A room decorated in a Formal style is designed with aesthetics rather than function in mind. A formal setting can be opulent, grand or even fragile. The emphasis is on creating a mood that appeals to you: the ornate look of long ago, a more contemporary modern and sleek look, or refined provincial rusticity.
Traditional Formal
- “Traditional” refers to styles originally created for royalty. The origins are European, especially French, English, Italian and Spanish design from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
- Lines are elegant, curvilinear and ornate.
- Dark woods such as mahogany, walnut and cherry are used.
- Fabrics tend to be delicate and smooth with strong surface interest such as moirés and damasks.
- Upholstery style leans towards camelbacks and rolled arms. Legs are bare or have tailored skirts.
Formal Contemporary
Contemporary, by definition would mean a style that reflects what is happening today. However, this style started developing in the twentieth century with the Bauhaus movement.
- Sleek, straight lines are used.
- The wood is lighter in color. Additionally we may find the use of metal, glass, stone, and laminated finishes.
- Leather is used in addition to strong surface interest fabrics. The patterns can be free form and bold, or the fabric could be monochromatic.
Provincial Formal
The Provincial style was also born in Europe. It evolved from the lavish styles favored at courts into a simpler yet elegant style favored by wealthy landowners.
- Ornately carved wood, and painted or gilt surfaces are typical.
- Fabrics are delicate satin,floral, stripes, toiles, and tapestries.
- Colors range from Venetian blues, vegetable colors to sunny yellows.
