I checked my Facebook this morning and started reading an interior design group post. Someone has posted a finished picture of their bathroom that they loved. It was a bathroom with bright sunny yellow tile, which is not in fashion right now. Right now – the style is white with tiny bits of color. Calming and beautiful, but not to everyone’s taste. As an interior designer, I have a keen eye – this woman did a good job. She had a vision, and she carried it through with talent. Her style sense (which is different from design talent) was not to everyone’s liking. I could not believe how mean the comments were. Interior design should be a source of joy to us all; like in so many other aspects of our society, we need to fight the urge to turn the thing that should bring us joy into a toxic mess. Do what you want to do in your home – if it does not feel right, get professional help from a supportive designer. Contrary to popular belief, interior designers are trained to understand all types of styles and visual language and should make your home look like you want it to look, like not what they are feeling is fashionable at the time.

In the spirit of finding your own style, I have put together a rundown of some of the significant historical interior design styles. I am sure I have missed some, and I hope to add more later.

Umbrella Styles -Transitional and Contemporary

But I Don’t Fit In Anywhere! – Most of Us Don’t! 🙂 Transitional and Contemporary are larger style categories that mix different styles but have specific moods. They embrace many trends like Farmhouse, California Country, Scandi, and the list goes on. It sounds a little ridiculous, but the more you can talk and communicate about what you see, the easier it is to design. I find that most of my clients come to me and say I am a mix between this and that style, with a bit of frustration and dread. And I get it, but don’t worry, all you have to do is pick all the things you love but keep to a consistent color palette and make sure there is a visual balance, and it will all work out.

Transitional Style

Transitional decor retains the classic lines of traditional styles, but the colors and furnishings are typically more straightforward in their appearance. Transitional decorating embraces soft lines and comfortable furnishings but without the fuss of traditional styling. There is no holding back here with a choice of furniture and accessories. You can pick from whatever period of history you like; just keep it more on the quiet side: minimal pattern, two colors working together with maybe a third color for an accent.

Contemporary Style

Contemporary style is not born out of a particular era. For example, a new style will be called contemporary in a few more decades because it is fashion. It is not to be confused with modern as modern is a particular period in history(another post), but today’s contemporary style certainly has modern influences.

Currently, a contemporary decorating style is defined by simplicity, subtle sophistication, deliberate use of texture, and clean lines. Interiors tend to showcase space rather than things. This is an unfussy look with hardly any pattern used. This style often contains a variety of furniture styles in a few historical periods. There may be a dramatic focal point, but most items are understated and kept to a minimum. Materials are left to speak for themselves; hence using quality architectural finishes, and materials is essential.

Scandinavian Style

The scandinavian style is inspired by the snow and mountains of the Nordic countries. Think pared-back coziness, clean lines, and plenty of texture. This style pays homage to the simplicity of life demonstrated in these countries, often focusing on utility over decoration.

Most Scandinavian designs use white or grey as foundation colors but then bring in boldness and interest through fabrics, clean but bold lines, and proportions.

Industrial Style

Industrial style is known for its use of materials as the main point of the design. From steel to stone, from bricks to brass, Industrial design is all about raw, exposed materials.

Let your color palette be guided by the raw materials for a truly authentic industrial look. Architectural elements become the focal point in an industrial design; they are kept in view to bring out the industrial look truly.

Modern

A Modern home is one that is clean, crisp, with usually a simple color palette and modern materials such as metal, glass, and steel. Simplicity is definitely a keyword here, and if you like the modern style, you border on the line of minimalism without quite crossing over.

If you like the modern style, you can achieve this in your home by adding simple pieces to your home in neutral palettes.

Minimalist

Minimalist interiors are stripped down to their essential elements, and empty space is left to create a design statement. Color is used sparingly, and most aspects of the design are very simple in concept and execution.

Think light and airy neutrals when designing your minimalist space, and maybe it’s time to purge through some belongings that have no use to you anymore. This style is very thoughtful. Nothing is brought into your space without careful consideration and planning.

Glam

Glam interior style is all about high glamour and trendy style. This style originated from California in the mid-twentieth century and was originally inspired by the highly decorated and glitzy lives of the rich and elite in Hollywood.

If you have all the heart eyes for this style, try to inject plenty of bling from brass and chrome, wallpaper, mirrors, and velvet furniture into your space.

Traditional

Traditional style is the most dependable and traditional of all the styles. Looking at a traditionally styled room is like looking into the past but in the best way possible.

The traditional style is very warm and inviting; you will always feel welcome and very sophisticated in the space. Some characteristics of the space are Persian rugs, wingback chairs, classic patterns such as damask or matelassé, gilded accents and oil paintings, and portraits. You will feel as elegant as the Queen of England in this space!

Farmhouse

Farmhouse style is all the rage right now. I saw it emerge in Belgium about ten years ago, and it has trickled down to the US with quite a lot of variation over the years. In Belgium decorating is all about restrained elegance. It combines rustic elements with a modern aesthetic to create a simple and spare yet cozy and comfortable space. Color – Keep the color palette soft and neutral. Soft browns, chalky taupes, and all manner of grays are perfect.

In the US, The farmhouse style is the modern approach to cabin-inspired interior design. Farmhouse style is usually a nature-inspired look mixed with some traditional and shabby chic elements.

Most interior designers I know have a love-hate relationship with this style as well as Scandi. We like it, but it just won’t seem to go away and let us get to something new.

Bohemian and Eclectic

This is a look that I see a lot in France. Think Matisse with his influences from North Africa and, today, influences from South America. And, of course, no one can match the Brits for their eccentric and brave use of color and pattern. God love them.

Bohemian and eclectic interiors are brought together through the process of borrowing from a range of different periods, styles, and trends. This is your chance to break the rules, have some fun with your design, and not worry about what “works.” You should inject your personality into the room. Some key characteristics of the bohemian style are worn rugs and upholstery, strong and saturated colors in textiles and on furniture, indoor plants, metallic accents, wood, and really just whatever you want! It’s time to be carefree and embrace the intentionally “messy” look!

I find in the US that although many clients like this look on paper, few can live with it for more than six months.