What's your interior design Style? What now?
As Interior designers, one of the most important steps we take is discovering what our client’s design style is. Knowing which design style to work in helps us figure out and design the interior for our clients. This design style sets the tone for the colour scheme, furniture style and design style of the interior. It dictates which lighting to use, artwork, use of pattern and texture and helps bring our clients vision into reality. The biggest problem is that most of our clients don’t know what their design style is.
So here is my crash course in the dominant design styles we see in South Africa although there are so many. As humans, we are all so unique, and so each of our interiors is unique. From offices to retail shops, our homes to our restaurants, the design style sets the tone and mood for how we perceive our space and how others feel in our spaces.
So, let’s have a look at some interior design styles:
In South Africa, we are blessed with long summers and mild winters, our architecture is dominated by bright light, large windows, and a lot of space. So, this means that our interiors are not defined by a certain style but rather our lifestyle and culture. South African design style has influences from international styles fused together with colour, pattern, and texture distinctive to our native South Africa. The use of dramatic textures, large architectural plants and shapes add dimension to our design schemes. The use of natural materials and tones gives these interiors an earthly natural feel that brings balance and peace to the interior.
A classic traditional interior has its roots in one of the oldest styles that there are. These interiors are rooted in traditional heritage, shapes and forms which have not changed since they were designed hundreds of years ago. In South Africa, this style can sometimes lend itself to the colonial-style but it’s all about the use of formal furniture and art forms, dark wood, bold colours with strict structure and symmetry.
The Modern interior style is rooted in square shapes and forms without all the fancy shapes and curved lines you would find in a traditional or eclectic interior. The pallet for this design style is typically neutral with small uses of colour in the use of art or scatter cushions. This is a strong style at this time with the interior being organised and uncluttered. The use of interior fittings is sleek, stylish, and simple while complimenting the straight lines and forms of this interior style.
With influences from the Karoo and Cape Dutch styles, the Modern Farmhouse design style has developed into unique interiors. This design style makes use of the old and new seamlessly designed together to create a modern rustic feel. These interiors make use of wood and enamels, comfortable and cosy spaces with a palette of blues, greens, white and black. In a modern farmhouse, you may see modern elements used together with salvaged furniture or interior elements, complimenting each other perfectly to create a warm, inviting space.
Industrial interior design. This design style has been popular in the last few years especially in restaurants, offices, and retail shops. The ceilings and walls no longer hide the service pipes and air ducts away but include these into the design to complement the interior space. While the interior may lend itself to that of a machine factory, it is so much more. The use of leather, wood, and metal along with the dark pallet can be a bit more masculine but with the use of furniture, fabrics, and plants, it is perfectly balanced to create an interior that is interesting, inviting, and full of character.
South Africa is a country full of diversity in not only its people but in its landscapes. With more than 2000 kilometres of coastline, the Coastal design style is one of the dominant design styles we find here. These interiors include the use of light woods, natural pallets, and pops of complementary colours. These interiors attempt to incorporate elements from the outside on the inside. Furniture items may be whitewashed and hues of blue, white and greys are used with touches of yellows to highlight and compliment the blues.
These styles all make use of the space very well but if not carefully adhered to, can look messy, unorganised, and cluttered.
If this sounds like your worst nightmare, perhaps a Minimalist style is what you are drawn to. This interior style is very neat, organised, and clean. These interiors may seem bare to someone who does not enjoy this style but to a minimalist, this interior brings peace and calm. Their mantra of ‘less is more’, supports the environmentalist view of not wasting and reusing. These interiors use clean lines, with very specific use of items in each room which only install functional items, avoiding any items which are deemed ‘useless.’ The pallet in these interiors would be limited to two colours in various tones to keep the space uncomplicated.
Similar to the Minimalist style, is the Scandinavian design style. While most people think of the Scandi’s like the old Vikings, the design style is more organic and modern with ties to the minimalist style. These interiors are light and airy, with the use of light woods and white or tan fabrics. The pallet would make use of creams, whites, and pastels. These interiors are simple, clean, inviting with a distinct feeling of European roots.
Discovering your design style is very important when redesigning your home as it can help you avoid costly design errors or buying furniture elements that will not compliment the design or create this style in your space. Your interior designer is invaluable in this area as their knowledge of design styles and elements that will fit into this style will help you bring your vision into reality.
“Your home should tell the story of who you are and be a collection of what you love.”
Nate Berkus, American interior designer
As you learn about yourself and discover your design style, there are things that you can do to try and figure out what you like and don’t like. While the internet seems like a good idea, you could be overwhelmed by the amount of information out there. Try rather look at magazines and cut out elements that you are drawn to. Visit showrooms and take photos of furniture items, types of flooring, lighting, wallpaper, and other items that you enjoy.
Research different artworks that you think would fit into your interior and take photos of these. Lastly, look around your house and find the things that you really love. Consider how they make you feel and how you can imagine them in your newly remodelled home. Put these things all together and discuss them with your interior designer. Spend time realising your vision and this will make the whole process of redesigning your space so much easier and enjoyable.
“Don’t be afraid to experiment – not everything has to match. A house that is 100% perfect is rarely full of charm.”
Rebecca de Ravenel, NY interior designer
Let us know what your design style is in the comments below!
Inspired design Interiors would love to help you discover your interior design style. Get in touch with us today!
Check out these links for a quick, fun quiz to discover your design style:
As Interior designers, one of the most important steps we take is discovering what our client’s design style is. Knowing which design style to work in helps us figure out and design the interior for our clients. This design style sets the tone for the colour scheme, furniture style and design style of the interior. It dictates which lighting to use, artwork, use of pattern and texture and helps bring our clients vision into reality. The biggest problem is that most of our clients don’t know what their design style is.
So here is my crash course in the dominant design styles we see in South Africa although there are so many. As humans, we are all so unique, and so each of our interiors is unique. From offices to retail shops, our homes to our restaurants, the design style sets the tone and mood for how we perceive our space and how others feel in our spaces.
So, let’s have a look at some interior design styles:
In South Africa, we are blessed with long summers and mild winters, our architecture is dominated by bright light, large windows, and a lot of space. So, this means that our interiors are not defined by a certain style but rather our lifestyle and culture. South African design style has influences from international styles fused together with colour, pattern, and texture distinctive to our native South Africa. The use of dramatic textures, large architectural plants and shapes add dimension to our design schemes. The use of natural materials and tones gives these interiors an earthly natural feel that brings balance and peace to the interior.
A classic traditional interior has its roots in one of the oldest styles that there are. These interiors are rooted in traditional heritage, shapes and forms which have not changed since they were designed hundreds of years ago. In South Africa, this style can sometimes lend itself to the colonial-style but it’s all about the use of formal furniture and art forms, dark wood, bold colours with strict structure and symmetry.
The Modern interior style is rooted in square shapes and forms without all the fancy shapes and curved lines you would find in a traditional or eclectic interior. The pallet for this design style is typically neutral with small uses of colour in the use of art or scatter cushions. This is a strong style at this time with the interior being organised and uncluttered. The use of interior fittings is sleek, stylish, and simple while complimenting the straight lines and forms of this interior style.
With influences from the Karoo and Cape Dutch styles, the Modern Farmhouse design style has developed into unique interiors. This design style makes use of the old and new seamlessly designed together to create a modern rustic feel. These interiors make use of wood and enamels, comfortable and cosy spaces with a palette of blues, greens, white and black. In a modern farmhouse, you may see modern elements used together with salvaged furniture or interior elements, complimenting each other perfectly to create a warm, inviting space.
Industrial interior design. This design style has been popular in the last few years especially in restaurants, offices, and retail shops. The ceilings and walls no longer hide the service pipes and air ducts away but include these into the design to complement the interior space. While the interior may lend itself to that of a machine factory, it is so much more. The use of leather, wood, and metal along with the dark pallet can be a bit more masculine but with the use of furniture, fabrics, and plants, it is perfectly balanced to create an interior that is interesting, inviting, and full of character.
South Africa is a country full of diversity in not only its people but in its landscapes. With more than 2000 kilometres of coastline, the Coastal design style is one of the dominant design styles we find here. These interiors include the use of light woods, natural pallets, and pops of complementary colours. These interiors attempt to incorporate elements from the outside on the inside. Furniture items may be whitewashed and hues of blue, white and greys are used with touches of yellows to highlight and compliment the blues.
These styles all make use of the space very well but if not carefully adhered to, can look messy, unorganised, and cluttered.
If this sounds like your worst nightmare, perhaps a Minimalist style is what you are drawn to. This interior style is very neat, organised, and clean. These interiors may seem bare to someone who does not enjoy this style but to a minimalist, this interior brings peace and calm. Their mantra of ‘less is more’, supports the environmentalist view of not wasting and reusing. These interiors use clean lines, with very specific use of items in each room which only install functional items, avoiding any items which are deemed ‘useless.’ The pallet in these interiors would be limited to two colours in various tones to keep the space uncomplicated.
Similar to the Minimalist style, is the Scandinavian design style. While most people think of the Scandi’s like the old Vikings, the design style is more organic and modern with ties to the minimalist style. These interiors are light and airy, with the use of light woods and white or tan fabrics. The pallet would make use of creams, whites, and pastels. These interiors are simple, clean, inviting with a distinct feeling of European roots.
Discovering your design style is very important when redesigning your home as it can help you avoid costly design errors or buying furniture elements that will not compliment the design or create this style in your space. Your interior designer is invaluable in this area as their knowledge of design styles and elements that will fit into this style will help you bring your vision into reality.
“Your home should tell the story of who you are and be a collection of what you love.”
Nate Berkus, American interior designer
As you learn about yourself and discover your design style, there are things that you can do to try and figure out what you like and don’t like. While the internet seems like a good idea, you could be overwhelmed by the amount of information out there. Try rather look at magazines and cut out elements that you are drawn to. Visit showrooms and take photos of furniture items, types of flooring, lighting, wallpaper, and other items that you enjoy.
Research different artworks that you think would fit into your interior and take photos of these. Lastly, look around your house and find the things that you really love. Consider how they make you feel and how you can imagine them in your newly remodelled home. Put these things all together and discuss them with your interior designer. Spend time realising your vision and this will make the whole process of redesigning your space so much easier and enjoyable.
“Don’t be afraid to experiment – not everything has to match. A house that is 100% perfect is rarely full of charm.”
Rebecca de Ravenel, NY interior designer
Let us know what your design style is in the comments below!
Inspired design Interiors would love to help you discover your interior design style. Get in touch with us today!
Check out these links for a quick, fun quiz to discover your design style:
0 Comments