Creating your dream home can depend as much on how you want to furnish it as the location, size and architectural style.
Knowing whether you want to live in a contemporary-styled home, or one that embraces a minimalist or shabby chic interior design, is likely to influence the types of property you’ll want to inspect.
Many buyers begin their journey not really knowing what they want. They can cite their preferred neighbourhood, price range and number of bedrooms, but that’s where it often stops.
They motivate themselves with the belief that, “I’ll know it when I see it” – and there’s nothing wrong with that! But sometimes, especially if your search is proving long and arduous, it helps to think about the interior designs that appeal to you.
The styling of a home can often be a great guide for locating an ideal property. If you’re having trouble finding your next dream home, here’s a list of interior designs that will help you. Search on the web for photos of each style and it will re-energize your search.
- Modern – This is a wide-reaching term but refers typically to homes with a simple colour palette and clean, crisp lines. You’ll find glass, metal and stainless steel are prominent, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Contemporary – This word is often used in the same way as modern. But there’s a subtle difference. Contemporary homes can be older and are not so slavish to interiors that feature glass and steel.
- Minimalist – This is pretty self-explanatory. Take a modern home and declutter like your life depended on it. Colours are neutral and the furnishings simple but elegant. It’s all about space and room to breathe.
- Hamptons – This is an iconic American approach and speaks to the beautiful whites and hues of blue of Long Island, New York State. Furnishing is predominantly wood, and if you close your eyes and you would swear you could hear the waves crashing on to the east coast beaches.
- Scandinavian – Think Ikea, and you’re not too far off the mark. Elegant, light, pressed timbers and understated but high-quality furniture are all accentuated by beautiful warm lighting. The palette is dominated by white, and artwork is used to add colour, character and texture.
- Industrial – This takes its influence from 1930s Germany. It’s most effective in apartments in renovated warehouses and other industrial buildings. You’ll see a lot of brick, high ceilings, air ducts and original timbers.
- Mid-Century – Many homes will fit this description. Their design rejects earlier art deco styling, embraces functionality and is relatively simple. It’s a popular look for homes built in the 50s and 60s.
- Traditional – Australian styles of Colonial, Federation and pre war cottages fit this description. The wood of the furniture is dark and heavy. Expect ceiling roses and picture rails and beautiful doors and stained glass as period features.
- French Country / Rustic – Inspiration here comes from the European farmhouse. You’ll find the colours earthy and warm, complementing exposed brick and natural timbers. Furniture is heavy and durable, often with intricate patterns carved into the wood.
- Bohemian – Natural fibres are popular in this style. Rugs, wall-hangings and cushions are major features, along with displays of knick-knacks and little treasures. Pretty much anything goes in the Bohemian approach.
- Shabby chic – Similar to bohemian but with a more delicate, feminine approach. This style is big on pastels and creams. Statement lighting fixtures and wall hangings are essential. Porcelain plates on walls and occasional tables full of photos and collectables are a big thing.