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For a home to be beautiful, stylish and comfortable, it must have a coherent visual image. Therefore, when planning the arrangement of an apartment, you first need to understand how you want to see it. It can be a professional visualization, a homemade collage, or even just a list of favorite references. It is much easier to look for inspiration in a specific direction of design. In this article, we have prepared a detailed overview: what are the interior styles called, what groups they are divided into and what are their main features. We also show visual photos of examples that will help you understand the difference and choose what you like.

What are the interior styles in apartment design

historical
— Classic
— Art Deco
— Eclecticism
— Neoclassic
— Modern
National
– Scandinavian
– Arabic
— Japanese
— French
— English
– American
Modern
— Loft
— High tech
— Minimalism
— Ecostyle

historical

Classic trends are suitable for those who want to decorate the interior without time, emphasize status with it or simply create a comfortable elegant environment. It is important to understand: the historical style will require investments in repairs, it will not be possible to manage only with cheap materials. In addition, it is important to strictly follow the canons so that the apartment looks luxurious and elegant, and not tacky and tasteless.

Classic

The classic never goes out of fashion. An apartment or a house decorated in this aesthetic will be relevant in 5-10 years. Several sub-styles are distinguished within the direction:

• Palace classics — baroque (originated during the Italian Renaissance), rococo (originally from France in the 18th century) and other design options for royal palaces. These areas are characterized by ostentatious luxury, an abundance of precious materials, complex forms of furniture. Now in apartments they are used very rarely.
• English — eclectic Victorian interiors, incorporating the features of palace classics and gothic.
• American — this style is characterized by conciseness, comfort and spaciousness. Open floor plans, light palette, fairly simple furniture.
• Modern — «lightweight» and adapted to modern realities version of the classics in its purest form. Also suitable for small apartments.

The classics are characterized by a balanced composition, rich accessories, a clear zoning of rooms into recreation areas, work areas and a dining area.

The classic style is dominated by pastel colors (white, blue, gold, pink). They are needed to create comfort and space where you can relax and unwind. Bright shades can be in decor and accents, but they should not be flashy, but deep. The luxury of this style is reflected in the decoration. On the ceilings you can see stucco, on the walls — wallpaper with patterns and monograms or decorative plaster, Venetian. Most often, parquet or high-quality laminate is placed on the floor, which imitates a parquet «herringbone».

Wooden furniture with luxurious leather or textile upholstery with the addition of Lurex will look good. Massiveness is welcome, as well as decorative elements: carving, panels, carriage screed on soft products.

art deco

The colorful and spectacular Art Deco, which originated in America, always attracts attention and finds its fans.

Main features: bright decor that goes well with each other, harmony, lightness and chic, lack of minimalism. Art Deco combines exoticism and primitive art, so animalistic objects are often found next to sculptures and images of magnificent ladies. One of the most popular symbols of this direction is the “rising sun”, or “Egyptian semicircle”.

For Art Deco, you can choose any colors, the main thing is their combination with each other and naturalness, acid shades will not work. Light colors are chosen and the rest of the interior picture is drawn against their background. Classic combination: beige, black and gold. Precious metals are often used in this style, especially with crystal chandeliers, mirrors and glass lamps. All this creates an interesting and voluminous play of light that compensates for the simplicity of colors.

For decoration, in addition to traditional wood and stone, exotic materials are often used: ivory, crocodile and snake skin, rare minerals. It looks luxurious, but is reflected in the cost of repairs. Art Deco requires investment — cheap imitations and basic budget materials will not give the desired effect.

Furniture — monolithic, expensive, made of metal or lacquered wood. Often use rounded products with chrome or wooden handles. There are contrasting geometric ornaments: stripes, rhombuses, zigzags.

Eclecticism

Eclecticism arose at the beginning of the last century as a historical necessity: then different styles were often combined, and so a separate direction naturally arose.

A relaxed mixture of different styles, usually two or three, their harmonious combination in form, color, size of elements, a sufficient amount of decor distinguish eclecticism.

The color scheme can be anything, but designers tend to choose light-colored walls to provide a comfortable backdrop for bright details. In eclectic interiors, you can find quite extravagant things: for example, a green sofa or a red armchair, a bright picture, curtains with an unusual pattern.

The walls are decorated with paint, wallpaper, plaster, decorative panels. Parquet or laminate is laid on the floor, in wet areas — porcelain stoneware or tiles. Furniture can be from different “stories”: futuristic, classic, and minimalist. And most often, objects from different eras coexist in the same room.

Decor is very important. It is he who makes this direction so spectacular, lively and dynamic. If you are afraid of too bold experiments, play with different stylistic markers in accessories — if you don’t like something, some details can be easily replaced.

Neoclassic

Neoclassicism is often called the «daughter» of the classics, but in a more modern version. But it would be wrong to assume that removing the stucco from the ceiling, your classic room will become with the prefix «neo-«.

The main features of neoclassicism:

• Lightness, grace of forms and lines.
• Symmetry and strict observance of proportions.
• Neutral palette.
• Quality materials and precious metals.
• Minimum embellishment.

Light gamma prevails (beige, milky, light gray and blue). Bed tones are often used as accents, but dark deep shades can also be found: for example, wine, green or blue. Neoclassicism is characterized by finishing with fabrics, the use of precious metals or imitations of their textures, a floor made of wood or porcelain stoneware.

When choosing furniture, it is better to give up a lot of carving and choose something strict, refined, but minimalistic. Due to the departure from the massiveness and pomposity inherent in the classics, this direction is great for typical apartments and even small ones.

Modern

This style arose at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, preaching the rejection of historical experience in creativity and the development of something unconventional. In interior design, he also found reflection and became popular.

Modern seeks to combine practicality and artistry. Rounded shapes, curved lines and ornaments are its main characteristic features. The emphasis remains on natural shades, but this direction also loves brightness, so colors can be safely combined.

New textures and materials have found their way into modernity, but there is still a place for traditional ones: for example, walls can be pasted over with wallpaper, and parquet can be laid on the floor. Functional cabinet furniture is suitable, but with the obligatory presence of a “zest”: elegant fittings, frosted glazing of cabinets, and smooth lines.

If ornaments are used in the design, then this is almost always a plant theme. And we are not talking about romantic flowers, but about stylized images of stems and leaves, lianas, lilies, and insects. Patterns are present not only in decor or textiles, but also in architectural elements — for example, artistic stained-glass windows on windows, doors and partitions are actively found in Art Nouveau.

Description of national styles in the interior

Each culture has its own traditions in design and architecture, and many of them have long gone beyond the boundaries of a particular country. The same Scandi is known and loved all over the world along with minimalism or classics. Consider which ethnic styles are suitable for the interior of the apartment.

Scandinavian

Scandi can be summed up in three words: simplicity, functionality, comfort.

In Russia, this direction has long gained great popularity. And this is understandable: it is accessible, practical and understandable to our mentality, which is in many ways similar to the national character of the northern countries.

Scandinavian interiors are characterized by light colors and plenty of light. Large windows, often without curtains, so that there is as much sun as possible, simplicity of lines and shapes, a lot of free space and few furnishings, cozy textiles. Green indoor plants play the role of decor and enliven the atmosphere.

The palette is always based on white. It is considered the main one. The reason for this popularity is simple: in northern countries there is little sun and natural light, so light shades predominate in the atmosphere, which compensate for this lack. In addition, scandi is very often used in small apartments, and white, gray, beige visually increase the space.

As wall decoration — paint or simple wallpaper, tiles in the bathroom. The floor is usually wood, you can use quality laminate, quartz vinyl or tiles in wet areas. Furniture is chosen as simple as possible, without frills, made of wood or MDF. There is not much decor, mainly items made from natural materials are chosen.

Arab

Belongs to the family of oriental styles. As the name suggests, he was born in the Middle East.

The luxury and wealth of the East, a lot of decor and gilding, carpets and carved wood, arches and rounded openings, colorful lanterns made of tinted glass are reflected here. The color scheme uses a lot of gold, red, yellow, green and pastel shades.

Wall covering — plain or patterned wallpaper, often accented with wood or another color. Also for finishing use paint and textured decorative plaster. The floor is laid out with wood or ceramic tiles with a bright ornament. In the rooms you can find low couches and pouffes (they replace sofas), rounded beds, wooden furniture with carved patterns. Textiles — from expensive textured fabrics, with tassels and fringe.

Japanese (wabi-sabi)

Wabi-sabi is also part of the family of oriental directions, but is the exact opposite of Arabic.

The Japanese, as a pragmatic nation, striving for harmony and advocating functionality, have created a style that can be described in the same words. It is based on functional furnishings and appliances, since an important part of Japanese culture is the efficient use of resources, compactness, the use of natural materials, and a penchant for minimalism.

Most often, Japanese interiors are monochrome, light shades of wood and textiles predominate: gray, beige, brown, white. This choice is also explained by the fact that the neutral gamma minimizes the feeling of disorder, which is unacceptable in Eastern culture.

The Japanese prefer to use natural materials, which is reflected in the decoration. On the walls you can often see light wooden panels, the basis of the finish is wallpaper, paint or even plaster. The floor is laid out with laminate, parquet or tiles. Furniture — simple and functional, compact, light, most often made of light wood. Sliding doors and partitions are also characteristic. There is little decor, almost always it is a natural theme and appropriate materials.

French

This direction is characterized by softness, elegance and sophistication. Rooms in French aesthetics are filled with pastel colors and beautiful decorations: paintings, candles, vases, mirrors.

The main features of the French style in interior design:

• Smooth lines and graceful silhouettes of furniture (curved backs, thin legs).
• Stucco as an architectural decoration.
• Neutral light palette based on white.
• Vintage furniture and decorations (French people love flea markets and willingly buy little things there to decorate their home).

On the walls, you can stick wallpaper in a neutral color or choose an unobtrusive pattern, and make the floor wooden. Here you will not find simple products from the mass market, vintage items are often used: for example, a dressing table, bedside table or nightstand, always elegant.

Decorative elements play an important role. In such a room there should be photos and paintings in frames, mirrors, candles in exquisite candlesticks, bouquets of fresh flowers in beautiful vases.

The French style has another branch — Provence, known to many. This is a national subspecies of country music, which is characterized by the use of natural materials, pastel colors, a combination of rough textures and simple rustic furniture with delicate ornaments and pastoral scenes in decor.

English style

English houses use a lot of noble wood, bookcases with open shelves, and accessories.

There is some clutter, since it is not customary to place furnishings against the walls to free up space, but it is perceived as an organic attribute of style.

Today, the English direction has moved away from the Victorian era with its dark colors and «passed over to the bright side.» The color scheme is usually warm, muted. You can use shades of brown, red, yellow, green and gray, blue tones.

The walls are pasted over with light wallpaper, plain or with a light pattern, usually floral or plot. On the floor, it is better to lay wooden parquet or a premium laminate made of artificial wood. Furniture, as a rule, is massive: cabinets, sofas, shelves, tables. It is believed that an attribute of an English home is an armchair with «ears» — protrusions on the sides of a high back. Sitting in such a warm and pleasant, it protects from drafts.

American style

This is a derivative of two cultures: eastern and western, brought to the new continent. Some consider it a «parody» of classic European apartments, but, despite the external similarity, practicality is at the forefront here.

The color scheme is varied, but natural colors prevail. Terracotta motifs, ocher, gilding are popular. Beige, gray or white are often taken as the main shade.

Depending on what the designers are pursuing, modern materials are used (for example, wallpaper on the wall or paint), and wooden panels, with which you can make an imitation of «Uncle Tom’s hut». On the floor, as a rule, lies parquet or laminate, in wet areas — porcelain stoneware or tiles. Almost all furniture looks quite simple and is made of wood. This style is characterized by low armchairs and a four-post bed.

Modern

The modern direction can look completely different: from a brutal loft to a bewitching boho. If your goal is to create a comfortable, practical and relaxing interior, then choose an apartment design from these styles.

Loft

The main features of the loft are concrete surfaces, old bricks, large spaces and high ceilings, open communications of the house or apartment (pipes, water pipes and similar things).

The palette is dominated by natural shades: gray and brown, the color of brick and concrete. In styling, white or beige can be taken as the basis.

This is the rare case when the less neat finishing, the better: deliberate negligence and unkemptness will add color to the space. You can leave intact concrete surfaces or old brickwork. The floor can also often be found concrete or made of specially aged parquet. Furniture should look like it was randomly assembled, without trying to find something original, and at the same time be completely unique. Loft spaces often feature eye-catching accent art, urban décor, and homemade furniture such as building pallets assembled into a bed or table.

High tech

It is considered the most technological direction. High-tech is the choice of pragmatists and techno-lovers who cannot imagine their lives without modern gadgets and devices that can eliminate the need for a person to do anything himself.

Basic high-tech stylistic markers:

• Correct geometric shapes and proportions.
• The use of transformers.
• Cold textures and colors.
• Lots of free space.
• Almost complete lack of decor.
• The use of «smart» systems.

The color scheme is monochrome, gray-white, black or brown predominate. Sometimes they add one bright accent that will attract attention: for example, red, blue or yellow.

In hi-tech, plastic, glass and everything “man-made”, artificial are welcome. Furniture is only very functional and technologically advanced. At the same time, it is important that all household appliances are built into it, since, despite the futurism and abundance of gadgets, high-tech does not like to put them on display at all.

Minimalism

Key features: no frills, the concept minimizes the number of items in the room. This explains the presence of transformers, since fewer requirements are not imposed on the functionality of the premises.

Monochrome is preferred, most often white and gray are taken as the basis, shades of brown and blue, black are also common. The emphasis is not on bright colors, but on pronounced textures. They make up for even a completely basic finish.

Minimalism uses a lot of glass, stone and wood. For wall decoration take paint, decorative plaster or panels. Wallpaper is used less often, mostly durable coatings for painting (non-woven, fiberglass). The floor and ceiling are designed as simply as possible. It is good that the furniture is multifunctional. At the same time, it always looks simple, glass and mirror elements are often used to make it seem invisible due to transparency.

Ecostyle

The concept of environmental friendliness and a healthy lifestyle could not but be reflected in interior design.

The main features of eco-style:

• natural materials.
• Simple furniture of laconic form.
• Light palette built on natural shades. Gray, brown, olive, blue, white, beige, green prevail.
• Some carelessness, which is characteristic of things created by nature.

Since eco-style promotes naturalness in everything, it is unacceptable to use plastic, metal. Chipboard too, but not everyone can afford to put a table or cabinet made of natural wood, so there may be some deviations in the matter of naturalness. The main thing is to choose a material with a natural texture. Basically, ecodesign uses glass, wood, vines and reeds, natural textiles.