By Allison Smith, Allison Smith Design (ASD)
When you walk into your home, does it feel like you? One of the most common questions we hear as interior designers in Portland and Lake Oswego is, “What is my design style?” You might be drawn to classic homes in Lake Oswego, lofts in the Pearl District, or bungalows in Southeast Portland, but struggle to put a name to the look you love. Understanding your design style is the first step toward creating a home that feels intentional, comfortable, and uniquely yours. Below, we will explore four major styles: Traditional, Modern, Transitional, and Eclectic. This will help you see where you fit and where you might like to go next.
Traditional Interior Design Style
The opposite of trendy, traditional interiors tend to be misconstrued as boring, outdated and stuffy. However, at Allison Smith Design (ASD) we define traditional as high quality, intricately detailed furniture pieces in classic materials, stained woods, and clearly defined, elegant spaces. Traditional style can be predictable, but it is also romantic, nostalgic, and familiar.
This style is stable and well put together. You probably prefer a glass of chardonnay over a tap beer. A French twist over a messy bun. Classic accessories without a lot of fuss, pearls are perfect for you.
While traditional can span many different color palettes, think Victorian era bright, saturated jewel tones, versus a French country estate with soft hues and florals, we are focusing on the latter based on your choices.
Here is an example of one traditional color palette that could work for you: muted, soft pastels, creams or soft white, offset by medium to dark stained woods.
Pro tip: If you want to bring in floral patterns, stick to side chairs, throw pillows, or ottomans. A large sofa or sectional in an intricate floral or damask pattern can be overwhelming in a space and is difficult to refresh if you start to get tired of it.
For artistic inspiration, check out Cassatt, Monet, Seurat, or van Gogh. Beautiful color palettes can be pulled from classic art pieces and applied to your home.
Modern Interior Design Style
While modern interiors can feel cold and stark, they certainly do not have to be. When we style a modern interior, we go for crisp lines, saturated or contrasting colors and hues, chrome or black hardware, and furniture pieces or artwork that express movement.
Mod is unique, clever, cheeky. You probably prefer your coffee black and your earrings chunky. You love unique lighting, matching place settings, and winter color palettes over summer. Glass or Lucite is your best friend.
Your ideal home will have a view and high ceilings. Go for consistent color throughout your home for walls and ceilings. Then use your furniture, accessories, and artwork to bring in pops of color. This approach works beautifully in contemporary Portland condos and view homes.
Check out Yayoi Kusama, Miro, Pollock, and Lichtenstein for artwork and color palette inspiration.
Transitional Interior Design Style
You crave the classiness of Traditional, but with the edge of being on trend. You adore classic homes, but wish they could be a bit more approachable and updated. Your ideal home will have good bones and great upgrades, something we see often in established Portland neighborhoods.
One of the easiest ways to freshen up a traditional space and bring it into transitional is with artwork and accessories. Go a little bit bolder with your artwork and throw pillows, and a little bit more subtle with your larger furniture pieces and area rugs.
Try a Spring color palette to round out your space. This will provide both a subtle backdrop and a little color to keep it interesting.
Check out Picasso, Mucha, and Matisse for artwork inspiration.
Eclectic Interior Design Style
You may have tattoos. And a cat.
You love to travel and pick up items and experiences that are off the beaten path. You are open to a variety of patterns, styles, and colors. You would probably layer area rugs.
Also referred to as Bohemian, your style is fun, whimsical, and the least confined of all the styles. Much like Transitional, you are drawn towards the best elements of the classics, but want to put a modern or artistic spin on it.
Defining your style is difficult because it has the largest range of all the style categories. As for your perfect home, you might be into mid century, craftsman, or modern, but ultimately are looking for a space that is unique and can properly display your tapestries. This can be especially charming in Portland bungalows and vacation homes.
Check out Klimpt, Toulouse, Kahlo, and Dali and pay attention to textures along with color when pulling artistic inspiration.
Whether you are traditional, modern, transitional, eclectic, or a mix of all four, clarifying your design style is the key to creating a home that truly reflects you, wherever you are!
Need more help deciding? Take our quick ASD interior design style quiz!
