Interior Design Styles - 2017 Rug Trends

INTERIOR DESIGN STYLES 101: WHAT’S IN TREND?

With the hottest interior design trends flying in and out the door each season, staying on top “what’s hot” and “what’s not” has become a bit of a challenge for homemakers over the years. What’s the difference between Scandinavian or Boho homes? Isn’t Contemporary the same as Modern? Read on to find out!

• Scandinavian – Simplicity, bareness, and functionality meet style - these words best describe one of our all-time favourite looks to date. Scandinavian homes can be characterised by wide, uncluttered spaces with clean detailing, but also do offer a pinch of comfort through the use natural elements, such as wood, and neutral hues. Whites, blacks, and greys blended with natural or cool tones are often the most popular colour choices.
• Contemporary – While it’s understandable to mistake Contemporary homes for Modern homes and vice versa, you might be surprised that these styles vary differently, though their terms have been used interchangeably through the years. Contemporary homes carry the same principles as the Modern style launched during the 20th century, however, it is more flexible as it evolves with the ‘flavours’ of the changing times. It incorporates current trends, shapes, patterns, lines, and palettes, and would rely heavily on the homemaker’s personal preference.
• Modern – If Contemporary homes allow for flexibility with a modern look, then the Modern style is quite the opposite. It focuses on clear, crisp lines with emphasis on functionality and efficiency in a space, not to mention the geometry of patterns and the symmetry of home pieces. Décor used are usually made of steel, glass, chrome, or even concrete, while popular colour choices include whites, greys, blacks, and other neutral shades.
• Minimalist – The minimalist home is one of the recent trends in Australia, wherein spaces are kept as clean and as simple as they can be. This means that no big backgrounds or flashy colours are in use, furniture is kept at a minimum, and wide open spaces with natural lighting are the key points of each space. Ultra clean lines are used, and you can see the absence of details, designs, and sceneries on décor. Geometric patterns may be used, but nothing too colourful or showy should be taken into account.
• Industrial – Unfinished, raw spaces combined with natural elements, little functional décor, and lots of texture would mean that you have created an Industrial-themed home. Think of converting a warehouse into your personal space and you will definitely get all the inspiration you need! Wood, steel, concrete, metals, and glass are some of the materials that you can’t live without. Colours are usually warm and neutral such as greys, browns, and beiges, while open floor plans, high ceilings, and bare windows and walls provide highlight to the over-all look.
• Transitional – If you are after a bit of something old and new, then what you need is the Transitional style for your home. A perfectly balanced and blended space is the key, with highlight on the elegance of traditional pieces combined with the sleekness of modern elements. It is one of the most flexible styles to date, as a homemaker would have the freedom to choose colour palettes, patterns, textures, and colours given the combination of both old and new styles. Popular colour choices include warm and neutral hues, which include beige, cream, deep blue, rich reds and warm grey tones. Overdyed and washed out pieces also come into play here, and further highlight the uniqueness of this style.
• Bohemian – One of the newest trends to date, a Bohemian home will never have any boundaries when it comes to style. One can go all out with patterns, colours, and textures, as long as it provides warm cosy spaces for the family to relax in. It’s most often characterized by bright colours and tribal prints, not to mention something ‘borrowed’ from styles and looks all over the globe. Plants, throws, cushions, layers of rugs, and other similar items are needed to create a shabby but organised look. With a Bohemian-inspired home, you can never go overboard as long as you are happy and content with the look of your space.
• Traditional – The Traditional style takes on the principles of European design and features lavish furnishings, antique pieces, refined styles, and rich details – all combined to form an air of sophistication for a space. Dark furnished wood and elegant prints are crowd favourites, but it is important to keep in mind that all elements must be arranged to exude comfort, order, and familiarity.