One of the first questions a designer will ask you when you begin your design journey together is, 'What's your design style?'
An age old question that has confused our clients for YEARS! We as designers want to make sure we have a good understanding of our clients taste, preferences, and aesthetic - so we ask the question. But often we never get a fully complete answer. Why?! Because our clients are confused - heck even some of us designers can get confused in the combination of styles that are ever evolving!
With today's easy access to social media and to magnificent design inspiration, it further adds to the confusion. What exactly is my style?! It could be a lot of things, or a combination of things.
Style means something different to everyone, it is subjective, which is why it can be so hard to nail down. It's especially hard because creatives are now combining styles and re-inventing styles. Putting their own spin on it if you will. I've often found myself even coining my own terms to describe a style (which I may or may have not done in the below list 😂) .
Farmhouse can be farmhouse rustic, shabby chic farmhouse, modern farmhouse, industrial farmhouse.. the list goes on. Taking the basis of a specific style and putting a twist on it by combining it with another similar style.
For this reason, I have created the following mood boards to help clients explore their design taste and get a better picture of the look they are after!
Keep in mind, one specific style does not fit all design needs for our clients, and often we can combine two similar styles together to create a unique look specific to our client's taste. As you go through the list below, don't feel frustrated if you identify with several of these styles!
I hope you find the below graphics helpful in determining your style!
FULL DISCLOSURE: none of the images below (except two) are designs of The Modern Hive. Thanks to Pinterest and so many talented designers out there, we have pulled together these mood boards.
CONTEMPORARY + CLASSIC:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- Soft
- Bright
- Light
- Monochromatic
- Interesting architectural elements
URBAN MODERN:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- Warm
- Modern
- Masculine
- Simple yet bold
MODERN GLAM:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- Regency Glam
- Hollywood Glam
- Elegant
- luxury
- Pops of Color - Intriguing Architectural elements
SLEEK MODERN:
KEY ELEMENTS:
-Streamlined
- Overly Simple
- Clean
- Minimal
TRADITIONAL:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- A Celebration of a past design era
- Can be era specific, such as craftsman, 18th CE etc.
TRANSITIONAL:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- A blend of traditional + modern
- Comfortable - Welcoming
MODERN TRADITIONALIST:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- An eclectic mix of traditional elements
- A touch of reclaimed materials
- A dash of Mid Century Inspo
- A pinch of Boho
- Lights and darks paired and contrasted
RUSTIC CHIC:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- Earthy
- Repurposed
- Hint of glam
RUSTIC:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- Earthy
- Warm
- Rugged
- Heavy
INDUSTRIAL:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- Rustic with an urban vibe
- Exposed elements
- Reclaimed materials
YOUTHFUL MODERN:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- Bold pops of color
- Modern
- Fresh
-Cheery
COASTAL / NAUTICAL:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- Soft
- Breezy
- Natural
THEMED TO A GLOBAL REGION:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- Tuscan
- Spanish
- Asian
- Etc.
- Can be combined with a variety of secondary themes such as 'Spanish Contemporary' etc.
MODERN FARMHOUSE:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- AKA: Joanna Gaines, yet a touch more modern
- Ship Lap
- Natural woods paired with whites, blues, blacks
- Muted pops of color
FRENCH LUXURY / 18TH CE MODERN:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- A luxurious nod towards past European eras mixed with modern touches
- High architectural detail
- Soft palettes
- Historical golds
SHABBY CHIC:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- Repurposed, re-painted everything
- Whites and creams
- Incorporated pastels
- Natural wood materials
ECLECTIC + WHIMSICAL:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- A mix of elements
- Greenery + botanics
- Maximalist
- Bold statements
DANISH + SCANDIA MODERN:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- AKA: Hygge movement
- Soft neutrals
- Wood tones
- Concrete textures
- Simplicity
MID CENTURY MODERN:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- Incorporated MCM furnishings
- Twisted with today's modern elements
- Oranges, greens, yellows
- Walnut wood tones + veneers
- White and black marbles
MID CENTURY MODERN GLAM:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- MCM furnishings, glam elements
- Intriguing architectural elements
- Luxury
BOHO INSPIRED:
KEY ELEMENTS:
- Live greenery + botanics
- Leathers
- A mixture of vintage and MCM furnishings
- Moody vibes
- Often repurposed pieces
- Maximalist
Would you believe me if I told you that this is just the tip of the iceberg?! There are so many more styles we could continue to explore! But as a general overview, we think this list touches just about all of the current styles we are seeing in interior design.
If this list leaves you stressed about how to pull your style (or styles) together, don't worry! That's what we're here for. We would be more than happy to help you navigate the various styles and design a cohesive look together that is truly you!
