We are attracted to beautiful spaces and are constantly bombarded with images of all sorts of interior design styles. But, when it comes to defining our personal style there is often a lot of confusion, mainly because there are so many styles out there. So lets have a look at some of the key interior design styles to help narrow it down.
- MODERN
Born in the 20th century, Modern design is simple and unadorned and focuses on function before form. It celebrates natural materials, neutral or earthy colours and the elimination of unnecessary detailing. This style is based on simple, uncluttered spaces with clean lines and great emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines.
Polished and reflective finishes, bold block colours, and geometric forms, are also signatures of this style.
- CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary design is based on the here and now. It is current, modern, and constantly evolving with clean crisp lines and a simple colour palette. It employs a sense of simplicity in every element, and intricate details are kept to a minimum. Like Modern style it places emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines, but also on curved lines.
Metals and glass, timber and concrete are popular contemporary materials.
- MINIMALIST
Minimalism considers the importance of negative space and works on the principle that less is more. It is defined by a sense of functionality and using simple and natural forms. Accessorising is sparse and sculptural pieces are preferred over ornamental designs.
A typical minimalist colour palette is neutral and monochromatic, with scarce pattern and more emphasis on solid colours and lots of texture.
Essential to this style is built-in storage that is seamless and sometimes invisible to the eye, so as to keep all clutter out of sight.
- INDUSTRIAL
Industrial interior style is all about raw, exposed materials, that almost look unfinished, with edgy and rustic furnishings.
Statement lights, high ceilings, rustic timber, exposed brick and steel, and sparse functional furniture are representative of the industrial style. The colour palette of an industrial space is typically derived from its rawness, whether light and airy or dark and moody, with strong pops of colour.
- MID-CENTURY MODERN
Mid-century modern is a throwback to the American design style of the 1950s and 60s. It focusses on vivid colours and prints, lots of timber or veneer and natural or organic shapes, with seamless connection between the interior and exterior.
Characterised by clean, simple lines, pops of orange, yellow, brown and green, and plenty of wood and rusty metals.
- SCANDINAVIAN
Scandinavian design pays homage to landscapes and simplicity from the Nordic countries and combines it with minimalism and contemporary aesthetics. It is characterised by lots of natural light and natural materials such as timber, wool, leather, linen and cotton. A typical Scandi colour palette consists of fresh whites, creams, greys, tans and soft pastels.
The Scandi style is about organic materials, bare ornamentation and clean detailing.
- COUNTRY
Country interiors have a style that is warm, cosy, comfortable and very close to nature. It resembles a cottage look, and takes cues from English country, French country, Tuscan, or American country.
Clutter is not a problem for this style as it often showcase robust furniture, heavy fabrics and finishes that celebrate the natural character of the architecture.
It is a little bit traditional and relaxed with lots of warm rustic timber tones and ornamentation.
- CLASSIC
Classic interiors focus on symmetry, balance and order, and are often composed around a central focal piece.
The colour palette of a classic interior is inspired by nature and it includes yellows, blues, greens and browns. Softer tones like grey, terracotta, pinks and off white are also a feature of this style.
Key finishes of classic interiors are natural timbers, stone and marble, and fabrics tend to be elegant, with nothing too flamboyant.
- COASTAL
Coastal style features a relaxed and comfortable environment inspired by the beach and ocean. It showcases an abundance of natural light and lots of texture and layering of décor elements. This style sets the mood with a palette drawn from sand, shells and the sea, with pops of colour from the ocean (soft blues or even corals) on sun-bleached and crisp whites. Natural timbers, creams and khakis also play a role in the coastal style.
- ECLECTIC
Eclectic design is fun style that breaks all the rules and places emphasis on craftsmanship, global influences and ethnicity. It is characterised by a mixture of periods, countries, styles, colours and trends. However, while that is its core aspect, it doesn’t mean anything can be thrown in a space and it will always work as an eclectic interior. Balance and cohesiveness between the furniture and decoration elements is brought together through colour, texture, shape and finish.
If you are thinking of updating the interiors of your home, and need more help defining your interior style, then give us a call and we will help you make your design dreams come true.