the foundation for your home's ambiance, so choose a style that resonates with your personal taste and complements your existing decor.

Return to Home Page

Visit our Instagram