It's common for individuals to approach styling their homes in one of two ways. Firstly, some may feel overwhelmed and simply opt for practical furniture. Alternatively, others may meticulously select each piece of art, furniture, and decor, yet still face challenges in achieving a cohesive look for their space. In both scenarios, the struggle may stem from not recognizing their style or understanding how to define it. Once you have a clear understanding of your style, you can effectively incorporate other styles that resonate with you.
Here is a quick guide on some of the most popular interior design styles.
Rustic Style
A charming homage to the great outdoors, rustic styling brings the earthy elements of wood, stone, and unrefined textures into your interior. To curate a rustic space, opt for distressed furniture, cozy textiles, and accents that celebrate the beauty of imperfection. Integrate natural patterns and colors inspired by the landscape for a down-to-earth elegance that exudes warmth.
Characteristics include:
- Textured finishes and woven textiles
- Distressed furniture
- Heavy use of untreated woods and stones
- Natural and neutral colors
Rustic can easily be mixed with:
- Farmhouse
- Mediterranean
- Industrial
- Eclectic
- Tropical
Bohemian Style
Discover the essence of bohemian style – a celebration of creativity and free-spirited vibes. This global design aesthetic embraces a rich tapestry of souvenirs from travels and cherished heirlooms, creating a captivating fusion of wild, bold colors or serene neutral tones. Handmade materials like burlap, sisal, and crocheted items blend seamlessly with luxurious silks, soft cotton, and sumptuous chenille. The presence of live plants adds a vital touch, infusing spaces with natural vitality and charm.
Characteristics include:
- Layered patterns, textures, and prints. “More is more” approach.
- Mostly bold colors, or neutrals, and pattern-dominated furnishings.
- Fringe, crochet, macrame, and burlap layered with luxurious fabrics like silk and chenille.
- Lots of hanging plants and floor plants.
- Rattan, natural woods, or bamboo furniture.
- Vintage furniture and accessories.
Bohemian can easily be mixed with:
- Coastal
- Contemporary
- Eclectic
- Mid-Century Modern
- Modern
- Moroccan
- Scandinavian
- Shabby Chic
- Tropical
Mid-century Modern Style
The midcentury modern style is characterized by minimal fuss and ornamentation, with sleek lines juxtaposed by organic shapes. This enduring design approach elegantly combines natural finishes with expertly crafted handmade materials, creating an irresistible allure for many. The style gained popularity during the mid-20th century as post-War families began expanding into America’s suburbs, and it continues to hold a timeless appeal.
Characteristics include:
- Tapered legs, “floating” furniture
- Organic and geometric shapes.
- Tapered, higher legs furniture.
- High-quality, craftsmanship and finishes
- Function over form.
- Contradicting materials and textures
- Bold colors.
Mid-Century Modern can easily be mixed with:
- Japanese
- Industrial
- Contemporary
- Bohemian
- Art Deco
- Minimal
- Modern
- Scandinavian
- Tropical
Modern Style
Although modern and contemporary are commonly perceived as synonymous, they are actually distinct. The modern style originated during the 20th-century design movement, whereas contemporary style reflects current trends and is not restricted to a specific historical period. Modern design exudes a pristine, sleek, and industrial aesthetic, celebrating natural materials while minimizing unnecessary detailing. Contemporary styling embraces a wide range of colors, while modern styling has a monochromatic palette. Modern spaces are expansive, inviting, and filled with light.
Characteristics include:
- Minimal décor and unadorned spaces.
- Simple, solid lines.
- Polished, shiny surfaces.
- Mostly neutral, monochromatic colors
- Natural materials such as wood, metal, leather, and natural fibers.
- Geometric shapes
- Exposed structural elements.
Modern Style can easily be mixed with:
- Scandinavian
- Transitional
- Tropical
- Mid-Century Modern
- Japanese
- Industrial
- Eclectic
- Contemporary
- Coastal
- Bohemian
Transitional Style
Transitional style is a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary, offering the warmth of classic design with the freshness of modern elements. Strike a balance between old and new with a neutral color scheme and a mix of refined lines and soft, comfortable shapes. It's all about creating an inviting and sophisticated interior that feels both timeless and current.
Characteristics include:
- Combines traditional and contemporary exclusively.
- Lines of traditional style with a contemporary flare with colors and furnishings.
- Clean lines. Lacks ornaments and clutter.
- Neutral colors often using a tone-on-tone color scheme.
- Use of contrasting textures and materials such as suede, chenille, and leather.
- Natural materials are blended with more contemporary materials such as glass and stainless steel.
Transitional Style easily mixes with:
- Tribal
- Tropical
- Traditional
- Modern
- Contemporary
- Arabian
Blending Styles With Finesse
At times, one style doesn't quite capture the full spectrum of your taste. The keys to a successful fusion lie in understanding the essence of each style and finding common threads that can seamlessly weave them together.
Try the 60-30-10 rule: allocate 60% of your design to the dominant style, 30% to a secondary style, and 10% for the accent details that tie everything together. This balance ensures that your blend of styles feels intentional and balanced.
Conclusion: Your Interior Styling Journey Begins
Exploring interior styling offers a unique challenge and an opportunity to create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also serve as the backdrop to the stories of home life. It's important to approach this as a personal journey, allowing room for trial and error and trusting your instincts. In time, your home will become a reflection not only of your style but of the life that you are living and the dreams you're dreaming. Happy styling!
Struggling with styling your home? Let us help with an in-home consultation