You have decided it’s time for a change but you’re not sure what look you are going for. You are exploring the options. There are some sure fire ways to narrow down the design options when you have the right information.
It can be a bit confusing when comparing design options, French country decor, French decor, industrial design, just to name a few. Can you mix and match? What styles can be used together and which ones just don’t work?
When deciding on a new design for a room or a theme throughout your house, you want to be sure you get it right the first time. You will be living with it for quite some time unless you want the expense of changing it again.
If you are more of a minimalist and like clean simple lines, you may want to consider some of the options for industrial design. Each person you ask will most likely have their own description of what industrial decorating will look like. There are some common grounds no matter what the answer is. Industrial style home decor items will predominantly be made from various metals, clear and subtly colored glass, and reclaimed wood.
Industrial decor is commonly found in old loft spaces where you may find open duct work or interior brick walls. You can find many furniture options and some great accessories. If you just want to introduce this style to an existing space and aren’t sure you want to make a full commitment you can start with things like an industrial bookcase or and industrial console table. You can also change the entire look of the space with industrial lighting.
If you have a more elegant design in mind or enjoy antique and heirloom style furnishings, French decor or French country decor may be the way for you to go. French decor is best described as being ornate, fancy, with rich colors and detail. This style may also have muted neutral colors and repeat the same pattern or color throughout the design.
French country is French decor with a bit of country thrown in. The basic decor will still have a very elegant look to it, but brings a touch of nature to the overall design. You may also see wrought iron furnishings used indoors.
A unique piece that works well in French Country Decor is white washed furniture. What is white washing? In order to white wash furniture you don’t necessarily need to use white paint. Whitewashing can be done with almost any soft muted shade of paint. The technique is a simple painting technique that allows the grain of the wood to shine through.
If you find a piece of furniture that has the right design features but needs just an added touch to bring it into your French Country design, whitewashing may be the way to go. It is easy to do and there are plenty of free online resources that can show you how.
The big question is can you combine Industrial decorating techniques with French Decor. The answer would be yes, if you choose the right pieces. Both styles have pieces that are primarily metal. You may be able to find a reclaimed wood table that you can whitewash to give it the flare and sophistication it needs.
The big thing to remember when making any major design style change in your home is to try things before you buy things. If you can visit a home furnishings store that carries pieces in the style you are interested in you will most certainly get a better feel for what it will look like. When in doubt, ask the experts.
Ottoman and Vanity 