The One Thing You Should Do Before You Start Designing Your Home
Can you describe your interior style in a few words? When you’re looking for inspiration for you home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the abundance of tips, tricks and trends out there. Learning to define your style can help you cut through the clutter and stay focused. After all, there’s nothing more frustrating that buying a piece of furniture only to get it home and find out it doesn’t “go” with the rest of your decor.
Before you buy ANYTHING, take a little time to analyze the styles you love. What materials do they use, what do the legs of the furniture look like, etc.? I promise this will save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run, not to mention those return shipping fees.
Although these styles look great on their own, they can be blended as you like to reflect your own personal style. Different rooms can also have different styles, so don’t be afraid to mix it up. The important thing is to have a plan. Ultimately, it’s not about the individual items in a room but the way they come together that makes the design.
Below you’ll find an overview of the most popular styles and how they work.
Style 1: Country
Comfortable, Friendly, Casual, Nostalgic
Country is a term I’m using as a catch-all to define a range of styles: farmhouse, shabby chic, French country and coastal all fit into this category. The rise in popularity of these styles has caused them to blend and evolve. It’s not uncommon now to see French country accessories in a farmhouse, or rustic barn wood in a beach cottage.
In this digital era, the relaxed, rustic aesthetic of these styles can feel like a relief. Country styles are often about character over perfection. Flea market finds can mix with crisp white cotton slipcovers. Natural materials like stone and wood add warmth, while allowing the palette to stay neutral. Nothing in this style should feel too fussed over or formal. Turned leg chairs, squashy, comfortable sofas, and simple printed fabrics all work well here.
The decor in country style rooms usually have a nostalgic sensibility. Whether it’s an old wire basket, or vintage French table linens, country accessories should feel like they have a sense of history, as though they’ve been passed down. Be wary of all of the reproduction farmhouse accessories that are flooding the market right now. Too many “themed” accessories will take the charm right out of this style. Instead, take your time looking through antique shows or grandma’s attic for the real thing.
Style 2: Traditional
Elegant, Orderly, Symmetrical, Classic
Design by Mark D. Sikes
Traditional styles are based on a blend of European historical influences. Examples of this are Chippendale, Louis XVI, William & Mary, and Queen Anne. All of these examples had their heyday in a specific design era, but today can be blended to create a traditional look.
Symmetry is important in traditional décor. Chairs and lamps should come in pairs, and the furniture layout should be orderly and predictable. Architectural details like fireplaces or molding are accented. Windows should be treated with curtains. Richer wood tones and stronger color palettes work well with this style.
The quality of materials is important in traditional rooms. Nothing can make this style look cheesy faster that a cheaply made rug or a piece of bad reproduction furniture. Auctions are a great place to shop for this style. Traditional styles are currently waning in popularity and you can often purchase genuine antiques at auction for less than you’d spend on new furniture.
Style 3: Transitional
Calming, Flexible, Timeless, Livable
Image credit: Architectural Digest
As the name suggests, transitional style lies somewhere in between traditional and contemporary aesthetics. This duality makes it a very flexible and popular style. Transitional style applies the more traditional layout techniques of balance and symmetry with less stuffy, simpler furniture. Choose this style if you want a home that feels comfortable and livable without being too casual.
Different furniture styles can be mixed and matched, but don’t choose anything that’s overly heavy or ornate. Just as with traditional décor, chairs and lamps should have pairs and furniture should be places in balanced groupings.
Neutral colors and subtle patterns are popular in transitional rooms. The overall effect of the combined materials should be calming. The use of accessories is also limited and intentional. Too much clutter will overwhelm a transitional space.
Style 4: Bohemian
Vibrant, Gathered, Layered, Personal
Image source: Old Brand New
Bohemian, or eclectic décor is all about individual style. Traditional rules are thrown away in favor of personal expression. Choose this style if you want a relaxed, interesting home that’s full of life.
The favored style of artist and creatives, objects are chosen based off of their aesthetic appeal. A quirky, sculptural light fixture or a collection of figurines collected while traveling – anything goes so long as it adds interest to the room. Juxtaposition is also important, for example a sleek, midcentury dining table can be paired with a set of mis-matched flea market chairs.
Bold colors are often used such as jewel bright reds, greens and purples. However white walls work well with this style too – particularly if they serve as a backdrop to art work or other interesting objects. Additionally, earth tones and natural textures are a big part of bohemian style.
Textiles and rugs can be vibrantly colored and patterned. Indian and Southwestern cultures are often influential as are the Art Deco and Victorian eras. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns or layer different styles.
Style 5: Mediterranean
Simple, Airy, Natural, Spacious
Mediterranean style draws on Greek, Spanish and Italian influences. The design of this style is intentionally simple, as the focus of these rooms is often a scenic view instead of the room itself. Choose this style, if you want an elegant, relaxed home that’s great for entertaining.
Large windows and doors are used to help to bring the outdoors in. Whites and creamy tones are featured in this style. Pops of color, such as Grecian blues, are used strategically to add contrast as are dark stained woods. In place of lots of objects, fewer, larger pieces of furniture create a sense of space. Sofas, chairs and tables have clean lines and are lower to the ground to create a “loungy” vibe.
Stucco, stonework and other natural materials add warmth and keep this style from feeling too stark. Artwork and accessories are kept to a minimum, and most of the wall space is left unadorned.
Style 6: Mid-Century
Minimal, Modern, Sleek, Practical
Design by Studio McGee
Mid-century style emerged after the second world war, when a housing boom led to a demand for affordable, modern furnishings. Many of the characteristics that made mid-century popular then still hold true today. Mid-century furniture is simple, stylish, light weight and can be very affordable. Choose this style if you don’t want to sacrifice practicality for style.
Mid-century style is known for its sleek, clean lines and minimal layouts. Each object should serve a purpose (or several purposes) to be included. Natural materials such as wood and leather are prevalent as are man-made materials like plastic.
Color palettes can stick to neutrals: black, white, brown, etc. Pops of color can also be used to add visual interest to an otherwise simple space.
Don’t be afraid to mix in looser, contemporary elements with this style. The simplicity of midcentury design makes it blend easily with other styles. Throwing in a few pieces from a different era can liven up this style and keep you from feeling like you’re living in a set from Mad Men.
Main image source: Hanover Avenue
Please note: The images used in this post were pulled from the internet and are intended to be used for education purposes only. I do not claim to be the owner of these photos. If you are the owner, and would like a credit or for me to remove the image let me know.
