Reality Reno with Mitch and Mark – What’s Your Style?

Often we have clients come into mitch and mark HOME looking for pieces for their rooms and aren’t sure how to describe the style they’ve chosen. 

These days we often hear so many descriptions for interior styling choices, and it can become confusing. There are often mixes of elements from so many different styles, and with some clever combinations they work.

Over the next weeks we’ll take a quick look at some of the key design styles you might be influenced by, or like to use in your home. Here are a few of the more popular styles we’ve seen. Which one are you?...or perhaps you’re a mix of styles…

Traditional

This interior style retains the heritage features of a property and relies on traditional shapes, forms and textures. The elements used have often not changed at all since they were first designed, and renovators will either restore existing features or replace them with replica’s , retaining the original feel of the spaces. There are elements of formality in this type of interior, often focused around a sense of symmetry, and using pieces with structure and symmetry is important to the overall style. Interior styling uses layering to bring a sense of history and glamour to the home.

Fabric choices often include silk, linen and velvet upholstery and window coverings in damask, florals, stripes and plaids with ornately detailed dark wood. Colour tends to be turned up and saturated. 

Contemporary

A contemporary style really reflects what is currently on trend and fashionable. It tends to be simple and sleek in look, with a subtle sophistication and a focus on the ‘space’ rather than the objects in the space. These interiors use of neutral colours, black or white as the main ones which are accented with bright and bold colours from art or furnishings. 

A distinctive element in a contemporary style is a focus on lines in these spaces – horizontal, vertical or curved – strong visible lines will be evident in the features of the interior either from individual furniture pieces or the combination of elements all reflecting a linear continuity.

Furniture choices in contemporary interiors can make a bold statement, however the overall sense of the space is uncluttered and simple with no decoration or embellishment. Less is more! 

Industrial

Inspired by elements from the industrial era, there is a focus on metal, rustic wood and leathers, which can feel more masculine. 

The origins of this style lean more on the factory-esque and machinery, and is often associated with a ‘warehouse’ style, or with spaces that have an ‘unfinished’ element. However this is not always the case with many interiors incorporating industrial elements in quite finished spaces. Finishes range from polished surfaces to earthy tones and textures, and often incorporates elements that are traditionally hidden like pipes and ducts.   

Often vintage furniture in darker hues is incorporated into interiors, or repurposed pieces like vintage office chairs, shelving or light fittings. Replica pieces also make it easy to bring a touch of industrial flair to your home. The desired ‘metallic feel’ can also come through the use of colors such as grays, while softness comes through the use of neutral color palettes and decor objects, including rugs, to give the room some soul and character.

Hamptons (…but not necessarily Coastal)

So much of Australia is in love with the Hamptons Style. Inspired by the beautiful beach houses in The Hamptons, it’s distinguished by white and grey/blue colour palettes, external cladding with deep shadow lines, and white trims that pop against the background.

It’s the ultimate in sophisticated casual coastal living and has a strong focus on bringing in natural light, using contrasting colours of white, navy, black or natural timber to providing the foundation for your styling. Wainscoting and wall paneling with wide cornices and moldings are a key architectural feature. 

The colour palette for decor and soft furnishings is a mix of neutrals, duck egg blues, indigo and sea greens with accents of brushed brass. For fabrics think of washed cotton, natural linens, and calico, mixing them up with plains, stripes and floral hand-blocked prints. There is a sense of casual, relaxed style, with over-stuffed sofas and rattan furniture. 

Bring the outdoors inside with displays of photo frames, shells, corals etc.  generally on open shelves, or shelving units. Shaker profile kitchens are a huge feature of the space, with deep ceramic sinks and oversized pendant lanterns hung over island benchtops.

Boho (Bohemina Style)

Now a popular style projecting a sense of relaxed worldliness and exploration. It’s about bringing together natural, organic elements in a layered and ‘collected’ look. Bamboo, rattan and textiles with bright, saturated colours create and exotic playfulness to this style. 

These interiors create a sense of enquiry, often featuring elements owners have collected, each with a story behind the acquisitions. Eclecticism is a key of the Boho style, however this is not to be confused with a ‘free for all’ interior style. Your interior can be filled with iconic pieces from various styles, as long as there are connections between them. 

Think about creating layers and play with patterns, using colours that range from whites and neutrals through pops of colour and jewel tones. Mix and match fabrics, textures and colours to express your personality and your ‘journey’. Metals like gold, silver and brass can mix, adding to the eclectic take. 

This is definitely is not a ‘less is more’ style…..for some people ‘more is more’…and they love it! Remember, at it’s core the Boho style is relaxed. 

Next week well look at the elements of Mid-century Moderns, Coastal, Country and the wonderful excess of LUXE!