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Interior Design 101: Different Decorating Styles Explained

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Interior Design 101: Different Decorating Styles Explained

 

Are you looking for a new home? Are you excited about creating a warm, welcoming space that everyone will admire?

Interior design styles have never been more diverse or exciting. When you are ready to make a change in your surroundings, you will want to be aware of all of the most popular decorating trends. You can then begin furnishing and accessorizing in style.

Here is what you need to know about the different decorating styles that are hot right now. 

1. Rustic

Rustic design is natural, aged, and casual. You will actually be combining farmhouse design styles with an industrial interior.

When you are designing in a rustic style, you will want to think about materials in raw wood and stone. These can get incorporated into your furniture, ceilings, and walls. Fabrics like burlap and canvas can also be used to make things look natural and chic.

Rustic furniture is usually oversized and designed to feel cozy and relaxed. Think heavy wood furniture made from raw logs or stone. 

For your fabrics, try to stick with neutral colors. Greens, browns, and burgundy shades are also popular.

Baskets and rugs are accessories that help give your place that country cabin feel. A brick wall or fireplace can also contribute to the ambiance.

2. Shabby Chic

Shabby chic involves the use of vintage accessories and soft colors to create a cozy, sweet ambiance. Think old lace tablecloths, floral fabrics, and flea market tea sets.

Shabby chic furniture is often painted white. It is easy to spray paint pieces in wood this color if you are looking for something affordable.

Fabrics involve combining prints in soft pink or green. It can also get made to look a bit worn or faded.

Overstuffed furniture works great with this look, and slipcovers can help you easily change your colors to reflect new seasons. 

Accessories with shabby chic can involve flowers, candles, and easy homey touches like mason jars with supermarket bouquets. Floral prints on throw pillows add a pretty touch. 

It is okay for shabby chic furniture to be a bit rusty. Think glass door knobs or iron shelf brackets. Wrought iron furniture can really compliment your interior. 

3. Modern Country

Modern country styles make you think of a chic country resort cabin. The feel is cozy and kept at the same time.

Bring in the country with exposed beams, brick, or wood paneling. For furnishings, neutral colors like browns or beiges work well. You can bring in some colors with printed pillows and accessories.

Any accessories on display in a modern country home should have a purpose. Think about glass front cabinetry in your kitchen that showcases artsy glasses and flatware. Greenery is a simple way to add color to your home without crying out for attention.

Blankets and throws can add color and coziness to living spaces. Deep reds or greens can keep your home reminiscent of a mountain cabin. 

4. Traditional

Traditional furniture is inspired by decorating trends of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. These styles are not very electric, and their aim is to create a look of harmony and order where everything goes together.

When decorating in a traditional style, you will want to think about neutral walls with lots of art, antiques, and textiles. Heavy, dark wood is popular for furniture. Curved lines and a bit of ornamentation will also help to create a traditional look.

Fabrics in traditional homes are heavier and more formal than those of more modern-looking spaces. Silk and leather can come in more colorful patterns such as plaid or paisley.

The architecture in traditional rooms can add to the fancy feel. Think about crown molding or columns.

Your accessories can also be formal. Vases, chandeliers, and china all show residents and guests that your home is a place of great pride and order.

5. Transitional

The transitional style makes use of the polished symmetry of traditional styles while incorporating some modern simplicity. The color scheme is usually neutral with some darker accent pieces thrown in. There is a focus on clean lines and polished surfaces.

A transitional space may have walls painted in soft tones, with solid-colored upholstery. It may involve modern lighting or an antique-style coffee table. There is a lot of wood and glass, with a focus on clear lines.

Transitional furniture may involve lighter woods than traditional styles. Accessories get kept to a minimum, and the overall look is in an effortless fashion.

6. Contemporary

Contemporary styles are known for using lots of black, white, and other neutral shades. Lines are an important part of architectural design, whether it is through high ceilings, bare windows, or shapes-on-wall art. 

Contemporary furniture involves clean, geometric shapes in neutral tones. Frills such as skirts or tassels should get avoided. Exposed legs, however, are encouraged.

Recessed lighting is popular in contemporary homes. It can highlight paintings or sculptures. Frames for wall art are usually in black, wood, or metal finishes.

Other accessories may involve wood, metal, or stone. Textured fabrics are often incorporated into window treatments or throw pillows.

You can bring greenery into a contemporary space in simple containers. You can also bring in geometric shapes with silverware and centerpieces.

7. Coastal

Coastal looks are popular with beach homes and bring the breezy outside in. Window treatments are minimal so that lots of sunlight can warm up your space. White abounds in ceilings, walls, and furniture. 

Your style may involve teak or other natural woods. It can get paired with tropical colors and nautical decor.

If your style is more Mediterranean coastal, you can opt for heavier woods and black or iron metals. The stone works well for the flooring in kitchens and bathrooms. Angled rugs and blue or white cabinets will keep everyone feeling like they are enjoying a day of vacation.

Accessories in your coastal home will work to pull together the beachy theme. Think about mixing shells, stones, and other natural materials. Luxurious elements such as lamps can get added here and there in bright blue or sand tones. 

8. French Country

French country style is inspired by the charming, picturesque homes in the French countryside. It combines feminine details with comfort and beauty.

Warm, subtle colors such as tan, cream, and soft yellows are common in French country homes. Natural elements are also present in terms of woods and upholstery. 

Accents are what makes the French country style come alive. Floral patterns, chandeliers, and shapely mirrors can all add elegance to your space. Striped throw pillows and wall clocks can also add to the fairy tale charm. 

If you are looking to make your home a French country picturebook, look around for rustic furniture and antiques. Check out thrift stores or local estate sales for ornate, relevant pieces.

9. Bohemian

Bohemian style gets inspiration from those who live an Avante-Garde lifestyle. They may be poets, actors, or travelers who find a unique beauty in ordinary things. If you like a style that is more eclectic and interesting, you may want to decorate like a Bohemian.

Earthy tones such as browns or greens are popular in Bohemian homes. You can combine patterns and textures from different parts of the world, such as Africa and India. Photos, art, and area rugs can all bring different cultures into your home.

Bohemian style can allow you to mix and match for your heart's content. Combine burlap and silk or lace and rustic furniture. Use accents like pillows and throw rugs to really add character to your space

Bohemian furniture involves plush chairs and couches. They do not have to match and can look comfortable and worn-in. 

Lighting can bring in a warm, welcoming feel with lanterns and floor lamps. Plants, heirlooms, and handmade items can really personalize your space. The trick is to share something about yourself and make everything look unique.

10. Modern Farmhouse

Modern farmhouse homes combine clean lines and textures with natural materials. Think about wooden stools painted in fresh colors or whitewashed paneling and walls. 

Vintage pieces from second-hand stores add a real rustic charm to your room, although the overall look should be modern and clean. Antique chalkboards or signs can help to make it feel homey and quaint.

Floral or paisley prints can get added to furniture. Soft textures mixed with gentle color schemes are preferred.

Understanding Different Decorating Styles

Before you settle into a new place, you will want to do a little research on the different decorating styles that are currently popular. Once you know how to furnish and accessorize your spaces to represent a look, you can begin looking for pieces in an informed way. And it will not be long until you are feeling cozy and inspired in your beautiful new home!

Do not stop getting smart about your home now. For more information on home staging and photography services, contact us today.