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A number of basic design styles apply to everything from furniture to interior and exterior home design. Here are some general guidelines for some popular design styles:
Contemporary/Modern...
features sleek, unadorned cabinets, plain panel doors and hardware that is hidden or unobtrusive.
Traditional...
is more formal and elegant. Raised panel cabinet doors or clear glass panels separated by thin strips of wood are often seen. Rich wood finishes or painted white wood may be accented with sparkle from brass or brass-tone hardware.
Country...
features light stain or distressed-color finish, simple cabinet and door styles and unpretentious wood or ceramic knobs and handles.
Colonial...
takes advantage of classic architectural elements, notably symmetry, columns and formally framed doors and windows. These residences, often elaborate, typically have large front and rear porches, providing an opportunity for cross ventilation in sultry climates.
Victorian...
often reflects the romance of the 19th century with contemporary convenience. Common cabinet woods are oak or cherry and with the right color scheme, even white can be used. Many different types of hardware will work, from hammered iron to antique pewter.
High-tech...
areas feature stainless steel, metal tubing, chrome and black accents. Kitchens often feature an industrial look with sleek metallic appliances and storage cabinets. Glass block or curving transparent window glass may be set in a wall.
Southwestern...
homes, with their stucco or adobe exterior and orange or red tile roofs, are gaining in popularity these days.
Muskoka...
which today include construction techniques that may or may not use whole logs to yield a house that looks like it's built with logs, have a solid, somewhat romantic and secure ambience that attracts many people.
French country design...
is more of a style than a set of specifics. The rural homes of France that provide the basis for French country style are diverse in all but their charm. One common trait is the multi-paned windows extending to the floor, which are called French windows and that are used like doors, inside and out. The kitchen is enormous and comfortable, with exposed, sturdy beams and tiled floors. The living room is also large, often with a fireplace.
Mediterranean style...
favors stucco as it weathers well, especially in damp or sea-side areas), as well as bay windows or narrow, deep windows and doors flanked by slat-board shutters and painted vividly. Ceramic tile flooring, airy, large open living areas are also hallmarks of Mediterranean design.
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