Traditional, Modern, Scandinavian, Bohemian … the list of interior design styles is ever-evolving. But despite the endless possibilities in styles, people often struggle to find the right vocabulary to explain their preference. Oftentimes, they even find it difficult to tell design styles apart.
Hence why we’re launching a new series where we break down each interior design style, so that you can easily identify a particular style and tell one apart from another.
Let’s kick things off with three famous interior design styles: Art Deco, Boho, and Mid-Century!
Art Deco
Having its roots in the 1900s, Art Deco design style has been around for quite some time. As such, decorating with Art Deco style means embracing the styles prevalent during the twentieth century.
It is featured by a strong and bold look and is characterised by symmetric patterns and prints, including zigzags, curves, and triangles. The materials used for Art Deco are diverse; from velvet and leather to zebra skin, everything upscale can be used. Metallic finishes and marble are commonly used, and mirrors and glass play a major role as well.
Credit: Charish
The colour palette used in Art Deco is strikingly bold. Reds, greens, blues, and pinks are famous shades. Lighting in the Art Deco style is geometric and symmetrical, and largely characterised by fixtures made with etched glass and fanned-out shapes. One fantastic example of this is a minimalist sputnik chandelier.
Credit: Home Designing
Art Deco furniture pieces usually have large, streamlined shapes and sleek appearances, and the upholstery for furniture should be made of high-end material.
If you want to incorporate a few elements of Art Deco — it combines very well with other design styles, too! Pick a streamlined sofa set or use one of the bold colours characteristic of the period in your otherwise contemporary setting for a versatile interior.
Credit: CGI Furniture
Boho (Bohemian)
The Boho — short for Bohemian — interior design style features liveliness and culture. It combines elements from different parts of the world and is characterised by carefree and unconventional decor items that can border on haphazard. As such, Boho creates an interior that is truly unique and reflective of who you are.
Bohemian materials include anything and everything you can mix and match. From burlap and silk to velvet and sateen, there are numerous combinations that work together. However, the materials used should look slightly worn out for the ultimate Boho aesthetic.
Credit: Rowan Mersal
The colour palette used for this design style roughly revolves around warm earthy tones. Browns, whites, and beiges are particularly loved, though any colours can make an appearance. Boho style also focuses on an amalgamation of different textures — layer woollen throws and fringe rugs, for example. Also prominent are natural textures, such as rattan and wicker.
Credit: Puzzle Studio
Lighting in the Boho style is understated, so lights that create a calm, welcoming, and relatively dim ambience are particularly famous. Furniture pieces are majorly vintage items collected over time, and decor items tend to embrace the natural world (hint: plants).
To achieve Boho style in your interior, mix different patterns and colours, use rustic finishes, and don’t hesitate to incorporate touches of asymmetry and imperfection!
Mid-Century
Mid-Century design style gets its name from its origins — it was founded in the middle of the 20th century. It is defined by a classic, understated look with clean lines, a diversity of materials (both natural and man-made), graphic shapes, and gentle curves inspired by nature.
Credit: Decorilla
Mid-Century materials are vast; anything from wood and glass to vinyl and metal make up the style. Colours mainly focus on muted tones, such as golds and neutrals, whilst occasional pops of colour do make an appearance.
Credit: Leon and George
Lighting in the Mid-Century design style usually uses hanging/pendant lights and floor lamps. Wall-mounted fixtures and spotlights aren’t widely used in this design style. Furniture pieces may or may not be mismatched in shape and colour. In that regard, sofa sets with smooth curves and neat lines and cushions with bold fabrics and fun prints are signatures of this style.
You can create a mid-century interior by starting off with a bold colour palette and using it to incorporate different patterns and textures into your space. Also, finding a few Mid-Century furniture pieces will work wonders to anchor your space in the Mid-Century style.
Credit: Decorilla
Final Words
With so many design styles out there, it can be tough telling different ones apart. But our mission is to help decode each style one by one, so that everyone will have the tools needed for a discerning eye when it comes to interior design. Stay tuned to our blog and watch out for our next three picks!
Need some help to define your style and translate it into your space? Just book one of our Interior Design Gurus here! They can look at your space over video chat and give you tips, ideas and guidance on how to achieve an interior that you love.