Arch.

Aurora Medina
Professor
Architectural Interiors (Lec.)
Research
Pica, Eliah Kim F.

Minimalism Interior
Minimalist elegance has been a constant theme in interior design for decades. But this
manner of living need not mean ascetic white walled rooms stripped of decoration and
accented with rectilinear furniture and hard surfaces. Modern minimalist designs are not the old,
harsh dcor of years ago. The new look for minimalist interior design is a softer look, more
personal and easier to live with.
Minimalism is a design concept that strips things down to their bare essentials a chair
will just to be a chair, not a chair/ cup holder/ sculpture. Minimalism seeks to bring out the core
of our interiors, enhancing their functionality while minimizing the unnecessary details and
flourishes.
The principle on which is based minimalism, proclaims the presence of perfectly
constructed space, proportions and shapes, the precision parts as well as a significant influence
exerted on the interior room lighting and color scheme, given that the presence of decoration to a
minimum. The main emphasis is on minimalism in interior design conciseness, and lack of
superfluous things and objects in the room. However, the minimum details should be
compensated by using high quality materials that are smooth, glass and mirrored surfaces, an
abundance of white color, which makes the room an illusion of lightness, weightlessness and the
infinity of space. When using this style in interior design as a minimum set of furniture to fulfill
its function, and decorative elements or absent, or present in very small quantities. The result is a
space filled with light and air, which nicely reflect on life, to delve into their thoughts, relieve
stress and tension, to assess the present convenience. The abundance of white, quiet and discreet
environment, clear and correct the line - all this has a positive impact on the overall mood, health
and psyche of people living and working in rooms decorated in a minimalist style.

Examples:
































Contemporary Interior
Clean-lined is often how contemporary interior design is described, and for good reason.
This modern approach focuses first and foremost on function and avoids the excessive
ornamentation evident in many other styles.
Some people shy away from the contemporary design approach because they believe it to
be too harsh or cold. This doesnt have to be the case. In fact, I think that when
contemporary interior design is well planned it can promote a sense of serenity and non-fussy
simplicity.
Black, whites and other neutral tones tend to dominate the contemporary style scene, but
you can leverage well-planned, accent features and accessories to provide dramatic punches of
color. Large blocks of color placed against a neutral background can firmly establish a
contemporary feel as evidenced in the bedroom image seen here.
Sleek lines are very important in this style. Choose clean-lined, modern furnishings and
accessories. Avoid furniture with curved legs, for example, which suggests a more traditional
style.
Windows in a contemporary interior setting often work well unadorned or at least edited
in style. This approach emphasizes the architectural element, drawing attention to the shape and
line of the window itself. If privacy is an issue for you, a good option might be natural, roll up
blinds (like bamboo) mounted inside the window frame. These filter light and also introduce an
element of texture. Simple roman shades could also be a privacy option.
Texture is a very important element in contemporary interior design style.
Without texture your space might end up looking flat and a bit boring. Texture provides the
perfect complement to the sleek, smooth surfaces of wood, metal and glass that tend to dominate
this setting. A modern vase filled with coarse twigs, for example, can provide visual relief to the
smooth surfaces around it. Additionally, a natural fiber, jute area rug with woven blocks of color
can add a textural element to a smooth floor.
The appropriate combination of various design elements can establish a very ordered, yet
interesting and refreshing environment - one that marks its place in a modern world.

Examples:





























Modern Interior
Modern interior design is mean more than the minimalism with all the latest gadgetry. It
is different from a lot of interior design styles in that is ever changing: Modern Today is not
Modern Tomorrow. Modern interior design trends incorporate ideas and methods from other
design styles as they come and go from fashion, as such it is often difficult for you to decorate a
room in a modern style without making a choice of what modern styles you like or dislike
yourself.
When it comes to colours used in modern design there is always two constants, black and white.
White is used excessively in modern designs, simply because it is never a colour that goes out of
fashion and always gives a fresh and up to date feel. The same is true for black, although the
amount of black used can vary widely.
Currently however light pastel colours are heavily being used, especially as accent colours in a
white room. This combination gives a grand illusion of space, making any room look larger and
giving it greater depth. When combined with clever use of mirrors and other reflective pieces of
furniture this can really combine to give a stunning look.
To achieve a look of modernism is to borrow mostly upon minimalism, although modernism
currently allows much more leeway than a true minimalistic design. Sometimes described as
minimalism for real living, rather than for show. This approach means that you are not restricted
by your design style, you merely use it to enhance the aesthetics of your home.
It is also worth pointing out that contemporary is not the same as modern, even though they are
sometimes confused or used to mean the same thing. Contemporary designs use elements from
the past while yet still maintaining to give a present day feel. They do this by borrowing styles
and pieces of furniture from the 60s and 70s that were meant to be ultra modern or even
slightly futuristic which now fit in with some of todays modern styles.
A true modern style will only use new and up to date design ideas to create its style, although
this is normally ignored and contemporary elements are often brought into the design. This
allows you to use a far greater variety of ideas such as acrylic furniture, which while not in
todays modern styles do give a contemporary feel to any room.
Interior design is about more than furniture and walls though, as soft furnishings often make or
break a visual design. These small overlooked features are where you transform a design from
just looking trendy to becoming a full on luxurious modern design, with even things like rugs,
luxury bedding and cushions all following this modernist style.




Examples:
























Zen/Japanese Interior
7 Principles of Japanese Interior Design
Japanese interior design is not easy to define. It encompasses both traditional Japanese
design and modern. Japanese interior design also incorporates countless styles and design
elements that are not easy to draw into a single definition. However, there are several principles
that are common features of Japanese interior design:

1. Flexibility
Efficient use of resources is a fundamental part of Japanese culture. Japanese rooms are
typically multi-functional rooms that maximize space. For example, Japanese futon beds are
folded and stored in the morning allowing the sleeping area to be reused during the day. Japanese
room layouts are often reconfigurable. For example, Japanese interior walls may be composed of
shoji screens that can be rolled back to join rooms. This ability to re-partition rooms for different
uses during the day is essential in Japan where a highly urbanized society puts space at a
premium.

2. Privacy
Japanese society values privacy and seclusion. Traditional Japanese interiors incorporate
features such as paper screens (shoji) that allow light into a room while offering privacy and
seclusion.

3. Natural materials
Both traditional and modern Japanese interiors tend to make use of natural materials such
as fine woods, bamboo, silk, rice straw mats and paper.

4. Simplicity
Japanese culture values simplicity and the space in a room is just as important as the
design elements. Japanese rooms should have an uncluttered appearance and be decorated
sparingly.

5. Subdued colors
Japanese interior design often uses the natural colors of materials such as wood, bamboo,
paper and rice straw. Other colors introduced into the design tend to be subdued neutral palettes,
incorporating blacks, off-whites, grays and browns.

6. Diffused light
Japanese design generally uses diffused lighting techniques making use of natural sources
of light that reach interior rooms though shoji screens. Artificial light sources are introduced that
diffuse light with materials such as paper and natural fibers.

7. Traditional Japanese interior design elements
Japanese design is also characterized by the use of certain traditional design elements that
continue to be popular for modern Japanese rooms.

Examples:
















Mediterranean Interior
Mediterranean Style Interior Design evokes the romance and cornucopia of smells, tastes,
and colors that is the southern coast of Europe. The region's casual and friendly lifestyle is
reflected in the relaxed design, rustic furniture and wall textures. It's a colorful and pleasing
design style that brings a touch of the South of France (or Italy or Spain) to even the most
northern home.
Mediterranean Design Elements
Mediterranean Style refers, roughly, to the design style of the south of France, Spain, and
Italy. This region is known for its turquoise waters (hence, the cote d'azur), sparkling sunlit days,
and vibrant produce and flowers. These elements are mirrored in Mediterranean Design.
Unlike formal Parisian drawing room style or dark Florentine or Madrileno design,
Mediterranean design is carefree and casual, emphasizing the colors and textures found in the
surrounding landscape. Nature is apparent in the architectural elements and furnishings in
Mediterranean style. Terra cotta tiles, rough-cut stone, and pine wood are all used liberally.
The Colors of Mediterranean Style Interior Design
Mediterranean colors are vibrant and earthy. Yellows, oranges, and deep reds mirror the
spectacular seaside sunsets. Lavender, deep purple (aubergine), and cornflower yellow evoke the
fields of flowers that cover the foothills, just up from the coast. Greens, from lush forest green to
light mint green, reflect the lush countryside.
Textures and Fabrics
The textures of the Mediterranean are rough and earthy, just like the colors. Walls are
customarily made of textured white plaster or stucco. Floors are covered with roughly finished
tile or plain pine planking. Large, dark wooden ceiling beams are commonly used, in stark
contrast to the white-washed stucco walls.
Water is another common Mediterranean design element, and many European homes
include a courtyard fountain or other water feature. North American homeowners can capture
this feel with a ceramic wall fountain or lavebo.





Examples:
























Tropical Interior
A tropical-styled room incorporates ornamental carvings in island motifs, like pineapples
and palm trees, furniture made from exotic woods and framed botanicals.
Colors - This tropical palette is influenced by palm trees and sunny skies. Other palettes may
include brighter hues reflecting the culture and history of the region. A Balinese interior will
have deeper, richer colors, while a home in the Caribbean may contain lighter, brighter hues.
Furniture and Finishes - Exotic hardwoods like teak, rosewood and koa are used for furniture.
Natural materials like cane, seagrass, water hyacinth, banana leaf and rattan are woven to form
chairs, sofas and tables and a myriad of accents.
Fabrics - Look for prints that feature palm trees and their far-reaching fronds and tropical plants
with vivid, beautiful blooms like hibiscus, anthurium, orchid and Bird of Paradise. For a more
refined look incorporate Thai silks and floral-printed linen.
Art and Accessories - Look to the beach for inspiration and find ways to incorporate them into
the room. Tropical plants set in wicker planters, shells displayed in jars or shadow boxes and
baskets, mats and rugs made of natural materials like rattan and seagrass will all infuse the room
with a warm-weather attitude.

Examples:




































Moroccan Interior
Moroccan Interior Design is about color, texture, and fluid lines. This design style draws
much of its inspiration from the Islamic design of the east and from the shapes and colors of the
rolling sands of the desert. Wherever you find this style, its intricate beauty seduces.
Colors
Moroccan design incorporates bold colors, such as fuchsia, royal blue, deep purple, and
vibrant red, with the soothing neutral colors of the desert, such as sand, taupe, beige, and shades
of white. Bold accent walls and fabrics are common in this design style
Textures
Texture is important in Moroccan design. Just some of the many textures of the interior
design theme are rough stucco walls, smooth silken tapestries and ceramic tiles, and rugged
carved wood chests and tables. Contrast is the goal here, as with a rough wooden table topped
with a smoothly-polished brass tray.
Structural Elements of Moroccan Interior Design
Traditional Moroccan homes are made of stucco with wooden beams and supports. The
homes are commonly white-washed and gleam in the bright Saharan sunlight. Few right angles
exist in Moroccan design. Doorways and windows are arched or shaped in the traditional Islamic
key-hole design.
Ceramic and mosaic tile also plays an important part in Moroccan design. These brightly
patterned tiles are used to frame doors and windows, as table tops, and on accent pieces, such as
mirrors, picture frames, and wall art.
Textiles
The textiles of Moroccan interior design are those than drape and flow. Silks, gauze-like
fabrics, and drapery sheers are commonly used to divide rooms, to frame windows, and to throw
across furniture. These fabrics are typically in rich, bold colors, such as those discussed above.
Textiles are also important as floor coverings, often seen in woven Kilim rugs





Examples:
























Gothic Interior
The most important elements of Gothic interior design are fireplaces, pointed arches,
wooden ceiling beams, stained glasses, etc. Flooring which is done as per the Gothic designs is
hard and materials such as hardwood, stones, etc are used. To cover these hard floor surfaces,
rugs with deep colors are used. It gives a castle-like appearance to the interiors.
Modern Gothic Interior Design
In the modern times, Gothic designs are used to give a dramatic and striking look to the interiors.
Colors to be chosen for walls need to have deep hues. The most commonly used colors are ruby
red, blue, gold, dark green and violet. The golden color is added for brightening the appearance.
It is interspersed between other colors. The tapestries and wall hangings used have a rich/opulent
look. Though it is common to paint the wall in black color as per the Gothic style, the idea needs
to be give a second thought before it is applied. This color makes the appearance of the room
much smaller. More number of paint coats are needed. This type of painting also reveals the tiny
bumps and imperfections in the wall.
Elements of a Gothic Interior
o Make it About Color: Most of us relate Gothic with the color of black, and although that has
been one of the primary colors (or lack thereof), the fact is that the color scheme of a Gothic
Interior Design can really go in any direction. The determining factor when using color is to
make sure it is rich, dramatic, and moody: ruby reds, emerald greens, golden hues, velvety
violets and extreme blues, will accomplish that nicely.
o Consider the Floor: Staying true to the original concept of Gothic, youd want to use stone
or concrete; however, in todays terms of comfort, its a bit impractical. Go with a deep, rich
toned hardwood and adorn it with ornate throw rugs that are immersed with depth defying
bold colors.
o Pile on the Fabrics: A Gothic design is embedded with fabrics on everything from window
coverings to furnishings to wall decor. Heavy, dramatic patterns in the right color
combination that will fall from your windows and puddle at the floor. Use a complimentary,
and equally rich fabric, for your furnitures upholstery as well as other accessories that
contain a fabric element.
o Bring on the Romance: Pull in romantic touches to soften the rough edges of this decor a
good place to start is with a stone fireplace. Adorn it with accessories in gold, sliver, and
dark wood tones; candlesticks, photo frames and vases. Bring a floral element into the room
by using fresh flowers or a blooming plant. Add reflective gold touches to catch the lit fire;
mirrors will work beautifully.
o The Drama of Lighting: Wrought iron or gold is suggested for your light fixtures or table
lamps. Adorn with tassels trimmed in gold or use dark, seductive patterns for lamp shades.
The Gothic style of lighting is more about the mood it exudes rather than just the light itself.
Think candles, dimmer switches on your light fixtures and of course, a well stoked fire in
your fireplace.

Examples: