Home styling has a lot to do with aspirations, tastes, and mindset of the homeowner. Travel and media have resulted in increased exposure, but also opened a lot of possibilities. Sometimes, this tends to befuddle one’s senses. In this post, we try to demystify the different styles that are trending today and explore them in today’s context.
Traditionally, interior décor has varied from minimalistic to extravagant. However, more styles are hitting a middle ground. It is possible to blend in more than one style into your home. Material, personal tastes as well as the location of the home can play an important role in how you choose your style.
Contemporary
Contemporary styles are clean and minimalistic. Clean lines and geometric patterns feature predominantly. Base materials can range from wood to steel. Muted colors, pastels, and even rustic blends for walls are distinctive of this style.
This style may sound cold impersonal and sometimes edgy. However, this is not necessarily so. Bold accessories can be statement pieces on muted backdrops, say a bright throw on a grey sofa. Abstract paintings and sculptures add to spaces like these. We prefer the contemporary look because a touch of ethnic, classic, or bohemian can blend easily into it.
In this style, vacant spaces are as important as the non-vacant ones. One space flows seamlessly to the other, giving a sense of fluidity. Natural light complements the décor.
Classic
Classic décor incorporates regal elements from Greek-Roman styles and the Victorian era. They evoke a feeling of grandeur and a larger-than-life sense of beauty. If you really love such décor, but believe they are not for limited-space homes, it might be time to rethink. Classic wooden furniture and accessories now come in convenient sizes. Marble tops, wooden art, and textured curtains can add a touch of classic style. All accessories have a refined look.
While the colors may not be bright or gleaming, pastels and neutrals blended with deep shades like plum or purple can do the job. Shimmer-like rose gold can be used for edges and lines. Side stands, coffee tables, or even sideboards and console tables can give the space a classic outlook. Ornate mirrors stay relevant even today. Large, hand-knotted carpets with extensive vintage patterns can be considered for classic décor.
Lighting should be mellow and sober. Classic style doesn’t require much natural light, though for energy efficiency reasons, natural light is preferred. Fabrics can be cotton, velvet, silk, or canvas.
A lot of us worry about classic styles turning houses into a mini museum. However, limiting the number of pieces and focusing on aesthetics and quality can help you avoid this issue.
Bohemian
A mélange of colors and expressive spaces – this is what most people associate Bohemian with. Many abstain from this style mistaking it to be painfully artsy or cluttered. But in fact, bohemian decors are expressive and tell more stories than one would imagine. Playing around with patterns, colors, and lighting can make bohemian interesting.
Start with neutral bases such as wooden flooring and splash a few pop colors like magenta or a playful pink. Use an earthy brick as a base color. Mughal paisley on a single lounge chair Indian motifs on cushions or Macrame wall hangings can give a sense of Bohemian while being cost-effective at the same time.
Embroidered or even mirror-worked fabrics used in a minimal manner add to Bohemian décor. Adding indoor plants is a great way of adding volume to décor. Since Bohemian culture is eco-friendly, distressed and antique pieces can be used. Refurbished frames and old window panes can add to the space.
There is always space for more accessories like charms or trinkets. Hand-crafted items like masks, lampshades, or even vases are never too much in Bohemian.
Scandinavian
Scandinavian styles originate from Nordic countries, where the climate throughout the year stays cold. In Nordic nations, sunlight and warmth are sparse, so décor is focused on evoking these elements. These spaces give a sense of coziness and warmth, yet are very subtle.
Just like the contemporary style, the Scandinavian style is muted but has even fewer elements that stand out. Furniture and décor pieces in wood and metals like copper and brass could be bases to start with.
White, grey, and black can never go wrong in this style. Neutral tones like Shell whites or browns give the interior a calm feel. For people who like contrast, colors like sea green or ochre can be considered. Carpets, mostly woolly ones, are a key aspect. Keep them short and pair them with a wooden center table. This style is also clutter-free and allows good air circulation.
Natural light will automatically enhance the lightly colored interiors. To facilitate good light, use sheer curtains. Candle lights or tea lights are an integral part of for Scandinavian decor. Hanging pendant lamps or even simple fairy lights go well with this.
Potted plants and fresh flowers are a must in this format of decor. You can even use crafted artificial flowers, but take care lest they look overdone. Fur and wool are used in the context of winter, but these can be replaced with cotton or jute in the Indian context.
Modern Décor
Starting late 19th century, modern décor has stood the test of time. It is influenced by various art movements and industrial interiors. Though there is a lot of debate around modern décor being taken over by contemporary décor, the former has its own fan following.
Modernist elements are low-key with abstract patterns and colors. Modern movements like Fauvism were against romantic spaces of any kind. So, dreamy flowery interiors are not part of this format. Modern décor is all about clean and sleek styles. Base colors can be neutral or even bright but basic primary or secondary colors can be used too. For space-conscious people, modern décor is apt, it gives the space an open look
Taking a hint from the title, modern tends to have new-era elements- concrete, steel, or glass. Stainless steel chairs with white-topped tables, rocessed wooden panels, and furniture with a neat finish are preferred. Prints and patterns should be more geometric and less organic. Wardrobe shutters and cabinets are less ornamental.
White lighting is preferred as the spaces are seen as bright and easy on the eyes. To bring in natural light, long doors and windows can be used.
Mid-Century Décor
Mid-century décor has the fuss-free nature of modern décor as well as organic elements from classic. It is minimalistic but gives one the freedom to incorporate one’s elements into it. It is a very casual approach to interior design but not as vibrant as Bohemian. For example, adopted pieces of designer furniture can be paired with vintage pop art to create Mid-century décor.
Mid-century plans are open and use creative partitions. Going creative with partitions like vertical gardens is also a recent adaptation. Neutral colors like grey, white, and black along with browns and beige can be used. Too many colors in the same space can create havoc, so stay in one color lane. Bright colors can be limited to primary colors. In the mid-century, occasional glint is added by gold or silver. The material in this décor ranges from wood, marble, glass, and metals like copper to very industrial-looking stainless steel or vinyl.
Bold prints or artwork can be paired with neutral backgrounds. Film posters or portraits go well with this décor. Patterned pillows or throws with plain or lightly textured sofas are another way to explore this space. Seating furniture is generally less decorative. Iconic furniture like egg chairs or recliner sofas with wooden finishes can be used as a statement piece.
Hanging lights and stars Lighting need not be clutter-free. Lamps can be wooden or woven shades with connecting wires visible outside.
The interior needs of people vary. For a few, homes are places to frequently host people and have social gatherings. For others, it is simply a quiet place to unwind. Knowing your budget and your preferences is a must before hunting for ideal décor. When you have a plethora of options and new ones coming up every other day, the search can be long and tiring. One should map out future and present lifestyle to pick the ideal décor. In the end, the home should speak volumes about the person who owns it, and that is all that matters.