A great starting point for an
interior design project is to learn a bit about each of the styles and how they
differ from one another. A significant challenge many people
face is a lack of vocabulary to describe their personal interior design style.
With an abundance of unique design styles, it can be daunting to decipher which
style will work best for you. Some individuals enjoy combining elements of
several styles to create their ideal look.
No matter what space you’re designing (or
redesigning), it’s best to define an interior design style that you can use to
focus and guide your design and purchasing decisions. As you research different
looks, you’ll quickly discover that a whole host of options exist for you to
pull from for ideas and inspiration. Which style you select should depend not
only on your own taste but also the feel and layout of the space. It’s essential to know
the core aspects of each design element listed below:
Bohemian-Bohemian
reflects a carefree lifestyle with little rules except to follow your heart’s
desire. Bohemian homes may include vintage furniture and light fixtures,
globally inspired textiles and rugs, displays of collections, and items found
in widely varied sources including flea markets and during one’s travels. It’s not uncommon to spot floor pillows and comfortable seating spaces
when incorporating the bohemian style.
This eclectic style can incorporate an ultra-glam chandelier paired with
a well-worn rug and a mid-century chair. Within the Bohemian style, there’s a
laissez-faire attitude where anything goes as long as you love it. Bohemian
decor captures the carefree and adventurous spirit of the
avant-garde lifestyle. It features creative application of rich patterns
and vibrant colors especially those with red or purple tones.
The key is to
carefully present a purposefully “messy” look. You may layer on textiles
(throws, pillows, rugs, tapestry) for a warm ambience. Moroccan, Southwestern,
or tribal-inspired designs are currently trending. The concept has its
roots in early 19th century Europe, and borrows elements from North African and
Eastern design. The golden rule of Bohemian design is that there are no
hard-set rules. The style is inherently eclectic and invokes a worldly vibe,
with a color palette that embraces earthy, rich colors as well as bright colors
and calming pastels. It incorporates metallic accents and a variety of textures
- think macramé wall hangings with brass light fixtures - to form a seamless
amalgamation of eclectic décor.
Coastal/Hamptons-Coastal
style also dubbed Hamptons style, hails from the iconic U.S. beachside area.
Common features include light, airy colour palettes with cool neutral shades
paired with blues and greens. Furnishings are often white or beige. The room
can contain elements of wood and accessories are often inspired by the sea. Blue
and white striped patterns for pillows, large windows, white plush sofas, and
painted white wood are also common fixtures of the classic Coastal/Hampton
style.
The intention is to create a relaxed
and comfortable environment that is inspired by the beach and ocean. Warm, relaxing, and
positive interior design style is based on white or sand colored foundation,
with blue as the primary accent color. Material-wise, coastal decor
incorporates unfinished wood in its tables or chairs, combined with chic
linen upholstery for your lounge seats and sofas. Your options for
decorative accents are many: seashells in clear jars, jute ropes, rowing oars,
sailboats, and navigational maps.
Contemporary-Modern and
contemporary are two styles frequently used interchangeably. Contemporary is
different from modern because it describes design based on the here and now. The fundamental
distinction that differentiates contemporary décor and modern style is that,
while modern style can trace its roots to the 20th century, contemporary style
is more fluid and may include a combination of other styles.
Contemporary on the other hand, is
more fluid and can represent a sense of currency with fewer adherences to one
particular style. For example, contemporary style may include curving lines,
whereas modern design does not. Contemporary interior design usually has
plain spaces that evoke a sense of the clean and classic, with floating
furniture that gives the effect of bigger space. Contemporary styles can best
be described as elegant with complex details kept to a minimum.
Industrial-Industrial
interiors draw inspiration from factories of days past, and today this is most
common in urban lofts and reclaimed old buildings now serving as apartments,
condos, or working spaces. There’s a sense of unfinished rawness in many of the
elements. In
this style, expect unfinished surfaces and distressed wood as well as exposed
brick, concrete, ducts, and steel beams. An iconic home with an industrial
design theme would be a renovated loft from a former industrial building.
Think high ceilings, old timber and dangling metal light fixtures with
sparse functional furniture. There may possibly be one or two pieces of
abstract art or photography to add a dash of colour to an otherwise neutral
colour scheme derived from the primary materials of wood and metals.
This is a look that hearkens back to the
turn-of-the-century industrial era. It emphasizes liberal use of
exposed steel with distressed wooden elements, frequently
complemented by exposed brick walls.
The
modern variant commonly includes copper-tone accents. In terms of general
feel, industrial decor is often rustic and mature. Depending on your
tastes, you can opt for a lighter, chic look or a darker, antique
design. For
a somewhat softer and more inviting feel, try mixing in a few rugs, textiles,
and wall art with warm coloring as a contrast to the rest of the raw industrial
elements around you.
Mid-Century Modern-Mid-century modern is a throwback to the design style of the mid-1900s—primarily the 1950s and 60s. There is a retro nostalgia present in Mid-Century Modern Design, and also some element of minimalism. Functionality or “fussy-free” was the main theme for Mid-century design. Its emphasis on pared-down forms, natural or organic shapes such as “egg-shaped” chair, easy-to-use contemporary designs and simple fabrications. It easily complements any interior and also helps with seamless transition from interior to exterior. It is characterized by refined lines, minimalist silhouettes, and natural shapes.
Mid-Century Modern-Mid-century modern is a throwback to the design style of the mid-1900s—primarily the 1950s and 60s. There is a retro nostalgia present in Mid-Century Modern Design, and also some element of minimalism. Functionality or “fussy-free” was the main theme for Mid-century design. Its emphasis on pared-down forms, natural or organic shapes such as “egg-shaped” chair, easy-to-use contemporary designs and simple fabrications. It easily complements any interior and also helps with seamless transition from interior to exterior. It is characterized by refined lines, minimalist silhouettes, and natural shapes.
From
Saarinen, Niemeyer, Eames, Noguchi, Jacobsen and beyond, the mid-century modern
masters defined creative ways to use new materials like molded plastic,
plywood, and aluminum in industrial design. Its pieces are highly versatile and
can complement a myriad of design styles. Warm wood tones are supplemented by earthy
tones and warm neutrals, with brass and gold accents adding a pop of glamour.
This style is not
limiting, however, and allows for incorporating traditionally cooler tones such
as emerald and deep blues, to complement the warm color palette. You can also
approach this style from a cooler and brighter angle - white walls, cool pastel
furniture, and light wood tones. Mid-century interior design styles commonly
showcase pops of accent colors including oranges, yellows, greens, blues, and
dark browns.
Minimalist-It takes notions of modern design and simplifies them further. Colour palettes are neutral and airy to balance warmth and coolness; furnishings are simple and streamlined, and nothing is excessive or flamboyant in accessories or décor. The minimalist style can be summarized into minimal concepts - clean lines and functionality.
Minimalist-It takes notions of modern design and simplifies them further. Colour palettes are neutral and airy to balance warmth and coolness; furnishings are simple and streamlined, and nothing is excessive or flamboyant in accessories or décor. The minimalist style can be summarized into minimal concepts - clean lines and functionality.
The industrial
interior style is focused on metal, sturdy wooden elements, and often exposed
brick walls. Industrial interior designs are inspired by the look of an old
factory building and invoke a sturdy, rugged feel. Industrial interior style
has two variants: The dark, rugged vintage look and the lighter, brighter yet
robust style. It is best in large, open rooms rich with natural lighting. Minimalist
styles place the idea that “less is more” front and center.
Don’t get confused
though, minimalism doesn’t mean you should wind up with a cold and empty space.
It’s about being selective with your design choices so that you rely on
straightforward, geometric structures, simple materials and textures, and a
color palette composed mostly of black, white, and one or two primary colors.
By doing so, you highlight the shape and color of each piece as well as draw
attention to the actual space in which they reside.
Modern-Modern is a
broad design term that typically refers to a home with clean, crisp lines, a
simple colour palette, and the use of materials that can include metal, glass,
and steel. Modern design employs a sense of simplicity in every element,
including furniture. A word that’s commonly used to describe modern style is
sleek, and there is not a lot of clutter or accessories involved with a modern
style.
Modern style is
inspired by 20th century décor trends. Modern interior design embraces clean
individual elements into a cohesive design that gives an overall welcoming feel
without being too loud or daring. Black and white forms the basis of the color
palette, complemented by hints of different prime colors like red, yellow, and
blue.
Scandinavian-Scandinavian
design pays homage to the simplicity of life demonstrated in Nordic countries.
Scandinavian furniture design often feels like a work of art, although it is
simple and understated. There’s functionality in the furniture along with some
interesting lines many of which have a sculptural influence. Other common
characteristics include all-white color palettes and the incorporation of
natural elements like form-pressed wood, bright plastics, and enamelled
aluminium, steel and wide plank flooring.
If there are pops of colour it often
comes from the use of art, natural fiber throws or furs, or a single piece of
furniture. Spacious, natural lighting, less accessories and
functional furniture characterizes Scandinavian designs. An off-shoot of the
mid-century modern movement, Scandinavian design introduced a popular
minimalist look to the interior architecture field that lasts to this day.
Scandinavian furniture is simple, contemporary, and functional. Many
Scandinavian designs employ Bauhaus principles and is characterized
by fluid lines, focus on object proportions, and populist appeal. Most
Scandinavian interiors have a color palette consisting of white, grey, black
and wood.
Shabby
Chic-Shabby chic is vintage-inspired style, but compared to
Bohemian and other styles, tends to be more feminine, soft, and delicate. Shabby
chic furnishings are often either distressed or appear that way; paint tends to
have antique-style finishes. Light fixture and wall hangings may be ornate and
continue the feminine vibe of shabby chic design. Shabby chic decor
emphasizes vintage elements to recreate the antique flea market look.
The furniture is characterized is distressed wood composition covered in
sanded milk paint to show signs of wear and tear.
Decorative accents
for shabby chic decor should be soft and opulent often with an affected feel,
in order to bring the overall interior design to a contemporary standard.
Generously introduce linen textiles for added style. Though orthodox shabby
chic colors are white, ecru and pastel don’t be afraid to apply some vibrant
colors. This style gained immense popularity in the mid-’80s and 90’s as one of
the top go-to interior style designs when looking to evoke laid-back vibes.
Shabby chic
ultimately received quite a bit of backlash after having been misbranded as
granny decor, however when done properly, it is anything but. The most
distinctive feature of shabby chic is the combination of contemporary and
modern elements to achieve a unique rugged finish.
Traditional-Traditional
design style offers classic details, luxurious furnishings, and an abundance of
accessories. It is rooted in European sensibilities. Traditional homes often
feature dark, finished wood, rich color palettes, and a variety of textures
and curved lines.
Furnishings have elaborate and ornate
details and fabrics, like velvet, silk and brocade, which may include a variety
of patterns and textures. There’s depth, layering and dimensionality within
most traditional designs. The traditional style includes dark/stained wood
paneling, coffered ceilings, and built-in cabinets. The style embraces depth,
layering, and dimensionality to create a timeless look and welcoming feel.
Transitional-Transitional
is a very popular style because it borrows from both traditional and modern
design to facilitate a space that’s not “too much,” in terms of one style or
another. There’s a sense of balance that’s appealing and unexpected. A
transitional design may incorporate modern materials, such as steel and glass,
and then unite them with plush furnishings. Transitional design also includes
relatively neutral colour palettes, creating a calming and relaxed space that
manages to feel stylish and sleek as well as warm and inviting. It places equal
emphasis on livability and aesthetics to create a home that feels first and
foremost like a home.
This is achieved by
combining more traditional functional pieces (such as plush sofas that are
first functional and comfortable, then stylish) with trendy accent pieces
(accent pillows and wall décor). True transitional style incorporates the clean
lines of modern design with more traditional function pieces – say a glass-top
steel coffee table with a plush sofa – to achieve a home that is both
immaculately styled while maintaining emphasis on day to day life.
In terms of color palette, this style
emphasizes the calm and neutral. Light natural woods, clean white walls, and
carefully chosen accent pieces serene tones. The final look is both welcoming
and relaxing, and transforms your home into your own personal haven.
URBAN MODERN-Urban interior
design stems from the modern designer lofts in the major cities. Taking cues
from its cosmopolitan environment, urban modern is a fusion of various
opposing and complementary traits. Minimalist modern, glamorous chic,
ethnic heirlooms, and edgy experimental designs all collide in a distinctively
21st-century setting. Larger furniture (sofas and beds) tends to be
uniformly sleek with low-profile.
Feel free to bring home
trailblazing modern furniture designs. Decorative accents (pillows,
mirrors, end tables) in urban decor often demands artistic and creative
expression – add some elegant geometric designs, or vintage items with
traditional embellishment. The urban interior style descends from the sturdy
lofts of the large cities, like New York.
This style takes elements from contemporary,
modern, and industrial design, and creates a unique environment perfect for
cosmopolitan living. The color palette is comprised of a bright neutral base,
with plenty of room for rich, bright accents and pops of color. Whether it be a
bright yellow sofa or an emerald accent wall, don't be afraid to soften the
overall look with rich jewel tones and warm colors.
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Design is knowing which ones to keep.” (Scott Adams)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“14 Most Popular Interior Design Styles
Explained” by Rochele Decorating
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