If you enjoy decorating your home as much as I do, but are uncertain of what style really expresses you, I have described some of my favourite decorating styles to share with you. I believe that you can definitely mix and match different styles to create your individual style. It is however, always good to know the basic or core decorating style you wish to have, in order to start with a good solid guideline. So let’s take a look at the different styles…
Contemporary
Technically contemporary interior style is whatever is currently trending “now”. This means whatever colours, styles, shapes and materials are popular at the current time, it’s contemporary. Keeping things simple is the key here and don’t forget less is more. Contemporary homes are generally open planned, sleek and sophisticated and kept very clean. Straight lines are the key to creating this style, however the use of big round or geometric shapes is also used to create contrast. Finishes such as chrome, steel and glass compliment the neutral and monochromatic colour schemes that dominate this style.
Modern minimal
If you are into clean line designs and not too much detail, then you probably are the minimal modern kind. Modern décor has very little use of accessories and decorations around the home. The layout of furniture is usually very balanced and asymmetrical. There is very minimal use of different textures and the colours used tend to be natural and neutrals. Furniture used in the modern home is typically simple and functional.
Scandinavian
White walls, clean line furniture and black and white wall art are the main essentials in creating the Scandinavian décor style in your home. Layers are important to create warmth and interest. Think of using cowhides, throws, cushions and sheepskins to create the Scandi look and feel. Textures are a must! Use shelves to rest black and white artwork in different sizes against the wall. The use of geometric shapes and accent furniture is another staple in creating this look. Use copper pendant lighting, marble candleholders, grid print bedding and indoor plants such as a cactus.
Industrial urban / rustic
Creating the rustic, industrial interior style starts with an open floor plan, a lot of textures and unfinished or raw materials. Finishes such as wood, stone, concrete and metal are used to achieve this look. Another element to this style is to expose certain basic structural materials such as wiring, pipes, brick walls and beams. Use unique non-functional re purposed items as decorating features within the home to create those final touches.
Traditional classic
The traditional home style is always full of detail, comfort, cosiness and grand furniture pieces. This includes lots of furniture with big rolled sofa arms, tufting and curved legs on tables. Floral and natural patterns will mimic the same shapes as the furniture and are commonly used. Decorative items such as vases or table lamps are usually placed in matching pairs. The colour pallet for the traditional home is very low-key and gentle and will usually include dark wooden floors.
Eclectic
Eclectic decorating suggests in mixing different styles from different time periods and trends together. A bit of this and a bit of that and you’re on your way! Moroccan and Bohemian styles are sometimes combined under the eclectic décor style; this is probably because of the use of colourful accessories, collectibles and travel souvenirs. The key to create the eclectic style is not to look for things that match together, but things that go together. All items within the room must have something in common. Whether it is the colour, print, finish, shape or size. This style decorated carefully and with intent can look unique and amazing. It can also feel very chaotic and cluttered if thrown together unplanned. Style carefully!
With thanks to Lydia van Hassan, Interior Decorator & Space Planner. Call 050-6523829, email lydiavanhaasen@gmail.com or visit www.lydiavanhaasen.com for more information. Follow Lydia on Instagram@creativemedxb for more inspiration.