Design Styles

Whilst the first aspect of every interior design should be carefully considered functionality, people often struggle to articulate to themselves, their family or their designer, what their dream home should look like, what style they like or what kind of atmosphere they wish to achieve. I do not consider it crucial to stick to one definite style, but the finished look should be aesthetic and harmonious, perfectly reflecting the owner's taste. Still, it is always easier to refer to pictures or style definitions, so below are the the most well-known design styles explained. 

MODERN SCANDINAVIAN

Scandinavian Modern design has been a strong and enduring influence on our homes since the 1930s when the Modernist movement evolved. Simple clean lines, the use of organic materials and a focus on making the most of natural light are the elements that define the design style. What Scandinavian Modern achieves better than almost any other is to perfectly marry practicality with sophisticated design, and deliver an approachability that makes it the preferred style for many in the 21st century.

The beauty of Scandinavian design is in its simplicity. With relatively loose structures, living areas tend to be open plan, allowing light to be maximised throughout the space and views of the outside to be enjoyed from every angle. This also allows the space to be used for different activities, reinforcing the Scandinavians practical approach to living.

SCANDINAVIAN COUNTRY

Scandinavian Country interior design is a mixture of the the right amount of light and color. It is the convergence of functionality and shape. In general, Scandinavian design is often equated with being modern and stark (see IKEA); however, Scandinavian Country interior design can bring natural beauty into the home by incorporating lumber and natural colors.

ART DECO

The Art Deco period was very popular in America and Europe in the 1920s and 1930s, a stark contrast to the more minimalist, nature-inspired Art Nouveau that preceded it. Like Art Nouveau, Art Deco affected all areas of the decorative arts and was considered very glamorous, elegant, functional, and modern. It quickly became a popular style of interior decorating as well as making its influence felt in architecture, fashion, and even car design.

Geometric and angular forms, exotic materials, and linear decoration characterize Art Deco design. The look is strong and bold with no fussiness or romance anywhere in sight. Certain materials pop up again and again in art deco interior design: stainless steel, mirrors, chrome, glass, lacquer, inlaid wood, and even exotic skins like shark and zebra.

ARTS AN CRAFTS

The Arts and Crafts movement took off around the turn of the 20th century. Like the Art Nouveau movement, it developed as a backlash against the overwrought style of the Victorian era. It rejected the factory-produced furnishings and decorative accents that prevailed at the time, embracing instead natural beauty and traditional craftsmanship.

ART NOUVEAU

From 1880 to around 1910 Art Nouveau was in full swing. It is said to be the first 20th Century modern style because it was the first style to look to nature and the surrounding world instead of backwards in history.

The main characteristic of Art Nouveau are flowing lines, inspiration from nature, stained glass and wrought iron. 

ARABIAN

Arabian interior design is a magnificent blend of colour, pattern and personality. It encompasses the rich, vibrancy of tones found in the desert with complex designs.

ASIAN

Inspired by the design elements from Japan, China, Vietnam and Thailand. This look fuses natural fibre elements, bamboo and colours taken from nature to create a serene, calm environment. Furnishings may be lacquered or hand painted with ornamental designs, punctuated with brightly-coloured accessories or statues of animals or mythical creatures.

BOHEMIAN

Bohemian living embraces all cultures and lifestyles and tends to take on a decidedly ethnic look. The bold and colourful patterns of India, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East feel right at home. Saris, hassocks, and other ethnic pieces frequently find their way into Bohemian interiors. When you walk into a home decorated in a bohemian style it feels like you could be anywhere in the world.

AMERICAN

I love the modern American design style from Alexa Hampton. She say's herself that her work is classic, traditional and eclectic, but for me, it represents the American at it's best.

CONTEMPORARY

Contemporary design has clean, sleek lines and is marked by solid colours, predominantly muted neutrals or bold punches of colour in furniture and accessories.

Furniture is sleek, lower to the ground and often has metal frames or straight legs with an emphasis on basic shapes and forms. Graphic elements in artwork or as accents work well with this look.

You could often hear the terms ‘Contemporary’ and ‘Modern’ tossed about  interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same thing. Modern refers to a specific design movement that arose in the early 20th century and follows stricter guidelines. Contemporary, by definition, is more fluid and tolerates a bit of rule breaking. Contemporary is ’now’ and changing with the time.

COASTAL

Coastal interiors blur the line between indoors and out, or remove it altogether.

The relaxed and fresh style reminds us of those lazy summer days or that exotic holiday trip when sun, sand and surf were just a stone’s throw away. Bringing the bright, beautiful and energising aura of life on the beach, coastal style is all about creating a relaxing, airy and cheerful atmosphere indoors. Milky whites or vanilla tones work perfectly to create a cool, calm backdrop, allowing your colours and accessories to pop in a subtle way.

ECLECTIC

This catch-all style borrows from several other design styles, and evokes a sense of imagination and surprise with unexpected contrasts.

The style is not simply throwing together everything and anything, but rather relies heavily on the building blocks of design (colour, pattern, texture, composition) to make the space look cohesive. A multitude of fabrics is characteristic, whether patterned, textured, solids or all three.

FRENCH

An ornate, fanciful and decorative style is characteristic of this look. Colours range from rich, sun-drenched Mediterranean hues to softer, muted shades. Often, one colour or fabric is repeated throughout the space. It's characterised by rich details and extensive use of gold, bronze and gilt. Antique or heirloom furniture, layered dramatic window treatments and abundant fresh flowers fill out a French home.

HAMPTONS

The Hamptons is a seaside community on Long Island, characterised by beaches and hamlets, enormous houses, and garden parties thrown by New York’s elite. 

Hamptons style is all about that grandeur, but in a clean and modern way. Think eggshell white walls, lofty ceilings and white-washed timber alongside plush buttoned upholstery and exquisite chandeliers. 

INDIAN

Indian interior design styles are warm and earthy. They have an exotic appeal and hold a magical look with the use of harmonised colours.

INDUSTRIAL

Industrial design style is often found in lofts or other reclaimed industrial spaces. Open spaces, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows are common in industrial spaces and defining decorative elements. Industrial spaces show their building materials as a design element, exposing brick walls, concrete or weathered wood floors, bare ceilings, structural beams, and metal air ducts.

ITALIAN

Italian interior design is modern and has a look of luxury about it. Italy has produced and continues to produce world trendsetting designers

JAPANESE

Japanese interior design is simplistic and streamlined in both layout and finishes. The style itself is the key influence on minimalism and sets out the principles for zen interiors.

MEXICAN

Mexican design has an eclectic feel, mixing rustic wood and wrought iron furnishings with over-the-top, bright, vivid colors. The look incorporates elements from the Spanish missionaries and conquistadors who came to colonize this area of the Americas with elements from the native tribes living in what is now Mexico, including the Aztecs and the Mayans.

Rich colors and woven textures are key when it comes to decorating a Mexican style room. 

MINIMALISTIC

Minimalist interior design is one of the architectural centerpieces of the 20th century. Spare and streamlined while still being inviting, minimalism is charming in almost any space. With less clutter to wade through and mentally process, the innate beauty of each piece of furniture or art in the home really starts to stand out.

MIDCENTURY MODERN

In the 1940s and ’50s, midcentury-modern design, with its clean lines, warm woods, and bold upholstery hues (often in woolly, menswear-inspired textures), changed the way homes looked. Suddenly, less was more, and decorating a home was about finding a design where form served function—a philosophy that continues to inspire designers to this day.

MOROCCAN

Moroccan interior design invites the rich colors of the Middle East, dynamic contrasts, traditional patterns, and the uniqueness of Moroccan decorations and accessories into your home. Vibrant colors of red and rich orange inspired by African sunsets, green and blue found in the shimmering Mediterranean, tones of gold, light brown, yellow and silver from the surrounding desert create a tropical atmosphere by bringing each element into the home. Exotic plants, terra cotta tiles and textured walls all tie the experience and atmosphere together.

RUSTIC

In rustic homes wood dominates. It’s on the floor, on ceiling, on walls… Most often it is the natural color of the wood, which is just varnished. 

The key to a modern rustic space is an open floor plan, modern furniture, and preserved and exposed natural architectural elements. The colour scheme is very simple with large windows bringing the outdoors in. This style has an informal elegance – comfortable and modern living at its best!

SHABBY CHIC

Shabby Chic interior design presents a soft, feminine feel that differentiates this look from other vintage styles. It is a uniquely romantic way of decorating that first originated in the the 1980’s in the United Kingdom. Shabby Chic interior design consists of furnishings that are either chosen for their appearance of age and signs of wear and tear, or where new items are distressed to achieve the appearance of an antique. At the same time, a soft, opulent, yet cottage-style decor, often with an affected feel is emphasized to differentiate it from genuine period decor.

SPANISH

Spanish interior design is a vibrant, colorful Mediterranean style that brings to mind rustic villas, sunny patios and an old-fashioned, solid sense of family. Touches of Arabic design are mixed with bold, beautiful colours and shapes and are found within Spanish interior design styles.

TROPICAL

A look inspired by beaches of Hawaii, French Polynesia or other tropical destinations.

Thatched furniture, heavy prints of palm leaves and bright coloured flowers find their way onto upholstery. Muted coloured rugs or sisal and seagrass carpets cover the floor.

TUSCAN

The Tuscan style originates from Tuscany, Italy and embodies the calm, serene nature of the Italian countryside.

Tuscan style interiors can be designed and made with the beauty of nature and earthy materials, mixed with and appreciation of all good quality finishes, to create the most luxurious homes. 

VICTORIAN

Victorian style means over-abundance and luxury and that is seen in the Victorian home décor which is still popular in the modern 21st century.

Today, the Victorian style comprises of antique furniture mixed with modern items.

ZEN

In Japanese, Zen refers to meditation. In interior design, it reflects balance, harmony and relaxation. Although Zen interior design is not a proper design style and does not come with strict rules, it is often associated with Minimalism, simplicity and purity of lines. It is more a way of arranging a home and creating an atmosphere that offsets the stress and hassle of daily routine.

* With writing the descriptions of design styles I have relied on the knowledge received from The Interior Design Institute, from Dwell Candy website, from Oliver Burns website and from Wikipedia.