8 Design Aesthetics

top 8

The most popular design styles and their characteristics all in one place to help you discover your aesthetic!

INDUSTRIAL

HOLLYWOOD GLAM

Interior Design Aesthetics

COASTAL

SCANDINAVIAN

BOHEMIAN

FARMHOUSE/COTTAGE

RUSTIC

MINIMALISTIC

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Minimalist

As the name implies, minimalist style is simple, low-key and unfussy. Minimalist designers tend to take on the "less is more" principle and apply it to their spaces, taking notions of modern design and simplifying them further. Minimalism in the home consists of ultra clean lines and streamlined furnishings. A light and airy neutral colour pallete is predominantly used in minimalist spaces to provide a sense of warmth and coolness to the eyes. Some designers perefer to take minimalism quite literally, using a mainly black, white and grey colour scheme inspired by traditional Japanese art.

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FarmHouse/Cottage

Farmhouse style takes on notes of rustic and shabby chic design style and adds a lighter and more natural feel. Country style takes on an all white look with colours incorporated through the use of natural woods and accessories. Cozy, natural fabrics and vintage, shabby chic furniture with a rustic flair is heavily used, rarely seeing metal and glass. Shiplap, cielings with exposed wooden beams and barn doors are also strong features that aid in the creation of a farmhouse effect. Dominant fireplaces act as an accent and are commonly seen in farmhouse interiors as it contributes to the cozy aura of the space.

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Coastal

Aka nautical/beachy

Nautical design style is commonly seen around coastal areas as it can be considered odd to have a beach theme in the suburbs. Interiors with a nautical theme usually feel light and breezy, light colours with splashes of bright colours such as navy blue and plum are predominanly used in nautical homes. This design style is inspired by the sea, sand and shells, influencing the colour pallete to lean towards natural, relaxing shades. Lots of natural light from windows paired with decor crafted from natural and organic materials such as wicker, wood and rope, can help to construct the feeling of being in a seascape.

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Hollywood Glam

Aka Hollywood Regency

Hollywood Glam is a design style which tends to be luxurious, over the top and opulent. Often using bold, rich colours such as red, purple, dark greens and gold to add to the dramatic effect. Mirrored furniture, metallic accents and luxurious fabrics such as satin, velvet and silk combine to create an extravagant, yet elegant and refined space. Mirrored and glitzy accessories are heavily used in interiors of this style, helping the space to look elite and expensive.

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Scandinavian

Scandinavian style predominantly follows a white and light wood colour scheme, inspired by the simple lifestyles of those in Nordic countries, this design style is timeless and reminiscent of snow and mountains found in those countries. Lightwood flooring and white furniture are dressed up with subtly coloured rugs and pillows, with occasional use of patterns to add depth and personality to the space. Scandinavian spaces often use organic materials, few accessories, natural light and minimal furniture that is stylish, purposeful and functional without being too trendy. Large mirrors and playful accent colours, as well as the principles of symmetry and scale, are heavily recogniseable details of a Scandinavian home.

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Bohemian

Bohemian is a popular interior design style worldwide. Vibrant colours, rich patterns and bold colour schemes make up the bohemian aesthetic. An interesting characteristic of bohemian is to purpousefully make things look messy by mixing different colours and elements such as throws, pillows and rugs. Bohemian interior is also a true representation of an adventurous and care free spirit. So, designers try to display these qualities in their styles and designs. Many bohemian designs are inspired by tribal styles that may consist of amimal hides, natural wood and gold and copper metallic accents. Designers also love playing with worn fabrics, mandalas and macrame. Accent pieces could include lanterns, mirrors, tapestries and plants.

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Industrial

Industrial style tends to lean towards the masculine side and draws inspiration from a warehouse or loft and can often reflect a minimalistic, uncluttered feel. Exposed brick and wood are common in industrial interiors, as well as high cielings, metallic light fixtures and large art pieces . Typically, colour is integrated into the otherwise dark neutral colour palette through the use of abstract art containing a pop of colour. Gold, copper and titanium are predominantly used within furnature pieces and accents such as shelving units, coffee tables and mirrors.

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Rustic

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Typically, rustic style is on the cosier end of the spectrum thanks to its heavy use of exposed ceiling beams, stone wall, wooden flooring, prominant staircases and wood burning fireplaces. Rustic style shares similarities with a log cabin home, unfinished stone and dark wood elements are common within this design style and furnishings and decor are inspired by nature and outdoors. Cowhides, sheepskin and simple fabrics are dotted around the space to add depth and texture to an otherwise neutral colour pallette. Other accessories such as fur throws and pillows and rough and repolished metal accents are widely used amongst interor designers. Distressed and handcrafted furnature derived from raw materials is popular amongst this style, encouraging rugged, natural beauty.