Interior Design Styles Defined: Interior Design Style Guide

Decorating With a Purpose: Interior Design Styles Defined

 

Creating a clear vision for your home design starts with defining your style. Where do I begin- you ask? Well we’re here to help ya out! Here are a few interior design styles defined to help you discover your design style!

Start by looking for inspiration. Flip through magazines and catalogs and tear out pages of rooms or pieces of furniture that really speak to you. Save images online. Two great places to find and save inspirations are Houzz and Pinterest. Magazines and books- design oriented or otherwise- are natural starting points, but movies, art, fashion, nature and travel are also rich resources. Don’t think about it too much – just grab what you love.

Start a file of these favorite things. Depending on your organizational preferences, you can use an accordion folder, a basket, a bulletin board, or a binder, or you can save images in a folder on your computer. It can be as high or low tech as you want it to be. The best system is the one that works for you.

Look for commonalities in the images you have compiled. After you have spent some time compiling, take stock. Have you picked several images that feature the same blue tones? Lots of guilding? Bohenmian-esque patterns and textiles? Are you drawn to rooms filled with multiple items or ones that are more sparse? Take notes about what it is you like about the image to save for future reference.

Here are several examples along with definitions of the most common design styles to date.

Modern

Rooted in the minimal, true use of material and absence of decoration. A clean, streamlined furniture and architecture style from the 1930s. It’s characterized by a neutral color palette, polished surfaces, strong geometric shapes and asymmetry.

 

Contemporary

Often has clean, sleek lines and is marked by solid colors, predominantly muted neutrals or bold punches of color 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.

 

Traditional

Furnishings are usually 18th century English, 19th century neoclassic, French country and British colonial revival. Use of classic styling and symmetry to create a calm, orderly décor. Color palette is usually in the mid-tones and fabrics are muted, usually simple florals, solids, stripes or plaids.

Transitional

This look bridges contemporary and traditional design. Offering a deep-rooted sense of history in some pieces, while furniture often gets an update with cleaner lines. Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn could be considered transitional looks.

 

Shabby Chic

This cottage-inspired look includes weathered white-painted furniture, painted motifs, floral prints in muted colors, white slip-covered sofas and vintage accessories. A sense of brightness and airiness is always evident in these interiors.

 

Art Deco

Streamlined, geometric style of home furnishings popular in the ‘20s and ‘30s featuring rounded fronts, mirrored accents, sleek lines and wood furniture with chrome hardware and glass tops.

 

Moroccan

A heavily layered look consisting of intricately patterned fabrics, colorful mosaics, metal lanterns, textured walls, bold, jewel-toned colors, layers of Oriental rugs and pillows in luxurious fabrics and ornately-carved wooden accents.

 

Asian

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

 

Western

Raw, rough-hewn woods, inviting fabrics or cozy plaids play up the Western look. Worn leathers mixed with stone hearths or walls and other natural elements. Furniture is usually large scaled and wooden.

 

Mediterranean

Inspired by the coastal regions of Spain, Greece and Italy, this look favors colors that echo the sea and also include terracotta, yellow and lavender.

 

Remember your style does not have to fit into any one category. Just like a snowflake everyone is unique and your style should reflect who you are.

Which of these best describes your style? Tell us below!

For more inspiration follow our What’s Your Style? Pinterest board.

 

More to read:
How to Mix Patterns in Your Home
5 Tip for a Green Eco-Friendly Home
10 Tips for Selecting the Right Paint Color
Classic Design Pieces That Never Go Out of Style