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Styles Explained

Interior Styles are an important part of your home. Here we explain what each style means and their key features.

Course Overview

Styles Explained

Contemporary

These are current design trends that are occurring at present while paying homage to the past. With contemporary style, there will be modern elements mixed with traditional Art-Deco characters which represents interior design of today. 

 

Key Design Elements

  • Neutral palettes
  • Minimalist 
  • Fluid, curvier 
  • Bold starkness 
  • Industrial inspired elements

Modern

Modern design reflects the modern art movements in the mid-twentieth century. Despite minimalism being an important part of this, most modern spaces are natural and warm. It prioritizes form over function.

 

Key Design Elements

  • Clean lines
  • Minimal home decor
  • Wooden and earthly elements
  • Open floor plan

Japanese

Known popularly as ‘Japandi’, this style is about zen and minimalistic living. Japanese culture is all about paying homage to ancient traditions and cultures. Balance, order and natural beauty are central to this aesthetic. 

 

Key Design Elements

  • Lightness and illumination
  • Nature and natural materials
  • Sliding doors or screens
  • Wood, bamboo and straw
  • Minimalist, low height furniture

Minimalist

As the name suggests, minimalist interior involves using the bare minimum to design a space free of clutter, filled with plenty of light and air. ‘Less is more’ so one can really prioritize the essential by simplifying in an overwhelming world.  

 

Key Design Elements

  • Open floor plan
  • Natural and plenty of light
  • Simple lines
  • Minimalist decor 
  • Airy and uncluttered

Scandinavian

Also known as Nordic design, Scandinavian design is characterized by a minimal, clean approach to combine functionality with beauty. It focuses on simple lines, light spaces and is devoid of clutter, paired with organic and natural materials.

 

Key Design Elements

  • Minimal, clean, warm theme
  • Un clutter 
  • Light filled space
  • Organic & natural materials
  • Functionality

Industrial

Industrial interiors are defined by embracing exposed architectural elements. It looks raw, almost brutal but a carefully curated environment that is comfortable to live in. While it is heavily based on minimalist open spaces, the fun takeaway is you can decor it however you like. 

 

Key Design Elements

  • Cool, neutral palette
  • Open floor plans
  • Natural light
  • Architectural elements
  • Metal-heavy materials

Luxury

An individualistic lifestyle influenced type of theme, luxury design can be comfort, elegance, top of the line materials and lavish furniture. For some it might be purely aesthetics, but others might be indulgence. 

 

Key Design Elements

  • Natural stones
  • High-end furniture
  • Personal, customized 
  • Glitz metallics with luxe textures

Peranakan

Design style that was influenced by an earlier period, be it the colors, accessories, furnishings. Vintage includes interesting charms of antiquity, grandeur and character. Highly decorative, this allows for different moods in different areas. 

 

Key Design Elements

  • Decorative
  • Wallpapers of patterns and colors
  • Weathered wood, glass or stone
  • Rustic

Persian

In local context, Persian interior design is heavily influenced by the Muslim culture. The home is meant to be a place of safe haven with plenty of cultural elements referenced to Islamic teachings and vernacular Malay architecture.

 

Key Design Elements

  • Cultural patterns
  • Bold colors
  • Soft fabrics and furnishing

Boutique

A very individual design concept, Boutique interior spaces should rely on the owner’s expectations and image. There can be different themes for different spaces. Having a boutique home stands out from the crowd. 

 

Key Design Elements

  • Sophisticated ambiance 
  • Wallcoverings
  • Stylized decor 
  • Variety of colors

Classical

A western classic tradition, deeply influenced by the classical style’s architecture, art and design. Also a timeless interior theme which will never go out of style with decorative elements, retro approach and grandeur.   

 

Key Design Elements

  • Order, symmetry and balance
  • Soft colors 
  • Rich finishes and decors
  • Delicate and refined
  • Warm and intimate lighting

Eclectic

A curated mix of a variety of elements from multiple design styles into one space. Eclectic design combines different colors, texture, shape and finish. It is a fusion of modern and traditional as it marries decor from different time periods. 

 

Key Design Elements

  • Mix style genres
  • Decorative patterns, prints and textures
  • Focal point, statement piece
  • Bold colors

Country

Thinking of living away from the city for some peace and tranquility? Country styles range from English, Scandi to farmhouse country. Each of them has their own unique features but they all share the same casual and cozy decor style.


Key Design Elements

  • Pastel colors
  • Earthly tones
  • Brick, stone or wooden textures
  • Vintage, second-hand furnitures 
  • Patterned fabrics