Welcome back to another episode of decoding interior design styles!
In this blog post, we’re tackling another three interior design styles: Coastal, French Country, and Transitional. Keep reading to learn all about them — and surf through our blog to read our other posts in this series.
Coastal
The Coastal interior design style is all about capturing the serenity and laid-back vibes of the shore. From the beautiful blue skies to the fine gold sand, this design style reflects natural seaside elements, bringing the ambience of your favourite waterfront resort right into your interior.
This design style originated on the Atlantic coast, where people used it to decorate their seaside homes. Over the years, the Coastal style has become less literal and focuses more on bringing the outside (read: beach) in.
The colour palette of the Coastal design style focuses on crisp whites, pale creams, layered blues (especially pops of navy), and even hues of green. You can also find a variety of browns, caramels, and golds. This style is big on striped patterns, jute textures, and linen upholstery.
Credit: Decorilla
Coastal materials include those you’d find on coastlines — if that wasn’t obvious already. Natural woods, rattan, jute, and airy fabrics are warmly welcomed in this style.
Lighting is a critical element in coastal interior design. Interiors should feel open and airy with maximal natural light. The aim is to break the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors. Think glass doors, large windows, and plenty of fixtures.
Credit: Modsy
Finally, coastal furniture should be made of rattan, wicker, or light weathered woods. Pieces that contribute to a relaxing ambience are allowed to make a statement, whilst rugs made of straw or seagrass are the cherry on the cake.
Credit: Wayfair
To incorporate the Coastal interior design style into your space, complement a neutral interior with pops of blue and plenty of striped patterns. Focus on natural materials and make sure lots of natural light can make its way inside.
French Country
Inspired by the homes in the French countryside, French Country is an interior design style that features casual elegance. It is the perfect blend between a sophisticated and rustic ambience, and features upholstered pieces and patterned fabric. This design style truly brings a slice of French Provence into the interior!
The colour palette of French Country features hues that can be found on the warm side of the colour wheel. Soft pinks, warm yellows, and creams are the major colours found in this design style. It also focuses on neutral colours with warm undertones.
Credit: Thomas Loof
Natural materials with weathered appearances make a statement in French Country. Wood-beamed ceilings, planked floors, and stone fireplaces can be commonly found in this design style.
The lighting should have a distressed appearance, as you’d find in rustic decor. Think rustic chandeliers and metallic Candelabra light bulbs.
Credit: My Move
French Country furniture is all about comfort and style. Seating is usually upholstered and paired with throw pillows and cushions. Coffee and dining tables are typically graceful yet distressed (milk and chalk paint can help achieve the look).
Credit: Home Edit
To achieve the French Country look in your interior, incorporate vintage furnishings, lots of wood, and softly patterned fabrics over a muted interior.
Transitional
The Transitional interior design style is a sophisticated mix of contemporary and classic. It is a warm, collected, and timeless style. Transitional style blends luxury and comfort, modern and antique, masculine and feminine.
This blend is achieved by putting together traditional and modern elements. For example, mount a sleek, contemporary lighting fixture and juxtapose it with traditional wall panelling. Alternatively, you could use an elaborate, traditional chandelier amidst contemporary walls.
Minimal accessories, high-performing fabrics, and functional furnishings are an integral part of this design style.
The colour palette features neutral hues, such as creams and greys. Pops of colour are welcomed through accessories, though!
The materials used in the Transitional interior design style are diverse. From rattan and cotton to suede and corduroy, there are plenty of options to choose from. Additionally, Transitional interiors bring together a plethora of textures, so choosing various fabrics and layering them together is an integral part of this style.
Credit: Laura U
The lighting is sophisticated and sleek. Angular chandeliers and simple pendants are commonly found, though you could step up and opt for a fixture that hints at the ornate grandeur of traditional fixtures, too.
Credit: Martin Kovacek
The furniture of the Transitional interior design style has minimalist silhouettes coupled with wooden textures. Pieces that bring together contemporary and traditional design styles are the perfect pick here.
Credit: oxygen.pt
To incorporate the Transitional interior design style into your space, create a coordinated mix of contemporary and classic in all elements. Be sure to layer textures to make the ambience inviting and use statement wall art to serve as the focal point of the space.
Learn more about the transitional interior design style here.
Final Words
The Coastal, French Country, and Transitional interior design styles are unique and stunning in their own ways. The one you pick depends on your personality and preferences. A beach person? Coastal is the way to go! Appealed by the French countryside? Let’s pick French Country! And if you simply love a combination of old and new, Transitional is just for you.
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.