A Journey Through the Decor Styles

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Interior design has always intrigued me. I worked for an interior decorator when I was just out of college. It always amazed me how she could take someones vision and translate it into a specific design style. Now that I am a real estate agent the passion for design has been reignited. But what are all the design styles? Do you know which one better fits your personal style or personality. There are many interior design styles to choose from. Narrowing it down is pretty hard because, to me, they are all so dream home perfect. Let's journey through the decor styles.

Minimalist

The minimalist style focuses on functional furnishings, interior objects, geometric shapes and a combination of not more than two basic colors. The motive of this decor is simplicity and movable space. This style is for those who live by a "less is more" approach to life. Even though simplicity is the focus, the home can often feel warm, rich and inviting with layers of texture and modern lines.

Shabby Chic

Shabby Chic to me is more of a "rustic elegance". With very neutral backgrounds to warmly absorb rough furniture pieces and pops of color. The part about shabby chic that amazes me is it always looks as if is effortless and relaxed. It carries hints of vintage and classic period pieces that creates a story and adds character. Its about fabulous finds during a weekend of antiquing. Lace, chiffon and velvet textures look as if they were placed by accident, but flow with each unique piece in the room.

Modern

To me this style is a reflection of modern art movements translated into interior style. The roots of the modern decor style are Scandinavian and German architecture. I love the simplicity, neutral materials with a mix of monochromatic colors, patternless fabric in a neutral based room. This style is reminiscent of the artists work and gallery of design and life.

Contemporary

Some elements of modern can be found in the contemporary style. Contemporary design lives in the moment. Following precisely what is current and trending while always evolving. Contemporary design is inspired by the past yet never remains the same like other design concepts. Contemporary is always changing and those who love this style love the evolution of style.

Farmhouse

So some say farmhouse is an interior style and others say its an interior trend. Whichever side you fall on, this style is warm, inviting and brings the essence of the farm to a modern decorative sphere. Its a unique take on comfort and simplicity. This style is set in what is practical and what is functional. The design is usually set in a neutral pallet with pops of your favorite color as an accent. With farmhouse there is usually a dominant shade, two additional colors like earthy shades, grays, tans, browns with a splash of an accent color. You do not have to totally commit to farmhouse style. Many decorators couple farmhouse with modern decor style to create a modern farmhouse.

Industrial

This style is embodied by exposed materials. Wood beams, metal framing and exposed brick really set the tone for this decorating style. Neutral hues coupled with old world charm. Think back to the industrial revolution, factories and mills. This decor pulls from aesthetic of machinery and function. This style is great for those living in urban areas but can also be translated to fit a more traditional style home. There are no bold pops of color. Texture rules this design. The translation of this style focuses on lighting fixtures and industrial type accessories. Lighting featuring Edison light bulbs, period pieces capturing the essence of the world at that time, distressed materials and vintage photographs.

Eclectic

Well, hello color. This style is a burst of color. Mixing old, new and highlights many eras in time. Eclectic is a very rich layered design. Yet somehow the styles come together in harmony. Its fun, its flirty. A very Sex in the City kinda vibe. To accomplish this look designers will choose a core color in an effort not to over do it. The style incorporates color, texture, furniture with rough finishings and multicolored fabrics.

Southern Living

Not quite farmhouse, not quite traditional. Southern living has a traditional yet ageless. Taking inspiration from Charleston or New Orleans the southern style is rich in tradition and family heirlooms. Wood floors and columns. Bell lantern lined hallways. These homes are filled with history. The use of white, blue, and green bring a fresh look to a timeless home. The style often mixes the old and the new. The home usually flows from indoors to outdoors with rocking chair and swing adorned wrap around porches.

Craftsman

The craftsman movement began just after the 19th Century which was dominated by Victorian styles. It was merely a rebellion of the mass production of goods to more focus on hand worked goods. American craftsman architecture followed after the British arts and crafts movement. Craftsman emphasizes horizontal lines, exposed beams and rafters. Doors and windows are adorned with thick trim, built in bookshelves and boxed beams around ceilings. A dominant fireplace or two in the room. Each room is independent yet drawn together with hand crafted details. Colors are warm and earthy. New craftsman style trends away from dark oak to more painted woods. You may find a cosy window under-seats to add to the original 20th century craftsman style.

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern is a combination of the periods of the 50's, 60's, and 70's. The interior design style started to be incorporated however in the 80's. Mid-Century modern can be best described as, "a combination of post World War II practicality, 50’s era optimism, 60’s era earthiness, and 70’s era tones and textures neatly wrapped up in a stylish ode to Scandinavian simplicity. The style is very retro taking inspiration from the era. The style is for those who are nostalgic and also love natural elements. This style pulls from the trends during the time period. The hues are moody, such as brown, turquoise, mustards and primary colors. The rooms however are grounded in a sobering neutral.

I have touched on just ten of the most common design styles. Future post will dive into more, including vintage, Victorian, transitional, traditional, rustic, bohemian and Hollywood glam. Be creative with your design style, mix styles and make them your own. Which design style or styles are you?