A Quick Overview Of Different Home Designs!

This post is provided by Katherine Smith.

Imagine you could start over when it comes to choosing the interior design style of your home. Perhaps, you have just moved into a new home. Perhaps, you have just come into a handsome sum of money and can get rid of your current, random selection of furniture and décor.

What would you do? Where would you start? Would you favor the classic chairs of a top brand like Thomasville Furniture, a company that started building its reputation as a purveyor of fine, handcrafted furniture since 1904, or would you prefer something ultramodern with glass desks, coffee tables, console tables, and dining tables?

Modern or mid-century modern? Contemporary or minimalist? Scandinavian or Industrial? What will it be? When you think about it, it is a huge list. Some designs you may know already. Others, you may have heard about. And some may take you completely by surprise.

Here is an overview of stylistic trends to give you some idea of how to decide on a beautiful, warm and welcoming home.

1. The Sleek Look Of Modern, Contemporary, And Minimalist Design

There is often considerable confusion between these three. They are often taken to be synonymous. They are similar, but not the same.

The modern design is crisp, clean, and simple. Your color palette consists of a few basic colors. Your materials will be made of metal, mainly steel, and glass. Rather like a cabin room aboard the Starship Enterprise, things are sleek, uncluttered; with a minimal collection of accessories.

While the modern style insists on impeccable order, the contemporary style is more flexible, less strict, more fluid. Things flow in a contemporary style, with curved lines and more color choices.

While the contemporary style loosens up the modern style, the minimalist tightens it up. A minimalist style prefers neutral or faint colors. The furnishings are as streamlined but even simpler. All excess has been expunged. There is nothing flamboyant about it. Ironically, less is more, and the entire effect is calm and reassuring. It is all about functionality, and the aesthetics of ultra-clean lines.

2. The Nostalgic Feel Of Mid-century Modern And Industrial

Mid-Century modern is modern for another era, the 1950s, and the 1960s. Although it is functional and non-fussy from the perspective of earlier times, we would consider it more retro, evoking in us a feeling of nostalgia. Things are pared-down. For instance, we are talking about egg-shaped chairs and simple colors and fabrics.

Industrial evokes yet another type of nostalgia, stirring up feelings for the integrity of honest labor and the inspiration of warehouses and urban lofts. There is a sense that great things are about to begin because they are in an elemental, raw, and unfinished state. This sense is evoked with elements like ductwork, brick, and wood. Art is usually abstract, perhaps black-and-white photography, or a painting that adds a dash of color in an otherwise neutral sea of wood and metal color schemes. Furniture is sparse and functional. Metal light fixtures usually dangle from high ceilings framed by old timber.

3. The Old World Charm Of Scandinavian, French Country And Bohemian

Scandinavian design reflects the simple elegance of Nordic countries, where functional furniture usually consists of understated works of art. Colors pop out from the natural fiber throws, from bright plastic accessories, and from enameled aluminum and pressed-wood furniture. Floors consist of broad plank flooring. Everything is spacious. Lighting is natural. Accessories are kept to a minimum. The style pays homage to the charm of Nordic country life.

French Country design is about warm colors and earthly tones, like red and yellow and gold. Furnishings are worn and elemental, like wood furniture, stone floors, and brick walls. You get the impression of a snug farmhouse out in the French countryside. There is no shyness about excess here: ornate porcelain dishes might line a mantelpiece while heavy linen and bed coverings make bedrooms look particularly cozy.

The Bohemian style focuses less on creating a comfortable and well-settled atmosphere and more on expressing a wild, creative, and carefree streak. It is about spontaneous collections and miscellaneous tastes. You will find an abundance of rugs, plenty of inspired textiles, and a rich display of collectibles. While light fixtures and furniture are vintage, the house gives the gypsy-like impression of an unfettered existence.

In conclusion, before deciding what type of furniture to buy or what type of rooms to work on, you need to decipher the vocabulary of interior design style. You do not want the multicultural theme in the playroom clashing with the French Country design of your living room. Whatever your choice of style, stay consistent with it in every room of the house.