Different people design their houses differently. It’s all about personality and character. Some people love bright colours, others like it pastel plain. Different materials also constitute styles. Wrought iron, oak, plastic, all create different looks. Here are a few interesting styles to get you started:

African.

Of course, we had to begin with the style that reminds us of Africa! Also known as the Safari look, this warm style combines the beauty of nature with the comfort of home. It is classy and comfortable and makes use wicker/basket/sisal, leather, “warm” animal-reminiscent fabrics such as zebra and leopard print, and beautiful handcrafted pieces. The African look is the outdoors, indoors. It is a very popular look, but at the same time can be uncommon because of the wide variety and many options available for this style.

Contemporary.

Think symmetry and maybe a little math. Clean, straight lines, geometric shapes and neutral colours (black and white) define this style, but certain accents can be added to brighten it up. Natural fabrics such as linen are best for this look. Contemporary is the opposite of traditional.

Classical.

Think Rome and Greece – and therefore plenty of mathematics and balanced equations. This look is simple, yet rustic (rural) with smooth or textured off-white walls. The contemporary look heavily borrows from this look. Stone or marble tiled floors as well as thick, striped hardwood floors create a look of symmetry. Spiral staircases are often used. Central focal points create balance in each room.

Oriental.

This style is also known as Asian. Think bamboo, silk, ornate accessories, bare windows, ambient lighting and bold colours. It is stylish and gives an air of royalty.  Definitely not a monotonous look, but it is very minimalist. Screens are often used as room dividers and floors are left bare or fully carpeted.

Country.

This look is cheery, flowery and lived-in. Plenty of photographs and wall hangings adorn this look. A variety of materials work well for this look but the most common for furniture is wood. Materials used are patterned with flowers or checked and brightly coloured. Many times, both these materials are used. The country look goes with area rugs or bare floors as opposed to wall-to-wall carpeting.

Tuscan.

Think Tuscany or the Mediterranean. Antique furniture, stone and marble make up this look and natural elements often provide a focal point. A stone fireplace or beautiful, real flowers can be used as focal points. Mirrors, huge ceiling beams and cobblestone floors add that unique, Mediterranean element. Colours to think about for this are olive green, fall orange, and wine red.

Traditional.

This design style is reminiscent of the 18^th and 19^th centuries. It is elegant and warm, with antique, graceful looking furniture, still life paintings, chandeliers and the like. Persian or flowered rugs are often used for this design.

People often mix and match design styles. For example, it’s possible to create a contemporary African look. A traditional room can have a hint of contemporary to it. It all depends on the individual’s preferences. One constant rule with interior design is not every single rule has to be followed.

Enjoy decorating!

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