Identifying Your Interior Style

What Is Your Interior Style?

Welcome back to The Retro Edit... 
I will be starting a series of posts discussing how to tackle a renovation project step by step. Today I will begin by identifying different interior styles. Before starting any renovations, I would strongly encourage you all to sit down and really pin down what types of interiors you enjoy and that really is a case of what tickles your fancy. For example, you might not like floral wallpaper or might really despise the all-embracing magnolia. But if  there is a partner involved, that make it a little bit more difficult aha in which case a middle-ground is always an option. Ask yourself, "What am I trying to achieve with my space?" What do I want the end-product to look like? Lets take a look at a few different interior styles.  You might be a modernist, a classicist, a eclecticist, a minimalist, a maximalist or an industrialist, but maybe you are not yet aware of it. Let's take a look at a few common interior styles.

Mid Century Modern

The mid century modern theme pays homage to  a transition of change, mid 20th century and is interchangeable with the term "retro". More specifically, from the 1940's onwards up until the1970's, post-war called for a need for modern living. Mid century modern interiors very much focus on the incorporation of functionality and flow within the space. This is most commonly achieved by playing with the variation between the indoor and outdoor, bringing the outdoors inside and the indoors out. Close attention is paid to furniture with legs, natural materials such as wood, muted colour schemes and a high level of simplicity. 

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Contemporary 

There is a much controversy when it comes to contemporary design. Contemporary design can occasionally be mistaken for modern. However, there is a fine line between the modern and contemporary; they are both very different concepts and hold their own positions. Whilst modern interiors take inspiration from the 1900's, contemporary design is very much "the here and now". Contemporary design incorporates current trends and materials. It is constantly changing with time and trends whereas mid century modern remains in it's mid century period. Now that we've established the difference between contemporary and mid century modern, lets take a look at some contemporary interiors. Here the designer combines a spherical light fitting, gold accents and geometric art to create a modern and concurrent space.

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Vintage
Vintage interiors usually consist of a collation of vintage finds whether that might be antiques from around the world, inherited pieces or charity shop finds. Vintage finds hold historical value and design specific to it's period of origination. Vintage furniture tends to be of outstanding build quality, that which modern day furniture cannot always imitate. Some owners may wish to give life to vintage pieces by upcycling and adding bold colours. Others appreciate the perfection imperfections of a shabby old frame or a tainted chest of drawers. Each piece has a unique charm to work together to create an exclusive and authentic space.

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Eclectic

Eclectic interiors form a marriage of a few different interior styles ranging from old and new. Maybe we just don't want to fit in to any particular style but just quite like abit of this and abit of that. However, that is not a case of bunging together a few bits and bobs hoping everything would work. There is still much consideration about how pieces will work together even if they are from completely contrasting eras. This is usually done using colour, details and an ulterior design purpose. Here, as you will see, the antique walnut cabinet works well with the burnt orange which is similarly replicated in the art placed above. Overall, the colours work together to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

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Scandinavian

Light colour hues and natural materials are just what Scandinavian decor celebrates. Light wood panelling, grey and blue colour tones work exceptionally well in a Scandi space. Accessories are kept to a minimal with clean stream lines. Scandi winters are much to experience and therefore a fireplace is usually a focal point in the room. There is still much stress to extend the indoors in to the outdoors and creating a connection between the two. Here, you can see the flooring and walls in this space are kept light, giving the room added light and illusion of space. The kitchen units are simple and clean without handles. The wooden and brick textures give the space a natural feel.

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Industrial
Industrial interior makes use of beautiful, natural materials which may or may not have been intended for other uses. This means showcasing rustic finishes, exposed piping and galvanised metal. Industrial decor is a great eco-friendly way to reinvent furniture using pipes and other indigenous materials. It appreciates fine detailing of objects and materials which we would otherwise attempt to hide by plastering a wall or painting pipes. Here is a perfect example of industrial interior design, bringing together pipes to form a stunning book shelf. It really creates an outstanding effect, adding an artistic, rustic charm that is beautiful in it's own right.

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Minimalist 
Minimalist interiors are exactly what they say they are-minimal. Alright, there is a little bit more to it. Special consideration is taken to create clean lines, streamlined furniture and for this instance, streamlined kitchen cabinets as shown below. Light hues of white, stone and beige make the space feel airy and big. Accessories are kept to a minimal and tucked away in to genius, hidden storage to avoid the eye from alluding away from the beauty of the space. Minimalist spaces pay heed to the form of the space and by the use of clean lines help define the layout and shape of the room.

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I'm sure you all must be wondering which category I fall in to when it comes to interior styles. I guess I would pertain to the eclectic division of the interior design community. I pay attention to fine detailing, appreciate the juxtaposition of textures and am an avid lover of prints. I enjoy a little bit of baroque, a little bit of parisian luxe, a little bit of nordic minimalism, retro and contemporary elements. The main attraction for me is colour and how I use colour in my space. I usually start off with a blank canvas, a colour which will be my base colour, for example white. I then add little pops of colour using bold contrasting colours and prints to add interest to the room. If the walls are bare, I would add abstract art that combine different colours. 

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I suppose everyone tends to rear towards a specific finish of popular choice when it comes to metals. You may be an avid chrome lover or more concurrent with recent trends, a copper fanatic. I think we need to begin by establishing that I am most definitely a brass gal and have always been one. But not just any brass finish, a beautiful aged finish, not too gold or too bright. The whole aged brass brings an element of "shabby chic" and once again the texture complements other features of the space. 

Let's just forget about style for a moment. Space is not just about furniture bunged together or a lick of paint. Space can be nostalgic and that plays a huge part for each individual. You might want to recreate one of your most favourite memories or feel like you've walked in to a hotel on holiday, the one you went to last summer. You might want to hang up a picture frame that once belonged to your grandmother or put up a piece of artwork which reminds you of the French riviera. These little nostalgic pieces we incorporate in to our home creates a unique feeling for each individual. It's almost as if you're being swept in to a time or a place where you were once happy. Ultimately, we all want a happy home, somewhere where we are reminded of our favourite things, where we can practice our every day activities and where we can unwind and relax.

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Growing up, I would be driven past rows and rows of white Victorian terraced houses through Chelsea and Kensington. I would look up in awe as they were everything that would symbolise London, a city of beautiful heritage and architecture. It was unfortunate that I would not be close to home anymore and whilst we were miles apart from my childhood city, London, I wanted to be close to home all the time. I wanted to create the ultimate London home, taking inspiration from the streets of London and it's appreciation for the black door. And that just about sums up my style and what I want to achieve with my renovation. Yes I might experience a few downfalls along the way, might change my mind here and there, who knows. But I have a clear destination in mind and that is where I will be heading. What is your interior style? What do you hold close to your heart? It could be a piece of furniture, a painting or a special memory? I would love to know, comment below. Thank you for tuning in, until next time, keep smiling.

Yours sincerely, 
The Retro Edit...