If you’re tired of the Scandinavian style

For those who have already lived in Scandinavian minimalism or are just looking for something new, you can find other interesting directions. It is very difficult to figure it out on our own, so they will help us architects-designers and founders of design studio RU Anna SalYamova and Victoria Lukina.

They offer original solutions for the ideal living environment that are very well suited to today’s realities.

– As a design direction, the Mid Century Modern style emerged after the end of World War II. Mid Century Modern now owes its return to the incredibly popular television series Mad Men, which vividly presents 60s interiors with impeccable style and vibrant colors. Not only interior designers are inspired by it, but also directors, artists and fashion designers around the world. Now, in an era of economic crisis, one wants not so much luxury as security, comfort and coziness, just like in the post-war years, when this style arose.

Features of modern interiors decorated in the Mid century Modern style

The main feature of this style is the predominance of functionality over decorativeness, the use of simple and strict forms, open volumes, bright accents, comfortable and beautiful interior items. Let’s consider in more detail.

The layout must be open

Such a popular free layout today owes exactly to the Mid Century Modern style. The combined multifunctional space, which is divided by light mobile screens or partitions, or is completely zoned only by decorating techniques.

· Bright colours

The color palette is filled with natural colors – beige, white, gray, sand and brown. But the Mid Century Modern interior is not devoid of accents in the form of bright colors, abstract motifs in textiles, wallpaper and other interior items. In fact, in such an interior, you can choose any bright saturated color that you like as an accent.

Fixtures

But the lamps should be given special attention. We can say that in this matter, Mid Century Modern runs a little against its main idea and gives way to decorativeness, because real art objects are often used as lamps. The lighting of the premises is versatile and multifunctional. Here side and local lighting, floor lamps and table lamps appear.

Furniture that has become legend

In fact, we are familiar with this furniture from the urban interiors of the Soviet era. Furniture on high legs of simple shapes, the versatility of individual representatives of the furniture industry, the use of modern materials – these are all features characteristic of this style of furniture. It was furniture in the Mid Century Modern style that gave us a large abundance of legendary and world famous pieces of furniture and decor.

Graphic patterns

Geometric or modernist patterns, prints or ironic stylizations of the pop art movement are the main tools for creating a unique interior. But here you need to remember the golden rule – everything is good in moderation.

Designer Tips

· Let in as much sunlight as possible in the interior: Roman shades and thin single-layer translucent curtains are suitable for this.

· As accents, you can use bright textiles in the form of furniture upholstery or cushions in pure colors: red, yellow, blue, etc.

· Build an open bar in the living room. An exhibition of beautiful bottles and vintage glasses will allow you to plunge into the era of the 50-60s.

· Pay attention to the lamps: these can be lamps of the most unusual shapes, because their main purpose is to attract attention and be noticeable from anywhere in the room.

– The style originated in America of the twentieth century, when many factories and factories moved their production to the outskirts of Manhattan due to a sharp rise in land prices. Industrial premises were sold for almost nothing and were converted by new owners into residential loft apartments (English Loft – “attic”). The peculiar chic of gray concrete and bricks, huge spaces, metal fittings, bare walls and ceilings, and the relatively low cost of finishing the premises led to a rapid growth in the popularity of this trend. It is also relevant and popular these days.

Features of modern interiors decorated in an industrial style

Functionality, democracy, conciseness in details, open spaces, large windows and columns, brick or concrete walls, high ceilings without finishing – characterize the industrial style. To show everything that is customary to hide, such is the honesty of this direction. Wiring, pipes, fittings and beams are visible, the walls are unfinished, rust does not hide, and old things are not thrown away.

· Open space

The space of the room is one and only zoned by pieces of furniture, decor and lighting. There is no division into rooms.

· Color spectrum

The industrial style palette is the natural color and texture of building materials such as concrete, brick, metal. Typical factory colors are used – gray, white, red, beige, black, khaki, dirty blue. Small amounts of color accents are allowed.

Materials and finishes

The rough texture of the walls, raw brick, aged metal with rusty elements are authentic materials of an industrial style. The floors can be left concrete, but self-leveling floors, ceramic tiles, artificial or natural stone are also allowed. The walls are left intact. Brick painting, plywood, metal or wood paneling look interesting in the interior. Ceilings are usually whitewashed or painted.

Fixtures

Industrial style requires a serious approach to artificial lighting. It is important to illuminate each functional area of ​​a large space. Chandeliers, ceiling, wall, floor lamps – this style is characterized by a variety of lighting fixtures. Both authentic industrial lighting devices and stylized modern industrial counterparts are used.

· Furniture

The basis should be made up of furniture that is as austere as possible: a wooden table with metal legs, massive cabinets with metal fittings. It is possible to use modern lines of furniture without excessive decor.

Decor

The concept of industrial style is closely related to minimalism, so there should be little decor. It could be graffiti on the walls, huge pop art posters, some large paintings and a couple of sculptures.

Designer Tips

· It is worth considering the lighting carefully. During the day, the room is filled with natural light through the large windows, but in the evening it can be gloomy. Install large chandeliers and lamps (wall or floor) in each zone. Also use spot lighting and do not forget to illuminate the work areas.

The idea of ​​using the same color throughout the interior would be very good, but just spread it out into different shades and use it for everything – the walls are lighter, the floor is slightly darker, the furniture is even a little brighter, and combine different shades with each other in the decor

· Live plants in tubs or flowers of fruit-bearing bushes will liven up your room.

– Here the name speaks for itself, the style comes from the village. This is a generalized concept that branches into several styles. I can distinguish three of the most common and fashionable ones: French Provence, English country and Russian country style. Each of these styles is very distinctive and reflects the culture of the country in which it originated, but still they have the main common features – naturalness, naturalness, simplicity and functionality. And the most important thing is comfort.

This style will certainly suit you if you love everything natural. You do not like glossy surfaces, glass, metal and concrete – this is not about you. You value things with history. Buying a bedroom set is too boring for you. It is much more interesting to select completely different-colored furniture, and put a chest instead of a bedside table.

Of course, the style is based on various natural materials.

Dominance of wood

In such interiors there is a lot of wood of different shades, preferably minimally processed. Moreover, it can be both traditional wood and aged beams and beams, which can be present both in structural elements and in decor and furniture.

· A natural stone

Natural stone may also be present. But with natural stone, you need to be careful, as it can overshadow the very essence of the rustic style – warmth and comfort. Therefore, small areas can be selected with a stone, for example, a fireplace or stove.

Abundance of textiles

But you won’t be able to overdo it with textiles, because the rustic style is very fond of various carpets, curtains, tablecloths, napkins, pillows and other decor items. As you may have guessed, all of the above is certainly made of cotton, linen or other natural materials. Hand-made items will come in handy.

· Pastel colors

The general color palette of the rustic style is light and delicate shades of white, beige, gray, blue, pink or green. That is, those colors that perfectly “make friends” with natural materials and emphasize their beauty. But, of course, you can dilute your interior with more saturated colors, but only in decor items, so that the color is represented by a small scattering of bright accents. Your home will not tolerate a brightly colored monolith.

Decor

Earthenware, horns and the skin of some animal can serve as a decor in such an interior; instead of fresh flowers, dry branches or associated sheaves of wheat can very harmoniously fit in.

Designer’s tip

Since the room will probably contain modern technology, you need to connect the “old” interior items with modernity. It’s easy to do if you don’t get carried away with vintage items and semi-antique furnishings. You should always remember that a modern stylized chest of drawers will look favorably against the background of a very beautiful “old” wall. Therefore, do not be afraid to combine things that seem incongruous at first glance. The main thing is to maintain the style and general color scheme of the interior.

The Mediterranean style is considered to be one of the directions of the rustic style. But, believe me, this style is much more complicated than the above, because it was formed under the influence of the cultures of different countries located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, these are the countries of North Africa, the Middle East and southern Europe. One can imagine what an abundance of ornaments, colors, materials is characteristic of this direction.

However, it is customary to distinguish two currents of the Mediterranean style – Italian and Greek. The main distinguishing features of these directions are the colors. In the Greek direction, colder colors are actively used, such as white, blue and their various shades with bright accents of lemon yellow, pale pink or crimson. In Italian, warmer colors are used, all sorts of shades of beige, milky, terracotta, olive and ocher colors. But these styles also have common features – an abundance of natural materials and an abundance of natural light. And, of course, a varied decor of a marine theme.

The Mediterranean style gained popularity due to its economy and unpretentiousness, which is very important in today’s realities. Such an interior will always be elegant and iridescent, light and practical, without pretensions to pretentiousness.

This style will certainly suit you if you are a romantic nature who is ready to live in the feeling of eternal vacation, gentle sun, gentle breeze and waiting for the sound of the surf.

Features of modern interiors decorated in Mediterranean style

Traditional interior using natural materials, cozy, with a touch of negligence. In modern apartments, when decorating the interior in a Mediterranean style, stylistic features of different trends are often mixed. And at the same time they maintain the color scheme of a modern style – light shades of gray and beige. Let’s try to understand the main characteristic features of the Mediterranean style.

Perfect background

There is no emphasis on walls or floors in the Mediterranean style. They serve as the perfect backdrop for home furnishings and decor. That is why walls are often painted in light colors, it is desirable that the walls are not perfectly aligned, but leave a feeling of hand-made. That is, painting over plaster is what you need and will significantly save your budget.

Floors

The floors can also be finished with painted plaster, just like the walls. But more often ceramic tiles or natural stone are laid on the floors. But in the conditions of modern apartments, the use of laminate and linoleum is allowed. The main condition is the imitation of natural surfaces in light colors.

· Furniture

Wooden furniture will fit well into such an interior. You can also use natural rattan furniture or wrought iron furnishings. There are a lot of open shelves in cabinets and racks, on which dishes of bright yellow, bottle green or other colors can comfortably sit. Upholstered furniture is used with upholstery in light shades of natural fabrics.

Textiles

There is not a lot of textiles in the Mediterranean style interior. It is used exclusively functionally – furniture upholstery, carpets, pillows. Instead of traditional curtains, it is customary to use shutters and awnings on the windows. But we can cheat a little and hang Roman blinds or blinds made of wood or rattan on the windows. And of course, only natural fabrics are used, soft, wrinkled, pleasant to the touch. And here is where fantasies can roam, because you can use magnificent oriental ornaments and unique patterns in textiles, do not be afraid to experiment.

Decor

Everything connected with the sea serves as a decor – shells, starfish, beautiful stones, ceramic or rattan vases and bottles. Also various figurines and even parts from the ship. Live palm trees in clay pots will complement your interior.

Designer’s tip

It is important to understand that it is advisable to fit the Mediterranean style into a room filled with natural light. Therefore, large windows in the room and their southern orientation will be an advantage. If you do not have such an advantage, then perhaps you should choose another style that is less demanding on these aspects. But if, nevertheless, you firmly decided to arrange your home in the Mediterranean style, despite all the “contraindications”, then try to compensate for the lack of natural light with artificial light. Consider using false windows or false stained glass windows.