Your home is a reflection of your personality and taste. But understanding the basics of interior design equips you with the knowledge of how you can fully realize your space. There are a number of interior styles and trends that you can use as the foundation of your design decisions. Here are some of the most popular and notable design trends:
Scandinavian Minimalist
When you hear the term “Scandinavian interior,” Ikea may instantly come to mind. However, the Scandinavian style is far more complex and has an understated elegance. The clean lines and bright neutrals of minimalism come into play and mingle with earthy muted tones and natural materials.
You can achieve a Scandinavian minimalist look with furniture or floors built out of reclaimed wood that are stripped down and sanded from its color or stain. Pine looks wonderful with a clear sealant and contains many interesting details in its grain. Paint your walls white or soft gray, and get furniture in neutral or muted colors. As a minimalist space, there shouldn’t be any ornate decor, but rather simple, geometric pieces. For example, a set of Eames chairs and the work of Mark Rothko would greatly complement a minimalist space.
Country Rustic
Country rustic design relates to the French countryside, English cottage or American rustic. French country is rustic in the sense that it contains natural elements of stone, wood and raw textiles within its decor. The interior should have an old-world feel and feature iron, copper, ceramic pottery and old paintings. The exterior landscape of the house could also have a rustic-looking driveway with interlocking pavers in a custom design.
English cottage design has many rustic elements, but is especially apparent in the kitchen. Create a country feel with a four-door oven and cast iron range, like the styles of the AGA brand. A large, reclaimed wood island with a concrete countertop conjures images of artisan bread and the preparation of foraged foods.
American rustic has a cabin or ranch feel, with wooden beams, shiplap, stone, hardwood floors and leather furniture. Metal-worked furniture and vintage pieces work well in this decor scheme.
Industrial
Industrial decor is used in the decoration of brick lofts and older buildings that have been converted into residential spaces. The look includes exposed brick, steel beams, exposed concrete and stainless steel. The style of the furniture and other decor in your place should look worn, salvaged or recycled. Large sofas and lush leafy plants are ideal for your living room. Incorporate a novelty decor item, like a steel miniature model of a biplane. One of the best home stores for achieving an industrial look is Restoration Hardware.
Art Deco
The modern art deco style is derived from the geometric and ornate style that was popular in the 1920s and ’30s. This style is dissimilar from rustic as it boasts more contemporary materials like chrome hardware, glass tops and mirrored accents. Art deco furniture has an element of geometry, angular patterns and bold curves. If the furniture is made of wood, it is polished and lacquered and the metal is glossy and slick. The most common textiles for curtains or furniture are vinyl, silk and satin. The book and film “The Great Gatsby” completely embodies this interior style.
Kyla Stelling
Kyla Stelling is enrolled in the Master in Teaching program at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. Previous career roles have entailed everything from design and event planning to public relations and child care. In her spare time, Kyla hikes the Cascade Mountains, designs elaborate cakes, and writes alongside her cuddly cat, Wellington.
