Interior Design Styles That Will Make Your Home Look More Spacious
If you're looking for inspiration to upgrade your space, try any of these four out.
A small home shouldn’t be a hindrance when it comes to decorating. No matter how limited your floor space is, you can definitely go for ornate styles such as French, or even go wild with the “more is more” concept of a maximalist home.
That being said, there’s also nothing wrong with opting to go the opposite direction, which is picking a simpler interior design style that remains classy, functional, and tasteful without looking boring or unadventurous. We’ve listed four kinds you may want to check out: whether you’re starting out with a clean slate or upgrading your current abode, these popular interior design styles will help you get inspired. Remember—you don’t have to stick with only one look. Feel free to mix and match! The point is to create a space that's clean and cohesive while still retaining your own personal mark.
Minimalism
A pretty popular design style, minimalism is something that many tiny homeowners want to achieve, simply because less clutter means more space. This actually follows a lifestyle of focusing on only what’s essential, invoking a less complicated outlook that results in a clean aesthetic.
In a 2018 event, MUJI art director and advisory board member Kenya Hara explained the concept of “emptiness” that is rooted in the Japanese culture and its Shinto beliefs. “Emptiness is the possibility of being filled,” he said. “This empty space is a creative receptacle of images.”
Minimalism explores this “emptiness.” When a home in this style, you’ll need to focus more on keeping spaces rather than on filling them. If you live in a tiny home, a good way to do so is to look for flexible items that can be hidden or can suit different purposes—for example, a bed that has storage, or desk that can be folded when unused. Touches of steel and chrome are also often seen in a minimalist home, and are used with clean, geometric pieces and forms that flow through an open space. With minimalism, it’s important not to get carried away; less is more, after all.
Looking for tips on how to design your minimalist home? Check this article out: Things to Remember When Creating a Minimalist Home
Scandinavian
The Scandinavian style is another go-to for many, and is often mistaken for minimalism; while a space can be both simultaneously, a Scandinavian design goes for more organic materials such as wood, hemp, and wool. (Don’t forget to invest in hardwood floors!) The use of pale and monochromatic color schemes are also evident, which actually helps a room catch more of the sun, as the Nordic regions from where this style has originated are often wintry and receive less daylight.
If you’ve got a yard, or a garden, or a view of the mountains, you’ll want to incorporate it into you home with wide windows. Nature is an important facet in a Scandinavian home, and such openings can also give you great natural lighting. Similar to the minimalist look, you’ll also want to keep your spaces clear—that means minimal clutter. Keep things light and breezy with pieces that give off a cozy, organic vibe.
Going Scandinavian and not sure where to start? Read this: 10 Easy Ways to Achieve the Scandinavian Style
Modern
Modern design has its roots in the Scandinavian style; however, it goes for a more straightforward kind of simplicity, opting for crisp lines that forego intricate patterns, curves, and curlicues. Skip the unnecessary fluff and details, and minimize soft edges.
If you want to go for a modern home, you’ll want to use glass, metal, steel—or anything sleek and reflective. Go for a monochromatic palette for your walls and ceilings, and similar to its Scandi predecessor, feel free to make use of natural light, which should pass through simple, unadorned windows.
You can mix both modern and minimalist styles! Here are finishing materials you may need: All The Finishing Materials You Need For a Modern Minimalist Home
Contemporary
If modern design is strictly straightforward, contemporary offers a bit more leeway when it comes to adornments. You can combine your straight lines with curves without cluttering your space: for example, you can opt for sleek chairs and a glass table, and have your walls adorned with softer art pieces or your windows with detailed moldings.
You’ll still want to stick with monochromatic and sleek furniture, though. Go for neutral pieces and skip unnecessary patterns or fringes. Keep things sharp with simple light fixtures in glass or steel.
Looking for pegs? Check out these 5 Charming Contemporary Homes.
Other Sources: Elle Décor, Décor Interiors, The Spruce
