The fourth section of our sweeping review of design aesthetics includes a mix of pastoral, weathered and ornate styles.
Farmhouse
Farmhouse interiors are similar to cottage homes. A combination of whites is used on everything from furniture to linens, and the ambiance is warmed up using weathered woods and rustic finishes like oil-rubbed bronze and copper. Wood countertops, open shelving, farmhouse sinks and brick accent walls characterize the design. Tables are often classic vintage farm tables made of high-quality woods like maple or oak. Fabrics like bedding and drapes feature charming patterns like historical and pastoral scenes. Mason jars are used for storing kitchen and bathroom essentials because they offer a charming, rustic feel to the interior.
Finnish
In Finnish homes, you’ll see a touch of modernist flair. Windows are large and boxy, helping the room appear spacious and bright. Soapstone fireplaces are another common Finnish feature that adds unique personality and charm to the interior of the home. You’ll also frequently see wood-paneled walls and sleek wood flooring – both of which warm up the ambiance. Furniture is uniquely formed into lightweight open shapes that offer a modern vibe of simplicity. Bed frames and tables can be made of tubular steel, which is often seen in contemporary and minimalist home design. Prominent Finnish designers include Alvar Aalto and Eliel Saarinen.
Flemish
Flemish interior design borrows components from Dutch Renaissance homes. The aesthetic is simple and uncluttered, yet it retains a quiet luxurious mood. Traditional furnishings are characterized by the Flemish foot, which is a leg ending to an “S” or “C” shape and is ornately carved. Furniture is typically heavy and dark and often has detailed upholstery. More modern Flemish homes make use of oversized seating and slipcovers to maintain a leisure-like feel. Color is rarely used, and interiors look somewhat stripped down, similar to a rustic home. Distressed unfinished wood and exposed brick can be seen throughout the interiors. Flemish-style glass is used on shower doors, glass-paneled cabinets and windows. This glass features a wavelike pattern on both sides, providing a slightly distorted view. Prominent Flemish designers include Axel Vervoordt.
French
French interiors are elegant, sophisticated, refined and ornate. The affluent style relies on soft and subtle shades, like beige and off-white. Typically, the same color is used throughout the space to create a coordinated and balanced interior. Decorative ceiling moldings and wall reliefs provide a rich texture to French residences. Lustrous materials like gold, silver and bronze are frequently used on wall decor, faucets, light fixtures and cabinet hardware. Wrought iron chandeliers with crystal swags add upscale appeal. French furniture has an antique, heirloom feel to it, and pieces like couches and chairs feature dark glossy wood covered with engraved ornate detailing. The legs of tables and chairs are typically curved – creating a feminine profile. Light colored natural cotton, cheesecloth and linen is often used on the upholstery to reinforce neutral color palettes and add to the vintage feeling.
French Provincial
This laid back style is primarily influenced by the country home in Southern France. French Provincial design is all about creating symmetry and balance in the home. This style can suit both formal and laid-back design tastes, as it combines both elegant and country elements. These homes are generally built out of brick, stone or stucco, and those materials are often found inside the dwellings as well on accent walls and furniture. The more casual French Provincial homes use a color palette of subtle blues, yellows, pinks and whites for a mixture of glamour and whimsy. French Provincial interiors feature French doors, as well as arched windows and entryways adding to the stately elegance of the style. While similar to simple Hamptons style, French Provincial provides subtle ornate details.
Georgian
Just like French Provincial design, Georgian interiors place a strong emphasis on harmony and symmetry. Kitchen and dining room wooden chairs feature elaborately carved legs and feet, as well as ornate carvings on the back splats. Moldings are equally as intricate – even ceilings have detailed patterns. Color schemes are often light and subdued, combining sky blues, soft greys and dusty pinks. Fireplaces are the focal point of the living room, and they feature decorated screens that are painted to match the space. Also found in the living room are grand chandeliers made of metal, wood or glass. Pendants made of silver or brass line the walls to offer more light. This popular 1700s New England look later evolved into the Federal and Adam styles of the early nineteenth century.
Gothic
This design style from the middle ages is an offshoot of Romanesque architecture. Gothic interiors come with a dramatic, medieval castle-like feel. Perhaps the most defining element of Gothic style is the pointed arches – you’ll see doors, entryways and windows in this iconic shape. Rib-vaulted ceilings and flying buttresses create a striking interior space. The box chair is another common piece found in Gothic interiors. These chairs have paneled sides and storage underneath the seat. Contrary to popular belief, Gothic style isn’t all about embracing black. In fact, many interiors feature rich, dark purples, reds, greens and blues. These colors are used sparingly, however, like on accent walls, appliances and backsplashes. They may also be used in stained glass or rose windows.
Greek
Greek interiors share similar characteristics to Egyptian homes. In more luxurious residences, certain elements like faucets and light fixtures are gilded. The iconic Greek key pattern (a.k.a. meander pattern) can be seen throughout the home on everything from tile and curtains to rugs, pillows, linens and wallpaper. Greek decor boasts a subtle Mediterranean feel, thanks to the use of warm beiges and deep blues. Think of the plainspoken yet picturesque homes that adorn the ocean cliffs of the island of Santorini. Ceilings are typically high with whitewashed textured plaster walls. Furniture is usually made from cast iron, wood and wrought-iron. Designs tend to feature simple lines and soft curves that exude a tranquil vibe. Legs of chairs and tables curve to the outside, giving them a graceful tailored appearance.
Hygge
The holistic Danish design style Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) relies on all five senses to create an inviting and cozy environment that evokes feelings of well-being and togetherness. This Norwegian term originated centuries ago in response to harsh winters and long periods of darkness to lift spirits by creating a welcoming ambiance emphasizing the simple pleasures in life. Hygge incorporates minimalism, neutral palettes and warm lighting to allow a space to breathe and convey an inviting, soothing vibe. Finely crafted furniture has clean lines and uses natural materials like wood and leather with soft textile accents like cashmere or sheepskin-lined fluffy blankets and throw pillows.
Subdued muted earth tones and soft creams are used for upholstery, walls and area rugs. Natural sunlight and the warm glow of candles and a roaring fireplace are preferred over artificial LED illumination. Splashes of color from a few potted plants or select pieces of artwork help to prevent the area from becoming lifeless and boring. Private areas for intimate conversations over a steaming cup of tea and reading nooks for curling up with a good book are frequently used in Hygge-style outdoor and indoor settings. as they provide an opportunity to enjoy a quiet moment. This Scandinavian concept even utilizes scents like cinnamon, vanilla and ginger to imbue the space with a comforting and familiar sense.
Indian
Similar to Arabian design, Indian interiors boast exotic rich colors and textures. Imagine deep red walls combined with copper pillars and a red leather ottoman. Furniture is typically handcrafted and ornately carved using solid wood. Indian furniture is slightly rustic in appearance – you’ll usually see woods like ebony, rosewood and teak used for everything from dining room chairs to chests and coffee tables. Chairs and tables traditionally feature curved armrests and legs. Brightly painted cabinets are often embellished with decorative inlays of stone, metal, mirrors or ivory. Informal seating areas in Indian homes often incorporate footstools, diwans or even luxurious jhoola swings.
Handspun natural fiber fabrics such as khadi are used to upholster dining chairs while rich silk and ikat highlight accent and centerpiece items. More rugged materials like jute cover ottomans and more utilitarian furnishings. Hand-woven and embroidered rugs and floor cushions are used liberally throughout Indian homes. Beautifully colored tapestries depicting flora, fauna and mandalas are used window treatments, pillows and throw blankets.
Industrial
Industrial interiors give off a cool, modern vibe. The style blends new and repurposed items for a unique combination of modern and vintage. Industrial design is characterized by clean open spaces – every room from the kitchen to the basement contains high, spacious loft-like ceilings. Color palettes are kept cool and subdued – you’ll often see a mix of grays, blacks and whites complemented by pops of blues or greens. Metal is the most often used material in industrial design. It offers a rugged charm and can be used on anything from light fixtures and countertops to stairwells and faucets. Steel or aluminum chairs and tables are often present both indoors and ouside. Industrial chic decor has become the style of choice for many urban loft spaces that were formerly factories, schools or other old buildings with exposed brick and rafter ceilings.
Italian
Italian interiors are filled with natural hues like off-whites and beiges. Splashes of Mediterranean colors such as brilliant blues, rich greens, burnt oranges and gentle yellows also make an appearance. Natural light is emphasized in the home in order to show off the extensive color palette. Italian homes are characterized by a natural appearance – stone, slate and granite are used throughout the interior on countertops and accent walls. Terracotta tiles and ornately detailed mosaic tiles are used in backsplashes to bring an accent of bright color to the distinguished old world space. This style incorporates open spaces with over-sized windows that allow the outdoors to show through and is mirrored by assortments of potted greenery inside. Ornate wrought iron is frequently used on banisters, balconies and fencing.
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