Interior decorating has blossomed into a wide range of styles and tastes that can make decorating your home a revealing journey, into your own self. Decorating can make you learn more about who you are and you will be able to find a connection with the furnishings that you choose to make your personal space a stylish reflection of who you are.

There are more than a dozen different styles to choose from if you are an interior decorator. Before you can decide what you want to do with the space, you have to know what you want for yourself.

Here are 7 of the most popular decorating styles and a little bit of detail about each.

1.Art Deco - This style was developed right after WWI and it brought in a new decorating style for that era. When you decorate in Art Deco Style, the finished look will be smooth and sleek while remaining simple and elegant. http://interiordec.about.com/od/stylesofdecor/a/art_deco_style.htm

2. Asian Decor - This is a minimalist style that is meant to bring peace, balance and serenity, with elegant simplicity as the focus. The space is decorated with high quality furnishings with a touch of Western flair.http://interiordec.about.com/od/asiandecor/a/Asianstyle.htm

3. Contemporary - Bold colors, decorative art, sculptures and unique style is the definition of contemporary style. The contemporary decorating style is fraught with color, modern elements, and pure sophistication. http://interiordec.about.com/od/contemporarystyle/a/contemporarystl.htm<REF>

4. English Country - Casual or formal, it's up to you but, either way, the primary focus is on comfortable surroundings that are warm and friendly. The furnishings in English country style homes are reminisce of thatched roofs, a cottage in the woods and beautiful flower gardens growing in the spring. <REF>http://interiordec.about.com/od/englishcountry/a/EnglishcountryF.htm

5. French Country - Picture a country chateaux with a touch of rustic overtones that is both elegant and old-world. No colors are off limits when you choose to decorate your space with French country style. Nature is not left out with the use of wood and natural stone that is incorporated into the overall look. http://interiordec.about.com/od/frenchcountry/a/a_frenchcountry.htm

6.Retro Style- Do you remember the brightly colored stove and refrigerator with the equally bright dinette set that filled the kitchens in the mid 1900's? This is the style that is considered retro. The fun and lively Retro style is never boring, thanks to the elaborate pieces available to choose from. http://interiordec.about.com/od/retrostyledecorating/Retro_Style.htm

7. Rustic Decor - Sophisticated and trendy is the new way to describe the charm of rustic decor. The natural elements coupled with Western tones and accents make rustic decor a favorite style of many people, no matter where they are located. Log cabins are one way to live, when you prefer this syle of decor. http://interiordec.about.com/cs/stylesofdecor/a/rustic.htm

When the first home was built, interior decorating became a necessity and since that time, it has been slowly evolving into the varied styles that inspire interior decorators, today. There are several historical eras that had a direct influence on the styles that were preferred.

Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome - During this time, interior decorating was enjoyed only by the extremely wealthy. Ancient ruins that have been discovered reveal the intricate details that help to identify this particular era and it is obvious that only a select few were privy to the luxury of the professionally decorated buildings.

The Romans had homes that were decorated for the seasons, the rooms that have been discovered show that people designed the rooms in their home so that they were cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. http://decorating.savvy-cafe.com/key-moments-in-the-history-of-interior- design-2007-05-04/

• The Renaissance Era- The wealthy people wanted the most popular artists to work inside their homes and eventually, these artists were responsible for the decor in the home. The decadent tastes called for a style that shows ornate designs in lavish surroundings.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5002958_history-interior-decorating.html

• The Industrial Revolution - Thanks to the Industrial Revolution, hiring an interior decorator became more mainstream. The mass production of products and supplies allowed the less wealthy population the opportunity that for so long was available only to the very wealthy.

An interior decorator has natural talent and training that help them mix styles, textures, colors and accessories to create a unique, inviting room. If you have a flair for design and a keen eye for putting together colors and textures, you may flourish as an interior decorator. http://interiordec.about.com/

How do you know if you need and interior decorator?

• You don't know how to bring a room together.
• You can't come to an agreement about what to do.
• The thought of buying material, ordering pieces, and hiring the needed contractors make you want to run.
• You don't have the time to devote to the project.
• You are not qualified to do the job because you need a plumber, electrician or some other expert.
• You want a professional looking result

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