Last week I had an ideas meeting with a prospective client. An ideas meeting, is just that. I meet the prospective client, usually on site to discuss their interior design problem. I met this prospective client in their new build in Preston. The house had a Hamptons feel. Grey timber cladding. Floral patterned tiles on the porch, black Hamptons wall sconces near the door. White trims. But the inside was not Hamptons. So how do you define your unique interior design style for a cohesive outcome.
Research different interior styles
From my experience most people like more than one interior style. But choosing a foundational interior style is a good start. For this you need to do some research.
For example, you can read about the different interior design styles and the characteristics that define them on this blog. Here you will find information about Australia’s seven most popular interior styles.
As a snapshot I can tell you they are; Hamptons, Boho, French Provincial, Scandinavian, Industrial, Mid-Century Modern and Luxe or Glam.
For this prospective client in Preston her interior style preferences were Luxe/Glam so the Hamptons features stuck out like a sore thumb. She knew her home wasn’t working and this is why. A conflict in interior styles or a lack of cohesion in blending multiple styles.
Choose a colour scheme
It’s true that some styles lend themselves well to particular colour schemes. For example Hamptons interiors or traditional blue and white. But you can add your own twist to your space by choosing a colour scheme you love.
So for example you might like jewel colours such as Emerald green but like Scandinavian style. You can therefore buy a Scandinavian sofa and add Emerald green cushions.
This is easier than you think when you understand the key principles of a colour scheme that starts with three colours. And how to apply those colours with balance in your space.
Don’t forget the interior design principles
Many people understand that there are seven interior design elements for example; colour, texture and so on. But there are also interior design principles that you should be aware of.
Interior design principles include things like balance, harmony, cohesion and so on. So for example with the prospective client I met in Preston the pendant lights were too big.
There was a scale and proportion issue, and a style mismatch as they were Hamptons style pendants in a mostly Luxe/Glam space. The average isn’t supposed to know this stuff. This client was an accountant, so her expertise lies elsewhere.
But it’s good to be aware of both the interior design elements and the interior design principles which work together to deliver a harmonious and cohesive space.
A good starting point to getting your space right is to define your unique interior design style and choose a colour scheme. The next step is to buy furniture that reflects your preferred interior style goal. With these three steps you’re well on your way to creating a cohesive space in your unqiue interior design style.
