So what design style are you? -part 1

So what design style are you?
Have you ever wondered what interior design style best represents you?  There are so many different styles it is important to understand the differences so you can find the style for you.

There is no wrong answer so I recommend learning about the different styles to help you design your home so it is a reflection of your person style.  I love using houzz.com for this since they have so many great images and articles to help you understand what style you like.


I found some 14 great articles on this topic at houzz.com.  Below are some of the links to articles to help you find the right style for you.

So Your Style Is Midcentury Modern

Midcentury modern's emphasis on simple details, clean lines, natural materials and a seamless flow between indoors and out.  

If you like use of lots of natural materials in your home with simple details, lighting to be a statement piece, Iconic furniture, sleek kitchens, and neutral colors with a pop of a bright accent color you will like Midcentury modern design.

So Your Style Is Traditional

Traditional decorating has thrived for so long because of its promises warmth and welcome, and it delivers. Refined furnishings, symmetry  mannerly textiles, dignified colors and a sense of order make this beloved style easy to live with.  

If you like symmetry, soft curves, simple calm colors, rick wood, use of molding and detailed trim, exotic rugs, floral patterns, and love old furniture you will like traditional design.

So Your Style Is Transitional

Transitional style is a blend of the comfort and warmth of traditional design with the clean profiles and understated colors of the contemporary design.  It is  Gracious, streamlined spaces that radiate harmony. It's about meeting in the middle of the two other styles.  

If you like two toned color pallets, simple silhouettes, neutral flooring, spaces of calm, crisp lines, and minimum accents than you will like transitional design.

So Your Style Is Contemporary

Contemporary design is what is  here and now. 

Today's trend is to be styles as less is more: smooth profiles instead of ornamentation, solid or subtly patterned fabrics in lieu of colorful prints, minimal accessories rather than big collections. 

What is the difference with contemporary and modern design?  Below is another great houzz.com article noting the differences.

What is the difference between modern & contemporary design link

If you like open floor plans, shine, high impact furniture, and being very in the moment this might be the perfect style for you.

I will post more design styles in part 2 -4 where I will share more great articles on French Country, Rustic, Arts & Crafts and Eclectic styles.  

Principles of Design - Scale

Principles of Design- Scale
One of the last principles of design to write about is scale.  Scale is closely related to proportion except that scale is primarily viewed as a relative standard or measure outside of an object related to some constant unit.

In interior design, scale is sued as a way to compare the size of an object or an interior.  The photo is a great example of of how the little girl shows you how large the door really is.  If she was not there you might not be able to tell how large of a door that really is.

I just finished building my house and I noticed while in 2D the kitchen and family rooms felt good sized but I was concerned they would be too small.

Until the house was complete and we moved physical items into the house to give the rooms scale, it allowed me to see that the rooms were large enough and maybe could have been designed a little smaller.

Scale is a balancing act and hard to grasp it until the space is in 3D.

Scale can refer to small or diminutive as well as to large /grand size.  Models of interiors are made smaller to help designers get a better idea of how the space will look in three dimension before it is built.  We use computer modeling tools today which are all drawn is a scale (typically 1/8") to help with the design process.

References:

1. Kilmer, Rosemary & Kilmer W. Otie (1992). Designing Interiors. Orlando, FL.  Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers. pp 120