Expressing Yourself through Your Style
"Beauty Begins the Moment You Decide to Be Yourself." - Coco Chanel
I Love Coco Chanel, and isn't her statement so true? In all ways, beauty is reflected in each of us, whether it be personally, stylistically, or décor wise – the moment we choose to be ourselves.
At Leigh Seale & Co., we are honored to help our clients reflect on, learn about, and ultimately showcase their unique style at home. We love keeping up with current trends (it's important), but we love creating timeless interiors even more. When your home truly reflects you and is well done, it never goes out of style. There may be updates or refreshes here and there, but the investment in pieces and looks you love should never "have to be tossed out" when a new trend arrives. Where would we even be if we threw out all the beautiful antiques in this world? Think about the details and the craftsmanship that went into each piece during a time in history when skilled designers and artisans created items like that. Those pieces tell a story and share a bit of history, just like our homes should tell our story, share our lives and our history.
Sometimes it's hard for people to figure out or understand their unique style; it can be overwhelming. At Leigh Seale & Co. we take pride in really getting to know our clients and have so much fun deciphering our client's tastes and aesthetics. Each of our homes should speak to our soul and welcome those we love.
Are you wondering what your style is? Below is a catalog of style types with descriptions and inspirational photos from interior designers/decorators that I admire! One of these, or a combination of these styles, may reflect you. We would love to help you find yours!
1. Contemporary
A contemporary design style is everything current. Sleek, crisp lines mixed with organic shapes and solids fabrics. Scandinavian and German-influenced furniture, MCM or art deco light fixtures, bright white painted walls, jewel tones, or bold walls. Many monochromatic (same color) interiors and Analogous (varying shades of the same color) color schemes for furniture occur in this style. Highlighting art is also very common.
2. Transitional
This style combines the best of both worlds–mixing clean-lined furniture pieces or lighting with antique styles. A blend of masculine and feminine lines creates a balanced, comfortable feeling room. Shades of color are softer than both contemporary and traditional styles, while Monochromic and Analogous color schemes are both utilized.
3. Traditional
The traditional style is classic, it might not be current or trendy, but it always stays in style (which is why we have so many antique stores!). This style evokes elegance and luxury, often showcasing 18th and 19th-century furniture and art from England and France. Neutral color palettes mixed with patterned wallpaper/or pillows are commonly seen. Darker wood floors, crown molding, and wainscot are often seen architecturally.
4. Grandmillenial
The Grandmillennial style re-imagines throw-back trends and combines them with contemporary looks. At the heart of this trending design style that falls halfway between minimalism and maximalism is a sense of juxtaposition. We see a lot of antiques, blues and whites, patterns mixed with neutral fabrics, and a sense of classicism in this style. Think, "it's time to pull out Grandma's old china," and an appreciation for showcasing family heirlooms.
5. Minimalist
Think clutter free and light and airy. Minimalist design is about prioritizing the essentials. A simple building and everything related to its interior design is stripped to its core function. Using limited, often sustainable materials, neutral colors, simple forms, and biophilic principles while avoiding excess ornamentation achieves pure elegance. Think white walls, large windows bringing the outdoors in, and airy, minimalist decor creating a spacious and bright atmosphere.
6. Maximalist
"Too much of a good thing is always a good thing" should be the tag liner for this interior design Style. Maximalist interior design style goes bold by incorporating rich colors, patterns, and textures. Flamboyant lighting and sculptural pieces embody Hollywood Glam style, while classic antique furniture mixed with 1980 vibes make for a beautiful lavish, eclectic space.
7. Mediterranean
Originating in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea (Spain, Greece, Italy, and Morocco) Mediterranean style is warm, full of character, and utterly timeless. Architecturally speaking, large windows, Roman-style arches, and plastered walls are a classic hallmark of this style. Incorporating natural and rustic colors with various shades of blue make for a serene backdrop. Elaborately carved wooden furniture, intricately patterned rich-colored tiles, tapestries, and linen are all elements that make for a beautiful Mediterranean interior.
8. French Country
French country style mixes rustic and refined décor that draws inspiration from the French countryside (i.e., Provence). It is a feminine, comfortable, and relaxed style that blends elegance and coziness. It showcases distressed wooden furniture with curved lines, upholstered pieces, soft colors, and patterned fabrics like toile and miscellaneous florals. Elements from other styles like Scandinavian or English are often incorporated.
9. Americana
Americana style pays homage to America's rustic nature paying close attention to mixing old and new. The use of multiple patterns, landscaped art, tapestries, traditional furniture, and natural woven rugs (like sisal, seagrass, and jute) are all huge. Red, white, and blue mixed with funky lighting and newer sculptural pieces make for a fun and inviting space in any home. Architecturally speaking, we always think of Georgian Brick, Acid washed stone and brick, French windows, and wood floors.
10. Global
Global as an interior design style is exactly what it sounds like — a home filled with objects, patterns, textures, and colors inspired by cultures from around the world. It mixes nicely with other styles and refers primarily to textiles and artifacts. Travelers and history buffs alike love this style.
11. Mid-Century Mod
Designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, George Nelson, and Harry Bertoia created iconic furniture and lighting that are easily recognizable even today. The MCM style originated in the mid-20th century. It features clean lines, organic forms, and a lack of ornateness. Greens, oranges, and colors derived from nature were trendy. Bringing the outdoors in, in terms of wood, stone, etc., is commonly seen.
12. Boho
Bohemian design is a style of interior design that revels in lively colors, textures, and patterns. Unlike minimalist modern design, boho design embraces maximalism and encourages personal expression through the curation and layering of multicultural textiles, art, and accessories.
13. Coastal
Think light and airy! This style combines seaside colors and natural materials like wood beams, floors, cashmere, washed linen, and cotton. Coastal style varies by location. Nantucket and Miami have very different feels. Northeast leans more traditional with navy and pale blues, reds, and creams. Miami is lighter and brighter with pinks, purples, teal, greens, and bright white. California often reminds me of terracotta floors, natural fiber rugs, creamy linens, and black steel windows.
14. Farmhouse
Farmhouse style is a way of decorating that focuses on practicality, comfort, and rustic charm. It uses neutral colors, natural wood tones, and a variety of antiques, accessories, and furnishings that reflect the personality and history of the home. It can be mixed with modern or transitional elements to create a stylish yet still cozy look.
15. Eclectic
Eclectic style elegantly incorporates aspects from several design styles into a single space. It has a casual combination of furnishings and accessories that draws from various influences. Eclectic décor typically includes vibrant colors and patterns and surprising accents curated worldwide.
16. Industrial
Think bare bones and iron influence! Edison light bulbs, beams, air ducts, open floor plans, and calm, neutral color palettes are seen in this style. While the design is based on minimalist, open spaces, the blend of various rustic furniture materials and lighting accents make up this style.
17. Luxe Glam
Glam interior design is instantly recognizable for its luxurious and sophisticated appearance. You could see a crystal chandelier in this ritzy space! From neutral color palettes and bold wall patterns to metallic tables and velvet sofas, glam interior design is all about putting on the glitz.
18. Cottage
The cottage style is well-curated and cozy. It mixes neutral tones and natural wood elements and incorporates trinkets, antiques, old books, and accessories. Lots of slipcovers on furniture and linen fabric, and it is often compared to French country.
There are so many different types of styles. You could love one of them or many of them, like me! As a registered interior designer, creating all these looks fills me with joy. I like to think of interior design as a journey to a destination – once you're in a completed space, it should feel like paradise. I'd love to help bring this joy and beauty to your home!
Happy Designing!