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Interior Design Style Guide

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Category: furnishings, interior design What is it about?

Interior design styles come in countless variations and sub-variations, continuously evolving over centuries and decades. For the interior design styles presented here, I will also try to establish an order, somewhat following a chronological sequence, as outlined below.

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Work in progress! Styles that have already been presented in detail in the list are linked – take a look!

Style Collection

Naturally, there can be debate over whether a style should be seen as part of a larger style—thus just a substyle—but for now, this seems the most practical way to organize the gathered information.

It’s a straightforward issue to determine when a style emerged, when it became independent, how long it endured, and if it reappears, whether it is the same style or—if different—to what extent…

Even categorization problems that seem simple have arisen:

Can Feng Shui be considered an ethnic style?

  • Ethnic styles typically blend the traditional traits of various cultures and highlight the unique style of a specific people or ethnic group. So, if we regard Feng Shui as a Chinese (rather than an ethnic) cultural element, why not include it among ethno styles?
  • The situation is more complex because Feng Shui is more a philosophical and energetic system than a specific ethnic style. If we considered it merely a Chinese-origin ethno style category, which typically reflects the distinctive forms, patterns, and materials of a particular culture or ethnicity, we would detach it from its philosophy and the added dimension that Feng Shui primarily focuses on harmonizing the home or workplace environment and enhancing the flow of energy.
  • On the other hand, if we look at my collection where I showcase the Indonesian style, which in our country is popular in a contemporary form with modern traits, it seems even stranger to group it with a philosophical current of an undefined age (presumably several thousand years old).

Or can we suppose that Mediterranean styles are actually rural styles, merely named according to their geographical location?

  • It is a thought-provoking idea, but we cannot necessarily classify all Mediterranean styles as rural styles.

    • While it is true that Mediterranean styles draw inspiration from rural and coastal lifestyles, they each possess their own unique characteristics.

  • Rural styles typically refer to designs inspired by village and countryside settings, rooted in the traditions and rustic way of life of a particular country or region. Within this category, there are various subgenres, such as the French country style or the English countryside style.
  • Although Mediterranean and rural styles sometimes overlap, not every Mediterranean style is rural, nor is every rural style Mediterranean. Mediterranean styles often highlight the sun-drenched, coastal way of life, while rural styles tend to capture the charm of village atmospheres.
  • Thus, with some compromise, the two can be blended, though they mostly intersect only in limited ways—but it’s certainly thought-provoking.

I could also mention the overlap between rural and ethnic styles.

  • In my view, rural and ethnic styles encompass the same interiors, just categorized from different perspectives. Country styles are named based on shared features typical of countries and regions within them, whereas if we group the same interiors under ethnostyles, we classify them by common style elements characteristic of specific ethnic groups.
  • Both country styles and ethnostyles reflect the traditions, lifestyles, and environments of their respective cultures or regions.
  • The prevailing view is that these are two distinct things:
    • Rural styles are typically connected to specific geographical areas, countries, or regions, drawing inspiration from rural lifestyles and architectural traditions. Elements featured in these styles include local materials, eco-friendly design, simplicity, and a dedication to traditional craftsmanship.
    • Ethno styles embody the cultures and traditions of various ethnic groups and peoples. These styles showcase the distinctive artistic, decorative, and cultural expressions unique to a particular ethnic group. Elements found in ethnic styles include distinctive patterns, colors, textures, and traditional art forms.
  • However, these visual elements may appear in both categories, although the classification is based on different perspectives. Country styles tend to focus on geographical regions within countries, while ethnic styles revolve around ethnic groups and cultural traditions.

TL;DR – Brief summary

(Open the arrow if you can´t see it!)

There are countless variations and sub-variations of interior design styles, which have been constantly evolving over the centuries and decades. With regard to the interior design styles presented here, I will attempt to establish a chronological order as follows.

In this article, you can read about the following topics:

  • Style Collection
  • Can Feng Shui be considered an ethnic style?
  • Or can we suppose that Mediterranean styles are actually rural styles, merely named according to their geographical location?
  • I could also mention the overlap between rural and ethnic styles.
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