1. Formal Modern
1.1. More of a timeless or “classic” modern. Stays away from flashy, trendy colors and shapes and focuses more on texture and materials. Symmetry and balance are important.
1.2. See Also
1.2.1. Minimalism
1.2.2. Bahaus
1.2.3. Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe
1.2.4. Le Cobusier
1.3. Retailer Benchmarks
1.3.1. RH Modern
1.3.2. Roche Bobois
1.3.3. Design Within Reach
2. Casual Modern
2.1. Moves more with trends. Often the “early adaptor” of incoming trends, materials and color. May tend to be more entry level. Can recycle older modern trends. Also includes more of the natural, or eco-friendly side of modern. More eclectic and fluid than formal modern.
2.2. See Also
2.2.1. Eco Minimalism
2.2.2. Botanical
2.2.3. Flashy
2.2.4. Contemporary
2.2.5. Eclectic
2.2.6. Mid-Century Modern
2.2.7. Eames
2.2.8. Nelson
2.3. Retailer Benchmarks
2.3.1. From the Source
2.3.2. Blu Dot
2.3.3. West Elm
2.3.4. CB2
3. Formal Transitional
3.1. This is Pottery Barn. Straight, up-the-middle transitional. Much more minimal and tailored. Lots of symmetry with soft, cozy surfaces. It’s the family room versus the living room. Note that Pottery Barn still sells numerous casegoods and upholstry collection that they have sold for decades (i.e. Sumatra collection has been around since at least 2001). This lifestyle is a good base to revolve accessories around. The small items like pillows and glassware can be transitioned in and out while keeping the same foundation pieces. Arts and Crafts straddles this and casual traditional depending on how tailored it is presented. This also captures “British Colonial”, with campaign furniture and formal caning/rattan. Note: There is high potential for debate over what is Formal Transitional versus Casual Traditional. It is very subjective.
3.2. See Also
3.2.1. Casual (I know, confusing)
3.2.2. Slipcover
3.3. Retailer Benchmarks
3.3.1. Ballard Designs
4. Casual Transitional
4.1. This is where most “world” looks, Boho, Mountain Luxe, Ski Chalet, Cottage, Lodge, Beach, and Farmhouse will play. This is a thematic or faster moving, generally lower-priced, trendy transitional. This is the most personalized of all the 6-squares. It is eclectic by definition. Anything goes.
4.2. See Also
4.2.1. World
4.2.2. Boho
4.2.3. Lodge
4.2.4. Cottage
4.2.5. Farmhouse
4.3. Retailer Benchmarks
4.3.1. Pottery Barn
5. Formal Traditional
5.1. This is the living room of the house. The furniture the kids are not allowed to sit on. Where the things you are proud to own are on display. This is often the place where looks can get very “period specific”, calling up historic décor trends and recreating them. However, it is not static. This trend is still always moving. Since it is where the higher end pieces tend to be used, the competition is fierce for this space, and therefore the trends need to keep shifting.
5.2. See Also
5.2.1. Any major historic European trend: Victorian, Regency, Edwardian, Georgian, Neo Classic, Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, Directiore, Empire, Biedermier, Queen Anne, Chinoiserre, The Louie’s, Tudor…etc.
5.3. Retailer Benchmarks
5.3.1. William Sonoma Home
5.3.2. Baker
6. Casual Traditional
6.1. Still period influenced, but with a twist and letting a little more of your hair down. Maybe showcasing a collection, creating a theme, going for some “wow factor” items. French and English Country styles are at home here, as well as some formal “world looks”. Overscale items, prized “finds” and other conversation starters.
6.2. See Also
6.2.1. French Country
6.2.2. English Country
6.2.3. Shabby Chic (when it’s truly Chic)
6.2.4. Tuscan
6.2.5. Moroccan
6.3. Retailer Benchmarks
6.3.1. Restoration Hardware
6.3.2. Arhaus