Interior

RACHEL
JACKSON
DESIGN
interior . exterior . poolside
Design
Style
Guide
The following list of interior design styles is not definitive, but rather a selection of styles
you’re likely to see, and it is quite common to be a blend of a few. Enjoy!
Modern (also termed Mid-Century Modern)
Modern design is rooted in minimalism. Function is the focus, so lines are clean, decorative elements are subtle and
accessories are kept to a minimum. A modern space is likely to feature a neutral color palette, polished surfaces, strong
geometric shapes and asymmetry. Though some find modern design too harsh or cold, others find it calming and appreciate
its ability to maximize a small space. “Everything old is new again,” as the saying goes. That’s the philosophy behind this
design, which gives old styles a modern twist. In this style, classic and contemporary mix together to create a space that is
entirely unique and individual. Retro design elements can include materials, gadgets, shapes, objects or colors – anything
from the past that can be reimagined in an eclectic space for the present.

Contemporary
The terms “modern” and “contemporary” are similar, but not interchangeable where interior design is concerned. Modern
design means a specific style (think Mad Men, mid-century, low-profile shapes) while contemporary can only mean trendy
looks that are in style at any given moment. Contemporary interiors right now are comfortable and welcoming without
being cluttered and dark. Smooth, clean, geometric shapes are essential, as is structural furniture and an emphasis on basic
shapes and forms. Accents are graphic elements in artwork and occasional pops of bold color. As you will see below, right
now contemporary design has several big influencers that take these primary traits and bend them into a new direction.

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Contemporary - Coastal Influence
Traditionally, coastal interiors have centered around the cliché of seaside accessories, nautical motifs and distressed
woodwork. Contemporary coastal interiors adopt a more subtle approach. Think natural materials, plenty of glass and
breezy white draperies that combine to create a spacious coastal haven. This look is relaxed, unassuming, and when done
right, works just as well in a city apartment as it does in a beach-front property.

Contemporary - Hill Country Influence

This regional style owes its roots to the settlers of the central Texas hills who put their carpentry and stone mason skills to
work on locally available white limestone, brown sandstone and cedar wood. The organic and simple nature of Texas Hill
Country style also nods to the lean times when the area was being settled; resulting in spacious, uncluttered rooms and
heavy use of wood, stone and an emphasis on large windows with expansive views.

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Contemporary - Farmhouse influence
If you want the worn, comfortable look of a cottage without having to deal with that pesky “actually living in a cottage”
thing, give your place a farmhouse makeover. This is your chance to scour flea markets and antique shops for rustic
furnishings and handmade decorative tchotchkes (or, if you’re feeling especially creative, to put your DIY skills to the test).
This style is cozy and comfortable but sometimes cluttered, so it’s not ideal for a small space.

Contemporary - Scandinavian Influence

Inspired by the snow, mountains and fjords of the Nordic countries, Scandinavian interiors are proving enduringly popular
across the globe. This timeless interior style works beautifully in living areas, bedrooms and bathrooms. Layer wools,
fabrics and fur onto a glass or wooden framework for an effortlessly cool Nordic interior. Think pared back coziness, clean
lines and plenty of texture. It’s time to embrace the Danish concept of hygge – our love affair with this style is set to stay.

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Minimalist
Minimalist design takes a ’less is more’ approach to interior decorating. Everything is stripped down to its most basic state
to achieve a Zen-like simplicity. Straightforward geometric forms, little ornamentation, simple materials and the repetition
of structures put the focus on the essential quality of the space, rather than the objects that fill it. Minimalism is ideally
suited to large, open spaces with natural light and cleverly hidden storage.

Minimalist - Marfa Influence

Here is another regional take on a design style. Marfa, TX has slowly risen to national attention over the past 6 decades
thanks to artist and furniture designer Donald Judd who called this place home (read more about all that HERE). In that
piece, writer Laura Fenton describes the aesthetic this way: “The bones of the look are adobe walls, cement floors, tin roofs,
and raw timbers. Inside the minimally furnished rooms are natural hardwood, powder-coated and raw steel, Southwestern
textiles, cowhides, and leather. The new Marfa designers have a penchant for neutral backdrops with pops of vivid hues.”

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Urban
Urban design blurs the line between domestic and industrial. Think concrete floors, exposed beams, metal siding,
galvanized steel and unfinished surfaces. Unique, non-functional objects (at least in terms of a living space) are often used
as features to create a distinct look that is both modern and bohemian. Urban interiors are often designed to create open
space, sometimes in surprising ways, and allow for multifunctional rooms.

Classic
Order, symmetry and balance are the key elements of classical interior design. Classic spaces are often built around a focal
point, like a bed or a feature fireplace, that forms the centre around which visual balance is achieved. In addition to the
mirrored setup, classic design is characterized by natural colors, elegant (but not overly ornate) fabrics, and natural flooring
made in wood, stone or marble.

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Traditional
If there was a scale of interior design styles, Traditional would sit directly opposite minimalism. The Victorians never met a
detail they didn’t like, and that is at the heart of this style. Excessively decorative furniture, ornate accessories and
flamboyant ornaments fill these rooms. Colors are deep, textures are rich, materials are exotic. But it’s not all extravagant;
to contrast the opulence of the rest of the space - floors and walls are typically fairly plain.

Georgian
The Georgian style takes a uniquely international approach to interior design. Much of it is inspired by Ancient Greece and
Rome, but Chinese influences also show up in flower motifs in fabrics and porcelain accessories. Color schemes are pale
and subtle, in contrast with more audacious floral patterns, gold and wall murals. Georgian furniture is delicate and
elaborate, with ball-and-claw feet, ornate carvings and luxurious fabrics. A fireplace frequently is the centerpiece of the
Georgian room.

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Art Deco
Once the definitive style of the ‘20s and ‘30s, Art Deco is now known for its industrial materials, lacquered wood and
sparing use of color. Deco furnishings are streamlined and geometric, with rounded fronts, sleek lines and mirrored
accents. Lighting is especially important in this kind of design. Ceiling lights, floor lamps, table lamps and wall lamps are all
used in union, typically emitting orange or yellow light that warms up the otherwise-sleek space.

Eclectic
Eclectic style encompasses a variety of periods and styles and is brought together through the use of color, texture, shape
and finish. Styling eclectic rooms doesn't mean tossing every rule, however. It’s a constant balancing act between layered
and collected and avoiding busy and distracting. As a native Austinite, this is one look I’ve always found comfortable,
understatedly pretty, and brimming with little unexpected treasures - I suppose a little like Austin itself.

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