| Step #1: Choose a StyleHere are some ideas of | | | | extravagant. Floral patterns look great on your |
| different styles you can use to decorate your whole | | | | couches, chairs, curtains and pillows for the traditional |
| house or just one room.* Cottage: This home furnishing | | | | look, as do plaids and damasks. Heavy drapes and |
| style calls to mind a cozy cottage tucked away in the | | | | mahogany dining room tables also work well with this |
| country or by the lake. Cottage style means white | | | | look. Put the final touch on your traditional home with |
| couches and chairs, or white wicker furniture with floral | | | | accents like china, crystal and framed landscapes.* |
| printed cushions. Pastel colors, soft lighting, and gauzy | | | | Victorian: This style will make your house look as |
| curtains create the cottage look, as do antique | | | | beautiful and stately as the mansions of Victorian |
| accessories and patchwork quilts. Complete the look | | | | England. Choose small but elegant couches and |
| with landscaping: nothing says country cottage like a | | | | wooden armchairs with silk covered cushions in striped |
| stone walkway and a garden full of flowers and | | | | or simple floral patterns. Do not be shy with velvet and |
| herbs.* Mediterranean: This home decorative style | | | | rich brocades. Porcelain and dried flowers will also help |
| conjures the Italian and French seaside. Think warm | | | | you get this look across nicely.Step #2: Enhance Your |
| yellows and earth tones, as well as simple patterns set | | | | HomeWhatever style you choose, use these elements |
| off by blue and gold accents. Chunky, natural wood | | | | wisely to achieve the maximum from your decorative |
| tables fit right in, as do patterns of sunflowers or | | | | style.* Lighting: Stay away from halogen and overhead |
| ships.* Oriental: As the name implies, this style invokes | | | | lighting, both of which can create harsh light and |
| the simple and sleek lines of the Orient. Less is more | | | | therefore harsh shadows. Instead, choose lamps with |
| with this look, so choose pieces like teak and | | | | bases that fit your style and taste. Track lighting and |
| lacquered tables, armoires and coffee tables sparingly. | | | | sconces also provide nice lighting solutions.* Color: |
| Accessorize with Oriental rugs, silk prints and pictures | | | | Color is one of the most basic and most effective |
| of dragons or Japanese seascapes.* Traditional: This | | | | ways to create any style. |
| classic home furnishing style is elegant but not | | | | |