What interior design style defines you? Most of us are a mix. I certainly am! So let's define some of the main styles. No - not all the made up styles like Hedonistic Neo LOL, like anyone knows what that is! Design styles that almost everyone will understand when you try to describe your style.
Traditional
Traditional interiors typically use tables and chairs made from dark wood that is ornately detailed. Traditional design draws inspiration from 18th & 19th Century England and France. You will find expensive textiles like silk, velvet, and linen used everywhere. Fabrics also feature a variety of different patterns. A few popular patterns include; damask, florals, stripes, and plaids, for example. Traditional homes also like to bring in a sense of glam with crystal chandeliers.
Traditional style has a rich, warm and inviting feel.
There’s plenty of room for interpretation to allow you to create a unique traditional style home.
The design style appeals to all ages and personalities.
Traditional interior design is elegant and comforting at the same time.
Since you’re highlighting the best in design styles all at once, the look will never feel tired or go out of style.
Elements of Traditional Design:
Traditional interior design is an all about a serious mix of extraordinary finds, so have fun and be adventurous.
The best traditional style homes aren’t married to one particular style as no era or design should overrule another.
Patience as no home can ever be decorated overnight and sometimes finding the right pieces may be more trying than say going to a showroom and sourcing everything from one select brand.
Where to find Traditional Design items Frontgate, Pottery Barn and of course any of your big box retailers like Nebraska Furniture and Rooms to Go. And always take a chance on flea markets, garage sales and Facebook Market.
Modern
Modern design refers to a specific time period while contemporary design is ever-evolving. Modern interior design came on the radar in the early to mid 20th century. Due to the mix of Scandinavian, mid-century modern, and post-modern design, we have our current definition of modern.
Modern design is an interior design style characterized by a monochromatic color palette, clean lines, minimalism, natural materials, natural light and low and long furniture,
This is not the same as contemporary; Contemporary style is not a specific design style but is instead a term given to describe the interior design trends of today, which are not necessarily rooted in any particular design style.they have some similarities but not the same.
This design style can also be minimalism - just fewer decor items needed. Less stuff!
Since modern design is so popular you can find it just about at every retailer. But what truly defines Modern Design to me is Room and Board, they started in the 80s and have never left this style. Crate and Barrel is another great place. And for less expensive choices there is also Allmodern and West Elm.
French Country
French country style is defined as a mix of rustic and refined decor inspired by the homes in the French countryside. It's a popular style worldwide because of its comfortable and casual elegance that's never ostentatious.
Elements of French Country:
Softly patterned fabrics in muted colors
Distressed, painted, and vintage furnishings and accessories
Lots of wood and other natural materials
You may also hear this type of decor called provincial style. Provincial style is recognized as a slightly more formal, refined look. Some of its elements, such as its rich colors, bold patterns, and gold accents, can be incorporated into the French country style.
Colors of this style can be found on the warm side of the color wheel with hues that have medium to low intensity. Think of soft yellows, warm pinks, baby blues, and creams for your rooms. Provincial-style fabrics are known for having more saturated colors, such as sunbaked ochre and deep brick red that bring to mind the pigments found in the region's natural clay earth.
Toile de Jouy (pronounce ttwäl-də-'zhwē), best known as toile, is a traditional pattern printed on cotton or linen fabrics used for upholstery, drapery, tablecloths, and wallpaper in French country rooms.
The toile pattern is characterized by its designs of landscapes and figures of one color printed on a white or cream background. The beauty of toile is that it can be paired with many other patterned fabrics, such as stripes, plaids, checks, ginghams, sunflowers, and small florals. Other patterns used on French country fabrics include roosters, damasks, and the borders that characterize bolder-colored provincial-style fabrics.
Since this style of furniture leans towards rustic, it's a great style for DIYers! Break out the sanders and chalk paint!
French provincial furniture is a touch more formal with added embellishments than French country style, and its history explains why. French provincial furniture was created in the 18th century for wealthy families living in the French provinces as more affordable adaptations of the luxurious Rococo-style pieces made for the monarchy.
Boho
Boho style is a free-spirited style that mixes different cultures and artistic expressions into an eclectic style with an emphasis on organic elements and nature. When putting together your boho style space, mixing patterns, metals, woods, materials, animal hides and trinkets from your travels is perfect for this look.
This has been on trend for last few years... the 70's are back! Boho Chic is another term used... similar just more downplayed and classic.
Elements of Boho :
Anything rattan
Hanging chairs
Macramé hanging planters
Wall hangings
Carved wood pieces
Anything ethnic - Turkish, Indigenous American....
Butterfly chairs
Poufs
Textured fabrics and textiles
Plants, plants, plants
Where do find these distinctive pieces? First stop World Market, then At Home. As always flea markets and garage sales typically items that will mix well with this design.
Elements of this style can be mixed with Modern, Shabby Chic and Farmhouse.
Shabby Chic
Originating in the 18th century, but coined “shabby chic” in the 1980s, this interior trend has become timeless. Rustic furniture and vintage décor are mainstays in this design.
The shabby chic look is defined by its vintage or relaxed appearance. It has a romantic and authentically grounded feeling. The more wear a piece of furniture receives over time, the better it fits within shabby chic. Well loved items are perfect for this design style. I also define this style as feminine.
Elements of Shabby Chic:
Neutral colors
Linen and natural fabrics
Worn furniture
Chalk paint on anything
Relaxed and casual feel
Where to find Shabby Chic decor? Target, Amazon, and Etsy. Another great style for the DIYers in the group! And of course Shabby Chic. Don't forget garage sales, flea markets and Facebook Marketplace.
Modern Farmhouse
Last but far from the least! Modern farmhouse made so very popular from Joanna Gaines and Magnolia. Modern farmhouse design takes the comfortable, relaxed farmhouse style and adds modern touches such as smooth lines, glossy accents and neutral color schemes. It's less rustic, more sophisticated and uses contemporary design elements like stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and sleek lighting. The most versatile style around for the mainstream.
Elements of Modern Farmhouse
Industrial - Think brick. metal light fixtures, metal side tables and metal decor
Textures - All rooms should have a mix of wood, glass, leather, fabric and mirror. These are crucial in modern farmhouse.
Shiplap of course, ask Joanna!
Clean lines - to avoid becoming too rustic keeping clean lines is mandatory for this design style.
Neutral colors with wood accents
Wood floors are preferred but we don't all have that option. So sometimes we have to make do with what we have.
Where to find Modern Farmhouse? Just about everywhere! And an FYI if you watch Joanna Gaines... you will see she has changed direction to more modern and mid-century.
So I hope this helps you when someone asks you what is your design style. Tell me what yours are!
Cheers
Laurie