Interior Design Styles
Christianna Haas and Sydney McNabb
Art Deco
- A modern and retro style, popular during the Roaring 20's
Elements are very sharp and geometric, balanced out with curved lines
Conglomeration of sharp, square shapes and smooth, curved ones
Monochromatic color schemes
Bolded lines within the color scheme
Arts & Crafts
The Arts and Crafts style it to be prominently wood
Metals and rustic stones are key features throughout this style
Neutral color scheme or warm monochromatic tones work best
A very welcoming and warm room
- Geometric forms for the furniture completes the look
Asian
This style is perfect for someone who desires peace, serenity, and calmness in their home
Wood and bamboo are important and popular elements, specially for the flooring
Very simple furnishings
Color schemes are neutral or warm, monochromatic vibrant colors
Another important key to this style is to include a large area rug made of natural materials
As for decoration, adding large pictures that are relevant to Chinese culture work well
Classical
The most imperative thing about this style is to make sure it is symmetric and well-balanced
Another important thing this style includes is a main focal point in the room, typically the bed or a large fireplace
Monochromatic natural colors are the most popular
Luxurious fabrics work best to give it the royal and expensive feel
Contemporary
The Contemporary style is trendy and sometimes harsh to look at
Does not include overwhelming decorations, natural fabrics work very well
A wall of a solid color is a key element within this style
Overall, the color scheme revolves around blacks, whites, and monochromatic neutrals
- Very clean lines, geometric shapes, and smooth surfaces are best for this style
Country
The goal is to make it look extremely cozy, welcoming, and comfortable
Analogous and complementary schemes are the most popular
Earthy materials throughout the room such as wood, stone, pottery and tin for furnishings
Floral and natural patterns are key, and don't always have to match
- Texture in the Country style is also important, to give it the outdoorsy feel
Feng Shui
A style in tune with the energy and balance
There are five main colors that each represent different things within the room:
Water- black and blue shades (positive energy)
Wood- green shades (new life and renewal)
Fire- red, pink, and maroon shades (heat and light)
Earth- orange, brown, and yellow shades (health and well-being)
Metal- silver, white, gold, and gray shades (prosperity and health)
Include a personalized Bagua map and live plants to represent health
No clutter and light furniture to convey the flow of energy
Gothic
A very medieval look
Heavy, wood furnishings that have very detailed designs
Beamed ceilings were prominent in Gothic architecture
Dark, typically analogous, colors throughout the room, such as the walls and furniture, are important to include
Velvet, dark curtains for the windows complete this look
- Arches are a common architectural feature, which give transition to such a heavy feeling room
- Add decorations that resemble castles, such as candlesticks and chandeliers
Italian
Italian design is full of clean lines and simple forms.
Combination of traditional and modern styles
This means that there will be something like a traditional ottoman mixed with a modern style sofa in the living room
Bold artwork is commonly used to provide a contrast with the neutral colored walls (beige, tan, white, etc.) or vice versa: neutral furnishings with bright walls
Typically analogous light color schemes
- Furnishings such as lamps and sculptures are big and dramatic, as well as use a combination of several textures (wood, metal, ceramics, etc.)
Minimalist
- Keep function and ignore decoration. The littler, the better
Limited decoration, and does not use any of the traditional embellishments
Color schemes are typically limited to white with an extra color. This color is typically black, but it isn’t uncommon for a bold color to be used.
Flooring patterns should be uniform with little pattern, and busy patterns avoided altogether
The minimal decoration keeps the eye flowing
Windows are better left uncovered, but a sheer curtain may be used in some cases
Rustic
- The goal is to create a ski lodge feel and to remind you of a log cabin
Natural elements are the best to be used when it comes to decoration (stone, wood, metal, etc.)
Wood beams as well as wood floors can be used to create the feeling of a log cabin
Stone is good to use in the fireplace to add texture to the space
metal in the form of lampshades are also used to create the “old time/hand crafted” feel
Typically analogous shades of brown or warm monochromatic colors create the outdoorsy feeling.
Fabrics should be cloth, linens and leather
Emphasis should be at places like the bed or a large, stone fireplace
Southwestern
Takes influence from Spanish and native american styles.
Warm, monochromatic color schemes evoke the feeling of aged stucco and adobe. Matte finishes are best.
Decorations that show influence from the southwestern region are key
wood and leather finishings also help complete the earthy and natural native american feel.
Tile floors are the most important part. Terra cotta is the most traditional choice, however, other types of natural stone can be used as well.
Radial designs are commonly used
- Woven rugs are also a very important part of the complete look
Swedish (Gustavian)
The room is supposed to give a light and airy feel
The primary color is white in the furnishings, and any variation of white in the color of the walls (analogous white shades throughout the room)
The furniture is supposed to imitate neo-classical design to mimic the greek and roman designs, and it is desirable for it to look distressed
Wood floors look best, and are often covered with woven rugs and runners
Sheer fabrics give things a soft feel
- Crystals in the form of chandeliers are a nice finishing touch, adding that last bit of royal flare
Traditional
Most popular decorating style in America
Curving lines in the chairs and curtains give the room a graceful feel, and the preferred dark woods give it elegance.
Fabrics are key for the windows, and are supposed to coordinate with the fabrics in the bedding and upholstery. The matching fabric provides transition throughout the room
Complementary and monochromatic are popular schemes
Colors are also used to develop formality. For instance, darker colors suggest higher formality, while lighter colors give a more casual and contemporary feel.
Chandeliers and decorative moldings are a good way to add that finishing touch to bring everything together.
Tropical
The whole idea of a tropical scheme is to give the feeling of living on an island through a mix of elements.
Neutral color schemes are essential for a backdrop, with splashes of citrus hues for pop. Analogous shades of tan evoke the feeling of sand and and beach.
Bright warm colors instead of blues can also create the tropical feel, just on the more oriental and exotic side (West indies)
Texture and wood use play an important part in creating the tropical feel. Woven furnitures, teak and bamboo are the primary woods used. When choosing fabrics, you should keep with the natural fibers such as cotton, linen and silk. These two throughout the room provide transition.
For the windows, opt for billowy curtains for that classic ocean breeze look, or bamboo blinds.
Tuscan
The inclusion of the natural elements plays a key part in bringing the look together. The focal point should be a grand stone fireplace, complete with hardwood floors.
golden creams, browns, olives, and wine hues create the feeling of an italian vineyard.
the finish of the walls is almost as important as the finish. the finished product is supposed to resemble stucco or venetian plaster.
wrought iron and other metal decorations are key. Look to put metal in your tables, lighting or in your headboard.
Other decorations that resemble old world elements add to the tuscan feel. Columns or busts are good decoration.
- Arches in door frames, wall art and in chairs are key references to the old world.
Sources
- Art Deco - http://www.art-deco-style.com/art-deco-interior-design.html
- Arts & Crafts - http://www.homedecorators.com/arts-and-crafts/
Asian - http://www.interior-design-tutor.net/asian-interior-design.html
Classical - http://www.onlinedesignteacher.com/interior_design/interior_design_styles.html#.VK8bQUtN1uY
Contemporary - http://www.onlinedesignteacher.com/interior_design/interior_design_styles.html#.VK8bQUtN1uY
Country - http://www.onlinedesignteacher.com/interior_design/interior_design_styles.html#.VK8bQUtN1uY
Feng Shui - http://www.interior-design-tutor.net/feng-shui-interior-design.html
Gothic - http://www.interiordesignipedia.com/gothic-interior-design.html
Italian - http://www.interior-design-tutor.net/italian-interior-design.html
Minimalist - http://www.interior-design-tutor.net/minimalist-interior-design.html
Rustic - http://www.interior-design-tutor.net/rustic-interior-design.html
Southwestern - http://homeguides.sfgate.com/southwestern-style-interior-decorating-8527.html
Swedish (Gustavian) - http://www.interior-design-tutor.net/swedish-interior-design.html
Traditional - http://www.interior-design-tutor.net/traditional-interior-design.html
Tropical - http://www.interior-design-tutor.net/tropical-interior-design.html