Interior design is such a diverse and subjective field that only a brief period of casual research on the subject is more than enough to expose a person to an overwhelming variety of design style choices.
Trying to sort out the difference between Coastal, Industrial, Country French and Mediterranean methodologies can set a head spinning without experienced guidance. We are fortunate, then, to have received a helpful lesson from Josette Kark, owner and namesake of the full-service interior design firm JLK Interior Design.
Josette has spent more than 30 years honing her interior design prowess, building a strong architectural background and developing relationships with reliable contractors. In that time, she’s seen trends come and go with each decade. We asked her to decode and elaborate on some of the hottest design styles of today. What follows are breakdowns of what she considers four of the most popular styles at present.
Contemporary interiors are the culmination of a variety of past design styles, including Minimalism, Modernism, Art Deco and other historical eras. This may sound like a complicated mishmash of influences, but artful blending and expert development lead to an orderly domicile sporting clean lines and smooth surfaces.
These homes typically feature open floor plans with a neutral color scheme, pops of vibrant color in the decor and abundant natural light. There is a strong focus on energy conservation in preferred materials, with many being eco-friendly or recycled. While furniture is most often from the present day, details like light fixtures are chosen from various periods to help accentuate the living space.
The Contemporary interior design style takes aspects of many others and unifies them into a home that truly encapsulates the modern lifestyle. It makes a living space feel fresh, unique and personal. Modern Farmhouse homes bring a relaxing and peaceful slice of the countryside into the bustling city with their rustic charm.
This style is very wood-forward, creating an organic and natural aesthetic that encourages one to unite with nature. The choice of furniture follows each piece, utilizing similar materials but still remaining unique. An essential element of the style is a lack of matching furniture or decor. The appearance and layout of each room are driven by particular elements in said room, producing a diverse and compelling living space.
By pulling chic elements from the countryside and Modern Industrial design, the Modern Farmhouse interior design style creates a home that is utilitarian and free of pretense while remaining both luxurious and sophisticated.
Hollywood Glam has been a popular design choice in California since the mid-twentieth century and continues to be so thanks to its bold and timeless style. The decadent look combines facets of both Art Deco and Mid-Century Ultramodern interior design styles.
These living spaces are marked by a high contrast color combination, traditionally black and white, with occasional color accents. The design can incorporate other colors and materials, such as suede, lacquer, leather and metallic highlights, but adding too much can diffuse the intense sophistication and confidence that the style represents. Chandeliers, crystal and high gloss wood often make an appearance in Hollywood Glam homes.
This interior design style represents glamour without gaudiness and class without clutter. It is luxurious and complicated and displays a homeowner’s exquisite taste.
Transitional interior design is all about the juxtaposition of disparate concepts, as evidenced by its roots in both Traditional and Contemporary styles. This modern take on a classic design is one of the most popular choices among Millennials due to its even-handed distribution of both masculine and feminine design elements.
It is no small task to keep form and function in balance when it comes to modifying classic designs. Modern concepts must be leveraged to frame classic ideas in such a way as to refresh and reinvigorate them. Some of the key features displaying this balance that are found in a Transitional home are simple architecture with clean lines, distant focal points, metallic accents and heaps of texture.
The Transitional living space is a home that feels traditional and modern simultaneously, balanced to resonate with the unique personalities of the residents. It epitomizes the “best of both worlds.”
Every major design style has its own unique flavor and provides its own unique experience. Within each style is a wide array of options to choose from and themes to experiment with. Having a competent and knowledgeable professional to analyze personal tastes, push comfort zones and rely on from beginning to the end of the interior design process is not only invaluable but essential. For every interior design need including more detailed information, examples of styles and decor, and an assortment of hosting gifts such as charcuterie and scented candles, visit JLK Interior Design at 5158 Whipple Ave. NW in Canton, call 330.956.4001 or check out JosetteKarkDesign.com.
"Every client is unique. You have to change momentum, really learn what
their lifestyle and personal tastes are, and then start at step one."