Every apartment has its own charm. But every now and then we need a change because we're tired of the same thing. Regardless of whether you want to spice up your home a bit or completely redecorate, we'll show you the most popular decorating styles and give you tips on how to develop your own personal taste!
The most popular decoration styles for your own four walls
If you need a change of scenery and don't have a clear idea, you'll usually be overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of choice. That's why it's useful to find out in advance what you like and what you don't like at all. But you don't have to commit to one of the following decorative styles! A successful mix, a planned break, will give your apartment a lot of charm and a very special liveliness.
Modern decoration
Clean, functional and timeless: Modern interpretations of decorative styles can be found in most homes. They are classic, easy to implement and yet effective and harmonious. Most accessories are not just for decoration, but often have a function as well. Clear shapes and few decorations define the style.
Scandinavian hygge
Light colors and a lot of natural materials - for example wood, jute, cork and cotton - make up the Scandinavian style. What is most important is a high level of comfort, if not total coziness. In keeping with the Hygge principle: enjoy your new furnishings and leave everything negative behind you at home. Make it beautiful!
Boho style – rebellious elegance
The word boho originally comes from an artist movement that wanted to defy the oppressive norms of their parents. The boho decorating style takes up this stubborn idea. With wild color mixes, natural materials and exciting shapes, it quickly became a very unique way of furnishing.
Country house style – carefree romance
Handmade decorative bowls as table decorations , lots of wood and light tones: all of this makes up the country house style. You will feel as comfortable in it as in your grandparents' house! Cozy cushions, lots of personal mementos and a relaxed atmosphere ensure that you can quickly leave your stressful everyday life behind you.
Retro or vintage – what are the differences?
The terms retro and vintage are often mistakenly used synonymously. However, retro describes objects that only look as if they are several decades old. They are deliberately modeled on a past style. Vintage furniture, on the other hand, has actually been around for years and shows real, charming signs of wear. However, the differences are hardly noticeable in high-quality furniture.
Industrial – rough and modern
The industrial style is particularly suitable for very open-plan apartments. High ceilings also go perfectly with it: This brings out the implied factory charm even more! Untreated wooden elements meet dark metal. Concrete is also a popular, versatile material.
Maritime living – feel at home on holiday
Do you like to think back to your last trip to the sea? Then it's worth taking a look at the maritime decoration style. Ships, nets, bowls full of sand or a piece of driftwood are perfect for this. It's especially pretty if you can use your own souvenirs. But be careful: don't decorate your entire house with them straight away. One room - for example the guest bathroom - or a corner in the living room is completely sufficient.
Shabby chic – elegant furniture from days gone by with charming quirks
Looking like you've just stepped out of the shower is a thing of the past! Shabby chic is an unconventional mix of vintage, modernity, matte colors and a feminine touch. Signs of wear and tear are also welcome. But even if the name suggests otherwise: there's nothing shabby about it!
Nine tricks: How do I find my own decorating style?
There is something very special about moving or renovating. You can try something new and redecorate partially or completely. But that also creates a certain amount of pressure! Does everything fit together well? And will I still find my composition as wonderful in a year's time as it does now? Don't drive yourself crazy. We'll give you nine tips on how to invent a unique style for yourself!
- The first step on the way to a new interior design style: decide which of your roommates should have a say. If you live alone, you can let your imagination run wild. If you live in a shared apartment, you should at least decorate the common rooms together. If you are in a relationship, include your partner and, if you are a family, include your little darlings - at least in the children's rooms and playrooms.
- Find out which decorative styles appeal to you. Keep the following maxim in mind: you are designing your own four walls. The opinion of your friends, the craftsmen or the previous owners of the house is completely irrelevant! Decorate the way you and your family like.
- Of course, there is nothing wrong with asking for help in making a decision or for an opinion. But be persistent when it comes to the details that are really important to you and don't let yourself be unsettled by other people's tastes.
- It doesn't have to be perfect! A completely stylish house may look classy and high-quality, but it has little charm. Let yourself be guided by what convinces you. Not every piece always has to follow a certain style 100%. A small mix of styles gives your home additional liveliness!
- Think about what you actually like beforehand: Do you prefer it to be cozy or flooded with light? Do you want a classic room layout? Should your apartment be as open as possible or spatially closed off? Do you prefer it to be colorful or reserved? Make a list and put your thoughts on paper! This will make it easier for you to find out what is really important to you.
- Decide which pieces of furniture and accessories you want to keep. Build on this basis and create your very own decorative style.
- Look for inspiration! Whether in a furniture store, in magazines, in your favorite series, on the Internet, on Pinterest or in Lifestyle & More magazine: our everyday lives are full of great interior design! There are sure to be decoration ideas among your friends that you would like to incorporate into your own home. Perhaps you have already discovered a highlight in an event decoration that you can imagine for your home?
- Do you have the essential furniture for your new room? Create a mood board! Photograph your belongings and cut out the most important parts. Now stick them on a pin board or a large piece of cardboard and arrange everything. This way you can quickly find out what is still missing and what goes well together. Lifestyle & More tip: Find color cards at the hardware store that particularly appeal to you and use the mood board to find out what goes together.
- Plan the basics first and then start decorating later. Then choose pictures, candles, floor vases , etc. to match the furniture.