So just using the "country club modern" as an example. It basically means he is attracted to worn and comfortable looks of an established country club (think worn leather club chairs and large upholstered sofas) but yet at the same time he also like modern (think clean lines and chrome finishes).
After figuring out his style, she then dresses the room layer by layer to combine those two seemingly opposite styles. This just means she picks one style as the base. So going with the country club layer first -- she may put in a nice plushy sofa, paint the room a comfortable, calm color, use pharmacy lamps, etc. Then she adds the second layer by accessorizing the space with modern punches - maybe a set of nesting chrome side tables or upholstering the said plushy sofa in a punchy color.
I think this was sort of liberating for me in a way because I've been having trouble deciding what style I am and consequently I have trouble deciding on things to buy. When we first got married, I was convinced that I was modern. But then I didn't like all modern (I can only take so much chrome before it starts to feel boring and cold to me). I also am not into Starburst colors in the house and I tend to gravitate toward muted, calm colors. Well I'm okay with a few accessories here and there with bright colors, but I will never paint a wall, say, Starburst orange.
Then a few months ago, I found myself drawn to the Louis period of the French country style. I love all the tufted linen benches and rustic woods I'm seeing. It just feels so glamorous and sophisticated at the same time. But I don't love all the damask patterns and florals that are also associated with French country because they felt really busy and over the top. Damask wall paper would be way too much for me.
So after this evaluation, I deemed myself as French Country Modern. This basically means I'm drawn to stuff like the following.
1. This console table is great for me because of the combination of worn wood tones (French country) and the X-legs and clean lines (modern).
When we first had people over, one guy told me he felt like he walked into a showroom when he walked into our living + dining room. He meant it as a compliment so I took it as a compliment. But as I thought about it, it also meant the house didn't feel quite feel cozy and homey yet. So I've added some soft textures like the faux sheepskin and a throw on the chair.
And speaking of "we", I need to figure out what David's style is. He really likes mid-century stuff and he likes clean lines. So maybe he's mid-century modern? :) We shall see.