Interior design style can be an extension of personal style, and no one knows that better than Lisa Whyte of Whyte House Design. Curating your home is just like building a wardrobe: it’s a process of collecting pieces that resonate with you.
“Putting together design elements you love will make your interior style your own,” she says. “Think about colors, textures and materials that you are naturally drawn to. Reflect on what makes you feel comfortable and happy in a space.”
Feeling lost when it comes to crafting your ideal space? According to Whyte, the key lies in understanding how you live and what purposes your home needs to fulfill. “Think about daily routines, hobbies and interests, and the functionality you require from your home,” she says.
Whyte shares four design styles that are sure to inspire you to elevate your interiors.
Contemporary Casual
“This interior design style is a fusion of modern aesthetics with a relaxed, comfortable ambiance,” says Whyte. “This style is defined by its simplicity, functionality and understated elegance.” Whyte shares key elements that are crucial to incorporate into the design are neutral and soft color palettes, and natural materials and textures paired with useful and comfortable furniture. “Choose neutral shades like whites, beiges, greys and soft taupes as the primary colors,” she says.
Masculine Meets Feminine
Opposites attract in this design style. Whyte says she finds that while spouses sometimes have conflicting design preferences, skillfully combining them can create a match made in heaven. While masculine design elements feature clean lines and minimalism using industrial and rustic materials, feminine design would be decorative and ornamental, using luxurious materials to create a cozy and inviting space. “In this bathroom, we have tile in a dark neutral that has a modern industrial feel. The bathtub has a glamorous feel with the chandelier, and the vanity space gets a touch of feminine glam with a velvet chair, decorative florals and neutral wood cabinets,” says Whyte. “The goal is always to blend two or more styles together to make them feel cohesive and timeless.”
Modern Desert
Create an interior that works together with the natural environment by bringing in colors of our iconic Arizona sunsets and textures that evoke the beauty of the desert. “Imagine a home that harmoniously integrates earthy textures, desert hues and minimalist design principles to create a serene and inviting atmosphere. Frank Lloyd Wright could be a big inspiration in this style of design. He had a basic principle that ‘form and function are one,’” Whyte says. “We have such a beautiful backdrop with our Sonoran Desert landscape, and the natural colors and tones of the desert are so inviting. Why not bring the outdoors inside and use it as inspiration for designing the interior of your home?”
Nancy Meyers Classic
Nancy Meyers' films captivate audiences not just with A-list actors, but also with their impeccably designed interiors. The enduring popularity of this style, defined by its mix of comfort and elegance, speaks volumes about its timelessness. “Meyers’ style is a perfect combination of classic and contemporary elements featuring neutral palettes, warm lighting and inviting, well-appointed spaces,” says Whyte. “People are drawn to this style because it feels timeless with a lived-in feel, while also staying elegant and charming. These characteristics make her designs so visually appealing, but also practical and livable – creating spaces that people love to spend time in.” To create this style in your own home, Whyte suggests shopping at a mix of vintage and thrift stores like Vintageous Life, as well as big-box retailers like Arhaus and Anthropologie.
WhyteHouseDesign.com | @LisaRyanWhyte | 480.570.5331
“Putting together design elements you love will make your interior style your own. Think about colors, textures and materials that you are naturally drawn to.”