What do you know about Interior Design Styles?

Modern Style can be confusing to many, not only because it is notoriously ambiguous, but it also defies its very name. "Modern", in the way that most people think of it, means "of present times" or "up to date", but in fact Modern design is rooted in social and economic ideals that began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The social and economic ideals of modernism play a role in the Modern design aesthetic. Though the design reform movement began in the 19th century, it gained a more mainstream following in the 1920's. Due to social and economic unrest in Europe, the climate of change and rebellion against traditional values, art, religion, and design was in full swing. After World War II, Modern style gained popularity, but lost much of its association with many of the socio-economic ideals. It became about the design and not the philosophy behind it. Consequently, "post-modernism" comes onto the scene during the 1960's. Though rooted in modernism, it criticized the relevance of some design elements. When a design concept spans many decades, it naturally follows that there will be sub- categories within the main style. Several styles are classified as "modern" including Art Deco, Mid Century Modern, International style, and Post Modern. Though they all share sleek lines, open spaces, simple embellishments, and clear uncluttered surfaces, each decade has its individual traits. The best way to go about finding which one you like is to look at several pictures and find what suits you. Of course, mixing these sub styles is a great way to bring interest and personality to a space.

Here are a few ideas to help create Modern style:

-Colors-

Restrained palettes are common including: off white, grey, brown, and black. White is the most popular choice because it embodies the clean sculptural feel of modern design. Often there is a pop of bright or bold color somewhere in the room, either in an accessory or rug. With the extensive use of glass, often the outdoors is integrated into the interior space offering colors of nature.

-Furnishings-

The furnishings in Modern style are more like pieces of art. Their shapes are simple but also innovative and unique. Descriptive names such as "cube", "egg" and "swan" chairs are a small sample of the creative products. This Modern End Table is a great example of this! Leather, chrome, and steel are finishes to remember with Modern design. With simplicity seen everywhere in a Modern space, furniture is a great way to bring interest to a space.

-Artwork and Accessories-

Art is often abstract or pop art. Bright bold colors and geometric shapes dominate. Most importantly, though, choose something that you like. It is tempting to buy it if it "goes" but make sure that it is something you won't mind staring at for a while. Accessories are a great place to throw in some period specific details. For instance, an Art Deco silver cocktail shaker or a 60's pop art poster can spark conversation.

-Putting it all together-

If Modern design is so hard to pin down, and encompassing several sub-styles, how do you get a cohesive sleek space and not end up looking like you haven't moved in yet? Choosing pieces carefully, for their form as well as function, is key. If storage is an issue, be sure to include furniture that can keep clutter at bay. A fabulous lamp will go a long way to bring a room together. Most of all make you love it. Design should be fun, and be about what you like. So don't be afraid, go for it!

Defining a style is a tall order to fill. For each person a slightly different mental image may be conjured up. When talking of retro style, one might picture a fifties diner decked out in black and white check and cherry red vinyl booths, a fresh mint green kitchen with matching accessories, a minimal sleek space age space, or a "Rat Pack" era lounge.

Retro design encompasses several decades and many different design details, but they all seem to have a uniting outlook. After the gloomy rationing of World War II, people were ready for some bright colors and cheerful design. New technologies developed during the war made it possible to experiment with shapes and colors and affordability. The possibilities seemed endless and so did their optimism.

Here are a few ideas to help create retro style in your space:

-Colors-

It is a safe bet to choose cheerful bright colors or a more monochromatic scheme for more minimal sleek retro design. Common retro colors are pink, jade green, mint green, turquoise, cherry red, black, and sunshine yellow. Black and white checkerboard pattern and red and white geometric motifs were very common. Many mid-century modern enthusiasts prefer a more neutral scheme for a sleeker look. Whatever color you choose be sure that you love it. Just because it fits the style doesn't mean that it needs to be all over your walls.

-Furnishings-

Choose upholstery pieces that are boxy and clean lined. Here's a great Retro Chair from Padma's Plantation. Furnishings were often made of a variety of new materials including formica, fiberglass, plastic, resin, vinyl, linoleum, laminate, and plywood. Other popular materials were aluminum, stainless steel, and polished chrome. Teak, birch, ash and maple were common often with light or natural finishes. Coffee tables were curvy or kidney shaped and dining tables round or oval. Famous chair styles developed in this period include the Eames lounge chair, butterfly chair, barcelona, and tulip chair. Adding a chair such as those mentioned would be sure to give that retro feel.

-Textiles-

Soft textiles in the form of rugs, pillows, drapes, and throws are an easy way to repeat your color scheme throughout the room. Fabric choices are endless and could include a variety of colors and textures. Geometric prints and atomic symbols, along with asteriks, starbursts, bubbles, boomerangs, amoebas, satellites and rockets would all do the trick. Shag rugs and plush carpets are also a great choice.

-Putting it all together-

Now comes the tricky part, putting it all together. It is far too easy to get carried away with retro style and end up with a space that feels to themed. So how do you prevent that? Decide before you start what tone you would like to set. If you want the space to feel like a 50's diner than go for it, but if something a little more subtle is what you had in mind, use retro pieces somewhat sparingly. A little bit of whimsy can go a surprisingly long way. Plus it is a sure way to keep your space up to date while still having that charming retro feel. Keep it as simple as you possibly can.

One of the best things about Retro style besides its whimsy and charm is the ease and affordability with which you can find objects and furnishings for your home. Check out garage sales, flea markets, or thrift stores. You'd be surprised at some of the great things you will find.