Choosing a design style for you space can easily become a headache. with some many different options for you to choose from, it can get overwhelming. There are several factors that come into designing a small space; for some general tips on elements across all design styles, click HERE.
In this post, we'll give you 9 different design styles that can create a cozy, stylish space for you to hit the ground running with. These include:
Note: the images in this post don't all depict small spaces, they're for your inspiration aesthetically!
Minimalist Design:
Minimalism tends to be one of the styles people settle on when designing their small space. the design style is all about simplicity and functionality, making it a great choice for spaces with little room to work with.
The most effective elements to consider when designing a minimalist space is the colour palette, smooth lines and simple furniture. In regards to colours, opting for a neutral colour palette will maintain the simplicity aspect that makes minimalism so effective. These colours can also help you creating defining lines in the space.
For the furniture and decor, selecting more simple products that fit in with your chosen colour palette with also enhance the minimalism in the space. Focusing on making the room feel as empty as possible whilst having all the necessities on whatever room you're designing.
Scandinavian Design:
Scandinavian design is another great choice for smaller spaces. Taking some elements from the minimalist style, the focal points of this style is the use of natural materials, light colours and functional furniture.
Coziness is at the core of Scandinavian designs. Thoughtfully using these different natural materials is the key to creating this in your own space, those materials being light-coloured woods, natural feeling textures like linen and wool. Applying these materials to the best suited furniture (for example: a light-coloured wooden table or linen curtains).
The conventions of Scandinavian designs allow you to add warmth and texture, whilst utilising the best parts of minimalism to create a welcoming small space without it feeling cramped.
Mid-Century Modern:
The mid-century modern design style is a timeless option for a small space, and for good reason. It allows people to quite literally show their true colours through the decor they choose, whilst maintaining a spacious feel in the room.
Like Scandinavian designs, mid-century modern also uses natural materials, but opts for for bold, vibrant materials such as leather wood and stone. These materials can help but make furniture and decor a centre piece in any space, but you have to be careful not to overfill the room making feel cramped.
The use of space-saving furniture is always popular with mid-century modern designs, especially in small spaces. Pieces like modular sofas and built-in storage units means you take up less space, without loosing any functionality or the timeless design of the furniture itself.
Industrial Design:
As the name might give it away, an industrial design a style that draws inspiration from the visuals of factories and industrial spaces. Characterised by its hard, exposed, unfinished materials, its emphasis on functionality make it perfect for small spaces.
A common route people take (and for good reason) is having exposed brick and/or concrete. A hallmark of the industrial design, these materials add texture to what would usually be a solid colour wall. By adding these textures, you create a more interesting space without the need of extra decor, which retains simplicity which can be key in a small space.
Other popular materials include wood, which can be used to create more exiting furniture while keeping it minimal. Wooden finishes can subtly add that extra bit of warmth and life into a space due to the extra texture it provides.
Bohemian Design:
Perhaps the design style in this post with the most vibrancy (along with Art Deco of course), the bohemian design style, commonly known as boho, has come back into the mainstream in recent times. Characterised by its inspiration from so many different cultures worldwide, there's so much you can do with this style; something that means so much to you.
One the main elements that is a staple for boho spaces in layered textiles such as blankets, rugs and pillows. This is one of the pieces of decor that can be inspired by different cultures, due to the patterns available.
These are the same patterns that will create visual interest to your space. Carefully applying bold colours and patterns throughout will assist in creating a vibrant space full of life.
Similar to other design styles in this post, boho designs can also incorporate natural materials to add warmth and texture. Which materials you choose can correlate with the cultural influences you're adopting to closer connect you said with the said culture you take inspiration from.
Art Deco Design:
Art Deco is the sort of design style that if you want to apply it, you have to go all in. Art Deco can create some of the most unique spaces, as there are so many options for you to dive into.
The main convention of Art Deco is the use of geometric shapes like triangles, circle and squares. Often incorporated into multiple aspects of the design, such as the furniture, lighting fixtures and addition decor like pillows and wall art. When blended together, these shapes create visual interest in the space, along with complexity.
If possible, utilising luxurious materials for both the main furniture and accessories can go a long way when designing an Art Deco space. Materials such as Marble, Brass and exotic woods will without a doubt add so much sophistication to your space, adding a sense of richness throughout.
Coastal Design:
Coastal design, also known as a nautical design, is one of the best style choices for a small space. The style is ideal for creating a light, airy space that has room for plenty of personalisation.
The key components of coastal design is light, airy colours paired with corresponding natural materials. Light blues, greens and whites are the obvious main colours, reflecting the coast. Besides reflecting the ocean, these colours naturally created a sense of calm and tranquility, perfect for a small space.
In regards to the materials used, things like light woods and wicker will seamlessly blend with the coastal colour palette, as they carry the same sense of softness/calmness. Alongside the materials themselves, used the natural colour palette for pillows, curtains and just about any accessory will also complement the room just as well.
Keeping with the natural theme, natural light will boost the space like nothing else can. The whole idea is to bring the coastal colours indoors; the best way to bring these colours to life is to use the light they're made to receive. Not obstructing the access points for natural lights will complete the calmness in the space.
Rustic Design:
Another design style that has been resurgent in recent time is the rustic design. With a sole focus on earthy, natural materials, you can't help but create a welcoming, cozy small space.
A popular way to encapsulate the earthy feel is through reclaimed materials. These materials, whether that's wooden beams, barn doors or other salvaged pieces, they add so much more personality to the space. They will always stand out as their own unique, eye catching element.
Similar to the industrial design style, rustic spaces also incorporates natural materials such as wood, stone and brick. By blending all of these components together, you can develop a warm colour palette that doesn't cause your small space to be overcrowded, whilst retaining the earthy feel that's at the core of this design style.
Traditional Design:
The traditional design style is of course a timeless style, drawing its inspiration from classic architecture. Like some other styles in this post, there are so many different routes you can take in regards to the colours and furnishings in your small space.
When it comes to materials, this design often incorporates rich feeling materials, such as velvet and sink. Using these materials on your furniture (mainly sofas and pillows) can create a sense of luxury and elegance to your space. Ornate pieces like coffee tables can complement these materials, leading to a sophisticated tone overall.
Opting for deep colours, such as reds, greens and blues can really add boldness to your space, highlighting the traditional design. However, this may make the room feel a little crowded, so if you want to avoid that, pastel colours are another great option for this design style, as they will still define your furniture, but will feel much lighter overall.
When designing a small space, there are so many options in regards to design style that you can choose from. Be sure to take some time to consider each style, and decide which one with suit both your space and your personality the best.