Do you envy people who seem to instinctively know what looks best in their home? The ones who automatically gravitate towards the perfect colors, furniture and accessories that make their home look beautiful and yet reflect so much of their own distinctive personality. They can toss out phrases like contemporary minimalist or bohemian retro with complete confidence. How do they manage to have such a natural flair for design when it can seem so complicated to others?

Part of the problem may hinge on the fact that you aren't really clear what each design style encompasses.  There are hundreds of design styles out there and it can be quite confusing if you're not a decor aficionado.   What you need to remember, though, is that you don't have to be a designer to know what is right for your home.  With just a little basic decorating knowledge, you can create a style that is perfect for you.  

Before you settle on a particular style that has a name like shabby chic or Scandinavian modern, oftentimes it's easier to determine a mood you want to create in a room - formal, casual, warm or cool- then develop the actual style from there.  In this first part of a series, let's first look at what creates each mood.  That will help you determine what colors and textures are best suited for the environment you're trying to develop and you'll have a great jumping off place to start developing your own sense of style.

Formal When you think of formal rooms, think of symmetrical elegance. Furnishings are usually balanced, often in identical pairs, arranged on a straight axis around the room. They frequently feature rich, luxurious fabrics, dark woods, elaborately framed artwork and mirrors, shine and sparkle. The room usually has a central focal point, such as a fireplace, large window or an elegant piece of antique furniture. This look is designed to impress and goes well in homes with high ceilings, large windows and showy architectural features.

If your home lacks these architectural elements, you can still use some of the fundamentals to create a formal feeling. For a formal look in a more family-oriented home, choose fabrics that are durable but have a lush look rather than true velvets or silks. Use more formal looking accessories like toss pillows with braid or tassels. Employ painting techniques to simulate the look of rich wall coverings. Choose richly hued area rugs in practical fibers.

Casual  Would you prefer a more casual atmosphere for your home?  Then think about a room that feels warm and welcoming, someplace where you can put your feet up and relax.  Fabrics are usually soft and textured, not shiny, and often made of natural fibers like cotton, wool or linen.  Furniture is built for comfort and does not have to be matching pieces.

 Metals frequently used in casual rooms include copper, iron, hammered brass, tin or pewter.  You can accessorize with almost anything around the house - books, candles, plants, bird houses, primitives, quilts or any other number of homey items.  Chunky tables, oak and pine woods, worn and rustic surfaces are common choices for casual areas.  Asymmetrical arrangements are the norm and a touch of whimsy is never out of place in a casual room.

Cool  A cool room is one that exudes an air of calm and tranquility.  This look is often desirable in areas where you want to promote rest, serenity or concentration.    Bedrooms, baths, offices or hot, sunny rooms where you want to visually lower the temperature.  Colors are usually light blues, greens, silvers, pastels or neutrals.  Monochromatic color schemes can often be found in cooler rooms.  These colors make a room feel more spacious and airy. 

T he goal is to create a harmonious blend, a place where the mind can be cleared and the heart centered.  Fabrics are usually smooth, solid colors.  Touches of nature, like plants or water features, are often added, but the room should be uncluttered.  Minimal accessories are required.  Furnishings should be of simple designs and forego embellishments like ruffles or elaborately carved furnishings.  Keep window dressings uncomplicated.  Plain, tab-top curtains, shutters or even no window coverings at all can work nicely. 

Warm  If you want your room to feel warmer and more energizing, choose richer colors and more textures.  Reds, yellows and oranges all tend to spice up a room. Deep greens, browns and darker tones of blue also work well.   Use plush or nubby fabrics like chenille, tweed, flannel or wool.  Plaids or prints are often good choices for warm feeling rooms as well.  And just like when you want to feel warmer when you venture outside on a cold day, dress the room in layers.  Use rugs scattered around the floor, toss a warm throw over the back of a chair, or pile on the pillows. 

Use lighting to accent artwork like family photos or happy scenes and bring task lighting into play in areas where you need to work.  Utilize furnishings to create conversation areas and intimate spaces.  Furniture should be inviting and comfortable.  Warm rooms reflect the personalities of the people who live there, so don't be afraid to bring in your collections.

Remember, we're talking about moods here, not particular styles.  Although country or traditional styles are most frequently thought of as warm rooms, you can create the mood of warmth in a variety of styles, including contemporary.

Once you know which mood you want to create in a room, you've taken a big step towards establishing the design style you want to bring into that room.  In the next article in this series, we'll take a closer look at more specific styles and help you decide which one is the best for your home.  Believe it or not, you can create any of these moods with almost any style of decor.  The mood sets the tone first.  The style brings the mood to life.