What's Your Design Style?

A nostalgic style that’s seen a resurgence in the last few years, Mid Century classic takes elements of Mid Century Modern and updates it to suit today’s interiors. This look relies on a certain amount of minimalism and highlights clean-lined furniture and smooth, sculptural forms. It also has a strong connection to the outdoors. Open floor plans and floor-to-ceiling windows help to create a feeling of spaciousness and light.

This nod to the industrial revolution is all about combining simple utilitarian designs with worn textures and raw materials. Cement floors, exposed brick walls, and ceiling beams of all kinds are right at home. The key to making industrial chic comfortable and liveable is to keep shapes and silhouettes fairly simple, and focus more on the mix of materials. Forged or welded metal combines with aged woods, soft leathers and sleek glass accents to create a modern yet historical atmosphere. This style works particularly well in converted factories, lofts and other types of open concept spaces.

Elegance is the name of the game when it comes to traditional style rooms, and nothing lends a sense of natural elegance like balance and symmetry – both in the architecture and the furniture. Classic wood tones are right at home, as are historical color palettes (no neon here!). Timeless architectural details like wainscoting and other moulding applications add necessary character and plenty of charm. Traditional style is sometimes known for being a bit fussy, but a little fuss never hurt anyone.

Transitional style refers to a blend of classic and modern design, and it’s been the predominant interior design style in North America for several years. It combines the warmth and comfort of traditional style rooms with the clean profiles and streamlined silhouettes of contemporary style. The color palette usually consists of both warm and cool neutrals, although there’s definitely room to pull in a few others where it makes sense. The result is a timeless, gender-neutral style that doesn’t fit any particular period.

Not to be confused with country style, which can be a bit kitschy, classic farmhouse relies on simple details and sturdy materials to create a sense of sophisticated comfort. The look is traditional but not fussy, classic but not formal, and comfortable in a way that makes you want to put your feet up and stay awhile. Classic farmhouse is all about mixing comfortable furniture with rough materials like reclaimed wood, wrought iron accents, and other types of architectural salvage. When it comes to fixtures and finishes don’t be afraid to mix metals in the same room, and remember that wide plank hardwood floors can’t be beat.

Urban contemporary has grown in popularity as city condominiums and tiny homes have gotten smaller and smaller. When you only have a few hundred square feet there’s no room for frills, and urban contemporary style reflects this trend. Clean lines and geometric shapes are of the utmost importance in both furniture and fixed elements. While these types of interiors tend to have a lot of black, white and other neutral tones, they’re also great for experimenting with color blocking in bold tones.