Interior Styles

When planning a renovation in an apartment or house, one of the most difficult tasks usually becomes choosing an interior style. There are so many options today that it’s an embarrassment of riches. So you need to figure out how each style differs from the other.

Interior styles – find the one that suits you

To decide on the style that is right for your space, we usually advise you to save a few dozens of the options you liked in a compilation and show them to our designer. Based on your preferences, they will be able to offer the most optimal options, taking into account your space and wishes. There is no need to keep up with the fashion, just look for what you like, and we will try our best to make it real.

What interior styles are the most fashionable?

Speaking about the most fashionable interior styles today, the first place is unconditionally occupied by modern style. It implies the presence of smooth surfaces, simple lines, and no overabundance of decor. In such a space there is nothing superfluous, there is no “grandma’s trash” and a bunch of things for the sake of things. It has simple colour combinations, and metal and glass surfaces.

Minimalistic style, which comes from the modern style but simplifies it even more, is in second place.

And loft (also known as industrial style) completes the TOP 3 most fashionable styles. Loft often creates a feeling of unfinished elements and combines “old” raw details with something ultra-modern.

The most popular styles of interior decoration

As we can see from our TOP 3, recently the most frequent requests for designers have become styles that do not require additional investments, are simple and affordable, but at the same time remain functional. However, there are so many interior styles that it would be impossible to limit ourselves to just three. Next, we will talk in detail about the main styles that are found in the dwellings of modern man.

Scandinavian style

The Scandinavian style is quite popular, as it is quite easy to recreate it yourself. Many are also captivated not only by its simplicity but also by its functionality. The main colour of this space is white. It perfectly expands the space and this is especially true for apartments in which not everything is as rosy with the area as we would like. This whiteness is complemented by beige, bluish, neutral blue hues, and catchy black elements. Feel free to add brighter colour accents. An aquamarine sofa, for example, fits perfectly into the living room, and a catchy bright yellow pouffe can stand in the hallway.

The main task of the Scandinavian style is to let as much natural light into the space as possible. Therefore, the windows in such houses are usually of a non-standard large size, and heavy coloured fabrics are rarely used as curtains. Usually, there are either no curtains at all, or a light translucent tulle flaunts on the windows. Artificial light is selected very carefully and in large quantities. The combination of floor lamps, sconces, chandeliers, and lamps will be a perfect fit for the Scandinavian style. With a lack of natural light, you will have to try to artificially light everything possible and impossible.

As the main material for the Scandinavian style, wood is used in all possible forms: on the floor, walls, furniture and even the ceiling. For this interior style, it is necessary to select natural textiles, paper wallpapers, metal, and ceramics. Furniture in such a space has simple forms, it is concise and functional. Rattan accessories fit perfectly into the interior.

Greens, greens and more greens. Pots with live plants are another distinctive feature of the Scandinavian style. They can be present everywhere: on the floor, window sills, and coffee tables. You can complement the “greenness” with the corresponding posters on the walls with a floral theme.

Provence

This interior style represents eternal summer in a cute French village. Floral prints, rattan furniture, and a light colour palette make it look like the sun has kissed this apartment.

A distinctive feature of the Provence style is the floor-to-ceiling French windows that allow tons of warm natural light to enter the space. Textiles are usually cotton and linen. This interior style creates a feeling of comfort, tranquillity and warmth. It seems like you are at your grandma’s in the village.

In such a space there will be many small cute decorative details. Lace, ruffles, flowers, antique styling, neutral colours (white and beige, pastel colours) – all this prevails in the Provence style.

Rustic style

Typically, this style is used in projects of country houses, townhouses and cottages, because it looks most harmonious in them. The rustic style has something in common with Provence, but here we are no longer talking about the French style. Such a design can be made with any rural motif.

The basis of the rustic style is wood. It is found everywhere: in flooring, on walls, ceilings, and even as a sheathing of modern plasma. Doors are made of solid wood, and beds with chests of drawers look “heavy”. Also, furniture and decor are usually selected in the same colour scheme, creating a feeling of comfort and tranquillity. Such a palette eliminates the effect of brutality from strict and massive furniture forms. Textiles in such a house will be soft and plain. There are snow-white starched tablecloths and napkins at the table for each family member and guest.

Loft (industrial) interior style

Loft can hardly be confused with something. Entering a dwelling made in this style, you will recognize it by its rough industrial finish. Here the walls will be brick or concrete, utility lines are not hidden from the eyes, and yellow lights will greet you from the ceiling.

Most often in the loft, there is no clear layout of space, it remains open. Windows to the floor are not curtained with any fabrics. This interior style is well suited for rooms with high ceilings. If you cannot boast of this, then it will be difficult to create a loft in space.

A distinctive feature of the loft is the roughness and feeling of “an unfinished building”. This style kind of recreates the image of a warehouse in which nothing was made perfect. Raw wood, hastily painted walls and beams on the ceiling – this is exactly what it is. This style combines the incongruous: ultra-modern and rare interior details. Lighting is mainly yellow and multi-level, which not only fulfils its intended purpose but also plays the role of additional decor.

The furniture, like the space itself, is usually open. Shelves and hangers are used instead of wardrobes. The central place of such an interior is occupied by a classic leather sofa. Furniture with metal and wooden frames complements the space.

Glamour style

Glamour is chic and pompous, which manifests itself in everything from the colour palette to the details. Glitter plays the main role here: there is a lot of it and it is everywhere. Glamour overshadows all ideas of functionality; in housing with such a design, the main component will be the visual component.

This interior style is not suitable for small apartments, limited in space and ceiling height. Glamour implies the presence of large areas and a sense of freedom. The space is often also visually enlarged due to mirrors and lighting. The palette of only “pure” colours is usually used: white, black, red, purple, yellow, blue, etc. Less flashy colours may also be present, but then they are compensated by other bright decorative elements.

Rhinestones, precious metals and stones dazzle not only in decorative elements, but also in dishes, furniture, and walls. Mirrors are in abundance here. Chrome parts are in excess. There are also leather, satin, velvet, brocade, silk, crystal and glass.

Vintage style

A harmonious combination of modernity and elements of the bygone century is the main component of the vintage style in the interior. Things that are at least 20 and no more than 50 years old fit perfectly here. This creates a cosy atmosphere with a touch of nostalgia for a bygone century.

In this interior style, the emphasis is always on a specific era. You will have to hunt for objects of the past, but if the catch is not very large, then decorative elements can always be styled antique. In textiles, preference is given to natural fabrics: linen, cotton, and wool. There may be an ornament. The main thing is that textiles are created manually.

Typically, parquet boards or small ceramic tiles are used as flooring. If possible, be sure to artificially age these materials. For walls, preference is given to light neutral tones. The main elements are precisely the ancient finds, including the main furniture. The light is warm and diffused. Ideally, if it comes from interesting lamps of the past era, cast in bronze or copper.

Futuristic style

The latest technology in the spaceship is the most vivid description that can be given to futurism. This style is suitable for brave people who love everything as unusual as possible. The main components will be ergonomics, functionality and maximum free space. Finishing is most often done with mirror surfaces, aluminium alloys, glass and polycarbonate. All this is combined with smooth lines and dynamic shapes. Being in such a room, you feel like visiting friends from other planets or in the ship itself, which right now is moving millions of light-years into the future.

Unlike many interior styles, asymmetry predominates in futurism. The main colour is white, beige or grey. The space is separated by curved bright lines and colour accents. Most often, spotlights and diode strips are chosen as light sources. Furniture for such an interior is usually made to order and has flowing lines.

Classic style

Every person associates the classics with something pompous and solemn. In fact, there is no specific “classic style”. This is a common name, which contains different interior styles: classicism, baroque, rococo, empire, and national classics.

They are united by nobility, elegance, solemnity, luxury and large forms. In this interior style, there are bas-reliefs, arches, columns, stucco, statues and huge chandeliers. The paintings are in gold frames, and the entire interior is saturated with gold. Such a design is very difficult to create with limited space and budget. The pomposity of the classics requires large areas and high ceilings.

Classical interior styles do not recognize modern zoning. There is a clear symmetry in everything. Many items mirror each other: the same stucco on both sides, chairs are present in two copies, etc. This interior style will never be cheap. It is dominated by expensive natural wood, marble, natural stone, leather, and silk.

The furniture is intricate, with interesting rich textures and a character. It is often covered with velvet and silks. The main idea of the classical style is the high cost, which helps to create real works of art from everyday things.

Art Deco style

Among the interior styles, Art Deco is the most expensive and not only externally, but also in terms of financial costs. It cannot be recreated without antiques, sophisticated furniture with a classic feeling, massive exclusive chandeliers, carpets, paintings and other art elements.

Iridescent materials such as lacquer, metal, and nacre are used in the design. Everything around seems to shine non-stop. Gold, silver, precious and semi-precious stones, crocodile skin, ivory, rare woods: all this is necessarily present in the room. Art Deco was created to surprise everyone who enters a house. As in classical styles, clear geometry dominates here, but it is often complemented by images of birds and plants. Floor coverings are most often laid in a herringbone pattern. The most recognizable element of this interior style is a mirror sun in a frame of rays. There is also a constant overlap of black and white. And, in conclusion, the most important thing in Art Deco is true exclusivity for each new project.

Colonial style

Another interior style, execution of which will not cost small amounts, because it loves good natural materials and outlandish items. One of the features of the colonial style is the presence of live exotic plants. The main materials for the interior are wood and stone.

The windows are large and low sill. They are often used as doors to a backyard or garden. The floor is usually wooden or stone, the furniture is made of rare massive woods. For walls, light solid colours or wallpaper with a small repeating relief, depicting exotic birds, flowers or animals are chosen. Textiles are rich: silk, linen, velvet, wool, leather and fur. As decor in the colonial style, African masks, leather-covered pouffes, sconces in the form of oriental lanterns, palm trees, wool carpets, paintings in carved frames and copper-framed mirrors are welcome.

Modern style

As such, there is no separate modern style, as in the case with the classical style. A group of styles belongs to the modern style and it includes loft, Scandinavian, art deco, pop art, boho-chic, eclectic and others. But of course, even though all these directions seem completely different, they have their distinctive similar features.

One of the main features of the “modern style” is freedom. It manifests itself in the absence of a framework and the ability to mix completely different directions. You no longer need to blindly follow the rules of just one style, it all depends on your desire and preferences. In such spaces, the character of the owner is perfectly traced. That is why today many people do not prefer soulless and too right minimalistic style or classics but want the house to reflect themselves. Modern style is not keeping up with fashion, it is comfortable and functional. It lacks unnecessary details and visual noise. Simple, clear colours prevail in such a space. Simple geometry is used without outlandish elements.

Minimalistic style

Conscious consumption has become a key idea not only in the lives of many people in recent years but has also manifested itself very clearly in the interior. Minimalistic style has taken second place among the most popular and sought-after living space designs. And this is not at all strange, because this style does not require crazy investments, is easy to perform and even helps to keep order well since everything in the house must have its own place.

Functionality and versatility are the main tasks of each element in the house. Every detail helps not to clutter up the space and use it as much as possible. Such a style is relevant for apartments with a limited area. Clear, straight lines, the absence of complex elements and pretentious materials help save the budget and are one of the main features of this interior style.

In minimalistic style, bright spots are often absent, light pastel colours are used here (usually there are only two of them). Such an interior suggests that at home you are in peace, you can completely relax. Nothing irritates the eyes and nervous system here. There is also always enough light in the minimalistic style. Enough natural light gets inside, and at night it is compensated by unobtrusive and diffused light. This allows for creating a feeling of weightlessness. Lamps are of simple shapes, made of metal, glass or plastic.

Very often, minimalistic style is confused with modern style. However, they differ in that the minimalistic style is more authoritarian and does not allow a single extra detail in space, even the teapot should not remain in a conspicuous place. It is very difficult to maintain this in everyday life, especially in a large family, and therefore a mixture of styles often occurs.

Oriental style

When thinking about the East, images of something very cosy, hospitable, luxurious and rich immediately appear in one’s head. Of course, this interior style corresponds to such ideas. It is rich in decorative elements, bright accents, soft light and different textures. In one room, woollen carpets and smooth, shiny silk are perfectly combined. Decorative elements are most often handmade and really exclusive.

Since the East is a very broad concept that is not related to just one country, the oriental style also does not have just one definition. It includes many directions, such as Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, African, Egyptian, Moroccan, etc. That is why it is very difficult to describe the oriental style in the interior since all of the listed directions will look completely different in design.

Mediterranean style

If you have ever seen a photo from the snow-white island of Santorini or even been there, then you know exactly what the Mediterranean style looks like in the interior. Light colours are mainly used, while white and various shades of blue from light to saturated predominate. In such a house, all the details are created for relaxation and tranquillity. In the Mediterranean style, there are elements of oriental cultures, as well as Spain, Italy, and Greece.

Small windows are not fit here. They are huge, floor-to-ceiling. Windows often play the role of doors leading to the backyard or garden. The room is spacious, and exclusively natural materials are used. There is no congestion in the interior. The furniture is made of good wood without unnecessary decorative elements. Almost everywhere you can find patterns and ornaments: mainly the image of waves and plants.

Interior design – which style is better?

Today’s market offers any materials and decorative elements that you can think of. However, the main issue is the cost and logistical availability. Which interior is better to choose in your case will depend on at least three factors:

1. The finances you have. Some interior styles can be very economical in execution, but still, look very good and be functional. But, for example, classical styles or art deco style will be very difficult to create with a limited budget. You will have to replace many elements with cheaper ones and in the end, it will look completely different.
2. Your taste and preferences. It is clear that there is no accounting for taste, and if you are not happy with the interior of your grandmother’s country house in a small village, then you definitely should not choose the Provence option. A competent designer will be able to combine even several similar styles in space, based on your wishes.
3. The original space. In a small studio apartment, there will certainly be no place for classic styles.

Conclusion

The easiest way to decide on the interior style of your future home is to look at a few dozen or even hundreds of options on the Internet, save them and show them to a good designer. They will be able to find the main points and make an exclusive space for you, combining those elements that you like. If this is your first time doing a renovation in an apartment or house, we highly recommend not to save on the services of such a specialist. After all, inside these walls, you have to be every day for many years. Our designer will help you with choosing the perfect interior style. Come to us for a consultation and show us what you would like to see in your new apartment.