Selecting an interior designer is a pivotal decision that can profoundly impact the look and feel of your living or working space. With countless talented professionals in the field, finding the right match for your vision and needs can be both exciting and challenging. Follow along as we discuss how to navigate that critical decision. 

Define Your Style and Goals:

Before diving into the search for an interior designer, take the time to define your style and goals. Consider the aesthetic you prefer, the functionality you need, and any specific design elements you envision. Having a clear vision will help you communicate effectively with potential designers and ensure a cohesive collaboration.

Research and Gather Inspiration:

Explore various design styles, browse portfolios, and collect images that resonate with your taste. Social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram can be valuable resources for discovering designers and gaining inspiration. This preliminary research will not only help you articulate your preferences but also assist in identifying designers whose work aligns with your vision.

Check Credentials and Experience:

When evaluating interior designers, check their credentials and experience in the field. Look for professionals with relevant education, certifications, and a portfolio that showcases a diverse range of projects. Experience in similar spaces or projects can provide confidence in their ability to meet your specific requirements.

Read Client Testimonials:

Client testimonials and reviews offer insights into the designer’s professionalism, communication skills, and ability to meet client expectations. Platforms like Houzz, Yelp, or the designer’s website may feature testimonials from previous clients, providing valuable feedback on their experiences.

Review Portfolios:

A designer’s portfolio is a window into their creative prowess and design sensibilities. Reviewing their past work will give you a sense of their style, attention to detail, and versatility. Look for consistency in quality and aesthetics across different projects.

Consider Budget and Fees:

Establish a realistic budget for your project and discuss it openly with potential designers. Understanding their fee structure, including any additional costs, will help you assess if the financial aspect aligns with your expectations. A transparent discussion about budget early on can prevent misunderstandings later in the process.

Communication and Collaboration:

Effective communication is crucial for a successful collaboration. Pay attention to how the designer communicates and whether they actively listen to your ideas and concerns. A designer who values collaboration and incorporates your preferences into the design process is more likely to create a space that truly reflects your vision.

Conduct Interviews:

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, schedule interviews with potential designers. Use this opportunity to discuss your project in detail, ask questions about their process, and gauge their enthusiasm for your vision. Personal chemistry and a shared understanding are key factors in a successful designer-client relationship.

Choosing the right interior designer is a journey that involves thoughtful consideration, research, and open communication. Remember, the perfect interior designer is not only skilled but also someone who understands and resonates with your unique style and aspirations.

Interior design goes beyond mere aesthetics; it is a transformative art that shapes the way we live, work, and experience the world around us. 

Aesthetics with Purpose:

At its core, interior design is about creating visually appealing spaces with a purpose. Thoughtful selection of colors, textures, and furnishings can evoke specific emotions, enhance mood, and create an atmosphere that aligns with the intended use of the space. Aesthetics become a language through which we express our individuality and shape the ambiance of our surroundings.

Improved Functionality and Efficiency:

Well-designed spaces are not just visually pleasing; they are also highly functional and efficient. Interior designers carefully plan layouts, furniture arrangements, and storage solutions to optimize the use of space. Whether it’s a cozy living room or a productive workspace, functionality is a key consideration that contributes to the overall success of a design.

Enhancing Well-being and Comfort:

The impact of interior design on well-being is profound. Comfortable furniture, proper lighting, and thoughtful spatial arrangements contribute to physical comfort and reduce stress. Spaces that align with our personal preferences and provide a sense of sanctuary enhance mental well-being, creating environments where we can relax, recharge, and thrive.

Personalization and Identity:

Our homes and personal spaces are a reflection of who we are. Interior design allows us to infuse our spaces with elements that resonate with our personalities, interests, and memories. Personalized spaces create a sense of identity and belonging, making our homes truly unique and meaningful to us.

Increased Productivity and Creativity:

In the workplace, well-designed environments can have a significant impact on productivity and creativity. Thoughtfully designed offices with ergonomic furniture, optimal lighting, and collaborative spaces foster a positive work environment. Aesthetically pleasing surroundings can inspire creativity and innovation, contributing to a more dynamic and efficient workflow.

Resale Value and Investment:

Beyond immediate gratification, interior design can also be a wise investment. Well-designed spaces can increase the resale value of a property (not that we recommend designing for anyone other than yourself). Potential buyers are often drawn to homes that are aesthetically pleasing, functional, and well-maintained. Investing in interior design can yield returns both in terms of personal satisfaction and property value.

Adaptability to Changing Needs:

Life is dynamic, and interior design allows spaces to adapt to changing needs. As families grow, work situations evolve, or lifestyles shift, a well-designed space can accommodate these changes. Flexibility and adaptability are essential aspects of interior design that ensure spaces remain relevant and functional over time.

In essence, interior design is a powerful tool that shapes the way we experience and interact with our surroundings. Whether it’s creating a cozy home, an inspiring workspace, or a vibrant commercial establishment, the importance of interior design lies in its ability to enhance our quality of life by crafting spaces that align with our needs, preferences, and aspirations.

Embarking on an interior design journey doesn’t always have to be an overwhelming commitment. Through GOAT Gateway, our remote single room transformation service serves as the perfect “gateway”, offering a the transformative power of professional interior design from wherever you may be located.

A Sneak Peek into Transformation:

Our remote single room transformation service is designed to give you a sneak peek into the world of possibilities that interior design holds. Whether it’s revamping a living room, bedroom, or home office, this service allows you to experience the impact of thoughtful, professional, and luxurious design, with the convenience of working with your designer remotely, room by room. 

Affordable Accessibility:

One of the key advantages of our remote service is its affordability. It provides a cost-effective entry point for those who may be hesitant to dive into a complete interior design overhaul. This accessible option allows you to experience the expertise of our designers without breaking the bank.

Personalized Deliverables:

Despite the remote nature of the service, our designers provide personalized and professional deliverables, having done their job to receive a thorough knowledge of your preferences, needs, and vision for the space. Through virtual documentation, we ensure that your individual style is incorporated into the design, creating a tailored experience that aligns with your taste and lifestyle, with no compromise in the quality of work provided.

Virtual Design Presentations:

Experience the excitement of a design reveal through our virtual design presentations. Our designers will present hand crafted mood boards, color schemes, and layout options, allowing you to visualize the transformation and provide feedback. This interactive process ensures that your vision is realized even in a remote setting.

Easy Implementation:

Once the design is finalized, our team will manage the order process on our end, and guide you seamlessly through the installation process. From furniture selection to decor choices, we make it easy for you to bring the design to life. Detailed instructions simplify the process, turning your space into a reflection of the envisioned transformation.

Guaranteed Quality:

Leveraging cutting-edge virtual tools and technology, our experienced designers maintain the highest standards of production throughout the entire design process. Each of our remote designers is thoroughly educated and trained, ensuring you receive the top of the line quality alongside the convenience of our remote service. From in-depth virtual coordination that captures your vision to detailed design presentations that showcase our expertise, we prioritize clear communication and collaboration. Moreover, our commitment to education remains unwavering, as our designers stay updated on the latest trends, materials, and techniques to provide you with innovative and informed design solutions. The results speak for themselves, with our remote services consistently delivering transformative and personalized designs that enhance your living space. With us, distance is not a barrier but an opportunity to showcase the remarkable results in the realm of remote interior design.

Welcome to the future of Interior Design.

Have you ever found yourself asking the question what are the different types of interior design styles? Maybe you want to switch up your style but can’t decide which direction to go in. There’s a style for every preference and we’re here to help you find the look that’s right for you!

There are many types of interior design, with the list ever-evolving. Some of them are fads and others are timeless classics that stand the test of time. Each style is comprised of distinctive furniture, décor, lighting, and accessories that give it its signature look. In getting to know some of the most popular styles, you’ll better understand what styles stand out to you and meet your preferences. When looking through this article, be sure to pay attention to which inspiration images and design elements catch your eye. That will serve as a key indicator to knowing which style you best resonate with. 

So, with countless design styles out there, let’s get started!

TRANSITIONAL DESIGN

Let’s start with one of the most popular styles in the design world today. Transitional design is what we like to call the happy medium of interior design styles. This is the style for you if traditional design is too stuffy, but contemporary is too out of your comfort zone. Transitional is the perfect mix of traditional elegance with contemporary lines and textiles. In addition, transitional interiors keep accessories to a minimum. It’s important to let the furniture and the textiles do the talking. Take advantage of area rugs, throw pillows, and blankets to accessorize.

Perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing aspect of the transitional design style is the mix of masculine and feminine. Curved furniture and finishes like wood, rattan, steel, and lacquer are common elements. Furthermore, the combination of two very different styles creates an interesting and welcoming home design perfect for entryways and other rooms.

TRADITIONAL DESIGN

When it comes to defining different interior design types one of the most well-known styles is traditional interior design. Traditional interiors use tables and chairs made from dark wood that is ornately detailed. Traditional design draws its inspiration from 18th & 19th Century England and France. This explains why it’s common to find expensive textiles like silk, velvet, and linen used everywhere from upholstery to window treatments. Fabrics also feature a variety of different patterns. A few popular patterns include; damask, florals, stripes, and plaids, for example. Furthermore, traditional homes also like to bring in a sense of glam with crystal chandeliers.

European décor heavily influences traditional interiors. Most traditional homes have a very neutral color palette with pops of color brought in with oil paintings or floral arrangements. If you’re not into ‘matchy-matchy’ traditional may not be your cup of tea. Above all, consistency is key so it’s common to find matching furniture sets.

MODERN DESIGN

We’re here to clear up the difference between modern and contemporary. In spite of their number of similarities, there are a few big signs that you’re looking at a modern interior. Modern design refers to a specific time period while contemporary design is ever-evolving. Modern interior design came on the radar in the early to mid 20th century. Due to the mix of Scandinavian, mid-century modern, and post-modern design, we have our current definition of modern.

For example, furniture has clean lines with smooth, sleek surfaces. In particular metal, chrome, and glass are favorite choices among designers. However, with modern interiors, décor is kept minimal. They tend to ditch the knick-knacks and use art as the main décor. It’s common to see bold colorful accents in art and furniture in a mostly neutral space.

CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

When you look at interior design styles throughout history contemporary interior design is the one style that is always evolving. The contemporary design style will most likely continue to change over the course of the twenty-first century. Contemporary refers to anything of the present moment. This unique interior design style borrows from various time periods which creates an environment fit to last a lifetime.

Contemporary interior design is a sleek and simple space. It uses different features like unique shapes, detailed moldings on walls and windows and open layouts to create an interesting and distinct space. Typical contemporary furniture shows exposed legs and clean lines to give a light and airy feel. It’s common to see materials like metal and glass used because of their light-reflecting properties. This look is the ultimate mix of house décor styles. In addition, neutral color palettes are the most common for contemporary design with textured fabrics to create interest. Thus, creating the perfect luxury modern interior.

ECLECTIC DESIGN

There are common misunderstandings when it comes to the eclectic design style. A few different key features identify eclectic interior design. Think of it as a high-energy collection of carefully selected pieces brought together to create a culture rich interior. Because of this, many think eclectic design has an anything-goes spirit. However, there is a fine line between layered and collected, and busy and distracting. Stick to a neutral color palette and use a select few accent colors to bring in the worldly vibe you’re looking for. With this in mind, the ideal eclectic interior balances color and texture. As a result, it’s the perfect blend of old and new.

MINIMALISTIC DESIGN

Scandinavian design and minimalist design have a lot of the same qualities. Both have uncomplicated forms, clean lines, and simple finishes. However, the minimalist decorating style is inspired by Japanese design and concentrates on the principle that less is more. In the end, minimalist design loves empty space.

While most minimalist interiors have a neutral color scheme, primary colors can also be used as an accent color. Patterns are nowhere to be found and texture is a necessity. Because of the less is more philosophy you’ll find functional furniture is the most essential design element. Storage is also important in minimalist interior design. For this reason, furniture often doubles as hidden storage. For example, a coffee table that lifts up to reveal storage is one of the many creative solutions minimal interiors use.

MID-CENTURY MODERN DESIGN

Next, we have a classic that seems to stay relevant no matter the decade. Mid-century interiors started in the 1950s and ’60s in post-war America. During this time the design industry was trying to break out of its traditional barriers and dive into the modern era. As a testament to this style’s timeless quality, there are still so many popular mid-century modern furniture pieces that are still used in our homes today. Keep an eye out for versions of iconic furniture such as the Eames lounger, the egg chair, or the wishbone chair.

Mid-century modern homes have a breezy and seamless flow. They’ve always encouraged indoor-outdoor living. For this reason, sliding doors and picture windows are left bare to emphasize the connection to nature. Rich and luxurious woods such as teak, rosewood, and walnut are regularly used. In addition, accents of mustard yellow, chartreuse, or avocado are used for a pop of color. The mid-century revival we’re seeing in today’s design industry makes this popular interior design style more achievable than ever.

MODERN FARMHOUSE DESIGN

Our list of house decor styles wouldn’t be complete without modern farmhouse interior design. Joanna Gaines has earned the title as farmhouse queen, but even she is blending her farmhouse style into a more modern, and collected space. Modern farmhouse interiors have many characteristics of what we know as traditional farmhouse design. On the other hand, things become more simplified and clean without losing their character. Shiplap isn’t going anywhere and we still want to see barn doors galore. Modern updates like wide plank floors, open concept living, and sleek lighting are a few common identifiers of the modern farmhouse decorating style.

Farmhouse interiors are also known for mixing metals. From gold to black to nickel, contrast is your friend. In addition, we love that this unique design style takes its connection to nature seriously. It’s essential to have raw wood elements and greenery that can be found in every room. Consequently, color palettes in modern farmhouse interiors are always on the neutral side. When you want to add that extra pop of color it’s important to pull from nature. For example, try adding deep navy, sage green, or burnt orange.

RUSTIC DESIGN

When looking at rustic interior design it can be defined with a few basic signs. There will always be natural materials, industrial touches, and farmhouse charm all around. The rustic design style was originally born from inspirations of the Romantic movement. It focuses on the simplicity and effortless beauty of nature. For rustic interiors, it’s common to see living room design ideas focused around a central statement fireplace.

The use of wood is softened by adding cowhides and sheepskin to create a cozy feeling. Fabrics don’t have loud patterns and texture is everything. Unexpected additions like an industrial pendant light add to the sophistication of what we know as rustic interior design.

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

While one may argue that industrial interior design is trendy, it does have a past. When western European factories closed down at the end of the second industrial revolution it left many large vacant buildings behind. Population increase caused people to start converting industrial areas into residential neighborhoods.

The industrial interior design style loves the art of exposed pipes and beams. Materials like brick and concrete are a great way to give the space a lot of character. You won’t hear the words “soft” or “intimate” used when describing this unique interior design style. Its masculine tendencies are tamed with the use of ample texture. Moreover, oversized artwork and cozy textiles are perfect additions. Furniture is often raw or unfinished and paired with antiques.

ART DECO DESIGN

We haven’t met a lot of people who have never heard of art deco interior design. This iconic early twentieth century design style originated in France then made its way into the US from the 1910s to the 1940s.

The industrial revolution heavily inspired the art deco design style which is why metal was a popular material of choice during this time. It’s easy to identify pieces from the art deco style because it typically has pointed edges and jagged corners. Oversized furniture was common from armories to sofas. 

It’s not uncommon for taste and preference to be split between multiple different styles, but whatever your design style might be, it’s important to recognize what it is in order to create a cohesive and complimentary home. 

Need help with your home? Reach out so we can assist you! 

Image sources: GOAT Interiors, Bond Design Company, Amy Carman Design, Alice Lane Interiors, Morrison Interiors, House of Jade Interiors