Industrial Revolution 1760 – 1820AD

During the industrial revolution interior design ideas were opened to a wider audience and was more accessible to the general population. This is because the luxury items of the past became more affordable and printed media started to become prevalent, featuring fashion and design.

Neoclassical Style 1780 – 1880AD

Inspiration was from the ancient cultures of Greece and Rome. This could be seen in the architecture of the time but also in the furniture which heavily used metals such as bronze and fabrics such as velvet, satin and silk.

Tropical 1800s – Now

As the British empire grew into countries such as India and the West Indies they created homes with influence of both the home country and their own. This style was traditional but with the exotisism of the tropics.

During the 1800s mass production enabled even more people to focus the function of their home around style and design. Wallpaper was no longer a luxury, just for the elite and middle classes, and flock and velvet wallpapers were introduced. The trend of furniture created to match the wallpaper also began.

Aesthetic Movement 1800s

The movement was seen as a way for reformers to show their defiance to current design. The focus was for decoration to have purpose before it had beauty, ‘Art for arts sake’ slogan was used to symbolise this.

Victorian 1837 – 1901AD

Ornaments were the focal point of a room with all surfaces filled with objects the owner had collected. The colour choices of walls followed a strict code depending on room type and always used colours which were placed beside or exactly opposite on the colour wheel. Crystal Palace was built and set the standard for modern architecture.

Tuscan 1840s – Now

Influenced by the calm and nature of Tuscany in Italy the focus was very much of simplicity and elegance but with a touch of the luxurious.

Arts & Crafts 1860 – 1910AD

As a movement to oppose industrialism people turned to traditional crafts to produce items of furniture and decoration.

Rustic 1870s – Now

Handcrafted furniture and large open rooms were the feature of this style. Wooden beams and columns originally allowed rooms to be open and airy and are still sought-after features today.

Art Nouveau 1890 – 1910AD

Attempted to blend interiors with exterior natural elements and therefore much design took the form of curved lines and was inspired by plant life and flowers.

Asian 1900s – Now

Known for it’s minimalist look the Asian style featured the use of natural materials and furniture such as mats, futons and screens. While the Chinese ornaments were deep in design and colour, the Japanese were very basic and focused on function.

Eclectic 1900s – Now

The eclectic style forced a rise in the interior design ideas trade as it created a need for people with an understanding of differing styles and interior design history. The lavish interiors created for the well off increased demand for the style into the middle and lower classes.

Colonial Revival 1905 – Now

In the USA they took inspiration from historical styles of the Neoclassical and Georgian eras. Spurred by the Centennial Exhibition which showcased their colonial history the movement gathered pace with the arrival of the automobile which allowed people to visit historical sites with great ease. It was by far the most popular style of the time in the USA, especially through the years of WW1 and WW2.

Modern 1918 – 1950

Moving away from the typically ornate and somewhat cluttered home the modern style was focused on under-furnished spaces and bold primary colours. Materials such as plastic, steel and laminate were heavily used. Flooring would blend from one room to another, as would the walls which were usually left bare or painted white.

Country 1920s – 1970s

Inspired by farmhouses the style was very practical but with quality, somewhat vintage, furnishings.

Mediterranean 1920s – Now

Textures such as plastered walls, terracotta and stone are used to recreate the feel of costal European countries. Wrought iron, patterned tiles and aqua colours are used to give an extra element of style.

Art Deco 1920s – 1960s

Art Deco is one of the most well known interior design styles and stood for modernity as well as elegance and glamour. It is noted for clean lines, bold colour, angular shapes and stylised patterns such as zig-zags. Lavish ornaments were also used to give an extra sense of glamour.

Mid-Century Modern 1930s

The aim was to bring the outdoors in and therefore big windows and open planned rooms were utilised. The style was relatively simple.

Transitional 1950s – Now

This style is seen as classic with a modern take. The aim is to be timeless by blending the old with the new. Not as minimal and basic in design as contemporary but with decoration focused on simplicity. Traditional elements are kept in the design and furniture with ornate elements.

Contemporary 1980s – Now

With neutral colours, furniture in basic materials such as wood and stainless steel and a minimal amount of ornaments the aim is for a clean and uncluttered feel. Bright colours are sometimes used to contrast against the all round neutral feel.

In the 1990s TV shows focused on home make overs and redesigns again took the interest of interior design to new heights.

Watch the Video:

The history of interior design – An video by the team at Icon Wall Stickers