Family Room Styles

Yellow glazed walls brighten the double parlor, where columns define the two seating areas. An impressive collection of antiques and fabrics in a rainbow of colors keep this living room from feeling too stale.

Feature a classic design in a fresh way with the added dimension of an accent wall. Fiery orange gives this living room an autumn glow, while highlighting the rich upholstery and regal details.

For this old-world library, Minton let his choice of Persian rugs drive the warm color palette of reds, golds, and greens. Here, the blend of patterns and wood-paneled walls create an environment that seems destined for relaxing with a scotch or glass of wine.

Spice up an all-white den with tangerine accents. A Moroccan floor cushion and cozy throw blanket become statement pieces in this simple, symmetrical living room.

Clean, modern lines and exotic accessories give this living room a Bali-inspired, open-air vibe.

Create a serene atmosphere with muted hues. Here, celery green walls and natural fabrics set the stage while pale yellow lends a pop of color without disrupting the relaxed mood. via

Design Styles/Part 2 of 3

Today, we are continuing Part 2 About design styles and everything you always wanted to know about design but were afraid to ask.

Eclectic


This catch-all style borrows from several other design styles and evokes a sense of imagination and surprise with unexpected contrasts. The style is not simply throwing together everything and anything, but rather relies heavily on the building blocks of design (color, pattern, texture, composition) to make the space look cohesive. A multitude of fabrics is characteristic, whether patterned, textured, solids or all three. Design by Andreea Avram Rusu.

English Country


A feminine look, with lush rose patterns, extensive uses of greens, reds, pinks and blues are characteristic of an English Country home. Ornamental, fine carved wood furniture, overstuffed sofas with tufting and skirted furniture mix with antiques and lots of small decorative accessories. Design by Phyllis Harbinger.

French


An ornate, fanciful and decorative style is characteristic of this look. Colors range from rich, sun-drenched Mediterranean hues to softer, muted shades. Often, one color or fabric is repeated throughout the space. It's characterized by rich details and extensive use of gold, bronze and gilt. Antique or heirloom furniture, layered dramatic window treatments and abundant fresh flowers fill out a French home. Design by Camilla Forte.

Mediterranean


Inspired by the coastal regions of Spain, Greece and Italy, this look favors colors that echo the sea and also include terra cotta, yellow and lavender. Furniture pieces are short with ornately turned legs and feet; hardware is heavy and often burnished. Velvets, linens and textured fabrics mix with textured walls. Design by Ammie Kim.

Mid-Century Modern


A look originating in the '50s and '60s and epitomized by the Rat-Pack days in Palm Springs. Scandinavian designers and architects were very influential at this time, with a style characterized by simplicity, functionality and natural shapes. Architecture shows off its minimalist design with walls of glass. Pops of deep colors such as orange, yellow, olive green and chocolate brown add to decor. An updated version of this look is found at stores like Jonathan Adler, marked by fun, colorful and quirky furnishings.

Modern


Rooted in minimal, true use of material and absence of decoration. A clean, streamlined furniture and architecture style from the 1930s. It's characterized by a neutral color palette, polished surfaces, strong geometric shapes and asymmetry. Design by SPI Design.

Home Ideas

Spice up an all-white den with tangerine accents. A Moroccan floor cushion and cozy throw blanket become statement pieces in this simple, symmetrical living room.

A wash of pastels brings this coastal living room together. Promote conversation with four chairs instead of the traditional sofa, anchored by round ottoman.

In recent years, pretty much the only place you could spot a beverage cart was in black-and-white movies. But recently, the wheeled, multitrayed carts have been appearing in stores. "Entertaining at home is hot right now, and people have rediscovered the utility cart.

 If you're unsure where to go first in this Abilene, Texas, home, just follow the cat tracks. From the front door, tiny feline footprints lead toward the open living area. Guests frequently comment on them, not because the homeowners refuse to clean the floor, but because the footprints are the only reminder of a cat who long ago stepped across the terra-cotta tiles while they were drying in the sun in Mexico, leaving his mark forever.

It's a quarter to five and here's a country kitchen, modern in every way, where hearty meals are prepared for big appetites. There is a two-oven stove, a warming oven across the way, a wine cooler and no-worry concrete countertops. The kitchen has easy access to the family room and to a very large dining room.

Designer's View

In this article, I am going to critique each of these rooms, it is usually what a designer sees when she/he walks into a room. I feel this room has balance and the colors blend beautifully. First of all your focal point is the sofa, then the eye moves toward the black in the accessories and pictures, the next thing that makes this room blend beautifully is that the colors in the rug are picked up with the choice of colors reflected in the pictures and the paint on the wall. The plant to the left keeps warmth in the room and balance with the window. Placing the lamp on the opposite side allows, once again ,balance. The sheer black window treatment keeps the room contemporary, light and airy!!! I would give this a WOW great job!!!

First look, you see lovely furniture and balance with the lamps, plant and picture. YIKES, the wall color is way to harsh. It conflicts with the bright blue in the picture. The wall color should be the subtle color of blue/grey in the rug.

Beautiful setting, love the patio set. Now it needs a center piece with whites, greens and purple to pull the colors out of the cushions for a focal point. Weather permitting, an indoor/Outdoor rug, accenting the same colors from the cushions would warm this great patio setting.

Nice color balance here, the only thing I would change is the height of the picture. It needs to be moved up on the wall. The rug is acceptable but I feel it needs to be more in the taupe color like the wall. A great accent rug with taupes, white, reds and yellow would really make this room POP!!!!

Nice balance here, lovely blend of colors. Great accent pattern on the pillows and love the fringe! Good balance with the lamps and pictures. Love, love, love the fabric on the sofa and chairs.

Fine Living

HGTV Dream Homes designed for social gatherings, whether it’s a wine-tasting club or a quilting circle. Designed by Interior designer Linda Woodrum.

Loved these rooms!!!!