art deco
Streamlined, geometric style first popular in the 1920’s and 1930’s. This decorative style is characterized by rounded corners, strong vertical lines, and stepped back forms. Deco had a variety of origins: Cubist painting, native American art, modern machinery and aircraft design – keep these in mind when combining styles! Common materials include exotic woods, plastic laminate, chrome, and stainless steel. The colorful Deco District in Miami Beach is one of the best current examples of this style.

art nouveau
A style developed in France and Europe in the late 1800’s, with ornate flowing lines. Nature was often the source of inspiration and themes such as flowers, leaves, birds, and insects were common. These organic motifs were often dreamlike and asymmetrical. Women with long gowns and long flowing hair were also typical of this style. Examples: Artists Toulouse-Lautrec and Erte, Jeweler Rene Lalique, architect Charles R. Macintosh, and glass designer Louis C. Tiffany.

asian style
Also called "Zen" or "Far-East" style, the keywords here are order, balance, serenity and simplicity. Decorator Kelly Hoppen’s book East meets West and the interest in feng shui has popularized this style recently. Texture, neutral palettes, and an emphasis on the home as a sanctuary are all important. This is definitely a "less is more" style.

bauhaus
In the 1920’s and 1930’s, this German school of design laid the groundwork for what would later be called "modern" or modernism. Based on the now famous philosophy of "form follows function" , Bauhaus forms were simple and light, and had no applied decoration. Popular materials included tubular steel, plywood, leather, and plastic and the palette was usually limited to black, white, brown, and gray. Famous designers from this period include Mies van der Rohe, Marcel Bruer, Charles and Ray Eames, Alvar Alto, and Aero Saarinen. The origins of mid-century modern can be found in Bauhaus.

beidermeier
Beidermeier designs originated in Germany in the early 1900’s. This style is defined by classic, simple lines and light woods accented by black accents. The classic, somewhat graphic lines of these pieces allow them to mix easily with many styles.

bohemian
Bohemian style shows ample evidence of artistic and literary pursuits and disregard for convention. Patterns are often plentiful and mismatched, beads and beading are common, and European influences abound. The key is mixing many styles and periods, with an eye toward art and intellect.

british colonial
With its casual elegance, the British Colonial style has become very popular. While the wood may be dark, the overall feel is light and airy, due to lots of open space and light fabrics and wall colors. Furniture, whether an original or a reinterpretation, is often elaborately carved and sometimes massive, but other elements are usually simple and light. Tropical accessories show up in earthy, muted colors.

chippendale
Named for Thomas Chippendale, this late 1800’s style is elegant and formal. Ornate detailing, ball and claw feet, and cabriole legs are common. Take care when mixing these pieces with other styles.

colonial
Formal or casual, simple or elaborate, Colonial furniture refers to American furniture during the "Colonial" period – roughly the 1700’s. A large variety of woods were used – from pine to mahogany.

contemporary
Style developed in the latter 20^th century featuring rounded or softened lines and smooth surfaces. Often used as a generic term for anything without obvious historical reference.

country · industrial
Combination of styles characterized by contrasting sleek industrial surfaces with rustic or primitive country pieces – usually well-worn wood and other natural materials.

english country
An elegant yet cozy style which combines new and old elements. Fabric, especially chintz, often dominates, furniture is comfortable and overstuffed, and accessories are everywhere – books, candles, flowers, lamps, and bric-a-brac. Modern interpretations of this style are cleaner and more neutral – i.e. the Shabby Chic style.

empire
Dating from early 19^th century France, this style has many classic elements, combines straight and curved lines, and is often heavy and monumental . Empire is a part of the Neo Classic period. Think sleigh beds.

french
Picture white sheer curtains, an old armoire, an oak or pine farmhouse table with a set of mismatched painted chairs, and some herbs growing at the windowsill. French country has many interpretations but it is always centered on good food and drink, and a rustic comfort. Eating areas are key. Colors are earthy and washed – terra cotta, umber, blue, etc. And surfaces are natural – stone, tile, wood, and clay.

industrial
Furniture derived from the "Industrial Age" and most often metal – chrome, stainless, steel, etc. Surfaces can be matte or highly polished. Many of these items were actually in use in factories and offices in the early or mid-1900’s. Common items include desks, stools, chairs, and utility carts. This style is usually too cold to use alone.

mid-century modern
Mid-century modern is the now popular term used to describe furniture and objects from roughly the 1940’s through the 1960’s. Lines are simple and clean, functionality is paramount, finishes are often light, and ornamentation is missing or streamlined. Big names here include furniture manufacturers Heywood-Wakefield and Knoll, and designers Charles and Ray Eames, Aero Saarinen, and Russel Wright.

mission
Also called Arts-n-Crafts, this style lasted from the late 1800’s to the 1920’s, and boasted clean simple lines, rectangular and often blocky shapes, and visible joints. Extolling honest construction, Arts-n-Crafts was actually the first style to combine machine technology with handcraftsmanship. Pieces by the big names from this period –Stickley, Roycroft, Limbert, and Frank Lloyd Wright are collector’s items commanding high prices, but many items are affordable. Remember the "visual weight" of these pieces when combining them with other styles.

modern
This style grew out of Bauhaus and is almost synonymous. Modern furniture is simple, unadorned, and functional. In design, the term modern can be confusing, as it is used to refer to this particular style, as well as to the traditional definition.

neoclassic
Neo Classic is based on classic Greek and Roman forms and popular from the late 1700’s to the mid-1800’s. This furniture is light and elegant and lines tend to be straight. Common decoration includes acanthus leaves, shells, architectural pediments and classic figures. This style is related to Empire and Beidermeier.

post modern
Departing from Modernism, and closely allied with the Memphis philosophy, Post modernism seeks to inject some ambiguity and contradiction into the order and simplicity of earlier modern styles. Designs often incorporate color and historical reference.

rococo
Often extremely ornate and intricate, Rococo furniture dates to early 18^th century France, and is characterized by curved spatial forms and fretwork.

rustic
Somewhat interchangeable with primitive, Rustic style is typical of rural life and often connotes the feel of a mountain cabin, backwoods retreat or ranch house. Hickory or snowshoe furniture, antler chandeliers, and large overstuffed chairs are typical of Rustic Style.

scandinavian
Many styles of Scandinavian furniture exist, however most is simple, lightweight, and usually devoid of ornamentation. Colors are light and proportions are pleasing. Pale woods and painted finishes are the most common. Scandinavian usually mixes well with other styles.

shaker
Definitely a country style, Shaker furniture has simple but beautiful lines, and is derived from an American religious sect dating from the 1700 and 1800’s.

traditional
Comprised of many individual styles, traditional furniture always has "historical" reference. Colonial, Chippendale, Queen Anne, and Early American would all be considered Traditional styles.