Beyond Time: Unravel the enigma of interior design

Interior design introduces a range of algorithms in preparation for planning your dream home, from utterly distinctive to subtle differences.

A conspicuous challenge many of our customer face is the insufficient vocabulary to describe their individualistic style. With a galore of interior design collections, a great starting point is to learn about each style to help you decipher what you fancy and works best for you.

To bolster your creative endeavour, we have started a visual conversation that focuses on major characteristics currently in vogue, to inspire you to blend different elements from several decorating styles.

1. Traditional Classic

Traditional style interiors are comforting, classic and predictable. Heavily inspired by old European décor originated in 18th and 19th century, this type of home designing is perfect for those who love delicately carved and lacquered dark wood furniture with flamboyant decorative, that have a rich history behind them. Often enough, traditionalist would prefer pale and neutral coloured backdrops or walls to accentuate the intricate architectural details.

2. Modern

Trying hard to break from tradition, “modern” is strictly rooted in a particular era (mid 20th century), capturing the notion of simple sleek aesthetics with assemblage of functional fixtures. Modern homes have prominent use of earthy palettes and natural materials (wood, leather and stone) while creating a sense of balanced comfort by embracing clean lines and geometric symmetry to reminiscent the 1960s-era futurism.

3. Contemporary

Although frequently used interchangeably, modern and contemporary interior design themes sound synonymous but interior decorating professionals refers the terms to two distinct stylistic movements.

Rather than an adherence to one particular style, contemporary design is all about the fluid design of today, ever-evolving now and future. Its ubiquitous influence includes modernism, minimalism with globalism of styling cues, exploring curving lines, new materials and innovative techniques. This is often done by using sustainable materials and incorporating large windows to create harmony with the natural environment surroundings.

4. Minimalistic

While not an established design style, minimalism is truly an industrial revolution people look for nowadays- A lifestyle of simplicity, practicality and functionality. Minimalist interiors often highlight the streamlined architecture of stainless steel, chrome and lacquered plastic, incorporating neutral or monochromatic colour scheme, with an accent primary colour for a touch of character.Because of its ‘less is more’ principle, it thrives for an inherent feeling of spaciousness with uncomplicated forms and simple finishes. For this reason, furniture that doubles as hidden storage is one of the many creative solutions to appear more expansive and open.

5. Scandinavian

Although minimalism and Scandinavian sound deceptively similar in the contemporary design culture, they are not one or the same. Much more accessible than minimalism, Scandinavian design is more about how you live within the space than the space itself. It strikes a balance between minimalist efficiency, hygge and personal invitation. As a design theme that is centered on ordinary life and pragmatism, incorporating furnishings that are multifunctional are favoured. Light coloured palette walls with organic materials, such as furs, leathers and natural fibres abound in this interior style too.

6. Vintage

Nothing like recreating a flea market, vintage is commonly misconstrued as retro or old. However, it pays homage to the western 40s and 50s glamour. It is the ‘mix and match’ aesthetic of old eclectic pieces and contrasting patterns that appeals to the unique lot. Cosy with an air of refined elegance, vintage interiors welcomes softer colours with one or two bold colours for impact, exhibiting idiosyncratic charms and rustic carpentry to add to the adorned features. For a final touch of luxe, wallpaper, fur rugs and plush regal velvet ottoman can be added to the premise.

7. Retro

Mainly about the styling of accessories rather than interior works, Retro design is notable for its explosive kaleidoscope of contrasting tinctures. There is no such locution as “furniture complex” with such controversial and complicated style. It is all about the bright bold colours and quirky vintage accents that elevates spirits and inspire happiness. Because of its distinctive feature of abstract and geometric pattern, each fighting for the limelight, what may seem incompatible at first glance, ingest a sense of nostalgia and pleasurable eclectics. With this model, throwing on some decorative pieces like pillows, inspired by diners or vintage automobiles, can add a psychedelic touch to the solid sofa or colourful polypropylene upholstered seats.

8. Industrial

Celebrating the modernist eye for efficiency and functionality, industrial interiors do not shy away from weight and roughness, drawing inspiration from a warehouse or an urban loft. Some key markers are the exposed concrete, brick, ductwork and pipes, bringing out all its raw beauty and mercurial appeal. This may articulate a cold eerie inhospitality but with statement lights or abstract art or photography, it can add a pop of colour to an otherwise dull colour scheme of greys and browns. Moreover, wood accents can be used to make the theme look cosier.

9. Eclectic

With the freedom to personify disparate creative directions, eclectic styled spaces tread a fine line between contrast and chaos. The lack of guidelines may seem intimidating but ultimately, it is about striking a harmonic unified balance in a room. Allow your imagination to run free and have fun with experimentations, keeping in mind of studied nuances.

Coordinate multiple colours by repeating one dominant colour throughout the rooms and leaving the others as accents. Visually registered as a neutral element, natural or engineered textures for countertops and floorings can cohesively pull the rooms together. Finally, think bold with eye-catching element- say a furniture or decorative item to create focal points. It is easy to get caught up with the medley of colour, composition, texture and materiality, but don’t sacrifice organization for diversity. In this case, placement and negative spaces plays an equally important role in comfort, where an absence can make a profound impression and expression.

10. Asian Zen

As the name evidently implies, Asian Zen provides an aesthetic balance of yin and yang, focusing on spaces less occupied to introduce silence and serenity. Close proximity with nature, soft earthy colour tones and organic elements are essential in creating the ultimate zen space. Minimal yet uniquely layered, every sleek line and surface is carefully considered, with chromatic harmony and no tolerance of frivolousness. Asian interiors are often asymmetrical with curtain walls or door panels to give a sense of privacy. Successfully designed to bring spatial rhythm and flow into small space living, convertible, expandable and multi-purpose furniture with disguised storage is also commonly used in Asian-inspired homes.

Render your own space

Now that you have narrowed the possibilities to the ones you love, do you have one that speaks to you? Or desire a mixed-style design to call your own?

Whether you want a whole renovation or just a quick home makeover, Roxwell’s interior stylist will devise a sophisticated yet eccentric product suited to your thematic inspirations and ocular senses.

You may share with us your unique preference or bookmark this page for inspirational reference.