Interior Design Styles & Ideas
Whether you’re trying to improve your home’s look and feel, either for personal enjoyment or to attract potential buyers, having at least a basic understanding of interior design styles and principles is essential. When the interior of your property is visually cohesive and comfortable, it becomes easy to go about your daily life with joy and host guests with confidence.
Additionally, on the financial side of things, a well-designed home has a higher economic value, making it appealing to potential buyers with its promise of a higher quality of life.
In this article, let’s explore the different types of interior design styles you can choose from, some practical yet effective interior design ideas and how Adore Property Styling can help you stage a home to make it irresistible for aspiring homeowners.
The different styles of interior design
Interior design is the art and science of enhancing the interior of a house or building to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment. It encompasses a wide range of styles, each with its own unique characteristics, history and design elements.
If you’re unsure about how you want your property to look or would like to know how to explain your personal preferences better to a professional designer, here’s a short but comprehensive interior design styles list:
- Modern — Characterised by clean lines, simplicity and a monochromatic palette with small splashes of colour. It focuses on minimalism and the use of materials like metal, glass and steel.
- Contemporary — The contemporary interior design style is often used interchangeably with modern styles but, in actuality, it is supposed to refer to the design of the moment, featuring current trends. This style is always evolving and can incorporate elements from various times, with an emphasis on space, colour and shape.
- Minimalist — While this type of interior design style takes many cues from modern design, its main goal is to simplify home living by maintaining only the bare essential pieces. Inspired by Japanese philosophy, minimalism’s colour palettes are neutral and airy, furnishings are simple and streamlined, and everything added to the space must have a clearly defined function.
- Industrial — Inspired by old factories and industrial spaces, it features raw and unfinished materials like wood and metal with exposed brick, pipes and concrete.
- Mid-Century Modern — Popularised in the 1950s and 60s, it’s known for its retro nods to the era, with organic shapes, clean lines and integration with nature through the strategic use of plants and wood.
- Scandinavian — Balancing simplicity, functionality and minimalism, this type of interior design style is inspired by the Nordic countries. It features a blend of textures, soft hues and well-made, minimalist furniture, with an emphasis on natural light.
- Traditional — Also known as the classic interior design style, people who follow this style wish to reflect classic European décor, with its attention to detail, deep wood tones, ornate furnishings and rich fabrics.
- Transitional — A blend of contemporary and traditional interior design styles, transitional interiors feature lines that are simpler than traditional styles, but more elaborate than contemporary, offering balance and warmth.
- Bohemian — Known for its carefree, eclectic spirit, bohemian interiors are filled with vibrant colours, patterns, detail-rich textiles and an array of trinkets and collectibles.
- Rustic—This is a more earthy interior design style inspired by nature and the cottage aesthetic. Emphasising rugged beauty, it includes natural woods and stone with very minimal use of metals, often featuring handcrafted items and outdoor elements.
- Art Deco — Known for its glamorous and luxurious appearance, Art Deco was partly inspired by the roaring 20s and features bold geometric patterns, rich colours and metallic elements like gold and chrome.
- Shabby Chic — Emphasises vintage elements to create an antique look, often in white and pastel colour palettes. It includes elements like distressed furniture and soft, comfortable textiles.
- Coastal/Hamptons — Inspired by the beach and the seas, it uses light, airy colour palettes and neutral shades with plants and natural materials like wood and linen.
- Eclectic — A mix of periods and styles, eclectic interiors are unified through colour, texture, pattern and/or shape, allowing for personal expression and a blend of old and new.
- Japandi — A blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design, Japandi emphasises minimalism, natural elements, functionality and a harmonious blend of simplicity and comfort.
Interior design ideas for Australians selling their homes
While there are many different styles to choose from, not all interior design styles in Australia can capture the attention of buyers in the competitive housing market. The key is to create a welcoming, attractive space that allows buyers to envision themselves living there. Here are some tailored interior design ideas for Australian homes aiming to captivate potential buyers:
- Maximise natural light — Enhance the abundance of natural light with reflective colours for walls and large mirrors to bounce light around the room. Sheer curtains or blinds can offer privacy without sacrificing sunlight, making spaces appear larger and more inviting.
- Opt for neutral colours — Stick to a neutral colour palette for walls, large furniture pieces and floors to appeal to a broader range of buyers. Introduce colour through accents like cushions, artwork and indoor plants, adding warmth and personality without overwhelming the space.
- Declutter and depersonalise — When styling your home for potential buyers, follow a minimalist example by removing personal items and clutter to help buyers imagine their own lives in the space. This includes family photos, personal collections and any item that is too taste-specific.
- Hire a professional — If you want your home to truly capture the attention of viewers, it might be a good idea to hire a professional like Adore Property Styling. With a good grasp of a wide range of interior design ideas, styles and principles, Adore Property Styling has the expertise to provide full or partial property styling services, resulting in higher market value and faster bids.
Thus, knowing different interior design styles is just a starting point. If you’re looking to design your space to elevate its market value and attract prospective buyers, these interior design ideas provide you with the right basis to execute effective home staging.
Achieve professional results with Adore Property Styling
Collaborate with Adore Property Styling for all your real estate styling needs. Whether you are a homeowner aiming to boost your property’s appeal or an agent in search of expert staging options, our comprehensive experience and expertise will enhance your property’s presentation.
Our process kicks off with an in-depth consultation to grasp your goals and vision, leading to a custom strategic plan that aligns with your budget and exceeds your expectations. Leveraging our proven track record and discerning design sensibility, we’re committed to transforming your property into a coveted space, ensuring it shines in a bustling real estate market.
Opt for Adore Property Styling and entrust your property to professionals known for their excellence. Contact us today and begin your journey to securing a financially favourable sale.
FAQs
Finding the right interior design style involves a mix of personal reflection and research. Start by considering your personal tastes, lifestyle needs and the architectural style of your home. Gather inspiration from design magazines, websites and social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. You can also take online quizzes designed to pinpoint your design preferences.
Finally, consider consulting with professional interior stylists, such as Adore Property Styling, who can help identify a style that suits your preferences and functional needs.
The current trends for interior styling highlight sustainability, natural materials and multifunctional spaces, reflecting a broader interest in eco-friendly living and smart design. Styles like Japandi, which combines Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics, and biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into interiors for enhanced well-being, have been gaining popularity.
Additionally, there’s a resurgence in appreciation for 1980s-inspired decor with bold colours and patterns. In opposition to minimalism, maximalist approaches are also making a comeback.
If you have more questions about this topic or our offerings, check out our FAQs page or feel free to contact us.