There are so many interior design styles to choose from. But what do they mean?
On our Facebook page, we covered the A-Zs of interior styles. Non-exhaustive, it gives you good exposure to existing styles. The hardest part is choosing one style you’d like.
Formal Traditional
Furnishings and designs hail from the Renaissance, Baroque, Early and Late Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian eras. Think Buckingham Palace or Downton Abbey.
If elegance and propriety are the stuff of your dreams, this style’s for you. The formal traditional style incorporates fine furnishings, exquisite wall coverings, elaborate moldings, formal window treatments and Oriental rugs.
Informal Traditional
A toned-down version of the formal traditional style, the informal version’s furnishings are less refined. Instead of grandeur and primness, this style is comfortable and welcoming.
For a home exuding comfortable elegance, choose light coloured furnishings which are easy to maintain. For example, switch out dark tanned leather for camel pleather, and oriental rugs for deep solid colours.
Country American
Hand-me-downs and modern select pieces are key to pulling this look together. What you want to achieve in the American Country style is a hillbilly version of shabby-chic.
This means woody accents which have been slightly worn. A sliding barn door is also an option (Check out our previous sliding barn door project). Wood beams, wicker furniture and farm animal figurines or artwork are great furnishing choices.
Country French
Almost similar to American Country, French Country décor has a certain je ne sais quoi about it.
Featuring rustic elements, French Country chateaus are light and uncluttered. Bring in natural elements like woods and plants, and furniture with nice clean lines. When in doubt, keep things simple!
Arts & Crafts
If you’re all about authenticity and simplicity, this style is for you.
Oak wood is a staple in Arts and Craft décor. The style avoids any ostentatious designs and opts for handcrafted, quality designs. Other elements in this style include a natural colour palette and warm metal accessories.
International Modern
This look upholds ultra simplicity.
Unlike the previous styles, skip the wood and opt for metals. Keep abstract patterns and unusual textures to a minimum, contrasting it with hard lines and smooth surfaces.
Romantic Victorian
Expect lots of patterns featuring English garden florals expressed in fabric and wall coverings.
Jungalow
If there’s one thing millennials love, it’s plants. Fiddle-fig trees, snake plants, cacti and air plants. Whatever your assortment, bring in other natural elements such as wicker and wood.
To minimise your carbon footprint while redecorating, upcycle or bring in vintage pieces. Keep a close eye on Singapore’s thrift stores, Carousell or Facebook Marketplace for a good steal!
Ethnic
Bring in a touch of heritage and culture into your space. Choose from Chinoiseries, Indian Mughal inspiration, or Peranakan tiles to remind you of your sense of place.
Fabric and Wall Covering
This method is a great way to make a big change if you haven’t the budget to do a major redecoration overall.
Scandinavian
If you’re not looking to project a loud and bold personality in your space, this may just be your style of choice. Make Scandinavian your choice if you want a timeless look if something about the clean and neutral colours speak to you.
The use of light shades of brown, yellow, grey lends a practical, homey feel.
Industrial
Unfinished columns without drywall wraps, exposed bricks, steel cabinets, pipes and ducts, tungsten light bulbs from antique light fixtures – things commonly associated with Industrial interiors.
This style is great to invoke a mood of suspense.
If you’re looking for a style that’s outside the ones mentioned here, you may find our customized design service useful for you. Be sure to share this with friends who are searching for a style for their home renovation!
