Interior Design Styles - Modern, Contemporary, Art Deco ~ Photoshop Tutorial

At the start of any interior design project, you wonder what style should I choose? what style do I like? what style willlook good in that space? what style will I feel comfortable with? Whether you're decorating a single room or a whole house,a bungalow or a mansion the style will change dependant on the existing space and what is appropriate for it.

The following list of interior design styles is not a definitive list but rather a selection of some of the most common orpopular interior design styles, more styles exist and more are being created all the time. You should use this list to gain abasic understanding of common interior design styles and what is involved in each of them, how they differ and how tocreate them.

Go directly to your chosen Interior Design style by clicking on a link below

Urban |Country |Rococo |Georgian |Victorian

Modern Style Interior Design:

The creation of the modern interior design style is credited to a group of European designers that startedthe Bauhaus School of Design in Germany in 1919. The Bauhaus philosophy is that form and function should combine in alldesigns. Modern Style design is clean-lined and focuses first and foremost on function and avoidsthe excessive accessories and decorative elements seen in many other styles. Some people feel the modern design is toosimple, harsh or cold, however when well planned it can promote a sense of calmness and simplicity to your home.

The modern style is ideal for appartments and small spaces as it maximizes space and create the impression that a room islarger than it actually is. Minimal textures and bold geometric forms, neutral colours accented with a single bold colouralong with polished finishes and asymmetrical balance are key identifying features of modern style interiors.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the modern interior design style are...

Clean lined design
Function before form.
Avoids excessise accessories and decorations
Minimal use of textures
Asymmetrical balance in furniture and layout

Contemporary Style Interior Design:

The terms modern interior design and contemporary interior design are often used interchangeably, however there is adifference between the two. Contemporary interior design can only mean trendy looks that are in style at anycurrent moment, while modern interior design refers to the specific geometrical, clean-lined style called modern. The factthat the modern style may also be a part of a current look or trend adds to the confusion between modern and contemporary.

Contemporary interiors are comfortable and welcoming without being cluttered and dark and is a style that is equallyappropriate for offices and stores, lofts and homes. A contemporary style home can be a quiet and comfortable retreat.The key identifying feature of a contemporary style interior design is line. Line can be used through the use of boldcolour blocks, high ceilings, "square" edged furniture, linear wooden floors, floor mats, bare windows and geometric shapesin wall art and sculpture. The bare space, on walls, between pieces of furniture, and above in upper areas also become justas important as the areas filled with objects. Each piece stands out as individualand unique.

Smooth, clean, geometric shapes are essential for contemporary style furniture pieces with upholstered furniture usually inblack, white, or another neutral tone.These pieces should be simple and uncluttered, without curves or decoration. Sofas,chairs, and ottomans usually have exposed legs with Beds and chairs usually having no trims or tassels. In conclusion,with contemporary interiors, less is more. Go basic, bare, bold, and structural with bespoke, unique and individual furniture.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the contemporary interior design style are...

Refers to in style or trendy looks.
Basic, bare but bold.
Negative space as important as objects
Smooth, clean and geometric shapes essential.
Bespoke and unique furniture.

Minimalist Style Interior Design:

Minimalist architecture became popular in the late 1980s in London and New York, where designers worked to achieve simplicity,using white elements, cold white or blue lighting, large spaces with minimum objects and furniture. The concept ofminimalist design is to strip everything down to its essential quality and achieve simplicity. Minimalismsimplifies living spaces to reveal the essential quality of buildings and conveys simplicity in attitudes toward life. It isinspired from the Japanese traditional design and the concept of Zen philosophy.

The idea is not completely without ornamentation, but everyhting is as reduced down to a stage where you cannot removeanything further to improve the design, or without disimproving it. The basic geometric forms, elements withoutdecoration, simple materials and the repetitions of structures can represent a sense of order and essential quality.The movement of natural light in minimalist buildings reveals simple and clean spaces. In order to successfully implement aminimalist style storage is key in order to allow the space to remain minimal while still retaining the essential objectsyou use within that space. Minimalist kitchens are an excellent example of this, where clever use of space and hidden storageis regularly used.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the minimalist interior design style are...

Cool colours and white or blue lighting.
Large open spaces with minimum furniture, essentials only.
Reduced to ideal quantity.
Storage is key to maintaining minimalism.
Natural light used as a feature.

Classic Style Interior Design:

Classical interior design is based on order, symmetry and balance which relates to the ideals of the Greek and Roman empires.A primary element in classical style is the use of a focal point around which visual balance is achieved, for example afeature fireplace flanked on either side by matching armchairs with an ornate mirror above. The colour palette common toclassical interior design style is often inspired by nature. A variety of yellows, blues, greens, browns as well as softer,muted hues like terracottas, grays and pinks are commonly used. When accenting with whites, choose off-white if you want tostay in keeping with a more authentic classical colour palette. Choose bright white if you want a slightly more contemporaryfeel instead.

Fabrics used in classical interior design style tend to be elegant without being overly ornate or attention grabbing.Cotton, canvas and velvet are some commonly used in classic interiors. Natural flooring of wood, stone or marble works bestin the classically styled environment as they relate well to the natural colour schemes used.

The key identifying fetaure of the classic style is symmetry with each side of the room mirrored on either side of a centralfocal point. Columns are also a feature of classic design, realting back to greek and roman architcture, and as suchvertical, tone-on-tone stripes on the walls or curtains can represent this. The use of classical ornamentation can also beused to identify a room as being of the classical style.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the classic interior design style are...

Order, symmetry and balance are key.
Room ordered around a focal point, such as the fireplace.
Natural colours and materials.
Elegant fabrics.

Art Deco Style Interior Design:

The Art Deco style was developed following World War I, to offer people a new style for a new era. The excitement andoptimism of post-war Europe and America formed the basis for this glamorous and elegant style of design. Art Deco furnitureis streamlined in design. It was modern and sleek for the time while still remaining comfortable. Many designs of furnitureused industrial materials such as bent chrome base that gives the piece a rocking effect. Wood pieces are highly lacqueredin black, with woods used including exotic Brazilian rosewood, ebony, birds-eye maple, and light maple veneers. Upholsteryis typically of velour, making the rigid structural form more comfortable.

Because Art Deco interiors were relatively minimalist for the time, colours are used sparingly. Most colour schemes includeblack, combined with another colour such as green, red or white while accent colours are usually chrome and/or gold. Paleblue or dove grey were also commonly used to provide a softening effect against the harsh black.

Art Deco lighting is extensive including ceiling lights, floor lamps, table lamps and wall lamps. Floor lamps include tall torchieres inwrought iron or chrome with hand blown glass shades. Some are also of black wrought iron. Table lamps of bright nickel withwhite, clear, frosted, or colourful glass shades are common. Wall lamps can be bronze, aluminum, steel, or silver platedbase metal with opaque white or colourful glass shades. All this lighting is warm, usually orange or yellow in colour.

Surfaces in the Art Deco style are generally sleek and clean, lacking any texture in order to contrast the more decorativeand ornate objects and furniture within the space. Mirrors made of nickel,chrome, or silver are decorated with motifs of deer, peacocks, roses, and geometric shapes. Bronze sculptures are sleekcovered with coloured or pearl beads. Desk sets of pen and pencil on a base are streamlined in design. Door handles andcandlesticks molded of nickel, chrome, or silver have woodsy or chevron shapes. Frosted glass or black and white marble areused for vases. Inlay is common and adds colour and design. Cameo glass vases show under layers of colour exposed by etchingaway top layers of white or clear glass. All these decorative and slightly over the top objects were a show of renewed wealthand prosperity after the harsh rationing endured during the war.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the art deco interior design style are...

Glamorous and elegant style.
Industrial metals and lacquered wood.
Black as a main or background colour.
Numerous light sources used.
Bold, colourful patterns.
Intentionally, overly decorative.

Retro Style Interior Design:

Every few decades, old designs seems to make a comeback, but with a modern twist. This is referred to as the Retro style,and is an eclectic mix of old styles and new forms, or new forms with old materials and finishes.The post war fifties and psychedelic sixties saw a move towards brighter and bolder colours most likely as a backlash todoom and gloom of the war torn forties. Nowadays Retro interior designs can be described as taking alittle bit of these features and bringing them back into the present in order to create a new style of interior designthat is both modern and fun.

As there is so much to choose from past styles, what you decide to include will ultimately be your own interpretationof the past, and will therefore be entirely unique and individual. During each of the past few decades there have beendifferent materials, shapes, colours, artifacts, and gadgets that have left a lasting impression on all of us, some of whichmay be signifigant in the memories from our childhood and may therefore be more suited for your personal Retro style.Nowadays, anything from the 50's, 60's or even the 70's is fashionable again. However, because there are so many differentways to go about incorporating a Retro interior style into your home, it can be difficult to recognize it when you see it.The key identifying feature can therfore only be described as an old style with a modern twist.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the retro interior design style are...

Reimagined existing designs.
Eclectic mix of materials.
Classic objects used.
Can be difficult to recognise.

Urban Style Interior Design:

Urban interiors feature nontraditional home materials and design features, often including objects that are more traditionallyused in an industrial sense. The Urban style sees the use of galvanized steel, concrete floors, metal siding, exposed beamsand unfinished surfaces to create a distinctly modern, bohemian look. Often random, non functional (in household terms)objects are included in Urban interiors to create an outdoor or industrial atmosphere. In more upscale urban interiors,however, the look is far more polished, with bespoke fixtures, sophisticated finishes and clever small space solutions,such as open floor plans that allow for multifunctional rooms. For example, if you are struggling with asmall kitchen design you can open upthe space and have an eat in kitchen.

This alludes to the central function of urban interiors which is to create space, sometimes in surprising ways. Combinationliving/working spaces have become traditional in inner cities and industrial areas, often referred to as studio apartments.Renovated warehouses might feature a concrete floor for large scale artwork or production and an upper loft for a livingspace. Industrial building converted into highrise apartments, upscale condominiums and mixed-use buildings are otherinnovations to urban living spaces and rather that fighting the existing industrial feature within these spaces Urbaninterior design embraces them.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the urban interior design style are...

Use of industrial materials.
Exposed structural materials used as a feature.
Unique (non functional) objects used as features.
Aims to create open space.
Often seen in converted buildings.

Country Style Interior Design:

Country style interior design is cosy bearing the resemblance of cottage style. There are many various culturally differentcountry style designs that have the features of the time and style that was traditional to those countries. Thus you mayfind such country style types as French country, English country, American country, Italian country or Tuscan, and Moderncountry. Each type of country style has taken characteristic features of the culture it was used in. English country isrelaxed and comfortable incorporating many floral patterns as well as stripes and plaids. Natural light wood, such as oak,is used througout the English country styles. Open space is not considered important in the country style with largefurniture pieces often dominating a space with the walls often decorated with a varity of pictures, utensils or other objects.

French country style is characterized by deep and bright colours - aubergine, lavender, yellow, azure blue. colours are builtinto floral and animal patterns. The furniture is robust and basic. Italian country style, also known as Tuscan is warm andrustic. It incorporates such colours as ochre, terracotta, golden yellow, and green. The flooring and fireplaces are madeof natural stone. Unfinished wooden pieces and textured walls accentuate the rustic feel. American country style has itsmain feature in simplicity. The furniture can be stained, painted or unfinished. Modern country style has an updated look.Incorporating modern art, furniture or lighting into the traditional design makes it more up to date but still cozy andlived-in.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the country interior design style are...

Cosy and comfortable but sometimes cluttered.
Traditional to the context, e.g. French Country, American Country etc.
Natural and floral patterns used with plaids and stripes.
Robust, bulky furniture.
Rough finishes on materials.

Rococo Style Interior Design:

The Rococo style of interior design is flamboyant and rich with intricate and ornate features. Rococo style peaked during1700 and 1780 in western Europe and the name Rococo means 'rocaille' in French, which is appropriate as the Rococo's ornateasymmetry was inspired by natural curves of trees, shells, clouds and flowers. Gold plasterwork is one of the key featuresof Rococo decorating style with lavishly decorated walls and ceilings featuring the contrast of pastels and gold. The useof mirrors was also a feature of Rococo Interiors and they were usually had intricately-shaped, gilded frames.

Rococo furniture is made of mahogany wood or gilded and upholstered in leather, brocade or velour. It also has carvedand sinuous silhouettes that compliment the wall and ceiling finishing, which strengthened the ornate theme.Rococo was known for such colours as yellow, pink, ivory and gold, azure blue and cream. The combination ofpastels and gold is a signature mark of this style. Rococo style favoured curved lines so previously used asymmetricalsquare lines and forms were replaced with circular, oval, spiral and natural forms, even rooms were designed in oval shapeor arranged to avoid square form.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the rococo interior design style are...

Flamboyant and rich.
Lots of intricate, ornate, decorative features.
Gold painted plasterwork contrasting with pastel wall colours.
Multiple ornate mirrors commonly used.
Expensive materials used in furniture, e.g. teak and mahogany.
Curves, spirals and ovals are dominant.

Georgian Style Interior Design:

Early Georgian style was the tail-end of Queen Anne design, and this gradually became more severe in its lines andarchitectural detail. The style was copied from Ancient Greece and Rome, however a lot of Chinese design showedthrough in the interior. Chinese motifs like peonies and chrysanthemums were found in the fabric and Chinese porcelain andmotif table lamps were common. colour schemes were pale and subtle cream, dusky rose, sage, pea green, powder blue. Florals were also found, and in moregrander houses, gold and murals were the preferred wall coverings. Upholstery and curtains often had matching fabric.

The Georgian interior design style is characterized by delicate furniture with elaborately carved cabriole legs, ball-and-claw feet,broken pediments, ornate carvings, piercing and gilding. Fabrics were luxurious, with colours and patterns kept subtle. Aroyal style extended into common houses with cabriole legs and claw feet on chairs and baths creating an almost throne-likefeel. Mahogany slowly replaced walnut as the wood of choice. The fireplace was the heart of the room and was often fullyoutfitted with cast iron, carved pillars and medallions, and an opulent fire screen.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the georgian interior design style are...

Copied from Ancient Greece and Rome but with Chinese influences.
Decorative pocelain and luxurious fabrics as features.
Motifs like peonies and chrysanthemums used.
Colour schemes were pale and subtle.
Cabriole legs and claw feet on chairs and baths.
Fireplace at the heart of the room.

Victorian Style Interior Design:

The Victorian style originated during the Victorian era and is often described as opulent and luxurious. Victorianstyle is the near opposite to minimalism, it is based on an excessive amount of ornate and flamboyant decorations,accessories, the more you have on display the better. But Victorian style also includes features in order to avoid clutter.The exessive decorative furniture and ornamnet are contrasted by plain floor and wall surfaces.

The Victorian Style uses deep hues, pastels and neutral colours contrast the rich textures against the bright shades in upholstery and wallcoverings. Exotic materials and heavy woods became available during Victorian era and were used extensively in the furnitureof the time but today you can find pieces of Victorian style furniture in cheaper materials. This has seen a recent revival inthe style with a type of modern victorian style emerging.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the victorian interior design style are...

Opulent and luxurious with excessive decorations.
Walls and floors kept plain to contrast decorative features.
Decorative but uncluttered.
Deep hues of pastel and neutral colours.
Exotic woods used in furniture.

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