I Get Sweaty Palms When Quizzed About My Style

Have you ever had that ‘feeling’ walking into a home? I totally get it when people want that for their spaces! But do you get sweaty palms when someone asks you which interior design style you have in your home? If it’s too hard to pinpoint one.... then, DON'T! Believe it or not, it really is ok to combine styles, when creating your own space. Did any in my blog, Hone In On Your Design Style, speak to you? Maybe not? Then read on for part 2 of some more commonly known styles.

Image Credit: Homes to Love

INDUSTRIAL

While this style is usually recreated in industrial spaces or lofts, it can be adopted in an open space with high ceilings, large windows and exposed beams and bricks. Use warm colours like browns and greiges teamed with leather, steel, and iron. Concrete or wooden floors together with steel chairs can recreate the look.

Image Credit: Homes to Love

MID CENTURY MODERN

This classic style is best represented using retro styled furniture combined with patterns and textures in soft furnishings. Colour palettes of brown, orange, yellow and green are used alongside white and neutral wall colours. Plastic and wood furniture is common in open plan layouts. If possible, look for replica pieces like the Eames lounge chair which will be expensive if original.

Image Credit: Sharyn Caiirns

MINIMALISM

One of the most misunderstood of design styles, when well planned, minimalistic is uncluttered, while highlighting visual pieces and use of space. Use a standout piece of furniture and a dominant piece of artwork. The colour palette should be simple with only one or two accent colours. The use of natural light is important and use concealed storage to ensure that the area is free from clutter.

Image Credit: Homes to Love

MODERN AUSTRALIAN

It’s the emphasis on a relaxed indoor/outdoor space built with natural materials that defines this relatively new style. The use of bi-fold windows and doors with greenery and artwork typifies this look. Grey and white colours teamed with stone and wood, alongside the different shades of blue from the sea found in soft furnishings and art continue this relaxed look. Rattan baskets, flower arrangements and artificial or real plants reflect nature and the outdoors.

Image Credit: Homes to Love

MODERN FARMHOUSE

This mixture of old and new, creates a cozy traditional home by repurposing furniture and using vintage pieces. Paint walls white with rustic exposed beams, barn doors and plank style floors. Open shelves and cabinets teamed with VJ wall panelling create a comfortable feel in large open plan dining and kitchen spaces. Vintage furniture can be mixed with modern furniture along with old and new accessories. Why not hang a rustic chandelier above a modern dining table with vintage chairs?

SCANDI

It’s the clean lines and neutral colour palette that makes this design style well known. But did you know that there are actually 2 types? The first is Scandi Mid Century which began in 1930. This can be created using Mid-century designed furniture like Hans Wegner, plants, natural light, and light-coloured timber. A colour palette of pastel blue, green and pink with light grey is suggested. The second is Swedish Gustavian Country. Use pale blues and grey, with sofa benches, carved light-coloured wooden furniture and textured linens. The brand, IKEA was built on the Scandi-inspired décor.

SHABBY CHIC

This style began in 1980 and is based on weathered, aged furniture using milk paint, soft cottons and French linens in whites, creams and pastel colours. Antiques with floral prints, dried flowers and quilts and the use of modern art is a more modern look.

So glad that you had the time to make it to the end. Of course, there are more interior styles that you have no doubt heard of. Some are a combination of different styles. One of the newest styles to hit our shores of late is Cali Cool! As discussed by my favourite interior designer, TLC Interiors, it blends four in total:

1. The organic, rustic vibe of Coastal

2. The laidback eclectic nature of Bohemian

3. The muted, airy and minimalistic feel of Scandinavian

4. And the vintage, character-packed style of Mid-Century

Now that you’ve read about a style combination, I hope this gives you the thumbs up to do something similar. In my next blog, On The Road To Finding Your Inside Style, I’ll show you how to create YOUR indoor ‘feeling’.

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