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Choose an interior style

Learn about interior design styles, how to combine styles, and how to create your own.

Room Planner styles

The first thing you see in the Room Planner when you are creating a new room is a style menu. As you see there is only 3 options: more modern, more classic or something in between.

The reason is lack of clear style types in the modern life. As a rule designers prefer to use different style combinations.

All the modern styles was combined by different elements in the fullness of time. Now we will take a look to the main popular styles today.

Room Planner style wizard

Go Catalog - More - Styles to explore furniture in the different styles in the Room Planner.

Styles

Go to Find Ideas and click Style filter to sort rooms by style.

Sort furniture by style in the furniture catalog.

Transitional style

It’s a general style name. On practice it means ‘something in between’. This is the style for you if the traditional design is too stuffy and the modern one is too much for you.

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Minimalism

Minimalism is perhaps one of the most modern and fashionable solutions for interior design of both an apartment and a private house. It is popular for people who do not tie their lives to things. This is what determines its main characteristics:

  • brevity of decoration;

  • minimum amount of furniture;

  • lack of decor and accessories;

  • strict lines and directions.

The style of minimalism implies the predominance of light colors and an abundance of light. Since the main idea of the style is the minimum amount of everything, it means that every object in the room must carry some kind of functional significance. This is a great option for apartments with a small area.

 

To “dilute” the light primary color, you can use bright shades in some things. For example, books on shelves, pillows, a dark ottoman or sofa. By the way, flowers in the style of minimalism are highly valued. Firstly, they will add colors, and secondly, they are extremely functional – they produce oxygen.

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Eco style

Environmental problems today come first. More and more people are discussing global warming and are looking for ways to conscious consumption. Many countries have approved the rejection of disposable bags and utensils at the state level. And plastic products today are being actively replaced by more environmentally friendly counterparts.

Trends in interior design cannot but reflect global changes in society. And it is not surprising that now designers are trying to add as much furniture and decor made from natural materials to the room as possible.

At the same time, eco-style also promotes the rejection of animal products. No natural fur or leather – natural and recycled materials are used that will express all the love and care for our planet.

Among the materials that are most relevant for this style: clay, linen, cotton, bamboo, wood, stone, etc. All of them do not even need additional coloring – natural colors and textures help create an atmosphere of warmth and coziness. You can complement this interior with indoor plants.

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Scandinavian

The outgoing decade was marked by the emergence of the phenomenon of the study of happiness. First there was the Danish “Hygge”, then the Swedish “Lagom”. The books provided evidence that, despite living in harsh and cold regions, Scandinavian residents are able to create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort in their home, drawing energy and happiness from there.
At the same time, the Scandinavian style itself became popular shortly before this. He combined minimalism and eco-style. The main feature of this direction is the use of light shades in the decoration of the room. Lighting elements, textiles and indoor plants can come as decor elements. All this gives the interior home comfort.

The style has its own characteristics:

  • maximum environmental friendliness – products from vines, wooden pallets, wicker carpets, fireplaces;

  • upholstered furniture in which comfort is appreciated;

  • space and organization of space.

 

Light colors are preferred – most often, it is white. All natural shades are suitable for creating accents – green, wood, brown, blue and black.

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Neoclassic

The outgoing decade was marked by the emergence of the phenomenon of the study of happiness. First there was the Danish “Hygge”, then the Swedish “Lagom”. The books provided evidence that, despite living in harsh and cold regions, Scandinavian residents are able to create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort in their home, drawing energy and happiness from there.
At the same time, the Scandinavian style itself became popular shortly before this. He combined minimalism and eco-style. The main feature of this direction is the use of light shades in the decoration of the room. Lighting elements, textiles and indoor plants can come as decor elements. All this gives the interior home comfort.

The style has its own characteristics:

  • maximum environmental friendliness – products from vines, wooden pallets, wicker carpets, fireplaces;

  • upholstered furniture in which comfort is appreciated;

  • space and organization of space.

Light colors are preferred – most often, it is white. All natural shades are suitable for creating accents – green, wood, brown, blue and black.

Neoclassic

Mid-century modern

Once, it was this style in interior design that replaced the classic. At that time, he was considered quite bold and creative. Today, modern is closer to the classic than to the present. True, this style has its own characteristics:

  • The combination of incongruous. Modern offers to combine materials, textures and forms, a combination of which is difficult to imagine. In this case (subject to competent design), the result is simply stunning.

  • The presence of patterns on the walls or carvings on furniture.

  • The use of natural materials. Bronze, glass, genuine leather, parquet or stone – modern – is a bold luxury that should be felt in every detail.

  • Warm colors.

  • Additional illumination. Allows you to create accents in some areas.

Mid-century modern

Industrial/Lost style

A relic of the times of urbanization in America, when warehouses and unfinished premises were given over to residential premises. Residents were not particularly tempted to make any repairs in these places. And, strangely enough, such an image of the “home” took root and grew into a whole style, moreover, it became one of the main trends of 2020.

 

Since its inception, the loft style has undergone some changes and adjustments, but its main features have remained untouched:

  • the use of natural elements;

  • building elements and communications details (pipes, wires, stairs) are left open or, on the contrary, created artificially;

  • predominance of brickwork, unprocessed concrete walls;

  • artificial light is created using spotlights, lamps without a ceiling, unusual floor lamps.

  • no extra walls and decorative partitions;

  • bold furniture design;

  • more windows and high ceilings.

Industrial/Lost style

High tech and Functionalism

But this is the most modern and technological style of apartment interior. High-tech is perfect minimalism. He appeared due to the development of technology. Due to the constant technological progress, this area in interior design is regularly being improved. Today, the main features of high-tech style are:

 

Monochrome finish. It makes no sense to decorate the walls with wallpaper with a pattern. High-tech prefers a monophonic finish in white, black, gray tones.

Metal. The more metal objects (lamps, shelves, etc.) – the better.

Technology. This aspect comes up already from the very name (high technology). Your home should be as practical as possible. Temperature control sensors, smart lighting, large refrigerators, controlled systems (cabinets or shelves that can be opened using the remote control). For this reason, high-tech is more relevant for the kitchen – there is the maximum number of household appliances (large and small).

Mirror surfaces. Not only decorate the interior, but also allow you to visually increase the area of the room.

Lighting. The room should be as bright as possible in each of its sections.

High tech and Functionalism

Japanese style

Japan is a country that is famous for its philosophy of life. This is manifested also in the design of a house or apartment. The Japanese are reverent about their home and put their soul into the design of space.

 

The Japanese style of interior, Wabisabi or Japandi cannot be confused with others. Everyone must have heard about the Japanese love for the order and regime of the day. So such pedantry is also seen in the interiors – the design of a room in this style suggests that all objects will have their place and their function.

 

Japanese interiors will be popular in 2020-30 decades primarily because of its main concept – namely, the unity of man and nature. There are also notes of eco-style and minimalism (the Japanese do not like to furnish rooms with extra furniture). Other salient features of the style are:

  • the use of warm colors in the interior;

  • advantage over natural materials. These are primordially Japanese bamboo, rattan, etc.

  • contrast mainly between warm shades (beige-brown);

  • zoning the room with a folding screen;

  • built in furniture.

Japanese style

Provence

Cute French chic remains in trend in 2020. This design is not a Paris apartment, but rather a cozy house in a small village in the south of the country. This type of interior is somewhat reminiscent of country (which is less popular today), but it also has several distinctive features:

  • Floral motifs. Accompany both finishing and decoration. Beautiful floral patterns can decorate wallpapers, textiles or play in wrought iron chandeliers.

  • Pastel shades. Pale pink, lavender, blue and mint – the basis of Provence style apartments.

  • Attrition. Aging furniture is an important element of the Provence style. This technique gives the design a special chic. Thus, it is possible to create the effect of negligence and at the same time the value of the subject.

  • Natural materials. Wood, linen, cotton – forget about the plastic elements of the decor in the room.

  • The abundance of textiles. It can decorate not only a bed or a sofa. Beautiful curtains, towels, sheer, tablecloths, carpets and much more will give the room coziness and warmth.

Provence

African

Designers still advise to experiment and move away from the usual styles in the direction of extraordinary solutions. African motifs in the interior of a house or apartment are bold and unusual. Among the main characteristics of the African style are:

  • Bright warm shades – orange, red, yellow.

  • Prints imitating the skins of animals (zebras, giraffes, cheetahs).

  • As elements of decor, you can use African masks or figurines.

African

Oriental

Arabian tales fascinated us from childhood. And today, their motives have penetrated into interior design. Refinement and a special culture allow you to get an elegant design with patterns and ornaments characteristic of Muslim countries. Among the special differences of the Arabic style are:

  • Massive carpets with a characteristic oriental ornament.

  • Natural materials in the decoration.

  • As a decor – mosaic, high columns.

  • Beautiful textiles on the windows can be lambrequins or thick heavy curtains.

Oriental

Most popular interior styles

80/20 rule

80% major style

  • wall and floor coverings

  • big furniture

  • dominante colors

 

20% additional style

  • small furniture

  • lightning

  • decoration

Mid century modern + Scandinavian

Mid century modern + Scandinavian

Minimalistic + Classic

Minimalistic + Classic

Connection between styles

  • You can connect 2 different styles through the colors

  • An accent color is a really good way to combine 2 different styles. For example, to create balance, you can use pillows, rugs, and curtains in different styles but in the same color.

  • Link styles through the decoration

  • You can complement the furniture in the basic style with decorative elements in the complementary style. For example, a classic vase on a modern table.

  • You can also use materials to link styles

  • An example you can repeat materials in the different style elements. It could be metal, textile, plastic, etc.

How to create your own style

Good news! Today we are living in the post modern century and there is no styles anymore. Will be better to say that there is no exact borders between styles. It means you can combine everything with everything to express yourself.

 

Personal style is an advanced level of design. But if you want to create your personal brand and earn money doing something you really like, you can start to create your style right now.

 

Imagine, when you have portfolio with a good representation of your style people will expect that you will create something like that for them. Simple logic. You will attract only your client, who already like the things you do and they probably wouldn't ask you to do something else.

 

  1. Choose the style you like the most in general. That would be your basis.

  2. Pick your favourite style elements. It could be specific elements of decor or lightning, it can hand-made furniture or your personal wall paintings. Maybe you also like exact interior brand.

  3. Add your personal approach.

  4. Some people likes functionality, someone thinks about feng shui or ecology, another one adores a lot of natural light or plants. If you have a special interest, something close to your personality, you can use this in your interior.

  5. At first, focus on the specific elements that you can add to every interior harmonically. It will be kind of an autograph. Also, imagine how is your personal style can be combined with another ones.

  6. Collect a collage that describes your personal style.

Homework

1. Explore all the styles in the Room Planner and try to create a moodboard for your personal style.

2. Create an interior combining 2 styles using 80/20 rule.

3. Learn about interior design history to find out where do styles come from.

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