Appropriate Aesthetic: Decorating for Surroundings
There is nothing that irks me more than walking into a beautiful home and seeing it decorated, not for the surroundings, but for personal taste or convenience. A modern loft cluttered with bulky furniture, a beautiful mid-century modern home filled with decorations from a mountain lodge, a new addition that sorrrrt of goes with the house … but is obviously a stretch.
I think this is the tragic result of people being overly passionate to make their home customized to their personalities, or dudes who simply don’t mind having a miss-match aesthetic.
Regardless of reason, we can all use fresh inspiration when it comes to style-specific decorating. From rustic to art deco, I’ve compiled 10 photos of strong home themes and what surroundings they fit in. Read on.
I think this is the tragic result of people being overly passionate to make their home customized to their personalities, or dudes who simply don’t mind having a miss-match aesthetic.
Regardless of reason, we can all use fresh inspiration when it comes to style-specific decorating. From rustic to art deco, I’ve compiled 10 photos of strong home themes and what surroundings they fit in. Read on.
Photos & Products
Desert Modern :: Sharp angles and stark aesthetic goes perfectly in mountainous desert settings, matching the rugged nature, clear skies and lack of greenery. This photo from a Palm Springs estate brings in a pop of regional color with the orange fireplace, warmth with the animal rug and white-on-white color scheme that mirrors the monotone outside.
Hollywood Regency :: Holy glamorous! This is the epitome of a Dorothy Draper inspired room with its bold wall pattern, lavish baroque furnishings with a splash of color. You don’t need to live in California to utilize this look, it works nicely in nearly any traditional home: Mid-Century Modern, Cape Cod, American Colonial, Victorian, etc.
Farmhouse-Meets-Warehouse :: One of my favorite decorative styles of late has been a look I casually refer to as “farmhouse-meets-warehouse.” Complimenting industrial elements (exposed beams, high ceilings, interior brick) with country staples (heavy woodwork, fireplaces, rugs) makes a versatile interior built for lofts, lodges and everything in between.
Minimal Modern :: Going the minimal route can be tough to pull off if you have a house that isn’t a modern design. But this can be adapted easily to apartments or lofts, and this bedroom is a great example of practical space saving. A low-rise bed, modern lounge, side table, single lamp and solid color rug make a strong case for less-is-more.
Mountain Lodge :: An epitome of comfy, the mountain lodge look works great for rustic settings, or even sunken dens. While the taxidermy above the fireplace provides a dramatic statement, it’s the stone, patterned rug and overstuffed furniture that makes it easily applicable to other spaces.
Art Deco :: Miami is synonymous with art deco design and architecture, but the style is adoptable in any tropical setting. Modern baroque furniture, splashy colors and lots of white go well with sunshine and palm trees. On the flipside, it also works perfectly against mid-century modern backdrops.
Industrial Loft :: The industrial loft platform is all about versatility and being creative. Big, open spaces traditionally allow for rather unusual decorations and room designs. So if you have a lofty room, don’t be afraid! With a zebra print chair, mirrored coffee table and a chandelier candle stand, this is a great example of how random objects can look great together if the setting allows for it.
Beach :: Beach houses so often get decorated in gaudy arts-and-crafts colors and accruement. But this simply decorated bedroom not only fits in perfectly with the ocean views, but could be adapted to a contemporary home. The blue-and-white color theme and the weathered headboards provide a touch of beachiness, but could also work in a guest bedroom that has plenty of light.
Mountain Modern :: Taking the rustic lodge and tweaking it with slightly cleaner lines, mountain modern is a great look for those who want to decorate a cabin or mountain home, but also want to take the country-kitsch out of it. Big windows, dramatic stonework and a beamed ceiling give the lodge an upgrade in sophistication.