What is style in interior design? What are the different types of interior design styles? How to choose your favorite style? These are some of the questions that Dalia Sadany addresses in this article about interior design styles which also includes useful tips and illustrative diagrams.

1. nor its variant categories. And it is usually
DALIA SPEAKS
"Dalia Sadany ASK Magazine's design ignorantly demolished into the two most
common ones , "The classic " and " The modern"
,regardless from the fact that throughout
history there are hundreds and hundreds of
consultant, Chief Designer & Founder
of Dezines Architecture & Interiors, different styles each with their distinctive ,
character , motifs and usable elements that
define it individually among all others , but
Managing Director & Partner of Decon
some styles are mixtures of other styles and are
a little bit more difficult to differentiate.
Contracting as well as the creator of the
Styles can be classified by history and
new furniture brand GUSH is dwelling
dates for example Art nouveau style , or
eras and their economical influences such
into the world of Architecture, Interior
Design landscaping ,and Contracting." as Industrial or by regions and countries
and their inspirations as in Mexican style
or by provinces such as urban styles like
English country . I have categorized the
most popular ones shown in the diagrams
and Please note, that this is not a formal
classification, it is merely my own personal
set of tiers that simplifies grouping these
numerous styles in a manner that I can
relate to, into what I have called Old and
In the article covering the role of the pleasing collage , that has the "it" factor, that New world styles as well as a third grouping
eminent Architect ,and the glamorous you cannot synopsize it into one landmark known as Country and Ethnic styles. (See
Interior Designer , i pinpointed a vital fact that stands out , it is the whole combination. diagram on the next page.)
that in order to achieve a successful design It's the efficacious proficiency to be
you need to gather up your preferences and appreciated by everyone regardless of their I have used these labels in relation to the
hand it over to your designer as a guide line tastes, they do not necessarily have to like it vibe that each category emanates, for
to be taken into consideration enabling , but admire the taste, art and enthusiasm in instance the set under the name “Old World”
him/her to design the required project which it was presented by. emits an aura of classicism, display of details
in a flowing manner that embodies your and craftsmanship as well as a general feel
fondness and is complemented by studied Style in relation to interior design can of authentic timelessness .As for the “New
sciences into a coherent reality. mean many things but overall it sums up World” it is a group of styles that breathes
the ability to be able to create an interior freshness, they radiate airiness, simplicity
One of the most important preferences that that has a crystal clear “good taste” that and a mirror to revolutionary movements
any home owner should tackle and decide flows within the space, is harmonious, to all that is traditional throughout their
upon, is his favored style whether in the actual well balanced, comfortable, practical, times. Put into consideration that each style
architecture of the building or its interior. aesthetically pleasing to the eye and an is dated in the time when it emerged and
Even furniture production , mirrored certain overall creation that is memorable. It is sometimes when it ended and ordered via
styles , and its progression and evolution was created by individuality in personality a timeline so you can know the progression
directly proportional to the variant eras and translated in every detail. of styles through time, so you can see that it
their corresponding influences. wasn’t the dates that distinguished each of
the two categories, it’s the essence. Finally I
But prior to listing and dwelling deeply into have the “Country “batch which is obviously
What are the types of styles in
the most common styles used in interior A lot of people use this word flamboyantly with associated with certain countries and their
interior design?
design , we need to define first what is style? no comprehension of its genuine definition distinguished ethnic influences.
What does this widespread term means?
How to apply that ideology ? How to master
the ability to decide upon ones' preference
of a certain style as oppose to another?
Style in interior design is a concept not far
What is STYLE in interior design?
from style in clothing , anyone can dress
All 3Dmax shots are created by Dezines-Dalia Sadany Creations
themselves, but how many can stand out
In the previous nine articles it was my the majority of the home owners who have each pro and eventually an immense chaos
and look distinctively "Stylish"? Some
endeavor to simplify a rather dreary task of little or no knowledge of how to tackle such a springs in the sequence of execution which
people have the natural ability to visualize
constructing your dream home , especially to mission. With my long experience in dealing is translated into loss of time and money. I
an entire outfit down to its minute piece of
with several homeowners from different elucidated on the steps of constructing your
accessory and it is well known that the trick
milieus , the most common misconception aspired vicinity ,I elaborated afterwards on
is in the clever use of accessories to create
lies in their lack of awareness in how to the players involved in the process in full
the eye catching "Look" or "Style" , the same
organize and plan the protocol used to turn a microscopic details , whether The Architect
principle applies to interior design.
dream project to a vivid reality in the easiest , The Interior Designer, The Landscape
, least expensive manner . And the second Designer or The contractor with his several Without the need to flaunt big
most common perplexity is not identifying specializations and I explained later the terminologies , style is taste and charm , the
the specific role of each professional needed methods of which you can use to construct ability to combine numerous factors and
and the correct order of appearance of your project . items in a well balanced , harmonious, eye
20 ASK DECEMBER 2012 ASK DECEMBER 2012 21

2. on your own personal taste, your likes and
DALIA SPEAKS
dislikes, what you are comfortable with
STEP THREE Keep an observant eye
and can live with.
wherever you go
Designing an interior especially
A lot of owners who decide to tackle the residential and specifically your own
ordeal of decorating their projects, whether residence , is a full time job while it lasts
a private residence, a retail or a commercial , you have to always keep your senses
project , could have already their own style alert wherever you go for a catchy twist
or taste , but probably just don’t know how , a new idea , a brilliant solution , or an
to identify it or know it’s complementary unorthodox manner of treatment for a
features. For others who do not, then a material, as well as finishing materials
homework should be done , and to make it themselves , that only professional
non problematic , I will summarize it in the designers are aware of their availability
following points; and usages. So , keep an observant eye,
and a ready camera, when you go out to
A useful piece of info ; interior elements are
dinner in a fancy restaurant , or watch
divided into two categories, hard interior
a movie in a beautifully finished and
and soft .Hard interior is all items that are
furnished theatre , or even when you have
installed such as flooring , wall treatments,
a meeting in a lavish office .... You never
ceilings treatments, window types and
know , what you can discover, like, want to
treatments, doors and their uncountable
save and create upon round the corner.
designs , and of course paintings and
colors which is a part of ceiling and wall P.S. An understanding and appreciation
solutions. As for the soft elements , it's all for art is also essential, , art galleries
that is placed and variable such as furniture, and exhibitions are also a rich source of
lighting, curtains, accessories, carpets and inspiration
rugs and art pieces. Please refer to the
Interior Design article in ASK magazine ,
dated December 2011.
STEP FOUR Have your own
clipboards with all bits and pieces
Get a file and create a sleeve for every
Magazines, books and websites room in the house. Don’t forget the halls
STEP ONE Educate your self
and entrance. Make sure to create a sleeve
Flick through magazines, books and
to keep your plan layout. You will need it
the internet, they are a rich source of
later. Take note of the colors and fabrics that
information. Start with the internet. There
complement each other well ,bookmark all
are thousands of websites about interior
the interiors that “catch your eye” on first
design and styles. Have a browse through
glance. Think about what you would have
the pictures and save whatever catchs your
done differently to put your own mark on
eye in your favorites for printing. Don’t play
the design. Print out all the images you saved
safe. Save everything you like at this stage
from surfing the net , also do not forget the
and filter through later. When browsing
pictures you have taken of features, furniture
through the pictures you need to train
, ideas that appealed to you .I will be
yourself how to look. Look at the different
discussing most of the styles in the next few
hard and soft elements in the pictures. You
articles , so get your markers ready .
may not like the interior in the picture as
a whole, but when you look deeper there
maybe one hard or soft element that catchs
STEP FIVE Analyze your choices
your eye. Save it and make a note of what Go back now through all the book marked
exactly you liked. This takes a bit of training. pages and you will start to see a pattern
The more you look at pictures the more you of the style that you like. It is the same
develop a sense of style and color themes. when you are going through a decorating
store, there will always be a certain style of professional guidance , as a consultancy
fabric that you are most drawn to, a style ,and find out about those styles and their
In following articles the most common sense? Or could it be an achievable decision of furniture, paintings, decorative lighting
STEP SIX Seek professional help
This protocol I usually advice owners to interpretation to color, furniture, fabrics ,
STEP TWO Walk around retail shops
styles will be discussed in details, with all via following a manual of scrupulous Take a walk through several furniture,
etc. Think about your design space now and follow through whether they are going to flooring, accessories etc.
its unique features and elements, how to instructions? Well, as I mentioned, some lighting and accessories stores. Pick out
the pieces you already own. Which styles hire a professional to design their project
obtain your favorite style of all putting into people are naturally gifted and can identify forms and colors that you find really
do you love, and which styles are you not or not , since it is always helpful for us Interior designers help you find your
consideration that blending styles is also effortlessly their favored style, but the appealing , and take notes of every item you
so crazy about? What feels comfortable to designers to deal with a client that has an style. A good designer will subject you to a
common. In fact a lot of the new styles are a majority are incapable of deciding upon like , talk to retail sales people and discuss
you, and what makes you shudder; if you're idea of his own preference, even if it is not comprehensive survey to get to know your
combination of others. Examples are eclectic their preference smoothly and undoubtedly. the mix and match of items , most of them
really are honest with yourself? Imagine cultivated, organized or refined. So if your likes and dislikes. They will discuss your
(several periods and styles brought together) are trained professionals in their fields and
the fabrics you enjoy, the furniture styles intention is to hire a pro do your homework needs and functions for each room and
Everyone wants their designed space would be of immense help . Do not forget
you long for, and the colors that perk you up and be fully prepared to present your the mood you want to create. In doing so
to be stylish, beautiful and impressive fabrics shops for upholstery and curtains,
and make you feel at home. As you look at a clipboard with your book marks on it to they will show you different interior styles,
to themselves and others. That’s easier they could advice on the fabrics that
variety of model interiors you should begin
How to choose your favorite
discuss with your designer. fabric and textures. In the end they use this
One of the most generic questions that said than done, this task is as daunting compliments your intended feel .But make
to get a sense of what really attracts you in information to come up with several design
Interior design style?
I face in my long years of dealing with as creating a color scheme. There are sure you talk to a professional personnel
style, color, and form Once you have some If you are handling the job of designing options for you to choose from. It's a fun
clients is usually; Is the aptitude to pinpoint hundreds of interior design styles out not merely a sales rep.
ideas about what you like and don't like, it's your space yourself , and after following exercise. The final result is something you
clearly ones' favored style a naturally gifted there choosing which is for you depends'
time to go shopping! the above protocol you are still at loss seek contributed to create.
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3. DALIA SPEAKS
Tips
1-Be sympathetic to your environment.
If you have a Renaissance Style home(
Like some of the magnificent houses in
Heliopolis), you don’t necessarily have to
decorate it in that same period, but you
do need to be sympathetic to that style as
you can’t ignore the bones or structure
of the home. You can compliment a fresh
new style in the interior but maintain the
breath taking moldings in the high ceiling
for example .It sometimes breaks my
heart when home owners throw away the
fascinating colored Tuscan or Andalusian
floor tiles for instance, that we all saw in
our grandparents houses, for commercial
porcelain or ceramic tiles. Please cherish
the authenticity and compliment on it.
2- There are so many design styles to
choose from, chances are you can find
one (or two or three) that really appeal
to your senses. Choosing your own
design style will take some time and
some research, but you don't have to
redo the whole house at once! When you
discover the style that's right for you,
you can take your time creating rooms
that resonate with your own special
design melody. So take your time , do
not rush your decisions, better safe
than paying a lot of money in redoing
something you do not like.
3- Remember that the whole point of
ascertaining your style is to cleverly
maximize of the potential of a space
using all the skills, knowledge and tools 5- From my experience most people like
available. Think about the room you want different looks, but most don’t want to
to decorate, too. A bathroom may be a experiment. The popular styles here
cozy, comfortable space, while a kitchen are contemporary and modern for the
may make more sense with smooth, clean younger generation and French classic for
lines and ultra-modern appliances. The the more mature generation, Do not freak
out, take a leap, dig into different styles ,
venture into uniqueness if your target is
design style may depend at least a
to stand out. Do not settle for investing
little on the room and what it dictates.
4- The thing about choosing design style
is what makes you feel comfortable and
home. There are no rules. You probably
in enhancing a "déjà vu" interior,
like more than one style. You may decide
create a fresh unseen one.
6- Eclectic , is a well known style that is a
to go with one look throughout the house combination of several other styles. Be a
or even combine them. At the end of the
day it is your living space and if you love it
maverick, do not shy out, mix styles ,
that’s what counts. Everybody is different
it will be different, you may still call it
so there is no such thing as a good style
eclectic , but you can add a slash and
and bad style, but there is something as
your name to it.
a good design and poor design. A well Live the mood to the fullest , it's useful to
designed space is one that is pleasing to cultivate your vision in order to achieve
the eye and functional. It won't take you your aspired goal of choosing your favorite
long before you start hating your new style , yet it is also a permanent refining of
beautifully designed kitchen if it isn't one's taste.
convenient to cook in for example. After You can reach me at my email
all the research, guidance and help you daliaspeaks.ask@gmail.com
will get, still create what appeals to
you , it's your space after all.
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