Country French is a style that has certain characteristics, such as a love for nature and curvy, flowing lines. Arched openings are prominent, as are french quarter-round glass doors on cabinets. A "demi-loon" cabinet (semi-round protuding front) are dynamic. A "cabriole" leg (in the image of an animals leg) is common on an island, peninsula or chair leg. For a more primitive look, rushed seats (like woven grass) with a wheat back carved chair are cherished.

Popular images are vines, figs, leaves, animals and flowers. These can be carved in wood, stenciled on walls or painted on tiles. A combination of patterns, texture, and color are fun elements of this style. A challenge to designing this room is to keep it interesting and fun without letting it get unbalanced.

English Country is a style that has certain characteristics. Some of these elements are a love for the practical, quaint countryside with flowery chintz, weathered fabrics. Beadboard paneling, squared off glass-mullined cabinets, traditional hardware and creamy or white woodwork are typical. Natural Stone countertops and stone or wood planked floors with throw rugs that have been aging gracefully for some time.

Pieces in a room should be acquired from "family heirlooms" or look that way. Pictures of ancestors, brass kettles, pewter candle sticks, dried flowers, and a pitcher and basin help complete the picture.

Shaker is a style that is streamlined and almost plain. However, the lines have such balance and symmetry, it works together quite successfully. The Shaker style has a calming influence. There is an emphasis on the fine materials and quality of workmanship. Only what is needed to make the piece functional is used. Sparse elements combined with color, which lightly stains the natural wood grains. Square corners are the rule, no arches or curvy embellishments are found.

The Shaker look is a transitional style with elements from traditional and modern ideas.

Arts & Crafts Movement a style that has certain aspects. Many of the elements of this style are custom woodworking using oak, the items are usually hand-crafted and embellished in images such as "Old English" or "Jacobean" linen folds, seeded glass, bench seats, and weathered iron hardware. Sofas and chairs had a masculine feel with planked armrests and slats running from top rail to seat rail. Loose cushions were typically upholstered in plain prints.

William Morris was the founder of this movement in England at the turn of the 20th century. He even established favorite fabric and wallpaper patterns. These usually had green and brown tones with leafy, natural looking designs. The key to this style is an "Old English", hand-crafted look.

Moderne Movement is a period that has a certain bold style. Remember at this time that the train, airplane, and the automobile were new "toys" of the rich. Speed, power, and brashness were part of the newly "Industrialized American" persona. Americans wanted to be associated with this new, strong society. As a result, skyscrappers were rising higher into the sky and breaking all rules. Americans wanted sleek, stream-lined, bold elements. A shiny patina, strong colors, and lines that mimiced the curves and speed of the big locomotives and airplanes. Metal, shiny painted surfaces, and industrialized looking fabrics and hardware were the rule for this style.

This was a society on the go who wanted to be recognized for their forward thinking.