Modern, industrial, bohemian you name it … the list is endless. With abundance of unique design styles, it can be daunting to define which style will work for you. In reality different elements are blending from several decorating styles, but it’s crucial to identify the core aspects of each one. So bear with me on this one, you will soon see where I am heading.
So in this story we are covering 5 interior design styles that we really feel passionate about. Obviously, there are interior design styles beyond the 5 types outlined below, but we have to start somewhere. When defining interiors design style, I like to avoid terms as trend or hip. Interior aesthetics should be something that grows with you, and that is evolving with time, not with current trends.
If you are seeking thematic inspiration or you just like nice interiors, look no further.
No.1: Classic
Classic interiors are, in my opinion, most formal and elegant. With just the perfect mix of new and modern. But always using luxe materials with super posh fabrics.
It’s also all about balance, symmetry and order. Woods are often dark, furniture often crisp and defined, not overly ornate or attention grabbing. Natural flooring of wood, stone or marble works best in the classically styled environment as they relate well to the natural colour schemes used. Overall look is about calm, order, consistency and understated elegance. There is nothing odd, over the top or out of place; instead classic rooms exude a sense of balance and understated elegance that feels timeless and reassuringly homely. The colour palette common to classical interior design style is often inspired by nature. A variety of yellows, blues, greens, browns as well as softer, muted hues like terracottas, greys and pinks are commonly used.
Classic interiors style never goes out of date. This look can be super traditional or beautifully relaxed, but furniture must stand the test of time. If your home has any architectural features, cherish them. Think about curved lines, decorative mouldings, flea markets for period items, covings…
Main characteristics:
order, symmetry and balance are key
room ordered around a focal point, such as the fireplace
natural colours and materials
elegant fabrics
No.2: Eclectic
It is the hardest look to pull off since nothing matches yet at the end it has to make sense. Super creative, personal style, that you can achieve by harmonizing and contrasting colour, texture and shape. Eclectic interiors marry multiple styles and diverse sources to create a look that screams unique. For me it’s the coolest looks around. The eclectic look requires loads of creativity (and to be honest trial and error), and since it is characterized by “anything goes (literally)” there is a danger it can descend into a mismatched chaos. But if you manage to combine eclecticism with some basic principles of design, it is possible to bring uniformity to any given scheme and pull the whole thing off. First step is to think carefully about the colour. Since you want to achieve sense of harmony and consistency – restrict the number of hues in order to bring all the elements together. Best is to mix the rustic unfinished neutral look with accessories that are slick, grander and a little more glam, or odd – since anything goes. There are no no-nos.
The best way to pull together an eclectic look is to colour main surfaces (walls, flors and celing) in same hue. I like to decorate with inky sludgy hues – creating somehow gallery fell to the place – everything is toned down so accessories can stand out. So as long as you reign in the colour scheme, you can mix and match to your hearts content. Push boundaries, go big on multiple fabrics: textured, patterned or combination of two. Mix styles, eras and influences, use layers and play with proportion, make it special.
Main characteristics:
clolour is the key – restrict the colour scheme
mixing rustic/neutral look with bold accessories
use different textures and multiple patterns
mix styles, eras and influences
No.3: Scandinavian
The beauty of Scandinavian design is in its simplicity. With relatively loose structures, living areas tend to be open plan, allowing light to be maximized throughout the space and views of the outside to be enjoyed from every angle. This also allows the space to be used for different activities, reinforcing the Scandinavians practical approach to living. Natural elements play a key role in the lives of Scandinavians with the outdoors being enjoyed at every opportunity. Where possible, Scandinavians look to bring cues from the outside, indoors. This includes adding large windows to a building to maximize light, using organic materials such as wood in their interiors and the introduction of pale, or almost all white backdrops to reflect light around the space. Wood in particular, is a widely used material in Scandinavian interiors across floors, walls and furniture due to its organic nature, availability, versatility and sustainable credentials.
What prevents Scandinavian interiors from appearing too bland is the mix of old and new. Combining architectural features or vintage, iconic pieces with modern practical items adds a touch of history and character to a neutral space.
Scandinavian style interior design is a timeless, fresh, and elegant design motif – one that’s free of clutter, yet warm and welcoming.
Main characteristics:
functionality, comfort, sustainability is focus
white as predominant hue
simplistic decore
high ceilings, hardwood floors and wall moldings
No.4: Bohemian Chic
Bohemian style captures the carefree and adventurous spirit of the avant-garde lifestyle. It features creative application of rich patterns and vibrant colours. The key is to carefully present a purposefully “messy” look. Layer on textiles (throws, pillows, rugs, tapestry) for a warm ambience. Comfort is all important. From deep squishy armchairs to homespun fabrics to warm hues on the walls. Think rustic and offbeat, with the odd drippy chandelier or jewelled accessory making the whole thing sparkle. Boho is all about experimenting, expressing yourself and being as creative as you like.To pull off the look, you need a good eye for colour and a big dose of wild abandon. There are no rules when it comes to bohemian decorating, yet warm earthy colours are quite common. Think brown, terra cotta, gold and other colours in that family. Saturated purple, fiery orange and electric blue often make appearances in accessories like tapestries and art. The key to using colour in bohemian decorating is to think warm. White has no place in a bohemian room.
Styles and shapes are not important. Its all about mixing and matching attitude. Boho interiors ooze personality. They are in the face of modern sensibilities and embraces the carefree, the relaxed and the unusual. That said, bohemian-style rooms tend to have certain similarities – they share some of the same features yet no two are completely alike.
Main characteristics:
comfort is all important
reach patterens, vibrant, warm colours
textile, wood, animal hide, metallic
carefree, relaxed, quirky
No.5: Hollywood Glamour
Glamorous interiors are layered, theatrical and exotic. From daring pallets to tantalising textiles to exaggerated scale you need to be a little fearless with the style. Go bold with colour and add a little sheen through rich metallics –its all about mixing styles from around the globe. There is a reason why glamorous interiors have enjoyed unparalleled popularity from the elegant Art Deco to the Hollywood Regency era to the modern day. It is that this style is utterly flattering: elegant, sophisticated, lavish and sexy.
You want to conjure up the appearance of luxury – expensive fabrics, opulent furnishing, bespoke lightning and a sense of sumptuousness. But it does not have to be super expensive – think about flea markets that have the coolest selection of vintage fabrics – velvet, fur, silk, leather and animal prints.
And high street buys can be embellished with a little branding, fringes and feathers. When it comes to furnishing, opt for pieces with a more formal structure. Adding an ornate gold candelabra or a little rustic table – creates a feeling of casual grandeur.
Main characteristics:
mixing different styles
adding drama with metallics
opulent fabrics – velvet, fur, silk, leather
dramatic lighting
The nature of your space will inevitably push your design to certain direction, but whether you live in a shoe box in a family house or historical building, the advice is to use architectural features to the max. By which I mean embracing every asset. I like to mix inspirations and time periods. I really try as much as possible to avoid creating total looks. I find them boring. A touch of vintage furniture, some pieces I redo myself, some really convenient contemporary pieces. And one more, do not stop decorating too soon. Most people do. And yet it’s the rugs, the cushions, the light, texture, pattern, arts and greenery. Push the boundaries, be daring, express yourself but most of all enjoy decorating!
Written by Katja Butala
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Master your Interior Design Style(s)
Modern, industrial, bohemian you name it … the list is endless. With abundance of unique design styles, it can be daunting to define which style will work for you. In reality different elements are blending from several decorating styles, but it’s crucial to identify the core aspects of each one. So bear with me on this one, you will soon see where I am heading.
So in this story we are covering 5 interior design styles that we really feel passionate about. Obviously, there are interior design styles beyond the 5 types outlined below, but we have to start somewhere. When defining interiors design style, I like to avoid terms as trend or hip. Interior aesthetics should be something that grows with you, and that is evolving with time, not with current trends.
If you are seeking thematic inspiration or you just like nice interiors, look no further.
No.1: Classic
Classic interiors are, in my opinion, most formal and elegant. With just the perfect mix of new and modern. But always using luxe materials with super posh fabrics.
It’s also all about balance, symmetry and order. Woods are often dark, furniture often crisp and defined, not overly ornate or attention grabbing. Natural flooring of wood, stone or marble works best in the classically styled environment as they relate well to the natural colour schemes used. Overall look is about calm, order, consistency and understated elegance. There is nothing odd, over the top or out of place; instead classic rooms exude a sense of balance and understated elegance that feels timeless and reassuringly homely. The colour palette common to classical interior design style is often inspired by nature. A variety of yellows, blues, greens, browns as well as softer, muted hues like terracottas, greys and pinks are commonly used.
Classic interiors style never goes out of date. This look can be super traditional or beautifully relaxed, but furniture must stand the test of time. If your home has any architectural features, cherish them. Think about curved lines, decorative mouldings, flea markets for period items, covings…
Main characteristics:
No.2: Eclectic
It is the hardest look to pull off since nothing matches yet at the end it has to make sense. Super creative, personal style, that you can achieve by harmonizing and contrasting colour, texture and shape. Eclectic interiors marry multiple styles and diverse sources to create a look that screams unique. For me it’s the coolest looks around. The eclectic look requires loads of creativity (and to be honest trial and error), and since it is characterized by “anything goes (literally)” there is a danger it can descend into a mismatched chaos. But if you manage to combine eclecticism with some basic principles of design, it is possible to bring uniformity to any given scheme and pull the whole thing off. First step is to think carefully about the colour. Since you want to achieve sense of harmony and consistency – restrict the number of hues in order to bring all the elements together. Best is to mix the rustic unfinished neutral look with accessories that are slick, grander and a little more glam, or odd – since anything goes. There are no no-nos.
The best way to pull together an eclectic look is to colour main surfaces (walls, flors and celing) in same hue. I like to decorate with inky sludgy hues – creating somehow gallery fell to the place – everything is toned down so accessories can stand out. So as long as you reign in the colour scheme, you can mix and match to your hearts content. Push boundaries, go big on multiple fabrics: textured, patterned or combination of two. Mix styles, eras and influences, use layers and play with proportion, make it special.
Main characteristics:
No.3: Scandinavian
The beauty of Scandinavian design is in its simplicity. With relatively loose structures, living areas tend to be open plan, allowing light to be maximized throughout the space and views of the outside to be enjoyed from every angle. This also allows the space to be used for different activities, reinforcing the Scandinavians practical approach to living. Natural elements play a key role in the lives of Scandinavians with the outdoors being enjoyed at every opportunity. Where possible, Scandinavians look to bring cues from the outside, indoors. This includes adding large windows to a building to maximize light, using organic materials such as wood in their interiors and the introduction of pale, or almost all white backdrops to reflect light around the space. Wood in particular, is a widely used material in Scandinavian interiors across floors, walls and furniture due to its organic nature, availability, versatility and sustainable credentials.
What prevents Scandinavian interiors from appearing too bland is the mix of old and new. Combining architectural features or vintage, iconic pieces with modern practical items adds a touch of history and character to a neutral space.
Scandinavian style interior design is a timeless, fresh, and elegant design motif – one that’s free of clutter, yet warm and welcoming.
Main characteristics:
No.4: Bohemian Chic
Bohemian style captures the carefree and adventurous spirit of the avant-garde lifestyle. It features creative application of rich patterns and vibrant colours. The key is to carefully present a purposefully “messy” look. Layer on textiles (throws, pillows, rugs, tapestry) for a warm ambience. Comfort is all important. From deep squishy armchairs to homespun fabrics to warm hues on the walls. Think rustic and offbeat, with the odd drippy chandelier or jewelled accessory making the whole thing sparkle. Boho is all about experimenting, expressing yourself and being as creative as you like.To pull off the look, you need a good eye for colour and a big dose of wild abandon. There are no rules when it comes to bohemian decorating, yet warm earthy colours are quite common. Think brown, terra cotta, gold and other colours in that family. Saturated purple, fiery orange and electric blue often make appearances in accessories like tapestries and art. The key to using colour in bohemian decorating is to think warm. White has no place in a bohemian room.
Styles and shapes are not important. Its all about mixing and matching attitude. Boho interiors ooze personality. They are in the face of modern sensibilities and embraces the carefree, the relaxed and the unusual. That said, bohemian-style rooms tend to have certain similarities – they share some of the same features yet no two are completely alike.
Main characteristics:
No.5: Hollywood Glamour
Glamorous interiors are layered, theatrical and exotic. From daring pallets to tantalising textiles to exaggerated scale you need to be a little fearless with the style. Go bold with colour and add a little sheen through rich metallics –its all about mixing styles from around the globe. There is a reason why glamorous interiors have enjoyed unparalleled popularity from the elegant Art Deco to the Hollywood Regency era to the modern day. It is that this style is utterly flattering: elegant, sophisticated, lavish and sexy.
You want to conjure up the appearance of luxury – expensive fabrics, opulent furnishing, bespoke lightning and a sense of sumptuousness. But it does not have to be super expensive – think about flea markets that have the coolest selection of vintage fabrics – velvet, fur, silk, leather and animal prints.
And high street buys can be embellished with a little branding, fringes and feathers. When it comes to furnishing, opt for pieces with a more formal structure. Adding an ornate gold candelabra or a little rustic table – creates a feeling of casual grandeur.
Main characteristics:
The nature of your space will inevitably push your design to certain direction, but whether you live in a shoe box in a family house or historical building, the advice is to use architectural features to the max. By which I mean embracing every asset. I like to mix inspirations and time periods. I really try as much as possible to avoid creating total looks. I find them boring. A touch of vintage furniture, some pieces I redo myself, some really convenient contemporary pieces. And one more, do not stop decorating too soon. Most people do. And yet it’s the rugs, the cushions, the light, texture, pattern, arts and greenery. Push the boundaries, be daring, express yourself but most of all enjoy decorating!
Written by Katja Butala
Subscribe & receive 15% off your first order!
Subscribe to our newsletter to instantly receive 15% off your first order and be the first to discover emerging designers, new arrivals, special offers and cool stuff like that!
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