When we start a project, we start with a plan. Well..at least, most of the time… When we decide we want to obtain a certain look for a space we are designing, we try to understand where the design is leading or if there is a style we would like to emulate. So, here I have made a list of 8 of the current popular interior design styles that we can start with.
1. Scandinavian
If you are looking for minimalistic, simple and yet functional design, then Scandinavian style might come to your rescue. Scandinavian region in Northern Europe have climates with extreme cold temperatures. Hence their designs maximize the use of natural light using light colors with warm accents.
Though minimalism is maintained in the design, coziness is often felt through their rugs, throws and pillow’s warm textiles. The color palette used is mostly neutral with sepia hues and the furniture is simple. Using wooden elements not only in flooring but in furniture and fixtures is most common in Scandinavian designs. The colors used are usually very muted and rarely little bursts of colors are used.
Elle Decor has a collection of a few Scandinavian designs for your reference.
2. Industrial
Are you enjoying all those exposed walls at your favorite cafe? Well then, let’s find more about this industrial look! This style is about raw, unfinished look proudly displaying the building material to achieve a “warehouse look”.
At the end of the second industrial revolution, many industrial buildings remained vacant. With the shortage of residential buildings, industrial areas were transformed into residential neighborhoods via gentrification. Instead of concealing the building materials, details and mechanisms, residents were proudly celebrating the origins of the building.
Since the industrial look has gained so much popularity, people often now seek to create this look! Key features of Industrial design are
- Open layout – a lofty warehouse look
- A mix of wood and metal – drama is created with a distressed look.
- Concrete flooring – gray tones with a neutral color palette
- industrial accessories – metal accents
- exposed pipes and ducts – structural elements are turned into showpieces
You can here find some great pictures in this gallery of industrial style residences.
3. Modern Farmhouse Rustic
With today’s great interest in all things that are farm fresh, farm to table and organic, it is no surprise that Modern Farmhouse style is gaining popularity. Modern farmhouse is a look that maintains a balance between modern minimalism and classic comfort. Interiors are rooted in a sense of warmth and inviting personality.
Key features of Modern Farmhouse Rustic style are:
- Neutral color palette of modern design that replaces the greens and yellows of older farmhouse style
- A mix of old and new with a soothing and comforting vibe – think industrial metals with sleek white marble countertops.
- Vintage or antique feel – using weathered wooden materials
- Hanging barn doors
- Inviting kitchen and dining space – with farmhouse style dining table
- Wooden ceiling beams and wall panels
- Cozy fabric and classic fireplace – clean-lined seating with plush, cushioned upholstery
Let us see some spaces that have this Modern Farmhouse Rustic look here.
4. Modern and Contemporary
Sometimes the name “modern” and “contemporary” are used interchangeably. So, let’s clear the confusion about modern and contemporary style and understand what each design includes.
The modern style of design started around the early 1900s during the time when the German Bauhaus design style started and lasted through the middle of the 20th century. Modern style transformed into mid-century modern during the 1950s and 60s which then transitioned into post-modernism around the 1970s and 80s. Here is a gallery of modern design spaces.
By definition, contemporary means “occurring in the present moment”. This means that contemporary style reflects the design style that is popular in the current times. Our contemporary design has elements that are borrowed from times of modern, post-modern, art-deco, de-constructivism and more. This style is constantly evolving.
Keeping these descriptions of modern and contemporary in mind, we can see the differences and similarities in both styles.
Differences between Modern and Contemporary style:
- The modern design had a neutral color palette with wooden and earth-friendly elements used in it. Contemporary design has a more stark color scheme with a heavy use monochromatic scheme of black, white and grey. While embracing natural materials, the contemporary style also uses materials such as concrete, steel, and industrial elements.
- Modern design was set on the principle of “form follows function” meaning every form had a purpose to it. The contemporary design focuses more on the form and its aesthetic value.
- The modern design used crisp, strong and straight lines in their design elements. Contemporary design uses curves in silhouettes.
Similarities in Modern and Contemporary style:
- Both modern and contemporary design favor open layout.
- Both designs styles are minimalistic avoiding heavy and ornate designs and elements
- Their architecture employs clean lines.
5. Transitional
Love those moldings on the walls and ceilings, elegant curves on the furniture and the richness in the textiles? You want some of that traditional appearance but don’t like to belong to that old era? Well.. let’s mix up those traditional features with our modern minimalism and voila… we have a transitional style of design!
The appeal of this style is that it carries both masculine and feminine aesthetics. Balancing the ornate with simplicity, this is a style of its own. Here are are some key points for transitional design.
- Neutral color palette to have a clean, serene atmosphere with accents of dark color.
- Artfully selected curved furnishings while maintaining the open, minimal and clean features of the modern styles.
- Contemporary furnishings mixed with antiques to provide an elegant timeless appearance.
Here is a collection of few beautiful transitional styled bedrooms.
6. Mid-Century Modern
I am sure at some point in time, everyone has heard of these design world buzzwords – midcentury modern. This style grew in America sometime after the second World-War between the mid-1940s and late 1960s. With the changing economies and expansion of cities and sub-urbanization, a modern design style emerged.
Key features of Mid-Century Modern Design are
- Clean lines with organic and geometric forms – Furniture had tapered or skinny legs with pops of color used in upholstery
- Mix and match with the usage of traditional non-traditional materials – bent plywood, fiberglass, steel, and plastic laminates.
- Form follows function – reflected in architecture with multi-purpose space and flow in floor-plans.
You can find some of the modern variations of this design in living spaces here and here.
7. Bohemian
The neutral color palette, minimalism or adhering to a stereotype doesn’t sound like you? The ‘boho’ design is for these free-spirited people with their unique approach to design. It’s exotic, eclectic and personal.
There are no rules for bohemian decor. But they are easily identified with these characteristics in them.
- Patterns – layers of patterns are used, from the rug to the wallpaper.
- Bright colors – Boldness is incorporated using jewel tones of colors and mixing them with patterns.
- Distressed furnishings – Textiles are usually slightly worn with the use of fringe, crochet, macrame. Pieces of furniture are usually vintage or local or handed-down.
- More is more – not interested in modern minimalism? Bohemian is the style for you. Saturated colors, collectible items, patterns…. maximalism is expressed in every way.
- Natural elements – handmade items, natural fabric, potted plants are some of the prominent features in boho decor.
These are some of the examples of Bohemian styled rooms.
8. Coastal
Dreaming of your next vacation on some tropical bliss? You can have your own getaway at home with coastal design. When not overdone with tacky decor, coastal style design can provide a relaxed chic look.
There are many variations in coastal designs such as Hamptons style, Caribbean, Mediterranean and so on. But what I am discussing here is a crisp clean American coastal design with the openness blending in and outdoors with plenty of sunlight and yet a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.
Main features of coastal style designs are –
- Crisp white and sandy neutral tones form the basis of the color palette for coastal style.
- Layering with linen and cotton, jute textures and earth tones create that relaxing look.
- Open layout without any obstructing borders and letting in all the natural light creates that airy flow with the breeziness of the beach.
Browse through some of the coastal styled living spaces here.
These are only a few of the many ways that one can design their place. Do let me know which of the above is your favorite style of decor. Or is it a combination of two or three styles? Or is it something I have not mentioned here? Share in the comments. In future posts, I will be looking for some furnishings that can be put together to create one of the styles I have mentioned here. See you then.
Love,
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