12 Most Popular Interior Design Styles Explained
Modern, industrial, shabby chic….and the list goes on. A significant challenge many of our clients face is a lack of understanding or vocabulary to describe and define 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 also enjoy combining elements of several styles to create their ideal look.
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..
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.
With very less accessories and furniture involved and uncluttered spaces, the modern design is more about the use of simple and neutral colour schemes. It refers to home with clean lines and geometric pattern using variable materials like glass, steel or even metal. It also emphasises on using vertical and horizontal elements which creates a sense of hierarchy..
CONTEMPORARY
The primary difference separating modern and contemporary design style is that modern is a strict interpretation of design that started in the 20th century. Contemporary on the other hand, is more fluid and can represent a sense of currency with less adherence to one particular style. For example, contemporary style may include curving lines, whereas modern design does not. You can refer to modern vs contemporary article for more information.
Even though Modern and contemporary are two different styles it is often used together or interchangeably. Contemporary designs are about now and future. The contemporary houses are designed to fit today’s lifestyle whereas the modern design are strong interpretations of the 20th century.
The contemporary design includes the use of curves which is calming and serene thus creating warm and easy spaces and is less rigid in terms of using any particular shape or style..
MINIMALIST
The minimalist concept is one that’s popular here in Australia. It takes notions of modern design and simplifies them further.
Colour palettes are neutral and airy; furnishings are simple and streamlined, and nothing is excessive or flamboyant in accessories or décor.
Minimalism is ultimately defined by a sense of functionality and ultra-clean lines.
Very much like the modern design the minimalistic interior design also focuses on simple and less cluttered spaces with bare essentials. The furnishing is kept simple and sleek with nothing too fancy. Minimalism is what is best for those who have less is more approach are looking for simple and basic spaces..
INDUSTRIAL
Industrial style as the name implies, draws inspiration from a warehouse or an urban loft.
There’s a sense of unfinished rawness in many of the elements, and it’s not uncommon to see exposed brick, ductwork and wood. 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.
The industrial design as the name itself suggests is inspired by large warehouses, industrial buildings and factories. It emphasises on large spaces, exposed metal beams, use of metal and wood and exposed brick walls which gives it a sense of unfinished rawness. Since we are talking about industrial design it is safe to say that these designs are inspired to a great extent from antique and vintage design so adding a touch of antiques and vintage pieces brings out the best in it..
MID-CENTURY MODERN
Mid-century modern is a throwback to the design style of the mid-1900s—primarily the 1950s and 60s. There’s a retro nostalgia present in Mid-Century Modern Design, and also some elements of minimalism. Functionality or “fussy-free” was the main theme for Mid-century design. It 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.
This style takes its inspiration from the early 20th century Modernism. This design works well for everybody with is simplicity in design the use of simple fabrics and the mix of earthy colours. Here to make things a little different we use furniture that are not too high like a low sofa or a low coffee table making it comfortable and cheerful and using contrasting accessories like high lamp or a sculpture.
SCANDINAVIAN
Scandanavian 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 colour palettes and the incorporation of natural elements like form-pressed wood, bright plastics, and enameled aluminum, steel and wide plank flooring. If there are pops of colour it often comes from the use of art, natural fibre throws or furs, or a single piece of furniture.
Spacious, natural lighting, less accessories and functional furniture characterizes Scandinavian designs.
Scandanavian design grew largely out of the simple life in the Nordic Countries, it is marked by the use of almost all white colour background with small but sharp bursts of colour found in the accessories and modern furniture which gives it a more dramatic approach. Mixing warm wood toned flooring and playing with natural lights makes the room bright and happy also using a sculptural piece gives it a finishing touch. A little like the minimalistic design the people in the Nordic countries also believe in the use of less furniture and not too many accessories..
TRADITIONAL
Traditional design style offers classic details, sumptuous furnishings, and an abundance of accessories. It is rooted in European sensibilities.
Traditional homes often feature dark, finished wood, rich colour 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.
A design that will never go out style and will remain ever timeless is the classy and elegant traditional design. Unlike the modern clean and crisp lines the traditional design are all ornate and curvy, with a mix of patterns and fabrics and all but minimalistic as traditional design believes in more is more. This design is both comforting yet elegant with the use of more furniture and rich colours. To sum it up it is classic, warm, comforting and gives you the feeling of the familiar home..
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 both stylish and sleek, as well as warm and inviting.
Transitional style is a fusion of the modern and the traditional styles gaining a lot of popularity. It is the perfect balance and is neither too less nor too much. This design merges the clarity of the modern design and the relaxed nature of the traditional design. This style is about the use of neutral colours to give it a clean atmosphere like the modern style however it is teamed up with comfortable and curved furniture and accessories making it warm and inviting. The use of minimal accessories and furniture gives it a spacious look..
FRENCH COUNTRY
Warm, earthy colours are indicative of a French Country design style, as are worn and ornamental wooden furnishing. The style has an overarching farmhouse inspiration.
French Country design may include soft and warm tones of red, yellow or gold and natural materials like stone and brick. French Country design can include collections of ornate porcelain dishes and heavy linens and bed coverings.
A style that is inspired by the farmhouses and country homes in rural parts of France. Different colours are used in this style where you may see a combination of soft and neutral colours and contrasting deep colours. The use of ornamental wooden furnishing is highly characteristic feature of this style of design. Like in the country side you can expect to see old fashioned furniture and natural materials like stone, wood, wrought iron and brick being used. The key element of this style is the use of variety of accessories like pottery, paintings, heavy linen and bed covers..
BOHEMIAN
Bohemian is a popular style for home design and fashion. It reflects a carefree lifestyle with little rules, except to follow your hearts 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.
If one looks into the meaning of Bohemian you can expect to see something like “socially unconventional in an artistic way” and so is this style of interior design. It is free spirited and unruly in style and carefree in its colour, texture and pattern. This style doesn’t shy away from mixing all kinds of styles, one may find various display of collectibles from one’s travel or from a flea market to bold designs and layered elements in terms of textile, art and accents and even vintage furniture..
RUSTIC
Rustic design is drawn from natural inspiration, using raw and often unfinished elements including wood and stone.
Rustic design may incorporate accessories from the outdoors with warmth emulating from the design and architectural details that may include features like vaulted ceilings adorned with wood beams or reclaimed wood floors.
Many designs now integrate rustic design with more modern furnishings and accessories.
What is a rustic design?? One can say it is a mix of farmhouse and industrial interior design. It is inspired from natural inspiration and emphasises the use of wood and stone. Rustic charms are added using rough hewn beams, vaulted ceilings, and wooden floors. Organic elements like wooden shelves weathered or aged accessories and colours which are of more earthy tones gives the rustic design more detailing..
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. The Shabby Chic colour palettes include white, cream and pastels. Light light fixture and wall hangings may be ornate and continue the feminine vibe of shabby chic design.
Shabby chic is inspired by vintage style and is a combination of elegant beauty and bucolic appeal. The colour palettes are made up of neutrals like whites, gray, creams, beiges and pastels. Furnishing comprises mainly of timeworn wooden furniture, and vintage pieces and antiques. This style is basically Boho style imbued with feminine energy making it soft and delicate..
