There is a good deal of emphasis today on an outdoors, rustic approach to decorating, commonly referred to as "the lodge look" or "Adirondack style." The feel of these styles recalls summer camps spent by a lake or a winter mountain retreat; there are memories of waking to the songs of chirping birds and falling asleep with only the light of the campfire.

 

Few of us have the luxury of time or money to retreat to the piney mountain or lakeside lodges whenever the mood strikes. However the thoughts of furnishing a room in this style are intriguing.

Regardless of your decorating skills you can get a lodge home décor theme by adding the right accessories and wall art. Changing out your window treatments, flooring, wall coverings and furniture can transform your home into a rustic lodge no matter where you live.

Tropical chic is one of the most popular looks today. It includes comfort, warmth, and a touch of the exotic, using jungle themes, restful colors, and natural textural elements.

It's a style that has fresh appeal with touches of traditional. This is not the multi-colored jungle look you might choose for a child's room. Instead, it might be defined as "lush minimalism" since it mixes lots of texture and intricate pattern with simple details and a few large accessories.

Common motifs include stylized palm trees, large leafed banana plants, monkeys, animal prints, rattan, leather, and grass cloth.

Traditional style interiors are comforting and classic. You may have grown up in a home that was decorated with traditional style furnishings.

There is nothing wild or chaotic in a traditional room. It is calm, orderly, and can be somewhat predictable.

Furnishings might look a bit outdated to some, while others will enjoy an interior that embraces the benefits of classic styling.

Traditional and formal styles can be similar in some respects. In both, symmetry is extremely important. Furniture in both formal and traditional interiors is often arranged on a straight axis and centered within the room. In addition, furnishings and accessories are often seen in pairs and straight lines are contrasted with curved details. The point where formal and traditional part ways is in the degree of interpretation. Formal can be somewhat rigid, symmetrical, and almost too shiny and perfect, often using expensive period furnishings and fine antiques. Traditional rooms are less grand and a bit more casual, often using less expensive reproductions and accessories and fewer fussy details.