Residential Interior Design

The residential interior design style you choose for your home is a reflection of yourself, your life and your personality. With so many design choices available, this can be overwhelming and somewhat intimidating. Today more than ever, many people are making bold design choices in their homes, whether it is a non-traditional color choice or using exotic decor. In the end, residential interior design styles are defined by the individual tastes and lifestyles of the people living within the home.

Arguably the most widely used of all design styles is the classic traditional design style. Calmness, order and simplicity are feelings this type of style will evoke. Traditional style homes will portray warmth and classic comfort many of us remember from our childhood. Fabrics are generally neither too shiny nor too loud. Solid colors, florals, muted plaids and subtle stripes are all widely used. While accessories are valuable, to avoid clutter, they should be kept to a minimum. Furniture pieces are functional and somewhat casual, usually having rounded edges and plush seating. Old and new pieces work well side by side while keeping consistent the element of fine woodwork and craftsmanship. Often you will find crown molding and chair rails to compliment this classic design. Traditional design has evolved from grand and stuffy into a fresher, more relaxed setting. Overall, the ambiance of traditional decor is homey, understated, and frill-free although some well chosen home accessories can add a lot.

If you are looking for the opposite of traditional design, then contemporary may be what you seek. Sometimes described as a modern approach, contemporary design is filled with clean, sleek lines, striking colors and abstract accessories. Smooth surfaces of wood, metal, steel and glass will be used freely, while furnishing and fixtures of a geometric shape will compliment the overall design. You won’t find intricate details in this style, but that doesn’t mean your home will look stark, cold and sterile. Incorporating fabrics such as silk or crushed velvet will offset crisp lines and create a more inviting feeling. Keep in mind this design style is very strong, and makes a bold statement. A family with similar characteristics will feel right at home in this style. A contemporary interior will work best with similar architectural design. While this would be a great style for an urban loft, it certainly would not work in a Plantation home.

Lived-in comfort and coziness is what country design is all about. The focus is on natural textures, handcrafted accessories and timeless charm. Simply take a look outside and you will see where the country style begins. This is why you will often see rooms centered around greens, blues, beige and white. Fabrics with opposing patterns, such as florals and stripes, are freely mixed. Layering curtains and adding beaded board to the walls will soften the room. Surfaces with natural or earthy materials, such as wicker, leather, stone and wood, are visually and physically pleasing. People who are fond of this country style will search estate sales and flea markets for antique or second-hand pieces to complete their home. Some items you could include in this style home would be wicker end tables, landscape paintings or hand woven blankets. You can look around a country style home and imagine the story behind each piece of furniture or accent. While the furniture is practical and sturdy, useful accents and time-worn accessories can fill each nook and cranny. Features like comforters and quilts can soften rustic wooden furniture too - have a look at this link for a good comforters guide!

In addition to these main styles, there are many more styles of design. Use these three styles as a starting point for your home design, and simply add or subtract what works for your family. If you remain focused on the needs of the people living in your house, you will be successful at residential interior design. Walk around your house and decide what purpose each room serves, and what style would best complement that purpose. With just a little thought, research and planning you can create a stimulating and restful environment in your home that will appeal to everyone.