It’s common for people to get confused when it comes to decorating their homes, but we all want a home that’s well decorated and welcoming, don’t we? So the first thing to bear in mind is that you’re decorating the house for yourself and for the other people who will live in it too. You don’t have to please anyone else, apart from those who will spend hours, days, months and years inside those spaces. Another important point is not to fall into the trap of current trends and decorating fashions. It’s important to understand the difference between style — a hallmark that can take on new shades over the years but whose essence stays the same — and trend, which changes periodically and which, in vogue today, may no longer be so in a few months. When we talk about interior decoration it’s important to keep that fleetingness in mind, so that when you choose you go for styles that convey your personality harmoniously and intelligently, and not only for the trends.
The name says it all: the classic style refers to the decorating style of the old nobility, with sumptuous, imposing settings. It’s a very expressive decoration, rich in detail, that picks up period elements, using curved lines and ornament. One of the things that stands out most in this style is the architecture: generous rooms, high ceilings, carved walls and ornamentation are all present.
The main material used is wood. Neutral colours are also strong in this style, from the furniture to the walls. Robust furniture is used, with antique elements, noble fabrics and yellowish lighting. Sometimes the difference is in the details, such as more elaborate armchair legs, or upholstery that picks up on luxury and refinement.
Despite having very striking pieces that refer back to times past, it’s a timeless, traditional style that never goes out of fashion.
The industrial style was born in New York in the 1950s, but it’s very much in fashion today. At the time, old empty industrial buildings and halls began to serve as housing; the residents, however, kept the original look of the places. That’s how they became the “lofts” we know today. With generous spaces, generally with an “open-space” structure and rudimentary elements, the most notable aspect of industrial decoration is the exposed structure set against sophisticated decor. High walls and large windows are also typical of this style and further increase the sense of interior space, while making the most of natural light.
The decoration is inspired by pure building materials, such as exposed brick, metals or polished concrete. The palette is monochrome, through white, black and greys. The furniture is minimal and purposeful, with strong, clean lines and no excess. Upholstered pieces should be simple and solid, in natural textures and neutral colours. Here, leather is always a good option.
One of the main characteristics of the Scandinavian style is the concept of “hygge”, a Danish term meaning comfort. It consists of valuing the simple things in life and creating a feeling of warmth inside the home. With soft outlines, colours with playful touches and a balance of organic and engineered materials, Scandinavian furniture is simple, contemporary and functional. Many of these designs employ Bauhaus principles and are characterised by flowing lines and a focus on the proportions of objects. The colour palette is very soft and balanced, with light woods and plenty of whites with grey tones as a base. When colours are used they tend to come from art, quilts in natural fibres or hides, or from a single piece of furniture that stands out. It’s an attractive, simple, clean style, but very welcoming and relaxed.
Less is more! No excess furniture and, in the objects, plenty of function and a cleaner colour palette: the minimalist style proposes doing away with the unnecessary. Extravagance and excess are carefully replaced by an atmosphere based on simplicity, where every piece of furniture, object and element has its function and its reason for being in the room. Everything follows a simple design centred on practicality, recalling some elements of the industrial and Scandinavian styles, with straight lines, simple geometric forms and the presence of natural materials such as wood and leather. Flowing, simple spaces without an excess of objects are its main characteristics. Fabrics tend to be plain, with soft textures and no patterns. Light tones predominate, since they favour lighting and the sense of space. Contrasting details are valued, and they appear in small, sparing touches of black, wood or polished concrete.
Eclectic is a good decorating style for those of us who can’t settle on a single theme and are drawn to different approaches. Often confused with a form of decoration in which anything goes, the eclectic style is in fact a very useful and well-considered one. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who loves mixing styles but wants a cohesive look; rather than imagining eclectic as disordered, it should be seen as careful editing, linking disparate elements through colour and texture. Think bold colour palettes, textures and patterns combined to create a rich mix with usefulness and highlights in mind. There’s no fear here of taking risks, celebrating contrasts and bringing in craft pieces from various cultures and periods. It’s the perfect combination of old and new, modern and classic.
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