Interior styles (decoration, decor and design)

Interior design allows you to transform an ordinary house into a cozy home by “creating rooms” from the smallest spaces, emphasizing every corner of the house, decorating the interiors with exquisite accents and elements, adding color, adding attractiveness and the most desirable factor - comfort.

Design and decor in the interior of the house transforms the entire appearance of the house and makes it more welcoming. Read the articles in this section to learn more about home interior design and furnishings.

Decorating ideas

Each of us has ideas on how to decorate our home. Some of them are easy to implement, others require professional advice, inspiration or a ready-made project.

This category features home decor ideas to create your dream home, dozens of outdoor ideas for those lucky enough to own a garden, and lots of helpful office decorating tips - from floors and walls to furniture and lighting.

If you are comfortable with decorating ideas for certain spaces, be prepared to learn more about hallway decor, bedroom decor, kitchen decor, ways to create a special atmosphere and styles in a particular area of ​​your apartment.

As a bonus, you'll find hundreds of DIY cozy ideas for creative types - anything from a flower pot to handmade furniture.

And if you are lost in different interior styles, we will be happy to help you choose and apply the right design that best suits you. For those who are open to experimentation and mixing opposites, modern decor in a modern vintage style or beautiful decor using antique jewelry will suit you.

In this section we tell and show in photos examples of interior design of various rooms from professionals, which can serve as an excellent example for copying or the basis for creating something new.

Unusual combinations of textures, combinations of styles and combinations of patterns create a special effect, making the space more harmonious and visually balanced.

Fast and tasteful

If you don’t have a lot of time, but have a desire to transform the interior, then you can always use ready-made solutions. For example, a collection of soaring butterflies or dragonflies will decorate your living room or bedroom. These artificial insects will fill the space with lightness and remind you of the beauty of living nature. In addition, they can be attached to any surface, so that a “flock” of beautiful dragonflies can fly from the wall to a cabinet or rack.

Another way to quickly decorate walls is suitable for owners of apartments with a monochromatic finish. Vinyl stickers of different sizes and colors perfectly complement interiors, playing on contrasts. A large selection of images and even compositions will allow you to choose exactly what you need. And you can do the installation yourself, without turning to specialists. Unfortunately, decorative plaster or corrugated wallpaper does not allow installation of vinyl stickers.

Modern paintings can feature bright colors and incredible prints, attract attention and even be provocative. But there are also emphatically calm works that will look great in the interior of a bedroom or living room.

Gradation of styles

It is always surprising how designers manage to find an idea for an interior that may seem most banal to many. The secret is in contradictory styles and knowledge of combinations, both fashionable and fundamentally classic.

Next to the typical modern sofas, a ceramic retro chair from China can be installed. Today, more and more often you can find another example of contrast: the guest area from the entrance is separated by decorative partitions made in country style, mainly made of natural tinted wood. These are the tricks that make the overall look look very stylish.

WHAT TECHNIQUES ARE USED TO CREATE HOME DECOR?

Much depends on the type of materials, the correct placement of the decor and its combination with the interior of the entire room. Homemade decor should not stand out too much and disrupt the harmony. For example, a multi-colored and multi-textured patchwork rug may not suit a high-tech or minimalist interior. But if its shades combine well with style elements and textures, then such a rug can even become a key centerpiece. We list the most common decoration techniques that you can do yourself at home:

• Creation of a complex texture on a homogeneous surface . For example, the decor of painted walls is carried out by applying a second layer of paint, but in an unusual way. Instead of the usual brush, a foam sponge and randomly folded fabric are used. As a result, the paint is applied unevenly, creating the original texture of the walls. This technology also includes the use of textured pastes. In the original packaging they have a soft consistency, which allows them to be used for modeling. When exposed to air, the textured paste soon dries out.

• Decoupage . The method involves attaching fragments of decorative motifs to walls, furniture, and interior accessories using glue. Their source is special decoupage napkins or cards, photographs, magazine clippings, and drawings printed on paper. Motifs fixed with glue are coated with varnish after drying. The varnish provides reliable protection of the surface from moisture and contamination.

• Quilling . Allows you to create interesting home decor from paper with your own hands. Quilling is intended for walls or any parts with a flat surface. The appliqués are rolled up and then attached to the desired item with glue. A butterfly, a flower, silhouettes of animals or people - the plot of a paper picture will be suggested by your imagination.

• Felting . A small figurine or decorative element is rolled out of wool and becomes part of the interior composition. Unusual decor looks cute and pleasantly softens any environment.

• Knitting and embroidery . Ordinary fabric, after embroidering a design on it, becomes a real “highlight” of the interior. Decorated textiles are placed in a frame and used as material for lamp shades, covers, and bed linen. The knitted element also becomes an original decoration of any interior. Important condition: make sure that the knitted or embroidered material is removable. Otherwise, cleaning it will cause serious difficulties.

• Patchwork. This technique involves creating textiles from numerous small scraps of fabrics of different types and shades. Despite its originality, patchwork is very popular among modern designers. Many of them include products made using this technique in interiors of a variety of styles. But it goes best with country, boho, eclectic, ethnic (Moroccan, Indian, Russian) patchwork. Anyone can master this technique.

• Macrame. Products woven into knots from dense twisted threads and ribbons immediately attract attention and bring comfort to the home. In addition, they are not only exclusively decorative, but also quite functional (plant pots, curtains, storage systems).

• Floristry. Thanks to fresh flowers (freshly cut or indoors), any interior is transformed before your eyes. But compositions made from artificial or specially dried plants can look no less advantageous and impressive. Oriental ikebana and bonsai look especially elegant and stylish.

• Painting . To use this method of decoration, you need to have minimal artistic skills. For example, it is allowed to paint a lamp using a dot technique, which requires only accuracy and perseverance from the master to master. DIY painted home decor elements can be decorated with motifs of any degree of complexity. Sometimes a schematic drawing of a butterfly on the walls can look no less impressive than an intricate pattern.

• Carving . This way to make stylish home decor with your own hands is for those who have woodworking skills. For others, we recommend turning to other room decorating techniques. We assure you that a lamp with a simple but high-quality design will look better than its counterpart with unprofessional carvings.

Classic Stylization

Famous decorators love to use incredible combinations of shapes, objects and shades. But in the end, the space of the room turns out to be very stylish, aesthetic, and absolutely unique.

A spacious living room should not be perceived as boring and too pretentious, because every object used in the environment contradicts the canons of the classics.

Nevertheless, such a living room is made from the basic elements of the classical style - stucco molding, complex patterns, frames and other mandatory classic elements, including color combinations. The wall adjacent to the large mirror above the fireplace can be decorated with a catchy abstract pattern.

Hand-made lessons

Man-made interior items have been highly valued at all times. Thanks to this, a special frivolous charm reigns in the remarkable palace halls, and in the elite rooms of fashionable hotels, and in the homes of aesthetes who prefer to decorate their homes with the results of the creativity of artisans - beautiful and non-trivial decorative ornaments. You can make original home decor with your own hands if you use a little imagination and make the most of your creative abilities. This will not only allow you to save a lot on purchasing exclusive compositions for your home, but also enjoy an interesting activity and organize leisure time for inquisitive children.

Thanks to the hard work, imagination, and talent of needlewomen and designers, homes can be decorated with decorative items that are completely different in appearance. Their appearance depends on the technology used. Today, there are many types of techniques used in the creation of works of decorative and applied art. The most popular types are:

• Patchwork - patchwork sewing;
• Decoupage - decorating various objects with designs depicted on napkins;
• Craquelure - creating a panel using twisted strips of multi-colored paper;
• Origami - drawing figures on a canvas by using elements cut out of paper;
• Papier-mâché - modeling of decorative objects from a mixture obtained by mixing cardboard with glue, starch and plaster;
• Embossing is the creation of relief on objects through the process of mechanical extrusion;
• Macrame - knotted weaving, often used to create flowerpots, lace napkins, fringe on bedspreads and homemade lampshades;
• Tatting - shuttle lace;
• Stained glass – decorating objects with glass elements;
• Guilloche – burning ornate patterns and ornaments onto fabric using specialized equipment;
• Mosaic - creating drawings by using various small details: scraps of fabric, buttons, cereals, stones, shells, brick chips and any other small-sized elements;
• Embroidery - applying an image to fabric using multi-colored threads;
• Knitting is the weaving of various decorative items from yarn: tablecloths, curtains, rugs and other openwork items.

Having mastered the basics of one of these types of equipment, you will be able to make unique home decor with your own hands and present original gifts to your loved ones.

Visual and tactile component of design

Creating a charismatic interior is a complex, painstaking, but extremely entertaining undertaking that can ultimately lead to unusual results. For decorative designers, all details are important when shaping the future appearance of a room.

For example, how to design very tall windows on a gray concrete wall surface. Against this background, you can think about using soft textiles and natural wood, which will become the center of all home comfort.

Plus, modern fashion may require consideration of the use of creative posters, stickers or lamps that remind us that we are in a completely modern and even progressive home.

The squeak of fashion

From year to year, fashion changes in everything that surrounds us. Naturally, new trends also cover apartment decor. What is popular currently? Let's look at the most striking examples.

• Plant compositions. As a rule, they are made up of fresh flowers. Both plants in pots and dried ones look organic. Thanks to the use of colors, the interior is filled with living energy, which, in turn, has a positive effect on people. All residents of multi-storey buildings lack communication with nature, so the more plants there are, the healthier and calmer they will feel.
• Aquarium and decorative fountains. Psychologists say that decorating an apartment using water has a positive effect on a person. The sizes of these items are selected depending on the dimensions of the room. Important: It is recommended to install only objects with moving water in the living space.
• Patchwork sewing. This technique is called patchwork. Nowadays, products made from scraps are gaining popularity. Using this technique you can sew curtains, bedspreads, carpet runners, etc.

Living room decor

This could be a living room in the most “classical” format of this expression: with horn chandeliers, stucco on the walls and ceiling and, of course, elaborate, elegant and massive furniture.

A modern designer may not stop there and decide to implement all the same classics, but with modern colors and materials, non-standard silhouettes and special accents. This is how the latest new decor items are born.

Along the perimeter you can place furniture in a classic design, but with smooth shapes in light gray and the ever-so-fashionable graphite shade. Particular attention in the living room today is paid to lighting fixtures of unusual shapes in combination with traditional lamps. This especially applies to floor lamps and sconces, as well as chandeliers.

What styles is stucco decor suitable for?

Stucco decoration is practically suitable for all types of exterior and interior design styles. The most common styles, where stucco decoration is indispensable, include:

• Baroque. This style is not only characterized by pomp and luxury, it requires a visual increase in space. The following stucco decorations would be appropriate here: sculptures, columns entwined with garlands, and complex floral ornaments.
• Empire style For patterns, stucco decoration in the form of: warlike symbols (spears, arrows, bows), oak branches, laurel wreaths, images of eagles and female figures is recommended. Additional gilding will add royal luxury to the interior.
• Rococo. With the help of decorative stucco it is easy to recreate the atmosphere of celebration, love, and intimacy. Small details, smooth lines, images of cupids and nymphs are suitable for this style.
• Art Deco. To recreate the wealth and luxury of the 20s of the 20th century, you can use figures of animals and birds, but do not overload them with excess. Clear lines and simple geometry of stucco decoration will help to recreate this style.
• Greek. The style is characterized by elegant and harmonious simplicity. Stucco decoration in the form of flowers, fruits, and bunches of grapes would be quite appropriate.
• Classicism. When choosing stucco, it is recommended to focus on straight lines, squares, rosettes with simple patterns and repetitions. Decor in the form of flowers, birds, torches and garlands would also be appropriate.
• Modern. This popular modern style is characterized by elegant simplicity and slight asymmetry. Stucco decoration is used in the form of natural motifs: flowers, leaves, branches, mushrooms, shells, streams of water. Wavy lines are welcome.

Bathroom decor

Find out how the interior of a small bathroom, the design of which is far from the typical idea, can be realized easily and simply.

Embossed fashionable tiles on the walls and completely smooth, streamlined and fancy-shaped mirrors are just one of the possible combinations. In addition, the entire color scheme of the bathroom interior is selected in such a way that a person can completely relax from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Beige tile tones can act as a soft contrast to a stylish ultramarine partition, while black and white accents balance them out.

Common decoration methods

Professionals, engaged in interior design, necessarily use different elements in order to create a unique design. The decor of the apartments is selected in accordance with the style and color scheme. Let's look at the most common solutions.

• Works of art. For a long time, representatives of the nobility decorated their castles with paintings, sculptures, and artistic paintings. Nowadays, not everyone can afford to hang a Van Gogh work on their wall. However, there is an alternative. You can pick up a collection of paintings by a young, as yet unknown, artist, or just photographs of the same subject. Frame them in a beautiful frame and create a composition on the central wall. This solution will allow you to focus your gaze on it. Do not forget about the combination of representatives of the color scheme. The basis should be a neutral, calm tone. And if a certain color dominates the composition, then it is advisable to duplicate it, for example, in textiles.
• Mosaics, stained glass and frescoes. Apartment decor with such elements will transform the entire space. The main thing is that they must be done with high quality, since without repair work it will not be possible to make changes.
• Sculptures. This element comes in different sizes. If the room is small, then it is recommended to choose identical products of small size. However, if the area allows, then you can install the sculpture at its entire available height.
• Stucco molding. This design move will significantly transform the space. An ordinary standard apartment will immediately look like a palace. Stucco molding is made from gypsum, but polyurethane versions are currently sold, which are visually no different. As a rule, such interiors are complemented with forged elements and stairs.
• Crystal. Items made from this material have long been used for decoration, such as chandeliers, vases, figurines, etc. The advantage of crystal is that in the rays of light it can shimmer in different colors, creating a fabulous, mysterious atmosphere.
• Textile. A generally accepted method of decoration. Few people imagine a room without curtains, bedspreads, beautiful pillowcases, and panels. They are the ones who make the room cozy.

High tech

The main decor of a high-tech space is the latest models of household appliances. They should become an accent that attracts attention. The rest of the apartment's decor is discreet and acts as a complement. For example, a large painting on one of the walls, an indoor tree in an original pot, a floor lamp with clear straight lines. If space allows, you can design a staircase with metal railings. The interior should contain items with glass and chrome inserts.

Loft

Loft style can be different: industrial, bohemian, glamorous. It’s extremely easy to create apartment decor with your own hands. Various, sometimes completely incomprehensible, things will look relevant here - old watches, street lamps, unique technical developments. For example, a coffee table can be made from an old pallet by screwing large roller wheels onto it. A body made of metal corners will serve as a stand for the floor lamp. In a word, the loft allows your imagination to run wild; courage and originality are only welcome.

Let's look at the proposals of professionals.

• Replace chairs with benches.
• Refuse wall decoration.
• Decorate the area near windows and stairs with chains.
• Use graffiti on the walls.
• For relaxation, hang a hammock or swing.
• Install accessories: road signs, spotlights, taxi checker, etc.

If some people find such solutions too non-standard, then you can use more classic options:

• paintings in pop art style;
• industrial posters;
• abundance of pillows;
• unusual paths;
• table lamps of simple design;
• vases and flower pots.

The main thing is to avoid too bright accents, since the loft itself is a colorful and eccentric design direction.

Art Deco

Luxury, natural wood furniture, expensive paintings by famous artists - that's all you need to decorate a space in the art deco style. Very often you can see prints of animals on the walls. Decorative elements should radiate grandeur and richness, which is why large sculptures are often installed in such rooms. Sphinx heads and objects depicting symbols, such as hieroglyphs, will look harmonious. For photography lovers, this style is a godsend, as they can be placed anywhere: on the fireplace, coffee table, chest of drawers, or hung on the walls. There must be a lot of crystal in the room - from a large ceiling chandelier to small figurines and vases. Do not forget that everything in the room is imbued with luxury. Mirrors will help increase the effect. They need to be hung in such a way that they display some bright objects. And of course, the interior will be complemented by crafts made from precious stones, bronze items and ceramics.