A recent design client reminded us of one big design mistake we have overlooked in our previous blog, “Common Design Mistakes”. And that is an incoherent room!
Buying furniture pieces that look nice individually, without thinking how they would look when put together, is the main reason why people end up with an incoherent looking room. Each piece can be stunning on its own, but they just might not play well together.
It’s a mistake many of us have committed before understanding the different design styles and how they can guide us into creating a cohesive room.
Before talking about the steps to create a cohesive look, let’s talk a little about the most common interior design styles. You might find your style in the list below. If not, here are some sites that have quizzes to help you identify your design style.
Here are our top 3 picks. Decorist, Apartment Therapy, Potterybarn
Traditional : this style is Inspired by 18th and 19th century designs. It is characterized by:
- natural materials and color
- layers in color and texture
- heavy ornamentations
- floral or bold curtains
- quality wood furniture like mahogany, maple or cherry
- larger furniture pieces with curved or clawfoot legs and tufted upholstery
- classic art pieces
Traditional style is also big on symmetry.
Modern : this style started around the end of the 19th century. 
It is characterized by:
- clean lines
- neutral wall paints and textures
- simple and functional furniture
- open living spaces
Contemporary: this design style Is whatever is trending at the moment, which makes it hard to pin down. Right now arched doors, arched windows and curved furniture pieces are having a moment.
Mid-century Modern: this design style is
from the mid 1900s, from the 40s to the 60s. In this design, form definitely follows function.
It is characterized by Vintage pieces of furniture that are simple with clean lines and minimum ornaments. In this style the furniture can be made of new age materials like plywood, glass, plastic, metal or vinyl.
Transitional : this is a design that finds a happy middle between traditional and modern design styles. It is characterized by neutral colors and organized textures. It focuses on function and comfort.
Scandinavian: this style is inspired by the Nordic living styles.
It is characterized by its:
- bright feel
- white walls
- minimal light color furniture
- a lot of earth and wood tones
- bare windows that bring in natural light
It’s also common to see mirrors or minimal art and arched floor lamps in a Scandinavian design.
Boho (Boho chic): this style is inspired by bohemian traveling gypsy lifestyles.
It is characterized by the use of:
- lots of bold colors
- patterns and textures
- layered rugs
- plants and greenery
- tapestry or macramé wall décor.
This design style has a lot of room for individuality.
Industrial: this design is characterized by large open spaces with large grid windows that gives it a feel of a warehouse or factory. In Industrial design you see a lot of reclaimed and exposed brick, concrete, metal, pipes, rustic wood and distressed leather. 
Japanese Zen: this design is known for its serene and calm feel as it tries to bring nature into the living space. It’s always clutter free and open with lots of earth tone colors. It is characterized by quality and simple furniture pieces with clean and straight lines.
Minimalist: in this design style, function rules. Most furniture pieces are striped down to their basic form. All things that are there as an add on, just for look and feel, don’t have a place. So, we will see a lot of negative spaces, simplistic furniture and bare walls in minimalist design.
Farmhouse: this design is known for its simplicity, practicality and rustic charm. It is characterized by its neutral color palette, large comfortable furniture, rustic metal accents and repurposed pieces. 
It’s also very common to see sheep lap, barn doors, kitchen islands and open shelving.
Each of these design styles have characteristics that are unique to themselves, and some they share with each other. To create a cohesive room, start with identifying which design style you or your space belongs to.
For instance, If your space has exposed brick walls, metal beams and pipes, and a very open layout that feels sort of unfinished, then it’s screaming Industrial design style. Our big tip is to choose a design style and to commit to it.
If you feel like you belong to more than one design style, not to worry. There is a way to mix them as well. Always choose one dominant design Style and add another style that has commonality with your dominant style.
A common example is Japandi design style, the combination of Japanese Zen and Scandinavian design style. Both styles are big on the use of wood and earth tone colors, which makes them blend in very well.
Once you have your style you can start putting a mood-board together. Mood-boards are a great way to help you visualize how your room will look when put together. Make sure you get samples of things like swatches of fabrics or paints, because color and texture might look different under different light. Then and only then start making purchases and putting things together.
Remember: “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes, design is knowing which ones to keep.” -Scott Adams
Let us know down below which design style you subscribe to.
