There are many interior design personality types…but which one are you? Classic or Transitional, Modern, Contemporary or Minimalist?
Our personality and life experiences shape the choices we make in absolutely everything, our homes in particular. And like our personalities, no two individual interiors are ever put together in the same way regardless of sharing similar tastes.
This month the focus is on the six main design types, defining the look, describing characteristics in furnishings, finishes and colour palettes which are typical to each.
1 & 2 CLASSICAL / CLASSIC
Classical interior design is true to Greek and Roman architecture whereas a Classic interior takes more of its inspiration from later interpretations. Nevertheless, all Classic possesses symmetry, balance proportion & harmony. Classic design should not contain any modern elements or influences, the intention is to create the idea of perfect symmetry in a room by using a focal point as the centerpiece around which all the other furnishing items are arranged to enhance and balance the focal point. Good focal point elements are a centre table, staircase, or fireplace.
Classic furniture is ornate and beautifully detailed, while the colour palette comes from natural pigments, such as greens, browns, deep reds, and yellows. Fabrics and surface finishes are velvets, cotton, silk, marble and dark wood veneers.
A Classic personality type loves: Luxury and Elegance
3 & 4 TRANSITIONAL
Transitional is that middle ground that blends Classic inspirations with newer, more minimalistic pieces and is perfect for achieving a look that will not date. Transitional furniture lacks the intricate detail of Classic pieces, although their shapes are based on classic forms.The emphasis is on comfort and the style comprises an eclectic mix of artwork and accessories, but well ordered, and the colour pallet is typically neutral in order to highlight the textures of the materials.
Natural materials such as leather, linen and cotton are must haves in a Transitional interior, although wood veneers are dark like walnut.
Transitional personality types love: Sophistication and Calm
5 & 6 MODERN
There is often confusion between Contemporary design and Modern design, but there definitely is a difference between the two, which is often debated. Modern design in reality can be any new style that is from the modern era post WW2, while in the US, Modern is considered as Mid Century Modern – a style of design between 1935 -1965. Personally, I would prefer to think of Modern design as a style that is current but not trendy.
Today’s Modern look is that which leans towards Minimal; Clean lines, open-plan spaces, uncluttered, with an air of understated sophistication. Right now Modern is bold but basic, honest materials, straight lines and monochromatic colour schemes. The use of new finishing materials, particularly sheet and poured surfaces such as glass, resin, laminate, vinyl flooring, concrete or bamboo.
Furniture is simple but elegant – low and sleek with bold but simple accent patterns.
Modern personality type loves: Style, Simplicity and Practicality
7 & 8 CONTEMPORARY
A Contemporary interior is of a style here in the moment, it is what is being created right now and so tends to be ‘trendy.’ It is constantly changing and can be quite eclectic for this reason. Contemporary style is not necessarily tied down to one specific style, and because it is of the moment it takes inspiration from a variety of styles and eras. Current ‘fashionable’ interior design styles are Vintage, Industrial and Scandinavian fusions. However, the root of all these looks has a similar finishes palette. Poured surfaces such as concrete or resin flooring, exposed brick and glass, laminate, sheet materials and bamboo.
A Contemporary personality type loves: Fun, Originality and Fashion 9 & 10 Minimalist
Minimalist is a style of the 20th Century… “Less is more” was a phrase made famous by Mies van der Rohe in 1947, and it summarises the theory of Minimalism perfectly.
Minimalist design is about honest design, uncomplicated detailing and the use of natural materials and simplified forms; it is about creating a space that is ordered and serene. Think Japanese where the open space is the focus. Spacious rooms are filled with light and clear straight, sight lines. Storage is a must, created by banks of cabinetry to keep spaces clutter free and finished in natural wood.
Ornament is kept to a bare minimum and even cabinetry is typically designed without any hardware. Furniture should be simple pieces, selecting items that will be just as functional as they are aesthetic. One solid colour acts as an accent within a simply decorated neutral painted room to emphasize the simplicity.
Minimalist personality types love: Functionality, Precision and Stability
