Living Bakkali Restaurant / Masquespacio. Image © Sebastian Erras
"The details are not the details. They make the design." - Charles Eames. These are wise words that remind us of the importance of paying attention to every aspect of interior design. Creating spaces that are visually appealing and functional is crucial in creating an environment that meets the needs of its users. In this article, we will dive into the aesthetic side of interior design, exploring popular styles from around the world. We will examine how architects and designers use color, furniture, accessories, and finishes to define the identity of a space.
Contemporary
Contemporary interior design has become increasingly popular in the past few decades. With its timeless features, contemporary style is known for its sleek and smooth surfaces, refined furniture selection, and avant-garde art pieces. It embraces a neutral color scheme of black, white, or shades of gray, while also incorporating bright and bold colors in wall art, lighting fixtures, or accent furniture pieces. Let's take a look at some examples:
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A | Residence / IAIA - Idea Art Interior Architects
A | Residence / IAIA - Idea Art Interior Architects. Image © Alex Jeffries -
Mit Chit House / Looklen Architects
Mit Chit House / Looklen Architects. Image © Varp Studio
Industrial
Inspired by refurbished factories, the industrial style embraces the bare and effortless philosophy of exposing architectural elements such as pipes, brick, concrete wall surfaces, and beams. It gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s when urban areas faced housing shortages. This style is often accompanied by a neutral color palette and rustic materials in furniture and pendant lighting. Here are a couple of examples:
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ASKWATCH Store / Kenta Nagai Studio
ASKWATCH Store / Kenta Nagai Studio. Image © Kenta Hasegawa -
Art Loft Chai Wan / Mass Operations
Art Loft Chai Wan / Mass Operations. Image © Jonathan Maloney
Scandinavian
Nordic countries are renowned for their design characteristics, which have given rise to the Scandinavian design style. This minimalistic style uses muted hues and a blend of textures to create sleek and contemporary décor. Clean lines, simple-yet-functional furniture pieces, and an abundance of natural light are key features. Contrasting color palettes are also prominent in this style. Here are a couple of examples:
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Flat in Zverynas / HEIMA architects
Flat in Zverynas / HEIMA architects. Image © Norbert Tukaj -
The Attic / f+f architectes
The Attic / f+f architectes. Image © Johan Fritzell
Asian Zen
Asian Zen interior design emphasizes harmony, calmness, and simplicity. Nature plays a central role in this style, with color palettes and material selections revolving around natural elements such as wood, sand, and rattan. Elements like plants, rocks, pebbles, and water features promote relaxation and a connection to the outdoors. It is also important to note the cultural aspect of walking barefoot, which influences flooring solutions. Here are a couple of examples:
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Tekuni 2 Apartments / DDAP Architect
Tekuni 2 Apartments / DDAP Architect. Image © Indra Wiras -
Nong Ho 17 House / Skarn Chaiyawat
Nong Ho 17 House / Skarn Chaiyawat. Image © DOF Sky|Ground
Japandi
Japandi is the combination of Scandinavian and modern Japanese interior design. These styles share minimalist design principles while incorporating warmth, comfort, natural elements, and muted color palettes. Natural fibers like bamboo and rattan, mix of materials, and sleek lines characterize Japandi style. Here are a couple of examples:
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Ori Refuge / Traama Arquitetura
Ori Refuge / Traama Arquitetura. Image © Júlia Tótoli -
Sumu Residence / Echo Design + Architecture
Sumu Residence / Echo Design + Architecture. Image © Echo Design + Architecture
Organic Modernism
Organic modernism, also known as biophilic interior design, combines the natural environment with man-made structures. This style embraces daylight, natural color schemes, greenery, and the integration of natural materials such as wood and brick. It aims to create a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors. Here are a couple of examples:
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Villa Apollon / Block722
Villa Apollon / Block722. Image © Yiorgos Kordakis -
Villa Mandra / K-Studio
Villa Mandra / K-Studio. Image © Claus Brechenmacher & Reiner Baumann Photography
Retro Revival
Old design styles like Art Deco and Art Nouveau have made a comeback in the modern design scene. Interior designers reimagine these styles in a contemporary context, using contemporary materials or color palettes. This revival can be seen through vibrant color palettes, bold geometric patterns, or vintage furniture pieces. Here are a couple of examples:
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Mo-Tel House / Office S&M
Mo-Tel House / Office S&M. Image © French + Tye -
Banacado Café / ASKA
Banacado Café / ASKA. Image © Mikael Lundblad
Modern Farmhouse
Farmhouse interiors prioritize practicality and simplicity with a rustic, rural charm. This style has recently found its way into urban contexts, promoting comfort and creating an effortless look that feels raw, cozy, and trendy. Timber elements and white-washed finishes are characteristic of this style, along with mismatched fixtures and a blend of vintage and contemporary elements. Here are a couple of examples:
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Redhill Barn / TYPE
Redhill Barn / TYPE. Image © Rory Gardiner -
Flinders Residence / Abe McCarthy Architects
Flinders Residence / Abe McCarthy Architects. Image © Shannon McGrath
Mediterranean
Mediterranean interior design draws inspiration from the relaxed and classic atmospheres of countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Light and warm tones, along with shades of blue and green, represent the sun, sea, and lush plantations. Ceramic, wood, fibers, and wrought iron are extensively used in this style, accompanied by ornamental tiling and floods of natural sunlight. Here are a couple of examples:
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Monolith House / Desypri&Misiaris Architecture
Monolith House / Desypri&Misiaris Architecture. Image © Giorgos Sfakianakis -
Palerm House / OHLAB
Palerm House / OHLAB. Image © José Hevia
Eclectic / Maximalist
Maximalist or eclectic style combines various design styles and periods within one interior space. This style employs vibrant colors, bold patterns, avant-garde shapes, and an abundance of details to make a strong and playful statement. Expressive patterns and colors, layering textures and materials, and incorporating artwork and unique furniture pieces are key features. Here are a couple of examples:
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Beta Cinema / Module K
Beta Cinema / Module K. Image © Do Sy -
Esquire Office / Studio Bipolar
Esquire Office / Studio Bipolar. Image © Suryan//Dang
Minimalism
Minimalism in interior design focuses on simplicity and clean lines. It uses the bare essentials to create a simple and uncluttered space. Monochromatic color palettes, functionality, and lack of ornamentation are key features of this style. Open floor plans, an abundance of natural light, and sleek furniture contribute to the minimalist aesthetic. Here are a couple of examples:
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Avila Warehouse Conversion / Allaround Lab
Avila Warehouse Conversion / Allaround Lab. Image © José Hevia -
PP Apartment / Nildo José
PP Apartment / Nildo José. Image © Marco Antonio
This concludes our exploration of trending interior styles. We hope you've gained insights into the visual characteristics of these styles and how they've been utilized in various projects. If you're looking to create a new interior space or redesign an existing one, consider these styles as a source of inspiration. Remember, the key is to create a space that not only looks beautiful but also meets the needs of its users.
Find more interior projects in this My ArchDaily folder created by the author.
This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Aesthetics, proudly presented by Vitrocsa, the original minimalist windows since 1992. Vitrocsa merges the interior and exterior with creativity. Their unique range of frameless window solutions boasts the narrowest sightline barriers in the world. Manufactured in line with the renowned Swiss Made tradition, Vitrocsa systems are the result of unrivaled expertise and a constant quest for innovation. Learn more about Vitrocsa and their minimalist windows.
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