Amanda Ncube
A SIGNIFICANT challenge many homeowners face is a lack of terminology to describe and define their personal interior design style to a point that they end up opting for styles that they do not like.
It can be daunting to identify which style will work best for you as there are various unique design styles. From modern to traditional . . . the list is endless.
Here are some interior design styles that homeowners may select from and how they differ from one another. A traditional design style offers a combination of comfortable furniture, classic details and unexpected décor. It incorporates design elements that allow homeowners to feel comfortable and elegant at the same time.
The traditional style features warm, dark, rich colours, finished wood and a variety of patterns and textures that are very appealing.
Furnishings have elaborate and sumptuous details and fabrics, like velvet and silk which may include a variety of patterns and textures.
Most of the times people think modern and contemporary means one thing but that is not the case. Modern and contemporary are two styles frequently used interchangeably. Contemporary describes design based on the here and now while modern refers to the period that has passed.
Contemporary is more fluid and no single style is dominant. For example, contemporary style may include curving lines, whereas modern design does not.
Modern design style refers to a home with clean, simple colour palette and the use of materials that can include metal, glass and steel. It has a sense of simplicity in every element, including furniture and there is no clutter or accessories involved.
The minimalist style takes concepts of modern design and simplifies them further. Colour palettes are neutral and light; furnishing is simple and rationalised, and nothing is excessive or flamboyant in accessories or décor.
Industrial style is characterised by unfinished rawness, exposed brick, wood, high ceilings, old timber and dangling metal light fixtures with sparse functional furniture. There may possibly be one or two pieces of abstract art or photography to add a splash of colour to an otherwise neutral colour scheme derived from the primary materials of wood and metals.
Then there is rustic design which is drawn from natural inspiration, using raw and often unfinished elements, including wood and stone.
Rustic design may incorporate accessories from the outdoors with warmth emulating from the design and architectural details that may include features like curved ceilings adorned with wood beams or reclaimed wood floors.
TO BE CONTINUED . . .