Thinking outside the box will get you anywhere…

When it comes to interior design styles, give yourself the permission to think outside the box. There are so many wonderful ways to define who you are by creating a magnificent living space. Thinking outside the box might even mean embracing Japanese style if it fits the space.

At the start of any interior design project, you wonder what style I should choose. What style do I like? What style will look good in that space? Whether you’re decorating a single room or a whole house, a bungalow or a mansion, the style will change dependent on the existing space and what is appropriate for it.

The following list of interior design styles is not a definitive list but rather a selection of some of the most common interior design styles. You should use this list to gain a basic understanding of common interior design styles and what is involved in each of them, how they differ and how to create them.

 

Modern Style Interior Design

Modern Style Interior Design

The creation of the modern interior design style is credited to a group of European designers that started the Bauhaus School of Design in Germany in 1919. The Bauhaus philosophy is that form and function should combine in all designs. Modern Style design is clean-lined and focuses first and foremost on function and avoids the excessive accessories and decorative elements seen in many other styles.

The modern style is ideal for apartments and small spaces as it maximizes space and creates the impression that a room is larger than it actually is. Minimal textures and bold geometric forms, neutral colors accented with a single bold color along with polished finishes and asymmetrical balance are key identifying features of modern style interiors.

 


 [For more creative design ideas check: Moving to bigger house without actually moving]


 

Contemporary Style Interior Design

 Contemporary Style Interior Design

The terms modern interior design and contemporary interior design are often used interchangeably, however there is a difference between the two. Contemporary interior design can only mean trendy looks that are in style at any current moment, while modern interior design refers to the specific geometrical, clean-lined style called modern.

Contemporary interiors are comfortable and welcoming, without being cluttered and dark and is a kind of style that is equally appropriate for offices and stores, lofts and homes.

Smooth, clean, geometric shapes are essential for contemporary style furniture pieces with upholstered furniture usually in black, white, or other neutral tones. These pieces should be simple and uncluttered, without curves or decoration. Sofas, chairs, and ottomans usually have exposed legs with beds and chairs usually having no trims or tassels. In conclusion, with contemporary interiors, less is more. Go basic, bare, bold, and structural with bespoke, unique and individual furniture.

 

Minimalist Style Interior Design

Minimalist Style Interior Design

Minimalist architecture became popular in the late 1980s in London and New York, where designers worked to achieve simplicity, using white elements, cold white or blue lighting, large spaces with minimum objects and furniture.

The concept of minimalist design is to strip everything down to its essential quality and achieve simplicity. Minimalizing has been a huge trend in the recent years.

The idea is not completely without ornamentation, but everything is reduced down to a stage where you cannot remove anything further to improve the design, or without distorting it. The basic geometric forms, elements without decoration, simple materials and the repetitions of structures can represent a sense of order and essential quality.

This style relies on the use of a black and white pallet.

 


 


 

Classic Style Interior Design

Classic Style Interior Design

Classical interior design is based on order, symmetry and balance which relates to the ideals of the Greek and Roman empires. A primary element in classical style is the use of a focal point around which visual balance is achieved, for example, a feature fireplace flanked on either side by matching armchairs with an ornate mirror above.

Fabrics used in classical interior design style tend to be elegant without being overly ornate or attention grabbing.

Cotton, canvas and velvet are some commonly used in classic interiors. Natural flooring of wood, stone or marble works best in the classically styled environment as they relate well to the natural color schemes used.

 

 Art Deco Style Interior Design

Art Deco Style Interior Design

The Art Deco style was developed following World War I, to offer people a new style for a new era. The excitement and optimism of post-war Europe and America formed the basis for this glamorous and elegant style of design. Art Deco furniture is streamlined in design. It was modern and sleek for the time while still remaining comfortable. Many designs of furniture used industrial materials such as bent chrome base that gives the piece a rocking effect. Wood pieces are highly lacquered in black, with woods used including exotic Brazilian rosewood, ebony, birds-eye maple, and light maple veneers.

Many designs of furniture used industrial materials such as bent chrome base that gives the piece a rocking effect. Wood pieces are highly lacquered in black, with woods used including exotic Brazilian rosewood, ebony, birds-eye maple, and light maple veneers.

Because Art Deco interiors are relatively minimalist for the time, colours are used sparingly. Most colour schemes include black, combined with another colour such as green, red or white while accent colours are usually chrome and/or gold. Pale blue or gray are also commonly used to provide a softening effect against the harsh black.

Surfaces in the Art Deco style are generally sleek and clean, lacking any texture in order to contrast the more decorative and ornate objects and furniture within the space.

Retro Style Interior Design

Retro Style Interior Design

Every few decades, old designs seem to make a comeback, but with a modern twist. This is referred to as the Retro style, and is an eclectic mix of old styles and new forms, or new forms with old materials and finishes.

The post-war fifties and psychedelic sixties saw a move towards brighter and bolder colours most likely as a backlash to doom and gloom of the war-torn forties.

As there is so much to choose from past styles, what you decide to include will ultimately be your own interpretation of the past, and will, therefore, be entirely unique and individual. Nowadays, anything from the 50’s, 60’s or even the 70’s is fashionable again.

However, because there are so many different ways to go about incorporating a Retro interior style into your home, it can be difficult to recognize it when you see it.

 

Urban Style Interior Design

Urban Style Interior Design

Urban interiors feature non-traditional home materials and design features, often including objects that are more traditionally used in an industrial sense. The urban style sees the use of galvanized steel, concrete floors, metal siding, exposed beams and unfinished surfaces to create a distinctly modern, bohemian look.

In more upscale urban interiors, however, the look is far more polished, with bespoke fixtures, sophisticated finishes and clever small space solutions, such as open floor plans that allow for multifunctional rooms.

 

Country Style Interior Design

Country Style Interior Design

Country style interior design is cosy, bearing the resemblance of cottage style. There are many various culturally different country style designs that have the features of time and style that is traditional. Thus, you may find such country style types as French country, English country, American country, Italian country or Tuscan, and Modern country.

Each type of country style has taken characteristic features of the culture it was used in. English country is relaxed and comfortable incorporating many floral patterns as well as stripes and plaids. Natural light wood, such as oak, is used throughout the English country styles.

French country style is characterized by deep and bright colours – aubergine, lavender, yellow, azure blue colours are built into floral and animal patterns. The furniture is robust and basic. Italian country style, also known as Tuscan is warm and rustic. It incorporates such colours as ochre, terracotta, golden yellow, and green.

Victorian Style Interior Design

Victorian Style Interior Design

The Victorian style originated during the Victorian era and is often described as opulent and luxurious. Victorian style is the near opposite of minimalism, it is based on an excessive amount of ornate flamboyant decorations and accessories; the more you have on display the better.

The Victorian Style uses deep hues, pastels and neutral colours to contrast the rich textures against the bright shades in upholstery and wall coverings.

Exotic materials and heavy woods became available during Victorian era and were used extensively but today you can find pieces of Victorian style furniture in cheaper materials.

 

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