When it comes to updating your home’s interiors, having a plan is crucial before you start making any changes. A clear plan will also provide you with a blueprint of the steps you need to take to bring your concept to life, as well as reduce the risk of you wasting time and money on pieces only to change your mind.
One of the most critical parts of any redecoration plan is the theme. An overarching theme will help bring the décor in all the rooms of your home together and help you create a coherent look that you will love.
The next step, of course, is to actually choose a décor theme. There are numerous options you can choose, depending on your preferences and tastes.
French Country
This design theme is a combination of rustic and refined, named after and inspired by homes found in the French countryside. Some of the key characteristics of this style of décor include:
- Patterned fabrics in warm, muted colors. Patterns are usually soft, though mixed patterns are also common.
- Vintage and distressed accessories and furniture, especially pieces made of wood and other natural materials.
- Chandeliers
Additionally, the kitchen is a vital part of the home, and the kitchen interiors are extremely important. These spaces should be comfortable and sophisticated all at once and often incorporate shabby chic cabinets and antique touches. Some common ways this is incorporated include old jars and bottles for pantry storage, wood signage, and iron and copper cookware.
Vintage
While sleek, modern lines can seem inviting for some people, others prefer to go vintage when redoing their homes. It’s important to keep in mind that vintage doesn’t necessarily mean old-fashioned. While you will be using pieces inspired by (or directly from) the past, you can still create a contemporary environment that even the strictest minimalists will love.
The best way to accent and decorate your home is to find pre-loved pieces from flea markets, estate sales, and thrift stores. However, this isn’t doable for everyone, and some people prefer to buy pieces that draw you into the past but are still newly purchased.
If that sounds like you, you can also find décor pieces and furniture you need at specialty stores or online. With the long period of time that has passed, however, as the team
at AlltheDecor.com notes, you should first choose the time period you want to call back to before you make a purchase. Design styles of the 1920s are markedly different from those from the 1970s, and mixing them together will likely create a clashing, excessive loud space.
Additionally, it’s essential to remember that a vintage theme doesn’t mean that everything needs to be old. It’s perfectly possible to sprinkle in more contemporary items in your home without ruining your theme. You may, for example, prefer modern art to vintage pieces for your walls.
Or, if you’re aiming for an antique aesthetic, you can find quality Chinese ceramics found here that seamlessly blend in with your vintage decor, adding a touch of elegance and history to your space. These pieces can serve as beautiful focal points and conversation starters while complementing the overall ambiance you’re creating.
Some vintage concepts are making a comeback as well. While you may not realize it, staying on trend while going vintage at the same time is possible. Popular vintage trends include bar carts, sheepskin (or faux-fur) rugs and other soft furnishings, wood paneling, floating furnishings, and more.
Art Deco
Art Deco is a style theme that first emerged in France after World War I. The characteristics of this style include:
- Geometric patterns and straight lines
- Triangular and trapezoidal shapes
- Sunburst motifs
- Loud, vibrant colors. Popular options include yellows, greens, reds and pinks, and blues.
- Floral patterns
Additionally, there are certain materials that are commonly used in this style, which you can incorporate into your home décor to emphasize its art deco influence. Some of the most common materials include gold and steel, which are used heavily in both Art Deco furniture and accessories. Materials tend to be lush and expensive, with other options including:
- Upholstery fabrics like velvet and animal skin
- Glass, chrome, stainless steel, and lacquer
- High-end woods like ebony and zebrawood
- Marble
While these tend to result in ballooning budgets, finding imitation materials that you can use instead is possible, allowing you to create the same visual style without being hard on your pocket.
With this style, it’s also essential to remember that you do not have to use bright colors. Creating art deco interiors is possible using softer, muted shades, including creams, beiges, and neutrals, as well as toned-down versions of the colors mentioned above.
Additionally, pay attention to the lighting you choose. Light fixtures can help complete any art deco theme, with the most popular incorporating the geometric and symmetric shapes that are so essential to the style. Other characteristics of art deco light fixtures include:
- Modern lines and minimally detailed silhouettes
- Shades of glass or chrome, or that have elongated shapes that resemble (or outright depict) skyscrapers
- Stepped fan details that obscure the bulbs in the fixture
- Fixtures made of opal glass
- Ornate etched glass details
Swedish
The Swedish style is influenced by the weather in Scandinavia and the lack of natural light in the winter, and this resulted in a desire to make home interiors light and bright.
The style is categorized by a focus on the pale, light, and airy. Walls and floors are designed to reflect as much natural light as possible, so the interior is bright and cheerful even in the depths of winter. White is the most popular color choice, followed closely by blue and pale tones of cream, dove gray, and yellow.
Fabrics tend to be woven and textured, while furniture is usually made of light-stained wood. When it comes to bedrooms, canopy beds are extremely popular, especially ones with white fabric. Furthermore, to boost the lightness, mirrors are a major décor accent present in most rooms in a home.
As light is prioritized, in addition, accessories are minimal so that the brightness is the focus. This makes the Swedish style extremely popular with people who live minimalism and want to limit the clutter.
A change in décor theme will help you make your home look new and fresh again, no matter whether you choose to go with vintage or Swedish. Once you have a theme in mind, you can start with the shopping and decorating process, and truly work on creating an amazing home.
