Are you ready to decorate but unsure of which style to choose? Do you want a home that will look just as good in 2030 as it does now? These three types of decor are stylish yet timeless at the same time.
Minimalism
Minimalism centres on one main idea: Less is more. This style of décor is all about clean lines, crisp, neutral colours and uncluttered rooms. One of the key features of minimalism is space, so make sure your furniture is proportional to the room. Clutter is a major faux pas in minimalistic spaces. To create a streamlined, airy and ordered space, get rid of things like photo frames, vases and books — or at least hide them from view. This is where sleek cabinets, boxes or baskets come in handy. As for colour, a minimal palette is important. Choose a single colour or colour theme for your home: “Earthy” hues or monochromatic are both popular. While minimalism demands simplicity, you can still play around with decorative accents and colours. Go for a feature wall, an abstract painting, or a cool light fixture to add warmth and interest to a room.
Example: Sydney-based interior designer Marylou Sobel aced the minimalistic style with this project, called New Beach Road.
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French
When it comes to style, the French always get it right — and their trademark décor is no exception. Often referred to as “country” or “provincial French” by designers, this style of décor can be described as “shabby chic”. It takes most of its inspiration from history and nature and is almost a throwback to a bygone era. The key to French decorating is texture: Think rich fabrics, lush drapes, lace accents, upholstery and gilded furniture. Add drama with an antique chair or ottoman, and if you’ve got some cash to spare, splurge on a chandelier for your foyer or living room. The kitchen is a great place to play around with texture. To really bring the country to your home, go for wooden countertops, distressed cabinets and textured tiles. To maintain balance, choose a toned-down colour palette and simple accessories. This style of décor is the complete opposite of minimalism in that it prioritses flexibility over order and consistency. For example, many “country French” spaces don’t have matching furniture sets. French homes are defined by elegance and there’s a fine line between opulence and overdoing it.
Example: Sobel’s Boronia project is the definition of French chic.
Beachy
Whether you live by the beach or dream about it often, a love of the ocean is something many of us have in common. Thanks to this, beachy décor is a style that isn’t going anywhere. The golden rule for this casual and relaxed take on decorating is to keep it light and bright. Choose an uplifting palette of crisp whites and blues, with splashes of bright colours like yellow. To add a coastal twist to your current home, go for aqua or yellow accents in pillows, throws and artworks. As for lighting, the brighter it is, the better. Skylights are a great way to flood your home with sunlight, so consider installing one near your entrance or staircase. The kitchen is the perfect place to play around with texture and colour. Glass-tiled backsplashes, white or blue chairs and nautical-inspired artwork all bring hints of the beach to a space where you most likely spend a lot of your time. Accessories like candles, seashells and photo frames all enhance the beachy, relaxed feel.
Example: For the Wentworth House, Sobel used layering, bold colours and beachy accents to create a coastal feel.
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