If you’re just moving into a new house or you’re looking for some renovating ideas, you’ll know that it’s not an easy task to do. As we all have our own different preferences, wishes and tastes, it could be difficult to make a choice. No matter what style you choose, the most important part is feeling safe and comfy. Next comes functionality and practicality. It should be the most optimal, ergonomic space created just for you and your family. However, it’s all about making your space look its best while reflecting your personal sense of style.
Coastal Style
When you think about coastal style, you’re probably imagining anchors, sails and seashells. While the name may suggest it, that’s not the case. Those decorations lean towards the nautical theme. The coastal style is something more toned down, less detailed and less kitschy. The main idea of this style is to bring the beach into the house.
The inspiration is from the coastal environment and every colour and material is inspired by nature. You can buy beautiful coastal cushions, incorporate jute textures and combine them with earthy tones, linen and layered whites and blues. The coastal style interior design requires a lot of natural light. It shouldn’t be overcrowded and dim, but open and airy.
To get enough light, glass doors and skylights can be amazing. When you sit in a room with coastal décor you should feel like there are no boundaries between the room and the outside. The main material for all of the furniture should be natural, such as rattan, wicker, or weathered woods and fabrics.
If you want to incorporate rugs, jute, seagrass and straw will work best. The real coastal style doesn’t have any shiny or metallic details. Avoid heavy materials that stop the sunlight from coming in, instead use natural blowy fabrics for the coastal cushions, throws, rugs, table cloths that will keep the space open and breezy.
The coastal style leans towards the minimalist one in terms of colour. Same as the minimalist, the white colour should dominate the interior and open up the space. Don’t restrain yourself from a pop of colour, but keep it simple and soft. This is not a bold design so stay close to the neutrals, such as greys, greens, light blue and khaki.
One thing you can do is put some slip-covers on the furniture. This way you won’t look at the same material all the time and you can simply incorporate those neutrals. The coastal style cushions in light blue combined with a nice greyish clock on the wall will work wonders for the overall design. If you’re so keen on adding seashells, bottles or woven buckets, do it, but with restraint. Don’t make it kitschy with some signs or anchors placed on the walls.
Industrial Style
This is a style born in the early 2000s because of the shortage of housing places and became popular as soon as it emerged. It’s inspired by old factories and warehouses that are transformed into living spaces, and apartments with open floor plans. The main thing is to take something old, recycled or vintage you like, and make it usable again.
Basically, giving it a new second life without taking its original character away. This style is based on darker colours such as brown, black and grey, sometimes combined with lighter, neutral tones. Similar to the coastal style, the industrial one has an open-spaced format that has tall ceilings. It has a combination of more living spaces combined into one large area.
The furniture is usually salvaged and almost all of the materials are raw. The most common ones are glass, metal, wood, steel, copper, brass and iron. The panelling is of reclaimed wood and it’s not strange to see exposed ductwork or architectural beams. Other characteristics are the brick walls and concrete floors that give it an extra boost into the industrial way.
When it comes to lighting, the industrial style calls for large open windows or even whole walls that let the natural light inside. If you prefer a more enclosed style, pick bare light bulbs. Hang some Edison bulbs, alone or in a group, but if you don’t like them there are other options. You can go with floor lamps made from recycled metal, metal domes or pendant lamps with unique shades.
When it comes to furniture, you should avoid plush fabrics with all of those raw materials. Oftentimes, antique stores have unique pieces of furniture you can incorporate, so don’t be shy to look around. Some colourful art pieces can make the space even better. A pop of colour from them will just add to the whole design. Squared lines and blocky shapes are primary and encourage a utilitarian cohesion in the home’s overall appearance.
This doesn’t mean that you have to avoid natural curves and abstract shapes at all costs. You can still incorporate them, but keep it minimal. If you decide to decorate and accessorise, keep it low. Don’t overcrowd the space with too much stuff, and instead make it as clutter-free as possible. This way you’ll get a cool living space with unique looks.