Defining your home decorating style

One of the joys of doing what I do is having the opportunity to travel across the country and meet a fascinating array of women (and men!) at my design seminars and book signings. There I get the chance to talk with them about their lives and homes and how to make their surroundings more comfortable, stylish and personal.

They come to hear me and, in turn, ask me thoughtful questions about a design project in their homes or a roadblock they've hit in a redecorating project or renovation. Sometimes homeowners -- budding designers in their own right -- even come equipped with folders (or boxes) in hand filled with blueprints, paint, carpet and fabric samples. And if time permits, I enjoy a chance to sit down with them and advise on which design direction I would go, asking them lots of questions about their lifestyle, design preferences and their home's decor.

I'm often asked very broad questions like, "I have a very large living room and want to re-decorate. I don't know where to begin. What do I do?" Or, "We don't know what our style is. We know what we want but we can't figure out how to get there."

Many of us have gone through a time when we wanted to make a change in our home's interiors and had no idea where to begin. After being met with those kinds of questions time and time again, I began to realize there had to be a way to narrow down the confusion and questions that can come with any interior design project.

After years of trying to break it down systematically, I came up with five basic approaches to decorating -- five basic decorating styles that I spelled out in my book "Chris Madden's Guide to Personalizing Your Home" a few years ago. Just as our personalities have different facets and shades, so do our homes. My book was an attempt to help readers determine which particular style profile best fits them and their home.

Why not see if any of these categories apply to you and see if it guides you during future purchases for your home:

Traditional: This category tends to prefer a classic, time-honored approach to decorating and to life. There is a sense of history and admiration of decorating styles that have evolved over the years. There is a tendency toward balance and symmetry, fine antiques, classic period pieces, floral prints and richly finished dark woods. Rich colors like navy blue, burgundy and hunter green stands out in traditional spaces.

Contemporary: With a clean, sleek and modern look, this style appeals to the contemporary lifestyle. The contemporary decorator may choose a great leather sofa rather than an overstuffed chintz-covered one, polished wood floors rather than an Oriental rug, chrome and glass instead of carved mahogany, or graphic art as opposed to a collage of antique prints.

Adventurous: The adventurous type enjoys a very eclectic look, with colors, patterns, materials and objects (from around the world), including lots of ethnic and folkloric pieces. Textured fabrics, sponged or glazed walls, vintage country furniture, handmade pottery and pieces with lots of "character" are often seen in adventurous homes. Comfortable but not sleek, the adventurous type is not afraid to mix and match different styles and periods and "finds".

Romantic: Home is definitely a sanctuary for the romantic type. They love to be surrounded by family momentos, fresh flowers, pastel colors, delicate prints, graceful lines and soft fabrics. Curtains are lush and full, with lace, velvet and trimming. Bedrooms in particular are very feminine with framed photos, potpourri, layers of bed linens and an abundance of pillows.

Serene: The serene personality likes to spend time quietly enjoying his or her surroundings. Harmony and comfort are important in life and in decorating so you won't see bright colors or strong contrasts. Creamy neutrals, elegantly understated accessory arrangements, green plants and lightly scented candles, uncluttered counters and tabletops -- to these people, less often is more.

Still having a problem determining your personal style and which direction to proceed in your decorating journey? Look in your closet. If it houses a mixture of classics like the classic black dress and basic tailored suits, you may lean towards the traditional. Is your wardrobe replete with florals and flowing skirts and scarves? A romantic style might be most suited for you. Clothing in calm neutrals rather than bold colors may define your serene tendencies.

If more than one of these decorating styles suit you, that's fine! How about a serene bedroom but a romantic, French Country kitchen or an adventurous bathroom and a traditional dining room?

Ultimately, flexibility and individuality are what matter most when it comes to decorating your home. Find your own personal style and trust yourself!

Chris Casson Madden, host of the Home & Garden Television show "Interiors by Design," is also author of 13 books, including the newly released "Getaways: Carefree Retreats for All Seasons," Clarkson Potter Publishers.

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