- Paulina Stelmach
What's your interior style?
Something that a lot of people don't realise is that there is a number of different interior styles; so while a client is trying to describe their ideal design theme, it would be beneficial if they found out what design style they like and then they can put their own twist on it. It helps us, interior designers to understand what the client is after, and saves us hours researching what style they're trying to 'recreate'.
While interior trends come and go, the key styles of interior design stay the same. So to make things easier for you, this post includes 16 different interior design styles that are standard and in style at the moment.
MODERN
Modern design usually refers to a specific time period; it was inspired by the Modernist art movement that preceded it, and the style was born at the dawn of the 20th Century.
Main Features:
Clean crisp lines
Absence of ornament
Geometry - geometric-patterned or plain area rugs
Quite minimal
Use of glass, metal, chrome and steel
Visual and functional simplicity
Art rather than accessories
'Smooth' and'Sleek' surfaces
Neutral colour palette with bold colour contrasts reflected in art of furniture
Image Source: Decor Aid
https://www.decoraid.com/blog/interior-design-style/contemporary-vs-modern-interior-design
CONTEMPORARY
People often tend to get Modern and Contemporary mixed up; which is not surprising as they are very similar. It is very difficult to characterize this style; however, as a design style it diverges from a modernist aesthetic by presenting a more rounded and balanced approach to interior design. This style borrows bits from various time periods and creates an environment to last a lifetime.
Main Features:
Open layouts
Unusual layouts
Use of natural light
Clean lines
Very light or very dark wood tones
Detailed moldings on walls and windows
Use of metal and glass - reflection purposes
Neutral colour palette
Lighting design used as a feature
Textured fabrics
Image Source: Decor Aid
https://www.decoraid.com/blog/interior-design-style/contemporary-vs-modern-interior-design
ECLECTIC
Eclectic interior design is usually all about personify individuality and freedom. Each furniture piece is carefully selected and then it is brought together to create a culture rich interior space. This style is known for using contrasting colours, furnishings and materials; so it can be easily overdone to look terrible.
Main Features:
Contrast and Variety
Varied colour palette with a few grounding neutrals
Different pieces in the room are tied together with fabric, materials or paint.
Image Source: Elle Decor
https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/interior-designers/how-to/a8655/eclectic-style/
COASTAL
The coastal style originated from the US beach-line areas. The most common features of this style include light, cool neutrals shades that are often paired up with blues and greens.
Main Features:
Light and Breezy
White backdrop; you can add tints of sand, surf and shell colours
Nautical-themed colour palette
Rattan furniture, oak, wicker tools
Natural fibers and organic materials
Image Source: Fresh Home
https://freshome.com/inspiration/defining-style-series-modern-coastal/
TRADITIONAL
Traditional design draws its inspiration from 18th and 19th Century England and France. This style is heavy on furniture and fittings that are still stylish and elegant.
Main Features:
Wood panelling and mouldings
Built-in cabinetry
Materials such as silk, cashmere, velvet, cotton and linen
Use of bold patterns such as florals, stripes, plaids and damask
Elegant furnishings
Antique furnishings
Tile and wood floor patterns
Neutral palette with vibrant colours from accent pieces and furniture
Image Source: Decor Aid
https://www.decoraid.com/blog/interior-design-style/traditional-interior-design
TRANSITIONAL
Transitional is a very popular style as it borrows from both traditional and modern design to facilitate a space. This style is a perfect mix of traditional elegance with contemporary lines and textiles.
Main Features:
Neutral colour palette
Limited use of accessories
Using art pieces as decoration
Curved furnishings
Use of wood, rattan, fabric, glass, steel, metal and lacquer
Image Source: Decor Aid
https://www.decoraid.com/blog/interior-design-style/transitional-style/
MID-CENTURY MODERN
Mid-Century Modern gained its popularity after the Second World War. This style emphasizes on pared-down forms and organic shapes such as the "egg-shaped" chair and simple fabrications.
Main Features:
Natural and organic shapes
Yellow, orange green and brown colour palette
Open plan
Broad interfaces between the home and its natural surrounding
Image Source: Decor Aid
https://www.decoraid.com/blog/interior-design-style/mid-century-modern-interior-design
SCANDINAVIAN
Inspired by snow, mountains and fjords of the Nordic countries, Scandinavian (Scandi) interiors are proving to be very popular all across the globe. The design is timeless and is a perfect balance between minimalist efficiency and warm, personal touches.
Main Features:
White colour palette
Symmetry
Silhouettes and contours
Bright colours
Furniture is stylish and functional but not too trendy
Use of light coloured wood and warm colours
Rugs in subtle colours
Image Source: Elle Decor
https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/trends/g2475/scandinavian-trends/
ART DECO
The Art Deco movement started in the 1920's and offered a new aesthetic for a new time. The industrial revolution was a big inspiration for the Art Deco movement, meaning that metal was a popular material of choice at that time.
Main Features:
Order and symmetry
Angular patterns
Chrome and brass fittings
Glossy paint
Lacquered wood
Sprinkled glass and mirrored elements
Over-sized furniture
Today, Miami Beach is a perfect place to go and see the art deco interior style.
Image Source: Impressive Interior Design
https://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/art-deco-interior-design-style-history-and-characteristics/
MEDITERRANEAN
This style is known for featuring columns and arches within the interior. The Mediterranean style is characterized by simple and romantic aesthetics of Southern European countries. It includes light and warm tones in the colour scheme, as well as the use of materials such as ceramic and wood to add some texture to the interior. The design combines boldness, simplicity and convenience.
Main Features:
Arches
Columns
Tile and brick
Earth tones
Interior balconies
Curves
Tall ceilings
Large furniture
Use of materials such as ceramics, wood, wrought iron and cotton.
Image Source: Best Design Ideas
https://bestdesignideas.com/mediterranean-style-living-room-design-ideas
MINIMALIST
The minimalist design was sparked by the Minimalist arts movement of the 1960's and 70's, and inspired by the traditional Japanese design and Zen philosophy. The design thrives on the principle "less is more" so the overall design is simple and is a mixture of modern and mid-century design styles.
Main Features:
White and neutral palette
Ultra-clean lines
Streamlined furnishings
Concealed storage
Image Source: Decor Aid
https://www.decoraid.com/blog/interior-design-style/minimalist-interior-design
RUSTIC
Rustic interiors are raw, often with unfurnished elements that are typically made out of stone or wood. Most of the decor and accessories consist of elaborate architectural details and dramatic features such as; reclaimed wooden floors and beamed ceilings.
Main Features:
Exposed ceiling bean
Exposed stone wall
Wooden flooring
Use of reclaimed wood
Wood-burning fireplace
Prominent staircases
Neutral-coloured natural fabrics
Cowhides and sheepskins
Image Source: Hot Pads
https://hotpads.com/blog/interior-design-style-rustic/
HOLLYWOOD GLAM
Hollywood Glam dates back to the 1930's golden age of the booming American movie industry. The key characteristics are super luxurious and over-the-top designs and decor.
Main Features:
Antique furnishings
Open-plan and uncluttered
Plush and velvet elements
Bright and glossy surfaces
Magnificent decorative elements
Colour palette consists of bold blends of turquoise, reds and purples
Image Source: Decor Aid
https://www.decoraid.com/blog/interior-design-style/hollywood-regency-style
INDUSTRIAL
Industrial design became popular in the 1990's. Instead of covering up things like brick walls, exposed pipes and electrical wires and putting in interior walls, the designers decided to create large, open units preserving the old floors, walls and keeping much of the pipes and wiring and beams exposed resulting in what is known as industrial home decor.
Main Features:
Concrete flooring
Wood and metal
Raw and unfinished look
The colour palette is a mix of grays, neutrals and rustic colours
Antique light fixtures with metal finishing
Use of vintage and old factory pieces
Utilitarian objects
Image Source: Home Designing
http://www.home-designing.com/industrial-style-living-room-design-ideas-tips
BOHEMIAN
Bohemian is a style associated with free-minded and free-spirited people who "express their personal unconventional philosophy of living unconstrained by any norms of the contemporary society." The style expresses nomadic and ethnic vibe and is a true representation of the avant-garde lifestyle.
Main Features:
Vibrant colours
Rich patterns
Elements like pillows, throws and rugs
Animal hides, metallic accents and wood
'Mish-mash' of items and accessories
Furniture; mix of old and modern
Image Source: Posh pennies
https://poshpennies.com/boho-decor-tips/
FARMHOUSE
Farmhouse is very similar to country or rustic design; except it is usually lighter and enjoys a lot of natural wood.
Main Features:
White colour palette
Open shelves and cabinets
Barn doors
No glass
Wide plank floors
Even ceilings with exposed reclaimed beams
Large kitchen and dining area
Cozy fabrics, natural materials and textiles
Vintage, reclaimed or heritage accessories
Image Source: Nimvo
https://nimvo.com/interior-examples-of-the-modern-farmhouse-look/
And there you have it. In order to help you determine what your aesthetic is, I included some quizzes that you can do in your spare time.
Until next time,
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