give me some
space writer nikola lashley
Create a space that reflects your personality. A happy space, a sanctuary you can raise a family in, retreat to when the world seems a little unfriendly. Be inspired by these four amazing interior design styles.
contemporary Contemporar y can connote subtle sophistica t i o n a n d under st ated elegance as long as you pay equal a t te n t i o n to t he tiny stuf f as well.
Hey good looking…
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When you think contemporary interiors you may
Nor does it mean skimping on comfort; a slouchy over-size sofa
think Ikea—sensible, comfortable, dizzyingly stylish
upholstered in a neutral colour can add influence to a contemporary
furnishings that liven up the most mundane of rooms.
setting as long as you pay careful attention to the details of the sofa’s
Contemporary as an interior aesthetic simply means modern,
design and shape. The key design elements being arms; rolled or
of the times and in the know. It’s like the use of white space
upright, the back; low and tufted, camel or squared and the legs; on
in a quality magazine layout, where typography and images are
castors or exposed.
afforded ample amounts of visual breathing room.
Contemporary can connote subtle sophistication and understated
A well thought out contemporary home or office space adheres to
elegance as long as you pay equal attention to the tiny stuff as well.
some basic rules— the old adage: “less is more” really does apply.
Take fabric texture, the width of slats on blinds, the height of skirting
This doesn’t mean form over function, not at all, after all these
boards down to the light switches and doorknobs; they all play a key
spaces are designed for living in. But clutter really is to be avoided.
role in achieving a great contemporary look.
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traditional
Don’t be afraid to let black and white play a su p p o r t i n g ro l e i n creating a retro look t hat is timele s s .
C re a t i n g a t ra d i t i o n a l fi n i s h is all about quality fir st. If ever t here was a t i m e to s e e k o u t t h e s er vices of a master craf tsman, t his is it.
An ode to tradition… There’s no need to read between the lines when it comes
commonly associated with architecture than bold vertical striped
to creating a traditional interior design look for your
wallpaper and chintz.
home.
mention, not only because it’s a familiar architectural style here in the
Every detail, usually in abundance screams,
French Colonial style certainly deserves a
“look at me”.
Caribbean but, because it’s an era that spawned botanical prints and
But it’s worth noting, not all traditional interiors are created equal.
bamboo furniture.
From Italian Renaissance—a remarkable design period, where the
Creating a traditional finish is all about quality first. If ever there
humble chair became a symbol of ones wealth. Rich heirloom
was a time to seek out the services of a master craftsman, this is it.
furniture, desks and wedding chests made from dark walnut
They’re close to extinction but if you find a good one your design
wood; inlayed with gold and ivory—just some items that keep
project, whether it’s a dining table and twelve chairs or ornate
auction rooms in business to this day.
burglar proofing you can be sure it will be interpreted with skill and
Then there’s the refined elegance of the Regency style, more
integrity—something you wont find at the bottom of a flat pack.
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retro Don’t look back in anger… There’s much more to retro than shiny red Formica
Cherry red and white for the kitchen. A lot of bold saturated colour
counter tops, sunburst wall- clocks and lava lamps!
but not overly bright—all common colour themes to inspire you.
If the thought of plastic fantastic interiors and gaudy
If you’re opting for retro you could do worse than drawing inspiration
vinyl from the 60s and 70s makes you slightly queasy
from the 1950s. Much like the 40s and 20s in many ways it was a
you should take a deep breath and keep reading.
fine looking decade—slick and edgy. A bright pastel pink Chevy,
Firstly, retro means recent past… so technically speaking its relative.
oatmeal leather interior with a pale powder blue hood! Now apply
You can skip over the chrome and moulded plastic inspired decades
this colour scheme alongside a slate grey accent wall in a room with
of the 60s and 70s and jump straight into the Hollywood glamour
a solid pine wood floor. Add a few low-seated chairs, smoke-glass
of the 40s. Sleek and well tailored not only applied to the post-war
light fittings and bold prints for soft furnishings. Don’t be afraid to
fashion trends of the day but to interior décor and furnishings too.
let black and white play a supporting role in creating a retro look that
Think vintage. Deep Purples, dark green drapes, lavender walls.
is timeless.
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minimalist
D o n’t b e to S p a r t a n ; minimalist living is about finding t h e p l e a s u re i n s i mplicity, it ’s not about denying all yo u r creature comfor ts.
The joy of less… Stripped down and pared back. Designers say minimalism is a style concept that seeks to trim the fat off modern design trends. What’s left is a lean looking space with clean lines and plenty of Zen action. Key colours are kept neutral but for the purist, white forms the ideal backdrop. To perfectly offset this light-filled space and add a splash of energy, choose a rug that is bold in colour and shape. Knick-knacks are a definate no no. Colour can be used though, but sparingly, in art and furnishings. Symmetrical seating upholstered in leather works well in a minimal living area. If you’re partial to sculptures and your space is large enough, opt for large pieces. Don’t be to Spartan; minimalist living is about finding the pleasure in simplicity, it’s not about denying all your creature comforts. As an example choose a Japanese style futon bed, they come in a range of sizes and are said to aid your physical and mental wellbeing.
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