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In this article, we are covering 3 interior design styles that are popular in London properties. In reality, most practitioners blend different elements from many decorating styles together, but it’s also vital to identify the core aspects of each one. Interior designers in North London, who are passionate about exploring a number of design styles, have given us 3 tips broken down below.
There are many other interior designs beyond the 3 types outlined below, but they wanted to focus on the major styles that are currently in vogue.
Mid-Century Modern
The everlasting popularity of Mid-Century Modern style is based on many factors. It gave us gentle organic curves, clean lines and a love for many different designs and materials that are still idolised today.
While there are disagreements about when this period started, it roughly lasted from the mid-1940s to mid-1970s. The timeless quality of this style, however, continues to appeal to modern homeowners.
Distinguishing Features
The distinguishing features of this interior design style consist of an understated, classic look and clean lines with minimal fuss.
- Minimal ornamentation
- Functionality is crucial- form follows function
- An exploration of many different traditional as well as modern materials
- Sleek and uncluttered lines with both geometric and organic forms
- The juxtaposition of different and contrasting materials
Colour and materials
Current methods of construction and new materials like plastic dramatically influenced Mid-Century contemporary designers. Plastic was used for its unique qualities instead of imitating wooden furniture.
How to furnish in mid-modern style
Don’t feel compelled to create a complete replica of a mid-century modern home, from furnishings to landscaping. You can, if that is what you truly want, but for many who are just starting out it can feel rather intimidating when tackling a style they love. It can even prove rather costly to purchase authentic pieces. Instead, look out for items still being made to this day as many have seen a revival due to the demand.
Know the distinguishing features of the style and find pieces that echo that. Iconic pieces from this era have been copied and adapted endlessly, and the chances are that you’ll find the pieces that fit your lifestyle and budget – that is if you don’t want to spend a fortune on furniture.
Purchasing vintage furniture is one way to achieve this, and even if you decide to buy new, one large piece can set a beautiful tone, so build around it. It also doesn’t have to be a set, but avoid too many patterns and stay within a colour range, especially for wood.
Scandinavian
An off-shoot of the mid-century modern movement, the Scandinavian design introduced the famous minimalist look to the interior design field which lasts to this day. Although many people associate it with IKEA, there are many different varieties of subset looks within the Scandinavian design itself.
Featuring playful accent colours, gentle contours and a balance of organic and engineered materials, Scandinavian furniture is contemporary, functional and straightforward. Many of these designs employ Bauhaus principles and are characterised by a focus on object proportions, fluid lines and populist appeal. A vast majority of Scandinavian interior designs use white with grey tones as the primary colours.
Farmhouse
Farmhouse décor is a contemporary approach to cabin-inspired interior designs. It’s mostly transitional in nature with many traditional elements mixed in. Farmhouse aesthetics should transport your imagination to French Provence. Source greeneries and a bunch of dried lavender-careful arrangement of planters and vases will really stylize your home.
Farmhouse furniture is characterised by upholstered linen and distressed wood. It’s similar to nautical décor white and beige-base colours. Orthodox rules dictate that accent colours should be similar light yellow or turquoise, but we find it better to introduce some brighter colours for definition and pop.
A rudimentary understanding of interior design styles can be of great help in solidifying your personal design ideas. The ability in identifying different design styles will help you conjure up inspirational versions of your home and provide a framework to make your personal aesthetic. By just expressing your inspired version, magic happens.