The world of interior design has its own lingo, one that you’ll quickly become familiar with as you research paint colors, shop for new sofas, and even consider a full renovation. You’ll hear about interior design styles, minimalism, maximalism, and more—and understanding the basics of these interior design concepts will help you make sense of what you’re seeing in magazines, on Pinterest, or even at your friends’ houses.
Understanding interior design styles also helps you discover your personal style, and that’s the point: to create spaces that express you. Once you know what interior design styles you like, you can use that knowledge to choose everything from paint color to furniture and even, yes, throw pillows.
A key interior design visit this site concept is contrast—contrasting shapes, materials, and colors to add intrigue to a space. To do this, think about contrasting a curvaceous piece against an otherwise angular one, for example. Or, pitting light against dark to highlight a dramatic feature of your space. You can create contrast by choosing fabrics with varying textures and patterns, and pairing them with a neutral color palette to keep the look balanced.
Minimalism is a popular interior design style that’s gaining popularity with people who want to downsize or simply love the clean, streamlined look. Minimalism can still be warm and cozy, but it tends to have a modern edge thanks to the use of black, white, and gray hues in place of brighter shades. Minimalists often prefer to mix in natural elements to balance the sleek look and feel of their home.
Another minimalist interior design style is contemporary—which, unlike some other styles, doesn’t really change with time. It’s the current trends that influence this design choice, which tends to be simple in feel and often uses neutral colors in furniture upholstery or on throw pillows. Contemporary homes can also embrace bold geometric patterns or other striking accents to stand out.
If you want to bring a bit of nostalgia into your living room, consider the Art Deco interior design style. It’s a classic look that can be very ornate, with lots of fancy details. This is a great choice if you enjoy antiques, but if you don’t want your room to look too old-school, try mixing in some other contemporary design elements.
The Mediterranean interior design style is popular in the warmer months, thanks to its cozy feel and warm color palette. This style is usually centered on a central focal point, such as a fireplace or window seat. It can also incorporate a mix of natural materials, such as stone and wood, to evoke the feeling of being outdoors.
Lastly, Hollywood Regency is a fun and glamorous interior design style to consider. It blends period French elements with a more modern, high-polished vibe to create a space that feels fresh and upbeat. It can also be used to update a traditional style, making it more trendy and up to date.