Interior design is one of those things which makes a house a home. Styles such as industrial, contemporary and mid-century modern give a particular atmosphere to a space, and everyone has their own favourite design style. Some styles can seem impossible to create by yourself and on a budget, but in reality can be achieved easily through furniture, accent walls and other minor changes.
This month we discuss DIY interior design and how to achieve five popular interior design styles.
INDUSTRIAL
Industrial style is characterised by minimalism and raw unfinished materials such as stone, metal and wood. Exposed pipes, brick walls, metal surfaces and vintage furniture are all features of industrial design, as is the use of neutral and earthy colour tones. Taking inspiration from warehouses and other industrial spaces, this style can be achieved in apartments, lofts, residential and commercial spaces alike.
Tiles and natural stone in grey or metallic shades can be used on floors and walls to suggest an industrial style, whether you prefer a more polished or a raw unfinished look. For those with a small budget or limited space, an accent wall of brick or stackstone can also add an industrial element to your home. Antique or second-hand furniture and accessories made of metal and wood will contribute to an industrial feel, along with pendant lighting and repurposed machinery or tools. Because this style can be quite cold, it is important to warm up the space using rugs or textured cushions, bold art prints and earthy shades in your decor.
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MID-CENTURY MODERN
Mid-century modern can be defined as a style taking inspiration from architecture and design from the 1930s-1970s. This particular design style grew out of Bauhaus and other organic styles, and focuses on simple, functional and indoor-outdoor living. This style is currently enjoying a renaissance thanks to the popularity of shows such as Mad Men, and features bright and contrasting colour hues, originals or replicas of pieces from mid-century furniture designers, and natural materials.
You can incorporate a mid-century design aesthetic into your home using mosaic, subway and patterned tiles as features or accents. Mid-century modern is known for its colour, but you could also use a neutral or pastel tone with occasional bright accents for contrast. This style is organic, so it works well with an open-plan home or in spaces with natural light, although this can also be suggested by accessories or wallpaper featuring natural patterns or designs.
CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary style is one of the most flexible interior design styles, in which you can borrow attributes from other design styles that you like and incorporate them into your home. Contemporary design combines traditional, contemporary and even futuristic elements, but is most often characterised by a neutral colour palette, natural materials, an open-plan layout, and the use of curved as well as straight lines.
The fluidity of contemporary design means that most types of tiles and natural stone can suit this style, as long it supports the neutral colour tones of the space. Stone can be used in creative ways in contemporary homes because it is a natural material, and works well with metal, wood and textured fabrics. Accent tiles or walls can also be used to add a pop of colour to a space without being overpowering, and still reflecting the contemporary aesthetic.
Looking for the perfect tile to suit your style? Our full range of tiles can be found here.
COASTAL
It is no surprise that the coastal or beach design style is popular in Australia, particularly in suburbs and towns close to the ocean. Coastal style is characterised by a natural ‘beach’ colour palette reflecting hues from the sun, sand and sea, relaxed styling, quirky design elements and recycled or natural materials such as wood and the use of indoor plants.
Polished tiles and natural stone work well with coastal style, particularly in neutral shades. Patterns and bright colours can also be used to a degree, perhaps as an accent or in a splashback, particularly in shades of blue, green or coral. Ocean themed accessories, white decor elements and the use of materials including wood, metal and hessian can all contribute to a coastal feel in your home, as can the use of open space, minimalist furniture and natural light.
SCANDINAVIAN
Finally, the Scandinavian style continues to be popular, with their emphasis on minimalism, natural materials, nature motifs and functionality. Because Scandinavian design is characterised by simplicity, utility and clean lines, this style can be incorporated into small apartments or lofts as easily as into larger homes. This style’s focus on minimalism and the use of natural light makes it one of the most easily achieved, as well as most striking, interior styles.
Tiles and stone in natural and earthy tones are perfect for Scandinavian style, particularly when paired with organic fabrics such as rugs, hides and cushions. Furniture made of wood or leather and carefully chosen accessories will help create a Scandinavian aesthetic, as well as an indoor-outdoor living plan and the incorporation of a fireplace. Scandinavian style is all about decluttering and living with the essentials, so selling off unwanted objects could also help you fund the creation of this style in your home.
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