Interior design is a coordinate plan with clear guidelines in place to help enhance a home’s aesthetics and functionality. Plus, there are hundreds of styles that we can use to help create our space. Many interior design styles have come and went while we see interior design evolve over time, just like fashion and beauty. Some styles have indeed survived the test of time where others come and go. Many bold and contemporary designs seem to be much shorter-lived than safe and neutral designs. Typically, this is because neutrals do not make such bold statements where other colors can be very influential. Yet, when new bold design themes do come about, they usually change the perspective entirely and can revamp the next generation of design.

During the 1980s, Italian designer Ettore Sottsass and his design team created a daring and novel design theme that would break all the rules of the current design times. This design was referred to as Memphis design, which was named due to the famous Bob Dylan song “Stuck in Memphis.”

What Is Memphis Design?

Memphis design is nothing short of abstract. It is probably the easiest design to recognize because of how whimsical and unique it is. During the 1940s, Mid-Century Modern took the forefront of many designs. It revolutionized architecture and home designs throughout the United States. However, having too much of a good thing can soon make it overused. Since Mid-Century Modern was a very minimalistic and neutral color palette, it had constructed rules which help create and make the atmosphere. During the 1980s, Sottsass and his team decided to make something untraditional or “radical, funny, and outrageous” as they put it. They created the rule-breaking, whimsical, pop art, and colorful Memphis design.

The Return of Memphis Design

Likewise, we have seen neutral color themes for the last several years. For instance, many rooms have been painted gray, beige, and white, and as children grew up with this color palette, they began to want more color. However, those children are adults and homeowners today, and we notice that generation X loves their colors. They are adding colors more than ever into their homes and apartments. So, we slowly see the return of rule-breaking colors and patterns to create an artsier and maximalism-styled home.

How to Master This Whimsical Style

The color palette is completely open but thrives off bold, neon, and pastel colors and a lot of them! Many rooms will have more than a dozen bold colors incorporated in their design. Plus, this style has unique and contemporary geometrical shapes to construct furniture and patterns. It also uses a ton of patterns where most designs stick to one or two.

What do you think of this crazy design? Is it refreshing to see colors back into homes, or is this design too much? We would love to get your opinion below in the comment section.

When designing your space, you have the freedom to add whatever décor, paint colors, furniture, and style you want. Without guidance, the overall look can become a chaotic mess; therefore, it is important to have a structure to your design. You want your home to flow and your design theme to agree with itself. Fortunately, there are several interior design themes homeowners and businesses return to for there general concepts and styling, which look great when replicated. One of these design themes is Scandinavian. You may know this styling more as the “Ikea” design styling. Scandinavian design is an excellent design with sleek lines, a clean atmosphere, and a minimalistic approach. So if you are looking to master this style in your own home, here are several key factors that contribute to this styling:

Color Palette

As soon as you see a Scandinavian design, you will quickly notice the very muted and neutral color palette. Typically, the designs are made from whites, greys, blacks, and beiges, yet some very pastel colors can trickle into the design as well. These muted colors allow light to travel more freely in the space and open up the atmosphere.

Woods

With the neutral color palette, many light-colored kinds of wood are included in the designs. From hardwood flooring to furniture designs, wood is essential to completing this styling. Look for light woods like beech, pine, and ash. You will also notice that authentic Scandinavian design never uses wall-to-wall carpet. Instead, consider adding a comfortable rug to the room for added comfort.

Greenery and Natural Lighting

A dull color palette would feel dead without the proper accommodation of greenery and natural lighting. To master Scandinavian design, make sure you allow natural lighting to flow into your space as much as possible. You can also flourish your room with plant life to help spruce up and revitalize the area.

Minimalism

This design style features sleek lines and a very minimalistic approach. The light color palette and natural elements help open up the environment. Even art work is considered to be very minimalistic in these design themes. Remember, less can be more in many design situations. Do not over-clutter your space.

Cozy Textiles

The last thing that brings this design full-circle is the attention to cozy textiles. The sleek lines, hard cut furniture, wood, and grey atmosphere can quickly drain its comfort. However, Scandinavian design has a solution for this. This design commonly indulges in cozy textiles, warm throw blankets, fun pillows, and great rugs. Do not forget to add your space of comfort to these areas to help complete your design.

All in all, Scandinavian design is highly praised for its simplicity and attention to detail. What do you think of this design style? Would you use it in your own home? Let us know your thoughts below in the comment section, and for more insight on designs, make sure to subscribe!

Interior design has many different types of styles. From Hollywood Glam to Rustic, there are many designs in which we can pull inspiration. Many styles have evolved over the years and became trademarks to the stylings that we incorporate in our homes and businesses today. Some designs have come and passed, and others are still being created. Some designs have even meshed together to create something new and unique. For example, Traditional Design is a very classical look yet when mixed with modern; it finds a balance in the transition of eras. We refer to this design style as Traditional. Yet what is Modern Design? Many people use the term Modern and Contemporary Design interchangeably; however, they are two very distinct, different styles. We will explore both designs so you can decide which one may be best for you. Both have advantages, disadvantages, and personal preferences which allows them to be unique to you. Join us as we explore what makes a mid-century modern home and check out what creates a contemporary home for more details.

Mid-Century Modern

So, first, we need to understand that “Modern” does not mean “as of today.” Modern design refers to a time era in design that has come and passed. Because of this, it cannot continue to change. The rules and guidelines to this style are pretty set in stone. Mid-Century modern was established in the 1930s-1960s, and it was used in architecture, industrial, interior, and even marketing. This design happened right after World War II when families began to move from the more rural area to live in more urban neighborhoods. This change correlated with smaller homes and with it came an adaptation to make a style that worked. With smaller spaces, people still wanted to have their home’s feel big, which meant minimalism, simplicity, functionality, and an open layout were a must. Modern homes would typically have a neutral color palette yet could add color through muted tones. Most of the lines in the architecture would be sleek and clean cut. To make the homes feel more open, geometrical, crisp furniture was introduced. Materials were entering the market during this time which made plastics, glasses, metals, and woods all valid options to use in this design.

Now that you can identify Modern design, it is essential to see what makes Contemporary design different. Check out Part Two for a greater understanding. For more insight on design themes and differences, make sure to subscribe to our content!

Last week we posted an article on our website tool Ask Kerry.  This week, we’d like to share our Style Gallery tool with you.  Our Style Gallery allows you to browse five different styles and see which matches you best.

If you click on the “Design Tools” box in the bottom left corner of our homepage, it will direct you to all of our website tools.  From there, click on “Design Styles” and it will direct you to the correct page. 

The five styles are:

1. Italian Impressions
2. Rustic Reflections
3. Seaside Simplicity
4. Stately Elegance
5. Urban Chic

Choose whichever you think will fit your style best, you will then be directed to a page explaining the particular style, why it suits you, and how you obtain the style in your home with decorating tips.  We hope you find this tool useful!