INTERIOR DESIGN STYLES
BY: MARLA TAYLOR
1. ART DECO
The Art Deco design emphasis was prominent in the 1930s and 40's. It combines design elements from ancient cultures with a modernist, Machine Age look. The elements are very streamlined and geometric, but often they are counterbalanced by curvaceous features. The coloring of this design would mainly be a black and white scheme with bold lines and borders is a sure winner. Black and gold is also a good combo for this style.
2. ARTS & CRAFTS
This style is versatile enough to work within a traditional or transitional environment. Furniture tends to be chunky, often featuring a wooden construction with a repetition of lines. Geometric forms of stained glass-like mica establish a strong sense of Arts and Crafts when used for lamp shades, windows or panel inserts in cabinetry.
3. ASIAN
Wood and bamboo are the natural choice of materials used with Asian interior design style. Choose a subtle color palette like off-white, stone, parchment and mellow gray for a Japanese style effect or ruby, gold, sapphire and emerald along with black if you want to emphasize Chinese style. Asian interior design go for quiet elements and simpler furnishings.
4. CLASSICAL
Classical interior design is based on order, symmetry and balance. A primary element in classical style is the use of a focal point around which visual balance is achieved. Color choices were often inspired by nature, various yellows, blues, greens, and browns with hints of black and accents of white or off white. Elegant fabrics such as velvets and cotton are used in this style.
5. CONTEMPORARY
Sleek lines, and modern furnishings and accessories. Black, whites and other neutral tones tend to dominate the contemporary style scene with dramatic accent accessories against neutral backgrounds and added accents of nature.
6. COUNTRY
Country decorating gets inspiration from the surrounding landscape. That's why you often will see color schemes centered on greens, reds, blues, beige and white to name a few. Tactile surfaces of wood, wicker weaving, wrought iron, stone, pottery, tin and other natural or earthy materials work well and provide great visual texture as well. Floral or checked fabric made of simple materials, like cotton and linen, compliment a casual, country style.
7. Feng Shui
The practice of Feng Shui interior design is part of an ancient Chinese concept centered on natural elements. The main goal of Feng Shui is to create harmony between you and your surroundings with balance. There are five main elements in Feng Shui water, wood, fire, earth and metal.
8. Gothic
Choose fairly heavy, wood furniture pieces, and a heavy weight fabric, like velvet, for window draperies. Rustic style made of metal that exhibits a pointed arch design, and eye catching chandelier. Stained glass accents. This style is all about setting a particular kind of atmosphere which should be moody and fairly dark, lots of black.
9. MINIMALIST
Minimalist interior design tends to have very modern overtones because of its emphasis on the basic fundamentals of line and shape. It is has been greatly influenced by Japanese interiors. A white scheme that is contrasted with a touch of black in the furnishings or an occasional pop of color.
10. RUSTIC
Rustic interior design emphasizes unrefined, natural elements that together look and feel quite cozy. Wood, stone and metal are the main elements. Rustic has more of an earth toned color scheme, browns, tans, greens and rusty reds with nice accents of leather.
11. SWEDISH ( GUSTAVIAN )
Gustavian style is named for King Gustav III. Swedish interior design style is characterized by a look that is light, airy, refreshing and elegant atmosphere. Gustavian style is versatile enough to feature classical and contemporary elements. Very soft blues, whites, grays and greens are typical of this style, but the overall finished look should be very light and airy.
12. SOUTHWESTERN
Casual, lived-in style with Native American and Spanish influence. Southwestern takes inspiration from the materials and colors found in the arid regions of the southwestern United States. Look for wall art, area rugs and decorative pillows that inject a splash or southwestern color or style motif into the scheme without overwhelming it. Reds, tans, off whites, yellows for this color scheme with splashes of nature.
13. TRADITIONAL
Traditional interior design is perhaps the most popular style in America today. Deeper wall colors, like deep red or green hues, suggest a higher level of formality. Lighter colors and neutrals, on the other hand, can infuse a more contemporary feel to the style and pattern fabric accents for drapes, rubs, or chairs. Antiques or antique reproductions work well in a traditional setting because they reference the past, not too much matching. Wall art and accessories are important in this style.
14. TROPICAL
For a backdrop consider a neutral and warm color scheme. You can add stronger touches of accent color, like citrus hues, and sandy beige color or white and blue and green hues. Woven elements like rattan, wood and wicker furniture, silk textures, palm plants and tropical flowers, like orchids are perfect for this type of style.
15. TUSCAN
Natural elements like stone, warm colors, metal detailing, and old world accessories. Golden crèmes, browns, olive green tones and wine hues are always good choices to evoke the sunny pastoral atmosphere. An arched mirror or a collection of arched wall art is an excellent choice as well. The arch shape is a common feature in Tuscan architecture, classic vases and accessories.