Gothic or Gothic Revival: This style is known for its pointed arches and imposing architecture. Elaborate wood carving, dominant fireplaces, tracery and lattice-work, wrought iron, and stone dominate this style. Stained-glass windows are the trademark of the Gothic style of home décor. If you think Notre Dame, you're on your way.

Victorian: If you are an eclectic type personality, the Victorian style may appeal to you. The Victorian style was a revival of older styles mixed and matched together. Patterns on everything from wallpaper, upholstery, and tiles were the "in-thing." Deep rich colors dominate the color pallet and overstuffed furniture fill in the gaps. William Morris designed motifs are the statement of the Victorian style.

Edwardian: Light and airy, whimsical and informal more your cup of tea? Then the Edwardian design style is for you. The Edwardian style is typified in white Whicker furniture, bamboo, pastel colors, and motifs of birds and flowers. Frills, lace, and tassels and other feminine accents are also dominant in this period style.

Georgian: Light, airy and delicate but more formal are the words to describe the Georgian style. The dominant furniture makers of the day were Chippendale with his oval and shield-back chairs and Hepplewhite with his Chinese-influenced tracery-back chairs. Pale colors and woodwork can help you recreate the look as well as paneling halfway up the wall with plaster the rest of the way. The Asian influence is strong in Georgian style.

Arts and Crafts: Natural materials, especially wood, are the dominant features of the Art and Crafts style. The dominant wood used is oak stained naturally and parquet flooring. Wallpaper in William Morris design was also dominant in this period. Furniture has a hand-made look and is often of the turned styling. The biggest feature of the arts and crafts style was the inglenook in which the fireplace (very dominant feature) was placed.

Art Nouveau: Sinuous lines like the whiplash line, stylized flowers and plant-life, and the female form are all dominant features of the Art Nouveau period style. Art Nouveau also featured exotic woods, marquetry, iridescent glass, silver, and semi-precious stones. The works of Charles Renni Mackintosh, and Rene Lalique, and Tiffany lamps typify this period.

Modern: Austere style and under-furnished rooms, steel, plastic, laminated woods, and fiberglass are all typical of the modern style. The key to this style is no ornamentation. The modern look is clean and clear-cut using principles of science in every day living. When color is used, it is bold, primary colors accented in black or metallic. Having the same flooring and white walls throughout the house is typical of this period style.

Scandinavian: Take the modern style and fuse it with natural materials and you have the Scandinavian style. Blond woods and simple metals blend together to form furniture that beautiful but first and foremost, functional. White is the only color beyond the natural colors of wood. When you think IKEA, you are thinking of Scandinavian period style furnishings.