The final section of our design glossary mentions ornate styles from ages past and is capped off by insight into an aesthetic to put your mind at ease.
Urban
Urban, or Soft Industrial, interiors share a similar sleekness to loft-like homes with a bit of rustic flair tossed in. Exposed brick and stone give walls character. Industrial pendant lighting made of steel, copper and wrought iron illuminate all of the vintage details throughout the home. Lighting is also an important element because it breaks up the deep dark hues that dress the floors, walls and furniture. Floor-to-ceiling windows, used to keep things light, are another classic characteristic of this city style. Furniture mixes weathered and glossy woods to create a perfect balance of Old World style and industrial style.
Venetian
Venetian homes are equipped with a luxurious, enchanting ambiance. Many elements throughout Venetian interiors come with a gilded finish, including feet on furniture and chairs, mirrors, candle holders, picture frames, etc. Collections of smaller mirrors with ornate detailing are used as decorations and help the interior appear more spacious. Wall sconces are used to highlight the mirrors and reflect light. Furniture is adorned with wood detailing and typically upholstered with a patterned fabric such as florals or stripes. Venetian homes boast a rich color palette made up of creams, deep wine reds, golds and purples. These shades are illuminated by an arrangement of white candles and grand chandeliers. A prominent feature of Venetian architecture is the pointed Gothic Lancet Arch combined with Moorish decorative patterns and material influence.
Victorian
Victorian interiors are big on order, ornamentation and timeless elegance. Homes from this period are typically divided into public and private spaces with the parlor being the primary room for entertaining guests. Furniture is constructed out of dark, glossy woods such as walnut, rosewood and mahogany. The backs, arms and feet of chairs and sofas come with elaborately carved floral designs. A Victorian-style dining room has regal light fixtures like over-the-top chandeliers and often features a majestic and ornately decorated sideboard. Ceilings are equally as ornate, with gilded detailing around the trim. Color palettes are similar to Venetian-style homes and consist of teal, mustard yellow, lavender, walnut and rusty red. Victorian knick-knacks, paintings and textiles bring character to the interior.
Vintage
Vintage refers to style from the 1940s and 50s, and comes with a nostalgic, comfortable ambiance. Eclectic flea market finds are displayed on open shelving, in decorative bowls or on bookshelves. This adds visual interest and character to the home. Other accessories that bring a vintage style home to life include old gilded mirrors, heavy cornice moldings, brass and frosted glass lamps, stenciled walls and decorative tile borders. Bathrooms typically feature a cast iron or porcelain clawfoot tub for an old world feel. In the kitchen, various cookware and accessories like vintage toasters, coffee makers and mixers are left out on the countertops. In the living room, couches and chairs are upholstered with detailed pastoral or floral patterns. Delicate lace curtains in white or soft neutral tones provide a soft accent that reinforces the antique vibe.
Western
Western interior design borrows characteristics from rustic Tuscan homes. They also feature a warm color palette and plenty of detailing. Kitchens, for instance, feature burnt orange terra cotta tiles. Walls are decorated with paintings, prints, colorful murals and backsplashes of mosaic tile. Leather or hide chairs and couches are adorned with Navajo-inspired pillows and throws to add a splash of color and Western flair to your interior. Western homes feature golden yellows, rusty oranges and deep reds to reflect hues you might find in the painted desert. Accent lighting and ceramic pendants illuminate the rich color palette. Exposed ceiling beams are a common touch in Western homes as well, along with natural materials such as stone and granite. Large-scale fireplaces and mantels are central elements in this style and are often constructed of roughly hewn stone.
William & Mary
William & Mary-inspired interiors feature grand-looking armchairs with high backs, curved lines, oriental lacquer work and ball feet. Highboy and lowboy chests are found in William & Mary bedrooms and living rooms and are just as detailed as the chairs and couches. These pieces are adorned with floral, oyster and seaweed veneering. To keep the focus on the detailed furniture, William & Mary color palettes are left neutral, with creams, taupes and browns. Floors are sleek, typically made up of glossy wood. Kitchen cabinetry is also constructed out of woods like acacia and olive, and are decorated with various inlays and veneers. The Periwig Chair is a signature design from this vintage aesthetic. The seat features an ornately carved crested backrest made from hardwood and may incorporate woven cane.
Zen
In Japanese, Zen refers to Buddhist meditation, so it’s no surprise that Zen-style interiors emphasize tranquility, harmony and relaxation. To keep a subdued monastic atmosphere, Zen homes are filled with earthy colors like beige, gray and off-white. Instead, the interior features textures that bring character to the space, like wooden flooring, cotton sofas and plush rugs. Rugs typically match the color of the flooring to reinforce the peaceful serene aesthetic. Zen homes have floor-to-ceiling windows to bring as much natural light into rooms as possible. Accent lighting like bamboo sconces is used to illuminate artwork, mirrors or any other decor on the walls. Furniture is kept natural and simple and features clean lines without excess detail or ornamentation. Simple wooden tables and chairs flow with the space, contributing to a the serenity.
Leave a Reply