finding your personal interior style
While deciding on one interior style isn’t necessary for decorating or designing your space, it can be helpful to identify what you’re looking for. We should know the three basic design categories, traditional, transitional, and modern or contemporary, but there can be so much more to it than that! Each of these trendy styles falls under one of those categories, and none of them are right or wrong, whatever you feel that you naturally lean towards.
MID CENTURY MODERN / POST MODERNISM
WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR
This iconic 70s-inspired design style is back in a big way. Easily identified by its quirky shapes and stark contrast, this style is easily achieved with statement furniture pieces that pack a punch. Think 70s colours: creamy browns and beiges, earthy greens, muted reds and pinks, dusty oranges, you know the drill! Medium-toned wood shades and pieces that appear almost unpractical, we love it.
WHAT WE’RE NOT DOING
Mid-century modern is not new. The shift that makes this trend sleek and fresh is turning away from the Flintstones inspired furnishings and updating to larger pieces with soft lines. We’re saying goodbye to mustard yellow and teak finishes and moving onto bigger and better things. You got this!
MODERN FARMHOUSE
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Rustic finishes and antiques are essential to nailing this look. Natural materials are a YES: raw edges, wood, cozy linen and wool fabrics, and earthy stones. Warm finishes, lots of texture, and creamy, dreamy colours will help you recreate this style in your own space.
WHAT WE’RE NOT DOING
We’ve seen the ‘farmhouse’ look done on HGTV a bajillion times. We’re over it. Cheesy quotes, barn doors, and fur everything are a thing of the past. This new, modern farmhouse style feels luxurious and edgy, and features real antiques and traditional furnishings at a dramatic scale. Like a real farm, but better. Lol.
COASTAL CHIC
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Allll the rattan, beads, pampas grass and woven textures. We’re keeping it neutral with clean lines draped in natural fabrics. Keep it light, bright and airy with whites, beiges, and tonal, muted blues and greens. Painting your walls white is the first step.
WHAT WE’RE NOT DOING
We’re walking a fine line with this one. HARD pass to anything that your grandma would keep in her beach-themed bathroom. NO seashells, NO anchors, NO rope knots that you learned in Girl Guides. It’s not a theme, it’s a style, don’t be too literal.
PARISIAN APARTMENT STYLE
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
This French-inspired design style is known for ornate finishes and lots of details. Picture the dreamy Parisian loft apartment that every cool girl has in any movie filmed in Paris. Brass hardware, curved lines and that iconic French trim. Look for vintage furniture and millwork styles with a warm, bright palette. When in doubt, add wainscoting.
WHAT WE’RE NOT DOING
You can skip the ruffles, nailhead details and dramatic tufting for this one. No pictures of the Eiffel Tower, please. Think romantic and effortless.
MODERN MINIMALISM
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Clean, minimal lines and shapes. Less is more here, think Kim and Kanye’s house. This style is stark and meant for the neat-freaks out there. Neutral colours are ideal, this look can either feel moody and modern or neutral and sleek.
WHAT WE’RE NOT DOING
A single piece of furniture in a room. Get creative, add visual interest through texture instead of colour and make sure it doesn’t feel like you’re living in a concrete box.
BOHEMIAN / ECLECTIC
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Natural finishes, layered textiles, plants. Leather, rattan, and linen are your go-to materials, with lots of texture. Colour can be incorporated carefully into this style using vintage pieces and unique art. We’re trying to bring the outdoors in, this style is ideal for most maximalists.
WHAT WE’RE NOT DOING
We’re not hanging tapestries on the wall and living in an indoor jungle. Keep it clean and fresh, and turn away from finishes that appear cool or synthetic.