American Design Interior

1. Colonial Interior Design

Colonial interior design ideas can be sources from American colonial style or British
colonial style.
American colonial interior design style became popular throughout North America
during the early 18
th
century. The design replicates many of the traditional European homes of
that era and is heavily influenced by early American farmhouses mixed with grand homes of old
Europe to provide this sensational Americana decorating style.
There are two ways to go with this design concept as it can be both rustic interior design
or sophisticated. Rustic is everyday mans home from that period and the alternative is a more
luxurious look that was then only available to those who could afford it. Today, we can achieve
both looks on a budget. Just choose and get going.
Influences of design and architecture were brought to America from the England when
immigrants settled during that period and decorated their own homes. Their lifestyle was
reflected in their design; simplified and practical.
The simplicity created light, spacious interiors with elegant clean lines. There are several
key characteristics of colonial interior design that can be adapted to suit your home.
Woodwork :
Extensive handmade furniture and cabinets carved from pine, birch or maple
represent the colonial concept in a way that the design itself was 'honest' and
remained simplistic. In other words, not over complicated or over styled. Wide
baseboards (or skirting boards) are distinctive and look great with this concept.
Handmade Quilts :
Quilting is such a beautiful way to celebrate Americana decorating and family
life. Quilts were used to decorate the walls, laid on top beds and placed over
sofas. You can recreate this look by having a quilt made of your favorite fabrics,
or add some interesting throws and cushions into your finished look. The images
below show how amazing quilts can look and provide an authentic touch of
colonial interior design in a bedroom space.
Uncluttered spaces :
Try to combine your objects and items with enough free space so that you can
enjoy looking at the ornamentation and beautiful colors captured in you
accessories. Otherwise your room(s) may become overcrowded with pattern and
color. This is what we are looking to avoid so make sure you allow yourself plenty
of good storage.
Walls :
Commonly whitewashed with crown moldings or dado rails. Occasionally timber
paneling was fitted. Stick to muted paint colors for walls and ceilings were ivory
white. Wealthy homes had borders and murals which had natural motifs of fruit
and flowers much like those from the Arts and Crafts style. This can easily be
replicated by simple stenciling. However walls are generally best kept simple so
that wooden furniture, handmade cabinets, antiques and ornamentation take
the limelight. However as just mentioned, remember not to over fill you room so
that you create enough space to enjoy your new design.


Floors :
Walnut, mahogany, and cherry are the main types of hardwood flooring,
accessorized with colorful handwoven rugs. Those include oriental style rugs.
Lighting :
Cast iron floor lamps, candle holders, wall fittings and beautiful chandeliers
similar to the one shown above are all used to create this timeless style. There is
a huge variety to select from so have fun browsing for the perfect fittings.

2. Southwestern Style
Firstly lets be clear about what Southwestern interior design actually is so that you can
recreate this style in your own home with confidence.
In short, it is a style inspired by the rich, earthy tones found in Arizona and New Mexico
mixed with influences from Hispanic settlers. We see reflections of Spain and Mexico within the
designs and Arizona style. The architecture of homes in the Southwestern region have large
rooms, high ceilings with exposed beams and spectacularly spacious entrances. All to reflect the
vast, surrounding landscape.
Color :
You are looking to build a palette of paint and fabric color that speak about the
natural Southwest environment.
A good starting point is to think about the tones found in the desert and create
an inspired assortment of color.
Deep, muted colors of blue, red, green, terracotta and burnt orange work
extremely well.
Mixing in a bold tone of turquoise can look striking and perhaps you could use a
bright red to draw attention to a feature area.
The turquoise blue door in the image about shows how amazing it looks next to
the earth tone. Whatever you choose, it should be warm and inviting.
Furniture :
The materials found in Southwestern interior design are inspired by nature. Fairly
plain and simple wooden furniture with mid tones of walnut or cherry work
really well with upholstery in leather, suede and or woven materials look
fabulous. You can mix the upholstery finishes and textiles to give a room a
vibrant and eclectic.
Avoid matching your furniture to get a more natural look but do not overdo it or
a tastefully done room can look too themed or like a TV. Set.
Dark colored cast iron ironmongery would really give this style an authentic
touch. Door hinges, handles, pulls and knobs should be from the same range.
Wrought iron furniture and light fittings mixed in with your wooden objects
capture the look perfectly.
Accessories always give life to a home, so choose and place them well to add the
finishing touches to your wonderful rooms.Throws and colorful pottery along
with accents of simple rustic objects give the Southwestern interior design look
its raw and ready attraction.
Walls :
I really love the rustic looking wall finishes. The simplicity is quite beautiful and
the trick is to make your wall finish look very natural.
You can go for either a heavily textured wall or a smooth stucco plaster finish. It
is entirely up to you as both look awesome and both true to this style.
The image on the right is of an Arizona style bathroom shows a stucco finish.
Southwestern interior design often has exposed natural stone brickwork within a
room. This technique is used to help keep the internal spaces as cool as possible.
The finished wall of texture is always unique and has an organic charm about it.
As a feature the stone work looks great around a fireplace as shown in the image
below.
Floors :
Traditionally were finished with terracotta tiles and today those are still used.
Timber flooring also works great to recreate Southwestern interior design.
Woven rugs add color and pattern to an area and add that authentic look. Rough
cut tiles can be used in a random lay like those shown in the above right
bathroom image or regular as shown in the image directly above. Keep tile
tones/colors soft and neutral.
For a modern touch you could keep your flooring regular and simple similar to
that you can see in the image of the living room below.

3. Shaker Style
To achieve a Shaker interior design we must first understand what Shaker is. During the
mid-1700 a religious sect was founded in England, UK. In 1774 the first Shaker village was set up
in America. They remained in New England and New York where they lived lives of abstinence.
They believed in simplicity, communal living and common ownership. Every object in
the home was devoid of decoration therefore interiors were rustic and raw.
This austerity can be gathered from two of their favored sayings, 'whatever is
fashioned, let it be plain and simple and for the good' and 'Beauty rests on utility'. They also
firmly believed that their work was a testament to God, which meant that each item that was
painstakingly honed to perfection. Oprah Winfrey is said to be a huge fan of the Shaker style.
The revered writer/poet William Blake wrote a song in 1789 that was inspired by the
Shakers called, Songs of Innocence. It is worth having a read through it as the words can help
inspire your Shaker style concept.
Color :
To be honest with you simple is key so select from a neutral color palette and
stick to it. I suggest oatmeal shade, off whites, soft grays and light sandy beige
colors and stick to mat emulsion paint to get that true authenticity. If you are
going to introduce a color for example like the green shown in the traditional
bedroom in the image below, keep the tone muted as bright or bold colors do
not work well for Shaker interior design. Bear in mind that you could add color
into your scheme by the fabrics you choose.
Floors :
this style relays on good, bare floor boards which are preferably left to look
untreated however you can varnish them.
Walls :
It would not be keeping with Shaker interior design to have wildly colorful or
patterned walls so keep what you do simplistic. Walls should be kept fairly plain
however, remember that this is your home, so if plain is not for you then perhaps
use elements of this concept into your design plans. That way you will be happy
with your outcome.


Furniture :
The wood types that were mainly used to create furniture was cherry and maple
and as mentioned previously, the Shakers were master craftsmen therefore the
items produced functioned exceptionally well and looked fantastic.
Shakers did not allow themselves the luxury of sofas or padded chairs therefore
the upholstery materials that you choose should blend into your scheme so they
do not jump out as focal points.
Storage :
It was common for shakers to literally hang furniture from wall mounted peg
rails. This made it easy to clean the floors. Mirrors and tools were also hung from
the peg rails therefore you could add a head height picture rail to recreate this
feature. All your bits and bobs should be contained in good areas of storage. This
will help you maintain clutter free spaces.
Fabrics :
Go for natural materials and fabrics such as wool, cotton and silk. A subtle check
can be used for example a gingham fabric can be used for curtains.
Lighting :
Candlesticks and wall sconces made from tin can look great or choose similar to
keep with the rustic vibe.
Accessories :
It is important not to over accessorize as the Shaker style is beautifully
uncluttered. Candles, books and wooden toys look fabulous. You can also use
large oval boxes within your space to help achieve your look. The boxes also act
as great storage.

4. Patriotic Style
Pay tribute to land of the free by incorporating elements of this growing design trend
into your home and it is easier than you may think. Have fun and flair with this American style
concept and tastefully build your patriotic interior design.
You may decide to fully decorate a room around this theme but be careful not to
overdo it or your home could end up looking like the 4th July, everyday! Make your mood board
first so that you are crystal clear about your design ideas.
Color:
This design concept depends heavily on the impact of the colors to influence the
space. Yip, red, white and blue. I suggest you avoid going for the bright, bold,
primary colors like those in the flag, instead go for subtle tones like what has
been used in the above image or as seen in the below images. It would not be
too wise to set about painting your walls in red, white and so stick to introducing
color within your decor.
Dcor :
The stars and stripes of the American flag work great. You can simply make use
of those elements separately and add stars to decorate a wall or perhaps use the
stripes as upholstery fabric. However, a well-placed flag on its own could look
amazing and add a touch of cool to a room. You'll never tire of seeing it. I suggest
you could also take a look at the nautical concept for some additional inspiration.
Capturing the spirit of this style can look super in a kitchen country design or a
funky, retro homage. Accessorizing with dishcloths, tablecloths, place mats, and
general kitchenware combined with artwork for the walls will instantly
contribute to your room.




Arts and Crafts

To create a wonderful Arts and Crafts style in your home, it would be beneficial to
also review the Art Nouveau period. This will provide you with a good, solid understanding of
where to start.
To create a wonderful Arts and Crafts style in your home, it would be beneficial to
also review the Art Nouveau period. This will provide you with a good, solid understanding of
where to start.
The influence of the designers, artists and writers was so great that the arts and crafts
style took off making interior design at look very distinctive. The most widely recognizable name
within the arts and crafts style is that of the writer and poet, William Morris.
Morris set up a company called Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co with fellow artists.
Later to become, Morris & Co producing furniture, textiles, wallpaper and jewelry too. Use
Morris to help you research this style so you can prepare ideas onto your mood board. The
images of both hallways below show how you can add a touch of the arts and carts interior
design into your home by adding a wallpaper.
Go Arts and Crafts
The Arts and Crafts style is all about pattern design so firstly carefully select which
wall(s) you would prefer to cover with an insanely beautiful wallpaper. These walls will become
your feature walls.
Wallpaper of this era is key to authenticating your concept. Today there are hundreds
of ranges that replicate the Morris & Co designs. It is a good idea to also have a look at the
ranges from Sandersons.
The patterned wallpapers that best reflect this concept have influences from nature,
fruit and also of the orient. The scale is usually large and the pattern is repeated often. So look
out for this during your ideas and planning stage.
The organic shapes also had stylized birds and foliage within the patterns which were also
used later in Art Deco.
You can also replicate an arts and crafts frieze using wallpaper instead of covering a
whole wall. The size of your frieze should range between 50 - 120 cm deep.
Furniture :
Stick to wooden objects and if possible go for handmade items to give your look
a real arts and crafts feel. If not, try to find pieces that look handmade.
Oak was the popular choice of wood for furniture and chairs often had leather
upholstered seating. Look for items that have upside down hearts carved into
them or have copper or leather strapping accessories.
I like the examples of timeless arts and crafts furniture below crafted from oak
and finished with walnut veneers. They look classic and elegant.
Color :
Your color palette for your scheme should work with cream, off whites, mustard
yellows, olive green, terracotta, deep blue and shades or deep red.
Floors :
Parquet flooring is perfect to recreate this concept in your home. Again I
recommend using oak should your budget allow for it. Finish the look by
polishing or staining the boards to a mid to dark tone. Similar to the look of
walnut.
Walls :
Other than wallpaper the remainder walls could be wooden panels or select a
greeny-blue or dull green paint. However for a modern look I would suggest to
paint your walls light, similar to what you can see used in the above images of
the hallways.
Lighting :
Keep wall sconces as your main source of lighting however, I would add some
fabulous simple, modern pendants to add a twist and keep your scheme
interesting.




Art Nouveau Style


It has been said often that Art Nouveau interior design is in fact the original modern
style of the 20th century, as it was the first style to stop looking back in time for inspiration.
Art Nouveau was influenced by ideas of the natural world and what designers
experienced around them, borrowing ideas from nature and reflecting them in magnificent
fabrics and wall paper.
From 1880 to 1910, art nouveau interior design was the height of originality and
design excellence. The concept was first on show in Paris, France and then London, UK. It
caused a huge fuss as people instantly loved it or loathed it.
The two distinct looks that were commonly used by nouveau artist are rational,
linear lines and curves that take on organic shapes.
Take a look at the wonderful work created by the architect/designer Charles Rennie
MacKintosh and his wife and fellow artist, Margaret MacDonald. I am very proud to be from the
same city, Glasgow in bonnie Scotland.
Get the Style
Art nouveaus predecessor is the arts and crafts style, taking from it the shared love
of beautifully hand crafted, quality goods of fine craftsmanship.
The look incorporates stylized flowers, leaves, buds and roots like those shown in the
image below. The female form was widely used in the pre-Raphaelite pose with long, flowing
hair. Art Deco was also influenced by those elements.
Exotic woods were designed into the incredible marquetry of Art Nouveau interiors
and iridescent glass stunned buyers with its sumptuous look and dream like appeal. Lalique is a
perfect example of this type of glass. If you unsure what this looks like, do a simple web search
for some info.



Color :
Soft, muted colors were often used so select from a palette assortment of sage
and olive green, mustard yellows and brown. Pair those up with beautiful shades
of lilac, violet and purple. Peacock blue is stunning against a white backdrop so
do not be afraid to paint your walls in brilliant white or in an off-white shade.
Walls :
You could select a magnificent wallpaper like that seen in the image above or in
the below left bedroom, to act as a feature wall. There are incredible ranges to
suit art nouveau interior design or why not just keep your walls white and
elegant looking.
White or off white tiles interspersed with a patterned one would certainly add to
the authenticity of your look.
Floors :
Should be parquet to resemble the floor finish of the marquetry that was often
used. Keep the timber in natural mid tones or for a modern twist you could
whitewash it with paint.
Dcor :
It was simple yet ornamental. I like the example of the fireplace below. It has
simple touches of design however, many from that period have cast iron hoods
often with curvy lines flowing up either side. The organic look of art nouveau
interior design always grows from the ground up.
Stained glass panels with curved leading that look like stalks and leaves really
help to bring this concept to life. They were often used in doors as well as in
furniture wardrobe doors, cabinets and mirrors. A mix of colorful glass and semi-
precious stones can be used to really give a luxurious finish.
Chairs were more often tall like those you can see below. This helped to create
intimate spaces within a room, allowing ladies to sit and chit chat without worry
of their voices being carried across the room. They were usually finished in a
glossy black lacquer and occasional had touches of a floral design in the
upholstery fabrics.
Accessorize your finished room with a selection of ornaments in silver, pewter
and opaque pearl glass. Look for frames that depict the look to house your
artwork.
Lighting :
No art nouveau interior design would be complete without a Tiffany lamp like
the one shown below. Constructed from a bronze base the Tiffany lamps have an
umbrella shaped shade, made from spectacularly, and interesting stained glass.











Arabian Style

1. Modern Arabian Style
Arabian interior design is full of eastern promise. This concept is one of the most
exciting and exotic styles to recreate in your home. There's a beautiful balance to this
particular design style and offers an elegant solution to any space using either subtle or bold
pattern, color and materials.
I spent six amazing years living and working in Dubai and have been fortunate to
experience creating modern and traditional types of interiors for the concept. There are a few
avenues that reflect Arabian interior design. Of which you can discover in this page and also
from the bedouin section.
What I can share with you is, modern Arabian interior design is very much about
luxury and is extremely pleasing on the eye. When tastefully put together the interiors are
incredibly beautiful to look at and even better to enjoy.

GOOD MIX OF FINISHES

GOOD USE OF PATTERN

GOOD SELECTION OF LIGHTING

and a GREAT SENSE OF STYLE

...you can do it!

Influences of Arabian interior design are found in French interiors, Spanish interior
design and in Moroccan design.
Have a look at the images below. Note how the seating is arranged and the type of
accessories that have been used which add touches of Arabian home decor without going over
the top.
Sitting on the floor is a big part of Arabian fascination. It is born from nomadic days
where tents were home and interiors were simple!
Color :
To help you achieve a modern look to your Arabian interior design begin with a
neutral color palette and keep your additional colors soft and light.
Add in blue as a great focal/feature color. Turquoise looks fabulous with this
concept.
Hints of metallic; gold, silver and bronze slipped into your design will add a
magical touch to your space.
One of my favourite designers is Nada Debs. Her stylized blend of Middle Eastern
influences with cool, minimalism presents show stopping contemporary
furniture. Below are examples of seating by Nada Debs which would look
absolutely brilliant used in this concept.
Walls :
To get your Arabian interior design looking modern and funky, you could look at
some fantastic wallpapers that have been designed using Arab patterns similar to
the example shown on the right. There is a touch of sophistication to it.
Take another look at the image on the right. Pattern fills the space however, it is
so subtle that you have to look closely. It is there on the headboard, lamp,
bedside table as well as the wall. Clever.
Walls flat painted work well to achieve this style. The arabesque shelving units
which you can see in the image below add the notion of this concept in a very
subtle way and is ideal for storage.
Floor :
I suggest to use a hard finish for your floor. This could be parquet as used in the
above image or timber floor boards, polished concrete looks awesome, stone i.e.
granite, marble, reconstituted or travertine each are fantastic or you could go for
large porcelain tile.
No home of this concept would be complete without the addition of a
magnificent rug.
There are superb contemporary Persian style rugs available however, I think
Persian rugs look out of this world just as they are.
Lighting :
Traditional Arabian style lanterns look fantastic within any room either hung as
pendant lighting or standing on the floor. The shapes crafted onto each fitting
are so detailed that when lit during the evenings, cast the most spectacular
patterns onto the walls, ceilings and floors. Pretty magical.
The mood and atmosphere set by your lighting should be sultry and captivating.
Not too light and not too dark.
Candlelight and low set lighting provide the right ambiance for your look.
Dcor :
Your accessories could be an interesting mix of metalwork and woodwork items.
Touches of marquetry used here and there are excellent to represent your
Arabian look. Items that have hints of it within contemporary items would give
your space that touch of wow!

2. Bedouin Arabian Style
If you are unsure of what Bedouin Arabian style interiors would look like, then you
have found yourself at the right page for a brief insight and some inspiring ideas.
Arabian influenced interiors from the Bedouin days particularly reflect a rustic,
rural look. This style is about nomadic, desert life and is therefore the heritage of all Arabian
home decor.
The image of the hallway below shows how simple this concept is. Raw stripped
gum poles fill the ceiling and the rough plasterwork is painted white to give an airy feeling to
this space. It is similar to what you would have found in a desert oasis hundreds, if not
thousands of year ago.
Go Bedouin
The style of Arabian style interiors influenced the look of Mediterranean homes
therefore many similarities can be found in Greece, Italy and Spain. Check out the Moroccan
interior design page which is closely matched to this concept. There are many differences
however the main one is, there is lots of tile work involved int Moroccan designs.
The basic shapes that form the environment of this concept are organic and create
easy live-in spaces. There is something soothing and relaxing about this style and allows you
to unwind and let go of any tension.

The bedroom in the image below lets you see how the walls, floor and ceilings are
formed. They appear to be cut out from the space. This creates interesting basic profiles and
allows the room to remain rough and full of texture.
The addition of the canopy over the bed is a soft tent like feature and tones in
perfectly with the rug and heavy drapes.
Color :
White will give your home a fresh, bright look similar to that you can see in the
first image. Keep you colors neutral in tones of the desert sand dunes and
sensational sunsets.
Beige, burnt orange, crimson, aborigine, plum, dusky salmon and dark navy like
the night skies.
TIP: keep your colors to a basic palette. Not too many colors as this look is
rustic. Your room structure should be fairly plain and simple allowing hints of
color to flow into your space from the accessories you choose.
Some people are huge color fans so be sure that you can fill your space with
color and still achieve a traditional feel to your Arabian style interiors. Everything
in moderation.
The seating is quite low in height and has a look of comfort to it with the big
padded out pillows. Lots of pattern and texture can be seen which adds to the
warmth of this room.
To achieve this look use lots of layers; randomly sized scatter cushions, mix up
your colors and textures, use a variety of fabrics and add in a few rugs. The
Bedouin people were traders hence their tents would have been full of diverse
fabrics and exciting patterns.
Walls :
You can achieve a rough surface to your walls simply by using a specialized paint
finish or perhaps use a skim of plaster to help you create an uneven appearance
and this would help soften out any hard edges.
Floors :
Try to match your floor with your walls and ceiling. This will help you stay on the
right track. Bedouin Arabian style interiors needs a hard floor finish therefore I
suggest a polished concrete screed to achieve an older look within your space or,
a wooden type of floor. Basic is best.
Heavy woven rugs similar to the one you can see in the above image, or Persian
rugs would definitely add authenticity to your look.
The image below left is of a living room space. Have a look at the style of seating
and the uncomplicated finishes that have been used on the ceiling, walls and
floor. Below right shows simple majalis style seating which has been arranged at
floor level for comfort.
Dcor :
Look for interesting objects to display that give you a feel of this wonderful
Arabian legacy. Arabic coffee pots and tea pots look fabulous as do the little
coffee cups and decorative trays they usually sit on.
Woven tapestry's and floaty fabrics can be hung on your walls or draped over
seating.
Wooden furniture and craved items would look great. Perhaps you could look for
large chest type boxes that could be used as coffee tables.
Majalis type seating similar to the example which you can see in the image
below, left would give your Arabian style interiors a genuine look and feel.
Lighting :
Soft lighting could be used to help create your Arabian style interiors. Fittings
should be made from metal, bronze or copper similar to the examples shown in
the image above, right. Amazing detail in the pattern formations.
Keep the lighting levels low to provide the most suitable Arabian atmosphere in
your home.
I could not resit adding the image of the wonderful bathroom which is on the
right.
It is basic and simple in comparison with that you would find in a state of the art,
contemporary styled home however, it is classical and simply gorgeous.
The bath itself has been carved out from a magnificent piece of marble and the
carvings on the side add a special touch. Subtle and stunning.
The delightful addition of the mashrabia panels to the window enrich the space
with pattern.
This is something you could consider adding into your designs to enhance your
Arabian style interiors.
This type of finish could work at your windows or perhaps as a screen/room
divider. There are many Arabian styled patterns from which you could choose.
Enjoy researching this charming Arabian concept.




Asian Style

To create Asian interior design we should look to the worlds largest continent for
inspiration and ideas.
This concept is essentially based on influences from the Far East; China, Thailand
and Malaysia. They style is exotic and intriguing.
If it is possible to create an architectural element similar to the ceilings which you
can see in the below bedroom images, then splash out and go for it. This kind of ceiling is
often found in typical Asian homes and really gives you a sense of the orient. It is created
using woven bamboo.
Oriental interior design has always influenced designer of the west. We can see
this in the Arts and Crafts movement and also in Art Deco and Art Nouveau.
Color :
Typically you will find a mix of earth tones with a bright orange or stunning,
cobalt blue. Please avoid pastels so that you do not loose sight of your exotic
look.
The Chinese interiors traditionally use a bold fusion of black, glossy lacquer
accented with gold and, or red so do not be afraid to use elements within your
design scheme
Dcor :
Asian interior design has beautiful, clean, straight lines which are also found in
Japanese interior design and in contemporary design. Perhaps you could select
furniture that is low to the ground to really imitate the exotic style. If you are
design your bedroom, perhaps you could select a low bed however, go for what
make you the most comfortable.
You could accessorize with vases that are finished with oriental designs or
patterns and perhaps line up some tea lights along a shelf of coffee table to help
create the mood. Use your mood board to help you finalize your ideas.
SHOJI screens are often seen used in oriental decor. You can use the shoji screen
to act as a wall to divide up a large room or select a patterned finished screen
over a plain one to use as decorative items. I have seen some incredible shoji
screens that have been hand painted.
It is a worthwhile idea to add elements of the orient and use them to accessorize
your concept like the addition of some cool Asian style pendant, cushions and
rug shown in the gorgeous lighting, cushions and rug shown in the gorgeous
living room in the image below.



British Style

1. Cool Britannia Style
Adding a touch of British interior design into your home is a great way to make a
style statement. Typically and probably the best way to introduce "cool Britannia" into your
British interior design concept, is to incorporate the flag, 'the Union Jack' into your design.
British interiors at home work when elements are added sparingly. For example,
lets say you incorporated the above mural onto a wall in your home, then that would be
enough. More than enough of a wow! -therefore, the rest of the decor would have to be
pretty neutral to make it work.
The simplest way to get a touch of cool Britannia, is to look for a few really great
scatter cushions. That way there is a suggestion of this concept.
Color :
RED, WHITE and BLUE of course however, please do not literally cover your home
in only those colors. Look for interesting ways to introduce them.
The image below is a great example of a vintage touch of patriotism using big,
bold items. Observe the color palette here and note how harmonious each
interacts within the space. Overall this dining space could also be used for study
and for business meetings.
Again, I've added a vintage shot to show you how grand gestures like the tennis
rackets can be a wonderful and unique way to style a room. This living room is
quirky however it remains formal and has been designed with sophistication
accordling to the dynamics of what this space can hold.

2. Shabby Chic Style
So here you are at the Shabby Chic interiors section where the aim is to help you
create your own version of this style which is well known to be commonly mixed with an
interesting ensemble of interiors, and is indeed a very well used English look that is both
warm and charming.
To understand what this concept is firstly it's good to know that it was a phrase
branded by the then film stylist, Rachel Ashwell who went on to own her self-built 'Shabby
Chic' business.
The decor is worn, pre-used or rather a pre-loved mix of vintage objects and
furniture of beauty and imperfection and it is that, which makes this style of comfort work.
The partial view of a living room in the image below, shows how bold color can
be used within neutral surroundings.
Get the Look
Shabby Chic style is about creating a bohemian, laid-back environment for your
family to enjoy. Forget about twee and fussy, this look is relaxed and comforting.
Dcor :
The bigger the sofa the better! Exaggerated sofas with washable slipcovers are
the host of this concept. Essentially you could accessorize the look with
secondhand, flea-market furniture and objects which make this style very
relevant in today's economy.
Look for furniture that has layers of paint on it with purposely worn spots which
create an antique effect or vintage style pieces painted in soft pastels or white,
mint greens or sort aqua blues which work to pull the character of this concept
together.
Almost any type of wooden furniture could be transformed to fit into shabby chic
interiors, if it is painted white. To do this you could apply paint with brushes or
use a spray paint, then sand down some areas, particularly the corners to rough
it up a little.
Color :
Soft white, pale pink, mint green, light grey all make up a fantastic shabby chic
style color palette.
The bedroom shown in the below, left image is a great example of how to get the
mix and match look going in your home and the set of drawers which you can see
in the right image below are distressed finished and they almost blend with the
backdrop wallpaper and accessories.

Accessories :
What you are trying to do is get the balance right between elegant things with
the old and worn.
Shiny silver accessories look fantastic placed on top of painted wooden tables
and go for soft throw rugs that are finished in dreamy soft floral patterns and
rough old lace.
Wrought iron curtain rods with sheer curtains look really great and help add to
your room.A great addition to your space is to add freshly cut flowers into a
beautiful vase and let soft scented candles and aromas fill your hallway. It
creates an inviting and memorable atmosphere to your home.

You'll be amazed how interesting your home becomes as you work through this
concept.



Contemporary Style

Contemporary interior design is an exciting, collective celebration of what is current and
new. The look is definitely modern with interesting clean, angular, curved lines holding the
space together.
Despite contemporary design being 'new and current' there is also the love of what is
popular and the respect of design classic furniture and objects like the timeless Barcelona Chair
which you can see in the image below.
The contemporary concept is one of my favorite design styles. The majority of my
projects are often based on a fusion of contemporary interior design. I get a lot of satisfaction
from creating sensational rooms fused with a blend of contemporary design ideas, and lets say
classical French interiors or colonial design. The mix truly looks fantastic.
My priorities lie with my clients dreams and their brief. Seeing joy at the end of a
project, overwhelms me with such a deep sense of fulfillment.
The living room below is an inspiring fusion of contemporary Moroccan interior design
and industrial interiors. A real modern boho look.
Love it or loathe it, it is what is. To me, it is simple, fun, interesting and I love it.
However, my Mum would very much enjoy looking at the above image, but would never want
to live in a home that looked like that, and my Gran would not like it at all.
The end result should reflect all of your unique and wonderful ideas, so create an
inspiring home that you simply love to be in. Remember to work with your mood board ideas.
Color :
The immediate suggestion would be pure white like what has been used in the
image of the room at the top of the page however, contemporary interior design
is much, much broader and pretty much takes on the full color spectrum when
applied tastefully. An example of using color is shown in the image below. A
neural color palette would work very well to create your look with emphasis on
colorful furniture, objects and artwork.
Walls :
Stay away from busy walls with fussy wallpaper. Keep your walls 'basic', best to
choose flat painted with some fabulous artwork.
Floors :
Anything from a simple carpet of one color to a polished concrete floor would
work well. Equally a wooden or laminate floor finish would look awesome. Just
remember that this look is about 'simplicity'. The flooring in image below looks
great and perfectly shows a mix of contemporary and traditional interior design.
Dcor :
There are many, very well designed pieces of contemporary furniture available to
add to your room(s). Some objects are designed using bold color so perhaps you
could look for an exciting item similar to what is shown below.
Keep your spaces uncluttered so that each item can be viewed within its own
space. Items made from wood, glass, chrome and metal will work really well in
your scheme but stay clear of over embellishment or heavily ornate objects.
If your walls are a smooth, flat finish, try introducing a few interesting scatter
cushions as that will help bring some texture into your space. It is important to
keep the balance of your room when combining color and finishes so your design
harmonizes.
Contemporary design ideas are constantly evolving, so you may introduce
alternative accessories which would update your concept at a later date.


French Style

It is my opinion that the French have stunningly, beautiful homes. French interior
design is sophisticated and timeless so to achieve this classical concept into your home, I have
a few points to help you on your way.
Use visual information from movies like, Marie Antoinette or Bel Ami to help inspire
your mood boards and to help you get a good feel for this concept.
Color :
to capture the look of an elegant Parisian home you could opt for a beautiful
collection of color:
PALETTE OF PALE: neutral colors of white, off whites, mushroom, taupe, soft
grey, the fabulous duck egg blue and soft green. Touches of gold and silver would
add that touch of luxury.
PALETTE OF BOLD: look to use rich colors to add some vibrancy into your
concept. Peacock blue and teal look fabulous as do emerald green and shades of
red.
Walls :
You could add a feature wall using a glamorous wallpaper using the typical
French design.
-Fleur De Lys
-Rococo
-Baroque
-Toile De Jouy
-Damask
Dcor :
To top your French home decor, look for striking vintage furniture or antiques
which will enhance your French interior design concept. Go for beautiful
upholstery fabrics which could be of similar pattern to the examples shown
above, in the collection of wallpapers or choose opulent fabrics of velvet,
brocade, silks and lace to get your look of luxury.
Lighting :
Surely the wise choice of lighting is to go for a chandelier which would become
part of your focal point within your space. There are some many ranges available
to choose from. Look at both traditional and modern fittings and decide which
would fit best into your concept.
A typical wall sconce would have a silk shade with plenty of fringes to finish it off.
Occasionally they are also finished off with crystals, beads and feathers so why
not add one or two into your room.


Gothic Style

Firstly, in case you're not too sure if Gothic Interior Design is the same as Medieval
Interiors it's better to let you know that no, they are not the same. Both represent the middle
Ages however, they are in fact quite different.

The Gothic period is post Medieval.
During the Medieval period, Gothic architecture and design or as it was more
commonly known as back then 'the French Style', took a strong hold in the middle Ages around
1150.
The UK, Europe and particularly Paris, France has many beautiful examples of which the
best are most definitely the cathedrals.
Built with purpose and built to last, Gothic cathedrals are a historic gift to modern
society as well as a true representation of man's ability, engineering and determination.
The architectural 'flying buttress' element was first formed during this period and one
of the first applications can be seen at Notre Dame de Paris. Incredible.
Gothic style can be described as 'pointy'. Arches, chairs, doorways took on this look that
had never been seen previously. Symmetry was widely used in proportion to balance out the
space and is most certainly ornate.
To create this design concept without your rooms becoming 'too heavy' with
ornamental bric-a-brac, one very important addition to include in your design ideas would be
to introduce a dark/black painted wall similar to that you can see in the image below, right.
You are looking to draw elements from the past and create an interesting
representation using touches of this design style.
This style is all about setting a particular kind of atmosphere which should be moody
and fairly dark. Should you prefer to wallpaper your walls over painting them, there are many
collections available which hold black ranges with cool and interesting patterns. Below are a
couple of examples of what you're looking for.
When selecting furniture for a Gothic interior design concept once again you should be
thinking of black items that hold intricate detailing like those I've shown below.
You may also be bold and add a striking piece into your decor to add something
different and focal at the same time bringing color into your room. The drawers on the right
are an example of such an item.
So what we know for far is that your walls should be dark/black and your furniture also.
When considering your flooring, it's a safe bet to opt for a timber/wood floor. Carpet is also a
good choice.
The images below share some fantastic bathroom ideas particularly observe the
bathtub. If you are associating your design style with Gothic interior design then the tub should
preferably be free standing and made out of steel.


Indian Style

What a wonderful and exotic concept Indian interior design is. The look and style is a
reflection of a hugely diverse nation.
Indian culture is thousands of years old and holds particular interest for me. My lovely
mum is an incredible yoga teacher. I studied a four year yoga diploma, so I am also a qualified
yoga teacher however, I do not hold classes. I attend classes!
Back to our topic. It is possible to introduce decorative, elements into your space and
maintain an uncluttered, minimalistic room. However, this style is ornate and decedant.
The image below shows a beautifully carved, wooden panel backdrop with a low height
wooden table. This is a great example of Indian home decor for this concept and could look
fabulous in your living room.
Color :
A great way to get ideas for your color palette, is to look at the warm spices from
India. These rich colors reflect the vibrancy of the country and therefore this
concept. They look great next to crisp, white.
- curry power
- turmeric
- cardamon
- garam masala
- cumin
The image on the right shows examples of these spices and is a good basis for
your concept. Stick to the deep, burnt shades other than bright, bold colors.
Gold can also work really well within your color scheme and a turquoise blue can
bring that zing into your space.
Pattern :
Along with beautiful plain, silks and stain fabrics you could integrate pattern and
textured finishes into your space.
Tiles and mosaic tiles could be used or simply hang fabric on your wall and this
would act as part of your artwork.
There are also fabulous wallpapers available in ranges that suit this concept so
enjoy taking the time to look and mull it all over with your mood board.
Paisley is often seen through Indian styled patterns like the examples I have put
below as examples.
Floor :
A polished concrete floor works great in a modern, contemporary Indian interior
design. Tiles, marble, granite floors are traditionally found in Indian homes and
you could also use a dark stained, timber floor.
Dcor :
There is a wide variety of accessories and furniture available that take aspects of
India into straight your home.
Statues of Hindu Gods and Goddesses made from bronze, brass, wood or GOLD
look fantastic placed around an Indian styled room.
Elephants and deities of Buddha also add personality to your theme but as with
all concepts, be careful not over style your room. Get your balance right and your
Indian interior design will be fit for the Maharajah!
The image below shows stunning statues lined up in a hallway. I am showing you
this image as another example of the depth or color used. You could use
elements from this idea to achieve a similar look. Also note how lighting is
ambient and sultry to help create exotic atmospheres that capture this concept.
Furniture :
Dark, solid wooden furniture will really help to get this concept on the right
tracks. Look for some interesting carved artwork or full panels for your space.