Which interior design style defines your look? Coastal, Hamptons, Mid Century Modern or Industrial?

Planning to renovate and wondering which of the above interior design aesthetics you want for your home? The actual era and architectural style of your house will play a major part when it comes to your interior design choices, ideally when choosing your aesthetic choose a style that compliments your home. There is not point choosing Industrial style when you are living in a traditional Queenslander home. 

If you’re aiming for the Coastal look, think of your home as a grown-up beach house, with lots of natural wood, exposed wooden beams, white v grove boards and picture windows framed in white or grey. Floorboards are more on the natural side usually unvarnished or painted. 

Stay natural and understated when it comes to colours, textures, and furnishings, soft coverings on pieces such as lounges and chairs should be in neutral raw fabrics such as linen. Colourways are based on blues, greys, greens and sandy colours, muted tones with splashes of aquamarine and turquoise. 

Rattan or canvas chairs inside as well as on the veranda bring the outside in and do everything simply.

When talking accessories, keep to marine or ocean themes, such as coral, driftwood or palm trees, adorn your shelves with shells, stones and natural earthy elements.

Living spaces are geared towards relaxation and tranquillity, if your lucky enough to have a water view, enjoy the views through large white timber windows, so go for daybeds and window seats. You’ll want an open fireplace with vintage copper or brass fireside tools. Where to draw the line: fishing nets hanging from the ceiling.

Hamptons style includes all of the above so keep the coastal vibe but do everything with an eye to quality. Hamptons style interiors suggest old money – think ultra-luxurious double storeyed holiday homes. 

Hamptons style evokes a feeling of being relaxed, but very classy, accents of ultramarine and aqua, contrast with muted greys, wheats, soft greens and lots of linen. Pay attention to textures, wicker, natural timber and v groove ceilings are all elements you will find in a Hamptons home.  

When it comes to the finishing touches think mirrors, maps and nature prints on the walls; heirloom furniture in your living spaces. Wrought iron or brass four poster beds, framed oil portraits, vintage book collections, and antiques, provided they don’t draw attention to themselves. 

Subdued wealth is the key idea when it comes to Hamptons décor. And you’ll want a piano. Even a grand. With the Hamptons style, there’s no holding back on expense.

Where to draw the line: anywhere, so long as it’s drawn tastefully.

A Mid-century Modern interior is minimalist and functional, using a mix of natural and manufactured materials. Aim for a clean, no-fuss approach as a backdrop to your individual taste. 

Mid-century style is dominated by a simple Scandinavian look which blends with the natural environment, while featuring those iconic patterns still popular 50 and 60 years on. Keep original fixtures and fittings and furnish with reproductions of 60s and 70s design classics. Blonde wooden skirtings and fixtures, cane, wicker, or hard plastic chairs, and big house plants feature strongly. Colorways are strong: oranges, black, browns or navy with big splashes of lime or pink. There’s room to move with this interior design aesthetic; you can go wild and eclectic once you’ve got the basics in place. 

Where to draw the line: having mid-century everything.

If you’re going for the Industrial look, you could skip the internal paint job and leave off choosing ceiling or floor surfaces. Industrial style means raw, stark, functional, and utilitarian, with structural features on show such as steel beams or large timber rafters. 

An open plan layout is typical of the industrial look, usually seen in warehouse or loft spaces.

Keep details such as bricks and concrete, if they are covered up by gyprock strip it back and expose them. Decorate with old factory equipment and use elements such as aged brass or copper. Expose your copper or iron pipes and install aluminium rather than wooden window frames. 

Although industrial style is not typically associated with soft furnishings who wants to sit on a metal seat to watch Netflix, with Soft furnishings, go with aged leather or if you’re brave a dark velvet. Think of a classy gentleman’s club, an old billiard room, while industrial is supposed to be stark by blending some softer furnishings it will make your industrial house feel more like a home.

Where to draw the line: having all the plumbing on show.