Everyone has different tastes, personalities and ideas. Interior Design takes into consideration all of these and allows you to express yourself using colours, fabrics, paintings and decoration techniques. This article outlines the four main types of style used in designing houses.
1. Formal style
When we think of formal décor, we automatically see an image of period homes, fine hotels and museums. When creating a formal setting, keep both lines and symmetry in mind. The furniture should be arranged with symmetry in mind, and in most cases, furniture and accessories should be arranged in pairs.
Some additional features include:
Tall windows
Surfaces of furniture, floors, mirrors, and light fixtures would be polished to a bright shine with high gloss.
Fabrics used for bedspreads, cushions, sofas, and window treatments are very luxurious and rich.
Rugs, oil paintings and crystal chandeliers are typical characteristics.
2. Contemporary style
Contemporary décor is a style that can be described as simplest of all décors. The space is simple and basic with little or no decoration, and colour is limited. Clutter is banished. Floors are kept simple often in hardwood or parquet, with the addition of rugs in either a striking geometrical pattern or plain neutral colour. Window dressings again are plain and simple in light colours or windows may even be left bare.
Contemporary décor uses:
• distinctive outline
• linear patterns
• geometric shapes
• black as the primary colour
• grey, brown and white often used
• furniture has clean and fast lines and made of smooth fabric or leather.
• metal lights
• neutral toned woods or glass are used for tables
3. Casual style
This particular style is very inviting and easy to maintain. It is very good for working family members.
The casual style has generally:
• textured patterns
• soft fabrics
• no perfect symmetry
• gentle curves and rectangular shapes
• furniture arranged in diagonal lines
• floors generally wooden
Individuals who decorate in a casual fashion take their direction from many sources. This style is created when items from two or more different styles are combined. This is an interesting and unique way to decorate because it characterises the personality of the inhabitant and the things they love. However, basic elements of decorating such as colour, balance, line, form and texture should be kept in mind or else the results will look rather disorganised.
4. Rustic style
Rustic décor provides charm and interest to a home and also creates a unique texture and warmth. Some features include:
• rustic fireplace or wood burner
• furniture that is highly textured
• natural fabrics and materials.
Furnishings are often made of stripped pine, oak or wicker, the emphasis being on natural products with maybe with a distressed finish. Colours are often cream, pastels or earthy colours, and fabrics maybe vintage or floral such as Laura Ashley designs. Accessories may include dried flowers, collections of old china or photographs memorabilia or antiques. Much of the furniture in this style is sturdy and overstuffed, and can feature a crackle or distressed painted finish to give it almost an antique, nostalgic style. It's the perfect approach for those seeking a comfortable ‘relax and put your feet on the coffee table' feel.
Fashion changes with each new season, whereas real style is timeless. The endurance of a style is a reflection of the skill of the designer that created it. It is difficult to create a scheme that stands the test of time without looking dated, and even more so when you are creating a style that is not to your own personal tastes, but that of a client. However, good designers must be able to design workable yet visually stunning interiors in a variety of styles that reflect the personality of their clients rather than the designer.
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