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Turning your house into a home takes more than a few picture frames and some area rugs. Cultivating a sense of tranquility and comfort within your living spaces is an intricate process, especially when you want your home to emulate luxury interior design.
From color and lighting to acoustics and positioning, the spaces you frequent the most have a direct impact on your mood and wellbeing. With that in mind and so many styles of interior design to choose from, you can create a space that is both functional and comforting, helping you curate the atmosphere in your most intimate surroundings.
In this article, we will be taking a deep dive into different styles of interior design, exploring the interplay between features like colors, patterns, and textures. We also explore how these different elements can take a boring space and turn it into a purposeful, yet tasteful haven for you and your loved ones.
First, What is Interior Design?
Interior design is the concept of carefully crafting a space in order to achieve an environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. This involves experimenting with various elements, such as the color palette, lighting, and positioning of various furniture and decorations.
Interior design is founded by the belief that the design of a room can have a direct impact on a person’s mood, level of activity, energy, and overall wellbeing.
What Are The Different Interior Design Styles?
Although the concept of interior design dates back to ancient times, it started being recognized as a craft and profession back in the 1900s. Since then, interior design has only grown in popularity and branched off into an ever-growing list of various styles. Keep reading to learn more about a few of the most popular styles and their key characteristics.
What is Contemporary Interior Design?
One key characteristic of contemporary interior design is the grounding, neutral color palette which is balanced by a few bold accents. Walls, windows, and trim are typically painted white, black, or another neutral color – offering the ultimate background for those bright-colored accents. This gives the designer the opportunity to either highlight a certain element or blend it into the background of the home.
Additionally, in this design style, empty spaces are intentionally utilized, making the areas filled with furniture or decorations really stand out. Each decorative item is distinguished by its geometric shape, texture, and structure. Contemporary interior design follows “the line” concept, which designers use to align and center furniture and decor. Other aspects of this design style include:
- Simple furniture with exposed legs but free of fringe, tassels, or embroidery.
- Indirect, slightly dimmed lighting.
- Smooth wood floors with geometric area rugs.
- Large plants & flowers in basic pots.
What is Mid-Century Interior Design?
Like contemporary style, mid-century interior design is characterized by its earthy color scheme and eye-catching accents. Because this style is based on a mix of organic and man-made elements, the color palette is mostly natural and wood-toned.
You will also see various combinations of materials, including glass, wood, plastic, metal, marble, and more. This style emits a retro ambiance and vintage feel, with decor that revolves around a few statement pieces. Mid-century interior design can include some of the following:
- Wide-framed windows with a view into nature.
- Multiple potted plants to create the illusion of natural space.
- Sleek, statement-piece furniture with minimal patterns.
- Graphic artwork and bright rugs.
What is Transitional Interior Design?
In contrast to mid-century design, transitional interior design tends to be warmer and marry classical and modern elements. Similar to the previous design types, this style also has a neutral color scheme that welcomes boldly accented colors.
However, transitional style focuses on textures and colors that elude a sense of softness, safety, and warmth. Typical decorative items include antique couches, embroidered pillows, trays, and large rugs. The occasional metallic, structural art piece is encouraged. Transitional design welcomes the following:
- Neutral color walls with bright artwork.
- Statement light fixtures.
- Use of leather, suede, wood, and glass materials.
- Delicate lines and curved patterns.
What is Bohemian Style Interior Design?
Uniquely, bohemian design characteristics are defined by the absence of structure. This design style is arguably the most relaxed, as it is solely for the designer’s own fulfillment. There are many factors interacting with each other – mixed patterns, layering, handmade items, and textures. Common items you’ll see in a bohemian style home include multiple rugs, textile art, soft furnishings, and many wall hangings.
However, it can include as little or as much as you want, as there are no defining rules to this design. It can fall anywhere on the minimalist or maximalist spectrum. Some common things to see in a bohemian style home are,
- Vivid, deeply pigmented colors.
- Mixed materials, such as silk and burlap.
- Many candles, incense holders, and lamps for maximum coziness.
- Small vintage trinkets and souvenirs.
Conclusion – What is My Interior Design Style?
Out of all the design styles you’ve read about today, which one do you resonate with the most? The beauty in the art of interior design is that you can follow it as closely or loosely as you’d like. Even if you haven’t found a specific style you love, you can combine various decor, furniture, colors, and textiles to create your own eclectic style. Still not sure where to start? Try taking an interior design style quiz, like this one here!
