This guide of interior design terms is all about style. Bringing together different elements of design into a cohesive statement creates a put together look that can make a space more comfortable, tell a story or add beauty to a home. Interior designers use these terms to describe specific types of design, bringing together design techniques from all over the world. These interior design terms are some of the most popular design trends today, and help to focus a room or space around a theme which creates harmony and flow.
This is a blend of Spanish, Mediterranean and modern styles to create something that is cohesively “California cool”. Design elements might include worn leather, large scale photography, interior plants, iron work and bohemian textiles. Layering is also another element designers use in California style decoration, with multiple dimensions of paint colors or textures. Another feature in California design is mid century lines or vintage furniture pieces. Every region of California has a distinct style, and whichever the designer is trying to emulate will be most apparent.
Maximalism is an eclectic design scheme where variety and personality is emphasized with the use of placing objects, patterns and textures. Wall space might have an elaborate design scheme, using most of the surface space to display treasured objects or ones that convey the homeowner’s personality. Some design elements of maximalism are bold colors, vibrant metallics, vivid patterns and stand out furniture. The aesthetic with maximalism is “more is more”, and it features a synthesis of history and artistry. Maximalism highlights luxury and glamor, with showy colors and mixing and matching of different elements to create a space that definitely makes a big impression. This is in contrast to the popular minimalist trends.
Beachy, clean, light and fun, coastal design elements transform a room into a retreat. Whether you’re living in an area near the ocean or midland, a coastal design has a soft feel that makes you feel like you’re close to nature. Using natural elements like light colored furniture, rattan, driftwood and grasscloth brings the seashore to your living room, and can help bring the room together. Color palettes of soft blues, yellows or greens invoke the sunshiny serenity of being by the ocean.
Coastal design emphasizes modern elegance. You may choose to use nautical stripes or use a more modern design that uses traditional coastal elements with modern design touches.
Art deco, short for arts decoratifs, is inspired by French art and design from the 1920’s. It One of the characteristics of this style is sleek finishes like stainless steel, chrome and glass. Textiles use graphic patterns like sunbursts, geometric shapes, animal prints and zig zags. Furniture pieces are larger, and they are made out of materials like chrome, bronze or steel. This style was prominent in the 30’s and 40’s, is featured in many places in Miami Beach.
These interior design terms encompass interior design methods that describe a style that pieces bring together. Having a theme can help in selecting the right art and furniture, and communicate to a designer the “look” you’re going for.