What is your style?

Traditional furnishings can hail from 18th century England, the French countryside or even the exotic lands of the East. Among the most popular traditional styles are British Colonial revival, 18th century English, 19th century neoclassical and French country. Here's how the traditional style breaks down:

• Colors: Peach and green tones are balanced with aubergine and tan for a slightly floral but unfussy palette. These colors can be enhanced with bronze accents and warm wood tones for an inviting, comforting interior.

• Windows: A tailored look takes over windows with a formal swag-and-panel combination. Panels are gathered loosely with tasseled cords. Fringe accents the swag treatment, adding a design detail to the scalloped edges.

• Fabrics: A small print on a pillow pairs nicely with a sofa with an all-over floral pattern. Damask is a good choice for a traditional interior because the weave creates both a dull and a shiny texture that works well with a variety of trim, tassels and fringe.

• Accessories: Still-life oil paintings, gilt frames and an emphasis on pairs lend a room a proper traditional feeling. To further the look, bring in a crystal chandelier, some silver candlesticks and fresh or silk flowers in a grand vase.

Contemporary style encompasses a range of styles developed in the latter half of the 20th century. Pieces feature softened and rounded lines as opposed to the stark lines seen in modern design. Interiors contain neutral elements and bold color, and they focus on the basics of line, shape and form. Here's how the style breaks down:

• Colors: Contemporary interiors feature tone-on-tone color palettes relying heavily on brown, taupe, cream and pure white. Shots of color are sometimes found on a single wall, in a striking floor rug or in a special piece of art.

• Accessories: A minimalist approach is taken with carefully selected accessories — a potted orchid gracefully arching in front of a window, white mats that set off photographs in simple black and silver frames, an oval wooden tray that provides a resting spot for similarly shaped silver candleholders. This kind of grouping provides a counterpoint to the furniture.

• Fabrics: The lack of color makes room for interesting textures, such as the olive-colored corduroy found on the pictured sofa and a smooth, creamy white cotton used on two of the side chairs. Other good choices for a transitional space are soft ultrasuedes, pliable leathers and nubby chenilles.

• Furniture: Curves combine with straight lines in a transitional style interior. The look balances both masculine and feminine attributes for a comfortably contemporary design. The scale of the pieces is ample but not intimidating. A lack of ornamentation and decoration keeps the focus on the simplicity and sophistication of the design.

Transitional style is a marriage of traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics equating to a classic, timeless design. Furniture lines are simple yet sophisticated, featuring either straight lines or rounded profiles. Fabric is as diverse as graphic patterns on overstuffed sofas and textured chenilles on sleek wood frames.

• Colors: The transitional palette relies on a lack of color to evoke a clean, serene atmosphere. Dark brown can add depth to a neutral balance of taupe, tan and vanilla.

• Accessories: A minimalist approach is taken with carefully selected accessories — a potted orchid gracefully arching in front of a window, white mats that set off photographs in simple black and silver frames, an oval wooden tray that provides a resting spot for similarly shaped silver candleholders. This kind of grouping provides a counterpoint to the furniture.

• Fabrics: Natural fabrics such as silk, wool, linen and cotton are used for their textural aspect and inherent neutral hues. However, bold color or geometric pattern may be brought into the design with pillows, a rug or a throw.

• Furniture: Pieces feature clean lines and smooth surfaces without any carving or adornment. Silhouettes are slim without being dainty. Furniture is made of light-colored woods such as maple and birch (which also have minimal graining), frosted or clear glass, stainless steel, nickel and chrome.

• Lighting: The lighting design is used as an artistic statement in a contemporary interior. Floor and table lamps have straight lines and sleek metallic finishes; color might be introduced with a special shade. Recessed or track lighting draws attention to well-placed art and accessories.