When you ask people which interior design styles they’re interested in, most people will either say modern, contemporary or minimalist. But those three styles don’t mean the same thing. And there are other design styles that people are interested in but they just don’t know what they are called.
Interior design is steadily becoming a common discussion in every home. It has captured the interest of everyone, not just the affluent. Learning about interior design and getting involved in projects has now become an activity easily accessible to everyone in whatever capacity they might be in. Regardless, of whatever level you are on, incorporating an interior design style into your space is achievable
Interior design involves arranging organizing and decorating spaces inside buildings to enhance their aesthetic appeal and functionality.
HOW INTERIOR DESIGN STARTED
Interior design doesn’t have a particular period we can say it started in. It was born out of human behavioural patterns and necessities. In ancient civilisation, people designed and adorned their spaces for functionality and beauty.
Over time it evolved through different times and civilizations. It morphed, influenced by cultural change; and art movements until it finally became a distinct art form of its own, focused on creating well-designed, functional spaces.
Through the different eras, different interior design styles and expressions have emerged. Some of them are based on the region or culture they were discovered in, while some are based on a particular aesthetic or function.
We’ll be looking at some of the most popular interior design styles these days:
Retro, Modern, Vintage, Contemporary and Minimalist.
RETRO DESIGN STYLE
When you think retro you think eclectic, funky and hippy. People loosely use the term retro to refer to something from older times. In interior design, it’s not just older times, but a specific older time- the mid-20th century. Retro pulls inspiration from the fashion and aura of that era that embraces freedom, funk and hippy culture.
Bold colours, florals, shiny leather, geometric patterns, synthetic materials, bright hues and disco are all characteristics of retro style. The retro style embraces unusually shaped furniture, unlike the modern style. Abstract art forms, plastics and PVC materials are also staples of this era.
To incorporate retro into your home design is fundamentally adding a feeling of nostalgia to your home.
For furniture, think of unusual shapes and forms. Retro-style furniture embraces the abstract beauty of things. Abstract but not impractical.
When decorating your walls, you should go for colourful and patterned wallpaper and geometric rugs ideally.
For colours, it is best to pot for bright colours and earthy tones like brown and red.
When choosing lighting, think neon lights, colourful fluorescents and statement lighting. Function is hardly a determining factor when going retro; it’s more about creating lively and fun forms.
VINTAGE INTERIOR DESIGN STYLE
Vintage interior design style incorporates the styles and practices from the 20th century and applies them to today’s world. It’s bringing back the quality and timeless past to enjoy today. Most vintage designs are inspired by Victorian-era designs, Classic-era designs and Mid-century-era designs.
After a rise in its popularity, thrift stores became popular. They became the go-to places to acquire vintage items. The uniqueness of the vintage style also lies in its versatility. You can mix and match elements from different eras. You can mix the old antiques with the newer pieces.
How to incorporate Vintage style into your space:
One of the most striking elements of vintage style design is the furniture. The furniture is usually of elaborate decorative designs. It also features extensive ornamentation. Natural materials like wood are a staple and are usually natural, dark, etched or engraved. Ornaments or fixtures use bronze or brass.
For sofas, pick softer and rounder cushions covered with patterned or floral fabrics. Wardrobes are usually present and are made from wood.
For walls, the best way to go is vintage wallpapers. Classic floral prints are used as well. Fabrics used for curtains should be highly decorated and with floral patterns and matching holders. Decorative linen can be used for dining tablecloths or towels. Vintage chinaware and cutlery are also used.
For lighting, you should go for grand chandeliers and yellow lights. These are commonly used.
For colour schemes, deep neutrals or pastel colours work fine. Vintage styles seek to evoke feelings of nostalgia while still maintaining quality and elegance.
Large carpets and Persian rugs are used to add more character to the flooring.
MODERN INTERIOR DESIGN STYLE
Modern style is very similar to contemporary style but is distinct in that it refers to a particular period in the 1930s era where designers broke out of the norm and confinements of earlier vintage and Victorian designs.
In exploring newer styles, the modern style puts away classical flourishes and elegant features of the Victorian styles and goes for cleaner, straightforward designs. Because of industrialization, access to materials like steel and concrete also greatly characterized modern design styles.
Modern style is heavy on function over form. It incorporates clean lines, natural light and minimalism. There’s a large emphasis on abstract thinking in the modern style, and also minimal home décor. The modern style embraces the absence of clutter in its space.
To incorporate a modern design style in your space, you should…
Avoid bright colours, but instead use neutral and monochromatic colours for walls and ornaments.
For your furniture, think of them as demarcations rather than walls in open floor plans. You can choose long and low furniture made from materials like metal and wood. Steel, glass, leather and concrete are used for finishes.
Natural light is preferred in modern homes. High ceiling-to-floor unadorned windows are the norm. This gives room for enough natural light for the space.
CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
Contemporary style is an ever-evolving style because it focuses on what’s currently in vogue or trendy. It takes from a lot of different popular styles and blends them to give a unique look that is fresh and trendy. Because of this, references for contemporary may change through different times. Contemporary style is not stuck in the past, it’s always moving with the trends.
“Contemporary” when broken down means “in the moment”. So it refers to interior styles and designs that are trending currently.
Modern style is more fixated on a particular look that was derived from the modernism movement and era, while the contemporary would change according to what is gaining attraction at that time.
To incorporate a modern design style in your home, you can…
Choose neutrals, black and white for your major colours.
For furniture, pick bold but simple designs, uncluttered styles that are without curves are a staple. For lighting, track lighting and spot lighting are common. Contemporary style also deals a lot with artwork. This style is also big on straight lines and open spaces.
One thing about contemporary style, the space cannot be too busy.
One unique feature of contemporary design is its almost compulsory adaptation of technology. Because contemporary designs deal with designs of today, new technological advancement would have to be brilliantly woven into new contemporary designs.
MINIMALIST DESIGN STYLE
Minimalist style is rooted in modern style design. It focuses on sticking to the basics and incorporating elements that are a necessary function in a space. It focuses on prioritizing the essentials and elements with purpose and avoiding excess ornamentation.
In minimalism, it’s advisable to embrace negative spacing. The key is to leave spaces around your essential furniture.
Minimalist design can be characterized by simple, clean lines, uncluttered space and a monochromatic palette with colours usually used as an accent.
There is a concern about the minimalist design style having a cold and stark look. But there are ways to fix that. Try combining different shades and textures; you can also incorporate different textiles. To incorporate a minimalist design style in your home, you can…
Choose a monochromatic palette and neutral colours like white and black for your major colours, while other colours can be used as accents. For your furniture, choose clean, flat and simple furniture in its simplest form and shape. Embrace more natural light and white lights for your space.
For help or more information and tips on interior design styles, visit our website Zynoplus to speak to an experienced interior designer who can bring your dreams to life.