Top 5 Interior Design Styles for Artistic Homeowners & How to Blend Them
I’m guessing that if you’re artistic or creative in any way, you’re familiar the terms ‘aesthetics’ and ‘style’. But did you know that they’re not exactly the same thing?
Aesthetics has to do with philosophy, vision, and emotion. It’s a combination of someone’s personal sense of Beauty and What Is Beautiful (philosophy and vision), plus the Atmosphere of a space, or how the person wants to Feel in the room (emotion).
So aesthetics is the “vibe” of a place. And for a room design to clearly communicate its vibe, everything that goes in there needs to support the aesthetic intention.
This is where style comes in.
Style is the physical expression of the aesthetic intention. It’s how we describe the shapes, forms and details of the furniture, textiles, materials, artwork and layout that bring the vision to life. It’s why we might choose a leather club chair over a bent-wood rocker, or an antique rug instead of a new one. In other words, Traditional vs. Boho, or Transitional vs. Contemporary. In other words, style.
Think of it this way: aesthetics has to do with the overall intention or vibe for the room, whereas style gets down to the specifics of expressing that intention in the physical world.
In real life, most of us live with furnishings of many styles, not just one. The trick is to blend things intentionally and discerningly, according to your own aesthetic vibe.
So now, here are the top 5 design styles that you can mix-and-match to create your own aesthetic vibe:
Scandinavian, Mid-Century Modern, Transitional, Bohemian, and Coastal.
If your aesthetic is Cozy Chic, mix Scandinavian with Mid-Century Modern.
Scandinavian
Featuring natural light, functional furnishings, and minimal decor.
Neutral colors of gray, white, ivory and beige to maximize natural light and evoke serenity.
Light-toned wood, linen, cotton and wool for texture and a connection to Nature.
The Hygge philosophy, with cozy comforts like warm throw blankets, layered rugs, soft lighting and candles.
Mid-Century Modern
Featuring clean lines and organic shapes.
Form follows function; typical materials include teak wood, natural fabrics, metal, plastic and fiberglass.
Large windows and open plans blur the line between inside and outside.
Warm neutral palette with a few bold accent colors.
Scandinavian Style
Mid-Century Modern Style
If your aesthetic is Breezy Artistic, mix Coastal with Bohemian.
Coastal
Featuring a sense of calm, breezy openness.
Light and pale palettes, most often using shades of blue, green and warm, sandy neutrals.
Materials from nature and the beach, like weathered wood, shells, linen, and jute.
Cushy, comfortable slipcovered furniture invites lounging and socializing, like being on a beach house holiday.
Bohemian
Featuring a mix of pattern and color.
Assorted textiles like macrame, embroidered cushions, and patterned rugs.
Eclectic souvenirs and family heirlooms.
Biophilic approach with an abundance of green plants to let Nature in.
Displays of handmade crafts and artwork.
Coastal Style
Bohemian Style
If your aesthetic is Trusted Classics, mix Transitional with Mid-Century Modern.
Transitional
Featuring familiar shapes with clean lines, neutral color palette, rich textures, and subtle patterns. Focus on layering.
A sense of sophistication, but tempered with comfortable, inviting furniture.
Classic forms with current fabrics and finishes.
Curved and straight lines for a balanced look and feel.
Mid-Century Modern
Featuring clean lines and organic shapes.
Form follows function; typical materials include teak wood, natural fabrics, metal, plastic and fiberglass.
Large windows and open plans blur the line between inside and outside.
Warm neutral palette with a few bold accent colors.
Transitional Style
Mid-Century Modern Style
If your aesthetic is Peaceful Retreat, mix Coastal with Scandinavian.
Coastal
Featuring a sense of calm, breezy openness.
Light and pale palettes, most often using shades of blue, green and warm, sandy neutrals.
Materials from nature and the beach, like weathered wood, shells, linen, and jute.
Cushy, comfortable slipcovered furniture invites lounging and socializing, like being on a beach house holiday.
Scandinavian
Emphasis on light, simplicity, and functionality.
Uses white, gray, and beige to maximize natural light and create a serene backdrop.
Incorporates light-toned wood, wool, cotton,and linen for warmth, texture, and a connection to nature.
Includes art, textured textiles, or statement furniture to add personality without overwhelming the space.
Coastal Style
Scandinavian Style
If your aesthetic is Laid-Back Modern, mix Bohemian with Transitional.
Bohemian
Featuring a mix of pattern and color.
Assorted textiles like macrame, embroidered cushions, and patterned rugs.
Curated collections of souvenirs and family heirlooms.
Biophilic approach with an abundance of green plants to let Nature in.
Displays of handmade crafts and artwork.
Transitional
Featuring familiar shapes with clean lines, neutral color palette, rich textures, and subtle patterns. Focus on layering.
A sense of sophistication, but tempered with comfortable, inviting furniture.
Classic forms with current fabrics and finishes.
Curved and straight lines for a balanced look and feel.
Bohemian Style
Transitional Style
To design a home that reflects your own artistic personality, start with the feeling you want to create. Explore and decide what’s beautiful to you. Then allow that aesthetic intention to guide your choices of styles, furnishings, colors.
When Aesthetics and Style work together, the result is a home that just feels good.
About Nan
I’m a holistic interior designer who’s devoted to functional & livable design. I’ve been working as a professional designer since 1995 and one thing I love about interior design is how it can evoke a mood and create whatever feeling you want in your space. In that way, it’s kind of magical.
