Most Popular Interior Design Themes 2018-19

The first step to designing any interior is to settle upon a theme that will be the basis to colour choices, textures, materials, lighting, furniture designs, organisation style, décor and fixtures. This needs a lot of contemplation as the choice of theme depends upon occupant’s personality, lifestyle, aesthetic sense, space needs and preference to functionality of a certain space. It can be a painstaking work after all there is a large pool of themes for selection that can be worked on. I have attempted to provide you a guide to make it easier for you to decide. Here is a list of themes that I find is very popular these days. I will elaborate on the themes by telling the type of colours, patterns, furniture and deco appropriate as well as recommendations. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated. 

1. Minimalist 

The design is reduced to its basic elements. It won’t be wrong to say that it is highly influenced by traditional Japanese design and architecture. Minimisation of elements mean using monochrome or neutral colour palette, matte textures avoiding any shine, light furniture and less decorations. 

Source: leibal.com 

The space would be so as to allow maximum sunlight. Colour contrasts is avoided and the entire space have the tonal variation of the same colour. Metal finished furniture, equipment and appliances are preferred and can act as a highlight. 

This type of interiors requires less maintenance and is easier to clean. People who have tight scheduled lifestyle or spend lesser time at home have higher preference for this theme apart from people who have a natural affinity for such interiors. This has also catching on to become a style statement for the elite. 

Source: http://roetsjordanbrewery.com 

The demerit is that it might not be that comfortable especially if you have small kids or elderly at home. It can also be difficult if you have a lot of guests coming over and so you have to be prepared to do some extra arrangements. 

If you live in the US, Leibal.com offers great minimalist furniture. For those in Europe, you can check out muuto.com. SPIN online store has one of the trendiest minimal furniture collections in India. 

2. Modern 

This theme is an umbrella term for a broad range of design styles and is highly versatile. The elements can complement a plethora of schemes with a combination of material, technology and composition. It has clean, crisp lines, a simple colour palette and the use of materials that can include metal, glass and steel. 

Source: designrfix.com 

Modern design employs a sense of simplicity in every element, including furniture. Use of sleek furniture as well as pieces of decor is common.

Beautiful Homes (Youtube)

Recessed and hidden lighting are important design elements. Experiments with modern art and use of abstracts are common in this theme. This is a theme that marks both luxury and comfort. It also gives chance to explore one's individuality and personality making it one of the most popular themes for interiors today. People in UK can find  really good modern furniture on Nest.co.uk.

3. Traditional Indian 

One of the most vibrant, exotic and complex themes is the traditional Indian interiors. It includes heavy wooden furniture, thick furnishings, intricate craftsmanship in both furniture and decor, abundance of accessories, niches and vintage artifacts or showpieces.

As far as colour scheme is concerned, there are two variants. One is the use of bright and varied colors that are the essence of Indian interior design. But there is a  need to be very careful, as too much colour can be visually chaotic and disturb the entire arrangement. Opting for a neutral base with hints of traditional colors is a safer play.

Source: homeinteriorszone.com

The second variant is the use of earthy tones like mustards, ochre yellows, rich browns and burnt oranges for your walls and floors. This will give a rural look to the space. You can add some yellows, greens and blues on the furnishings and decorative pieces to brings more richness to the scheme. Golds, silver and brass are extensively used in this theme.  

Source: icresi.com

Indian traditional theme in itself has many styles based on the regions for example, South Indian, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Punjabi, Lucknowi, Bengali and so on. I will be writing about it in another post. If you are really interested in old, antique and timeless furniture, you might want to check out these websites Indian Antique and Heritage Arts Antique Store.

4. Green/ Nature living

Nature has its own comforting capabilities, from a cool summer’s breeze to the oxygenating properties of plants. The designs in this theme take the most soothing elements of nature and incorporates them into beautiful, green, contemporary interiors that include rich, natural wood and living indoor gardens.

Source: home-designing.com

Adding vertical garden in living room or dining room gives life to your house. Apart from being visually soothing, it benefits your health, both physical and mental. Using water elements in the house like indoor water fountain or aquarium can make your space more interesting and closer to nature. 

Source: Lushome

You can explore the website Home Designing for more ideas of nature living.  

5. Boho

A blast of colour, texture and pattern, Boho theme is one of those styles that blends into different cultures and different times. Multi-tonal ikat-inspired prints, beaded embellishments, tassels and crochet curtains are its features. A splash of bright colours can make anybody's day lively and buoyant. 

Source: www.ibizabohogirl.com

A more modern take of Boho is white painted timber floorboards, a few fairy lights as a canopy above your bed and some plush furry throws over the end of a vintage couch.

Source: ablognamedscout.com

Bold hues and rich textiles offset white walls and earthy plants for a laid back ambiance. You can never have enough plants or prints. Cleaning and maintenance of such a theme home is difficult. A theme for probably a phase of life that you can afford to be carefree and happy-go-lucky.

So, these were the 5 most popular themes I observed. Very distinct from each other, these themes have a different story to tell altogether. You can also have a mix of two themes applied to different spaces if required. I will talk about this in another post.You can go for the theme that suits you the most. All the best!