Introduction

The purpose of Design Styles is that they are subjective and you can mix them, match them, enjoy them or just pick out the best bits. The styles listed below are serious and official with extensive detailing, accurate historical reference, timelines, colours, influences, shapes, decoration and tastes. 

I am not completely sure why I did this although it was done in an attempt to find out my own personal style as a design professional. Looking around my living space I found my design style could not fit neatly under one heading, so I took an online quiz to find out if I could claim any of the design styles below. 

1. Interior Design Styles

Here is a list of many interior styles but it is not conclusive:

• Contemporary

• Minimalistic

• Transitional

• Rustic

• French Country

• Shabby Chic

• Coastal

• Luxe (Hollywood Regency)

• Scandinavian

• Urban Modern

• Bohemian

• Mid Century Modern

• Industrial

• Eclectic

• Modern Farmhouse

• Modern Country

• Art Deco

• Asian Zen

• Feng Shui

• European Classic

• Tropical

• Victoriana

• Regencycore (latter part of the Georgian period)

• Royalcore (put into orbit by Generation Z full of whimsy, intricate detailing, four-poster beds, gold accents, floral wallpaper etc.)

• Country

• Chalet Style

• Classical

• French

2. I'm confused, so many styles

There are many other official styles other than those I have listed, that have been documented and given their dues but the above are the main styles. Although you may be familiar with some of them, please be assured that when you get to speak to your designer they will not expect you to categorize your own “style”.

I have a handful of friends that I know who love Art Deco, some that love Urban Modern although they do not know the name necessarily and a dear friend who is strictly Regency/Luxe with a sprinkling of Lavender tones. Matching you to your design style is for us to work out. 

3. Cinematic Influences

One of my favourite pastimes is to snuggle down comfortably and watch a good movie. I share this passion with many people of all ages and backgrounds. The sets are very carefully curated by professional designers in relation to the storyline or the fictitious stories. I have missed pertinent actions and dialogue due to being engrossed in the room sets, architecture and yes, the fashions.

A popular seasonal favourite is Kevin’s adventurous Christmas in ‘Home Alone’.

Love George Banks’ traditional dining room in Father of the Bride

The visual experience of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey

or Jane Adler’s kitchen from “It’s Complicated” 

Or Erica Barry’s ultra comfy beach house from Something’s Gotta Give:

Who could not be inspired by Kingsman: The Secret Service film:

And lastly Lucious and Cookie’s vast Living Room in ‘Empire’:

4. Design Consultations

What to talk about when you are offered a complimentary consultation with an Interior Designer. Timing, when would you like your project to be completed. Your goal, what you would like your home to do for you. Your design passions - favourite colours, wishlist items of furniture, unusual artwork, what is not working at the moment etc. How much do you want to spend?

Remember to only share what you are comfortable sharing and not to be alarmed by some of our questions. Many designers, after the consultation, will send you a design questionnaire with a handful of specific questions so we can reach your design aspirations or solve your challenges effectively. 

Our job, where we can, is to improve the interior traffic flow, to include appropriate task lighting, to counteract negative natural lighting, to enhance comfort for the occupants of a home, to introduce sustainable products where possible, to share with you design options, to support the tasks, habitats and routines of those who inhabit the home. We want to make your space a safe, comfortable, enjoyable, well lit, coordinated, tasteful, personalized space. A space that makes you smile when you come home. 

What we are trying to find out is who you are, what you like, the type of dwelling you live in and what design challenges you currently have.

For now, let's get to know each other - let's talk. 

5. What is it about the Colour Pink?

In my world, this colour has been trending for at least 4 years and is still popular. I remember a client of mine who said that she wanted a pink bathroom for her en-suite and the tiles should be shiny and pink. I wanted to know if her husband would be happy with this strong choice of colour. She said it was his idea. Rumour has it that they had gone uptown for dinner to a chic London restaurant and both the Ladies and Gents WCs were pink and before their meal was finished they fell in love. Since then pink requests have been constant from kitchens to cloakrooms and all in between.

It is said that it was originally a very masculine colour signifying courage and strength. It is a good colour, especially with the grey overtones that are constant in our available UK light. 

6. Dulux Paint - Colour of the Year

Some of the major paint manufacturing companies predict and promote selected paint colours for the year. Usually referred to as “the paint colour of the year by ….”. It is usually a colour hue that is the opposite of last year's successful paint purchases. I secretly believe it is currently their way of getting us away from years of grey. Our clothes have been tailored in grey, our boots, our coats, our carpets, our walls, our furniture, our coffee cups - I could go on for another 15 minutes, at least!

So the Dulux 2021 winner was a colour called Brave Ground. A warm clay neutral touted as a “supportive mother earth colour”. Its detractors referred to it as a drab beige, grubby magnolia, boring, unpainted damp plaster. Ouch! This taupe tone with lavender undertones is not a step but a leap from the grey that we have loved so much for years.

Dulux describes the colour as 'the cornerstone of decorating' and a 'warm elemental neutral which allows other colours to shine', Brave Ground promotes stability, growth and potential, providing a firm foundation for change and creativity in the home. [excerpt taken from House Beautiful]

Don't get too comfortable as it is rumoured the colour for 2022 is Cobalt Blue emerging once again after a 4 year hiatus.

7. What Goes Around Comes Around

Below is the set from a scene in “Auntie Mames'' an American 1958 vintage comedic film. The story is about a bohemian socialite who survives the market crash of 1929, who marries a millionaire and then teaches her nephew how to live starring Vincent Price and Rosalind Russell.

This film was released in 1958 which means the below designed set could have been photographed that year or 1957 or even 1956. It is not a film I have seen.

I have recently drooled at the very same setup in a 20th century luxury home featured in a recent publication. I thought it was so original and it did distract me from the impending dentists’ checkup. I cannot share the picture with you as I cannot support it with credits but I found this stylish and magnificent staircase setup (shown below the “original” image).

Film - Auntie Mames

8. Less is More Chic

So the outcome of my online style quiz was my style: Less is More Chic and summarized as - seeking drama which explains why my two favourite styles are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Part of me is drawn to clean lines and spare rooms, while the other side can't resist luxurious textures, sparkle and ornament. My advice was that I should create the perfect middle ground by anchoring my rooms with minimalist furniture, then glam it up with luxe accessories. 

Finally… 

In support of concealed built-in storage, few distractions and super comfortable seating, my favourite pad is actually shown below.

Clean, colourful, minimalist, low maintenance, uncluttered, spacious with extensive outdoor views, good lighting, upholstered walls and some creative artwork. So the quiz and assessments it entailed didn't quite get my style!

The Jetsons - George and Jane’s Living Room