Defining decorating styles

Architect: Studio McGee

Take our decorating styles Quiz, defining the 5 main decorating styles>

We have narrowed down to 5 defined decorating styles to help you understand which way you’re leaning towards with your upcoming new build or renovation. Half the battle when starting a new home project whether you’re re-decorating or starting from scratch you need to have the overall design direction decided on. This then becomes the foundation in the design selections. Every decision/ selection is worked on based off this original design vision which we call the brief board in the office.

By doing the Quiz the results will show you what you’re favourite style is in as a percentage result, because what we find as designers is there’s always a mix of design. So you might be 60% west coast casual and 40% modern industrial, this helps define a unique style you reflect you personally.

Architect: Studio McGee

1. West Coast Casual.

Probably my favourite design style, I get a lot of inspiration from Californian designers to pull off this look. With our location in Perth, this style leans very well to our climate and also design style, it’s kinda coastal, it’s casual and feels warm and approachable.

You’re all about causal living but still using a refined colour palette. Your home interior scheme is mainly a mix of earth and neutrals tones. Materials you should stick to are warm wood tones, oaks colour tones with linen fabrics and touches of black or brass metal tones. You love to create calmness and harmony within your home and it really is your sanctuary.

Other designers that pull off this style well; studio McGee, Amber Interiors

Architect: Studio McGee

Designer: Banda Property London UK

2. Luxe Classic Chic.

You love classic, whites and neutral will be the base colour palette, but there will be plenty hints of brass or lovely gunmetal / nickel metal tones to elevate the look of your home. Pared with some hints of black and white and patterns & texture.

If your house was a fashion statement it would be the ‘Coco Channel’ fashion brand. Use a classic colour palette and add colour through accessories, usually of a muted pastel colours and swap them out depending on the season. Remember what Coco always said about accessories “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” Same applies to your home, don’t over accessorize!

Other designers that pull off this style well: Banda Property London UK

Designer: Banda Property

Designer: Studio Prineas

3. Timeless Mid- Century

Do you love vintage pieces? Mid-century design usually has a strong focus on the icon furniture made in that era mid 20th Century. These pieces were exquisitely hand made and are very valuable today. That vintage look is back! The interior needs to speak to the pieces within the home, such timber panelling, timber flooring and wallpaper and artwork can all have their moment. It’s a delicate balance, of creating enough white space to show off pieces, without your home looking like a caravan.

Designers to watch: Studio Prineas

Designer: Studio Prineas

Designer: Amber Interiors US

4. Modern Farmhouse

Size doesn’t matter with you, as long as you have your precious pieces and good memories create joy in your home. While you may have white walls and exposed white beams throughout, you know how to layer rich textures to give a sense of comfort. You may enjoy antique style finishes, that patina over time and think rustic timber pieces for wow factor.

Designer Joanna Gaines is a big influencer in claiming this as her style and has kind of made it a mainstream style for a lot of American’s. There is a certain look to pull this style off well, without being too eclectic and cluttered. My intention would be to add some modern elements, for a bit of a different twist to the style.

Designers to watch: Amber Interiors

Architect: Shroffle’on

Interior Architect: Flack Studio Melbourne

5. Modern Industrial

Are you drawn to raw materials? Think exposed brick or concrete with hints of black elements. A must is black window frames, some rustic lighting pendants. You don’t mind exposed air-conditioning ducts and exposed beams , no plain white gyprock ceilings here. Everything has a raw edge, a rustic feel and materials that patina overtime to add to the depth of character within the interior. I feel black / metal finishes are big defining elements to pull off this design well.

If you’re thinking of using an interior designer for your home renovation or new build design, it’s so much easier for us designers if you have a Pinterest board. If you have already started saving a heap of images, it’s true a picture tells a 1000’s words and because us designers are visual people.

Designers: (Image 1) Flack Studio  (Image 2) Sisalla Interior studio (image 3) Flack Studio

Iamge 1: Sisalla Image 2:  Flack Studio

For more interior design inspiration, have a look at these posts:

KITCHENS: Defining a Timeless kitchen >>
KITCHENS: Which Kitchen benchtop to go with? >
RENOVATING: Choosing a renovation contractor or Builder? >>
STUDIO PROJECT: Before & After of a warm contemporary Kitchen design
HOME TOUR: Gorgeous charming & modern Californian Bungalow