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The best homes are beautiful and authentic. Use this guide to find the perfect match for your home’s unique style.
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Coastal StyleInspired by the sea, these casually elegant homes feature colors evocative of the sun, sand and surf — bleached whites and tans, a range of blues, oranges and yellows, soft pinks, and dusty rose. From beach bungalow to seaside chic, this design style is breezy and relaxed, with lots of natural light and elements of indoor-outdoor living. Coastal décor often includes natural fibers in upholstery and floor coverings, sea-themed prints, and found objects (sea glass, seashells, rope, coral). For a modern version, go with the boldest representations of the shore with teal, sunrise-reminiscent orange and sea foam-like silver.
View this scheme in Explore the Perfect Palette »
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GeorgianMixing Palladian symmetry with elements of Rococo, Gothic and Chinoiserie, Georgian homes exude a sense of comfortable luxury, traditional beauty and refinement. Associated by most Americans with Colonial Williamsburg or Jefferson’s Monticello, the Georgian style is simple and elegant — reflected in muted tones like cream, dusky rose, sage, pea green, powder blue and gray-beige. Commonly featured decorative elements include ornate plaster molding, fireplaces, dark “claw-footed” furniture, gilded picture frames, blue and white china, romantic figurines, bronze statuettes, fans and silver tea service.
View this scheme in Explore the Perfect Palette »
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Contemporary LoftThis style is defined by its use of clean lines, sculptural furnishings, art and bold contrast. The contemporary loft movement sprang from an urban resurgence in renovating and repurposing old factories and warehouses. For this reason, lofts often feature open floor plans with industrial details. But a home doesn’t have to be in a refurbished commercial space in order to achieve a contemporary loft style. Elements like high ceilings, large windows, exposed brick and ductwork, vintage floors, support columns and the use of stainless steel contribute to the loft look. To achieve this style, stick with black, white and other neutral tones as the main focus, with well-planned punches of color.
View this scheme in Explore the Perfect Palette »
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Japanese ZenAccording to Zen, which means “meditation” in Japanese, less is more. Symbols of peace and vitality are the hallmarks of this design style. Choose softer colors, like off-white, stone, parchment and mellow gray, which contribute to a sense of harmony and relaxation. Furnishings and décor represent each of the five elements of nature: water, earth, fire, wood and metal. Simple, straight lines and a minimalist aesthetic work together to create an uncluttered sanctuary composed of natural materials and a subdued palette.
View this scheme in Explore the Perfect Palette »
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Ranch
Nothing epitomizes the post-World War II American dream like the ranch home. Perhaps the most common single-family home, the style originated from Southwestern and Spanish Colonial designs with the first archetypes appearing in the early 1930s. But it was in the 1950s, as families began moving to fast-growing suburbs, that “ranches” began to dominate and many baby boomers grew up in one. Cliff May is generally recognized as father of the ranch home, designing and building the first model in San Diego in 1932. May’s “California Ranch” style is easily recognizable with its walls of windows, vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, attached garages, patios with sliding glass doors and rooms that flow into one another.
Other characteristics of ranch homes:
- Single story
- Asymmetrical
- Long, low pitched, often gabled roofline
- Deep-set, overhanging eaves
- Rectangular, L-shaped or U-shaped design
- Long, continuous layout
- Simple, open floor plans
- Efficient use of space
- Lack of ornate detailing (except for shutters and porch-roof supports)
- Exteriors of stucco, brick and wood
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View these schemes in Explore the Perfect Palette |
Ranch homes reflect the romance many mid-to-late 20th century Americans had with the comparatively wide open spaces of suburbia. They provided what many families wanted – affordability, a yard for the kids to play in, spacious living, a patio and piece of the American dream.
Although sometimes known for its simple, informal design, the popularity of the ranch home lies in its efficient, unpretentious natural beauty. Today’s ranch homes have evolved with many new design features that give this classic a new lease on life.
Updated with smart new color palettes, ranch homes are experiencing a re-birth of popularity and a growing appreciation of the true comfort and livability they afford.
Spanish/Mediterranean
Today’s Spanish/Mediterranean homes embrace architectural styles from the entire Mediterranean world. American architects took influences from Spain, Italy and Greece and fused them with ideas from the Native Americans. The result was a unique style of home found all around the Southwest.
The Spanish/Mediterranean style is known for its simple flowing lines and airy spaces. The most distinctive feature of these homes is a low-pitched, reddish tiled roof. Other architectural elements include thick, textured stucco walls, arched openings and heavy, carved-wood doors.
These homes often feature a rich earthy color palette inspired by the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Stylistic elements include patches of molded decoration, stained wood, wrought-iron gates and fences, balconies and tiled courtyards.
Painting your home: Most Spanish/Mediterranean homes use at least three different shades on the exterior. This includes one color for stucco, one for trim and one for accents, such as doors and windows. Choosing the right combination highlights architectural details. Here are some things to consider when selecting a color combination. |
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View these schemes in Explore the Perfect Palette |
- What color is the tiled roof? Most Spanish/Mediterranean homes have red tile, so be sure to use colors that work well with warm colors. Whites, tans and beiges are a good place to start.
- Patterned tile floors and walls are common, so use them for inspiration. Select the dominant color and see what colors work well with it.
- Darker colors accent recessed areas like windows and doorways.
- Use lighter colors to bring out architectural details you want to highlight.
- Wrought-iron fences and gates can rust, so use a premium Dunn-Edwards paint like Enduragloss® to protect them.
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Mid-Century ModernInfluenced by the resurgence of mid-century design, this look uses natural woods and textures with pops of bold color. Materials include organic cottons, bamboo flooring and bedding, and eco-friendly finishes. Furnishings are clean lined and incorporate a sculptural, minimalist feel.
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Vintage Nostalgia and Bohemian ChicRepurposed and refinished furnishings are more in vogue than ever. Family heirlooms, handmade items, and natural materials with light and bright colors and mix patterns are increasingly seen. Shabby chic and the found-object look are alive and well in the nursery, along with patchwork-style quilts and blankets and embroidery hoops as artwork.
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Abstract CraftVintage science themes, math graphics and old board games influence the notion of abstract crafting. Intense pops of color in monochromatic designs, along with abstract constructivist imagery — simple shapes and clean lines mixed with bold typography. The look here is old school, literally, with retro learning elements such as old rulers, vintage calculators, geometry sets and abacuses.
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EscapismAdventurous themes of exploration and journeys to far-away lands inspire this trend. Everything from ships to jungle scenes to heroic conquests and hidden treasure maps combine to create this exciting, bold palette that takes its cue from adventure and fantasy films. Hand-drawn prints and decorations and various exotic collages can enhance the look.
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It’s a Boy: California BeachIt’s fun in the sun and escape to the shore! Drawing from the Escapism trend, California Beach taps into the universally appealing California beach culture, as epitomized by The Beach Boys with the surfboards, woodies, flip-flops and general laid-back ambience. From beach balls and umbrellas, to sunglasses and convertibles, any and all aspects of the beach are welcome.
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Under the Sea
Building Sandcastles
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It’s a Girl: She’s So ChicInfluenced by the Mid-Century Modern look, this fashionable sense of style uses sophisticated, child-like imagery. Sleek design offset by sheepskin rugs and natural textures, this look is drawn from fairy tales and princesses.
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Chic Dreams
Modern Tales
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It’s a Surprise: It’s a BébéSharing many of the elements from Abstract Craft look, this trend uses abstract imagery for a broad appeal that’s as timeless as it is elegant. Simple, clean lines add sophistication, while big, bold design elements can add fun, flair and bold splashes of color.
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Life is Full of Surprises
My Bébé
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Coastal StyleInspired by the sea, these casually elegant homes feature colors evocative of the sun, sand and surf — bleached whites and tans, a range of blues, oranges and yellows, soft pinks, and dusty rose. From beach bungalow to seaside chic, this design style is breezy and relaxed, with lots of natural light and elements of indoor-outdoor living. Coastal décor often includes natural fibers in upholstery and floor coverings, sea-themed prints, and found objects (sea glass, seashells, rope, coral). For a modern version, go with the boldest representations of the shore with teal, sunrise-reminiscent orange and sea foam-like silver.
View this scheme in Explore the Perfect Palette »
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GeorgianMixing Palladian symmetry with elements of Rococo, Gothic and Chinoiserie, Georgian homes exude a sense of comfortable luxury, traditional beauty and refinement. Associated by most Americans with Colonial Williamsburg or Jefferson’s Monticello, the Georgian style is simple and elegant — reflected in muted tones like cream, dusky rose, sage, pea green, powder blue and gray-beige. Commonly featured decorative elements include ornate plaster molding, fireplaces, dark “claw-footed” furniture, gilded picture frames, blue and white china, romantic figurines, bronze statuettes, fans and silver tea service.
View this scheme in Explore the Perfect Palette »
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Contemporary LoftThis style is defined by its use of clean lines, sculptural furnishings, art and bold contrast. The contemporary loft movement sprang from an urban resurgence in renovating and repurposing old factories and warehouses. For this reason, lofts often feature open floor plans with industrial details. But a home doesn’t have to be in a refurbished commercial space in order to achieve a contemporary loft style. Elements like high ceilings, large windows, exposed brick and ductwork, vintage floors, support columns and the use of stainless steel contribute to the loft look. To achieve this style, stick with black, white and other neutral tones as the main focus, with well-planned punches of color.
View this scheme in Explore the Perfect Palette »
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Japanese ZenAccording to Zen, which means “meditation” in Japanese, less is more. Symbols of peace and vitality are the hallmarks of this design style. Choose softer colors, like off-white, stone, parchment and mellow gray, which contribute to a sense of harmony and relaxation. Furnishings and décor represent each of the five elements of nature: water, earth, fire, wood and metal. Simple, straight lines and a minimalist aesthetic work together to create an uncluttered sanctuary composed of natural materials and a subdued palette.
View this scheme in Explore the Perfect Palette »
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