The Studio by Nandita Manwani

Residential Interior Design Themes – Simplified

Interior design, Interior Design Theme

Designing a home based on a theme aligns the space to what the theme fundamentally represents – things such as energy, peace, calm, efficiency, indulgence, frugality, nature and the likes. It is because of this that the subject of “Themes for Home Interiors” comes up quite often in interior design discussions, the interesting part however is that each client as well as each Interior Designer has her own version, understanding and visualization of the theme. In our conversation today we will try not just to describe the usual themes that are used in residential Interior Design but also standardize these so that customers find it easy explaining what they have in mind to their Interior Designer.

First let us simplify – While there may be 40 – 50 independent theses, each of these can broadly be classified into 2 major ones

 

The 2 Main Interior Design Themes:

 

1. Contemporary: Contemporary themes usually contain Straight line and Modern Finishes with not too much clutter. The colour combinations are whites along with lighter shades of the other primary or secondary colours. A lot of modern western homes – the pics of these that you see on Pinterest or Houzz are broadly in the Contemporary theme

 

2. Traditional: The traditional theme represents region specific or time/ age specific finishes and looks. Sub themes like South Indian Traditional, Art Deco, Victorian etc. will fall under the traditional theme bucket. Tradition Home Design themes in general are heavier and require larger spaces to flourish – we will talk about this later in the discussion

Now let us start complicating

 

The two main themes Contemporary & Traditional are sub divided into multiple sub themes broadly representing Countries, places, times, styles, shapes, materials and elements. Each of these are detailed below. Note that each of the sub themes can be done in the parent themes of Traditional or Contemporary i.e., you can have a Chettinad theme which sounds traditional, however it can be done in either in Contemporary or Traditional Style and the only limit to creativity is that of the Interior Designer

Interior Design Themes – Enumerated with Some Sample Pictures

1. Design Themes Based on Countries & Places: The following themes are examples

  1. Scandinavian Theme or Nordic Theme
  2. Chettinad Theme
  3. Bohemian
  4. Rajputana
  5. Zen/ Asian Theme
Scandanavian Theme scaled
Scandinavian Theme Interiors
Chettinad theme 1
Chettinad Theme Interiors
Zen Theme 1
Zen Themed Interiors
Rajputana
Rajputana Theme Interiors

2. Based on Eras & Times: For example

  1. Victorian Theme
  2. Art Deco Theme
Victorian Theme 1
Victorian Theme Interiors
Art Deco Theme
Art Deco Theme Interiors

3. Based on Style & Shapes: Examples –

  1. Straight Line theme
  2. Rustic/ Country Theme
  3. Eclectic (Energetic & Bright) Theme
  4. Industrial
  5. Minimalistic
Minimalistic Theme Interiors 1
Minimalistic Theme Interiors
Industrial Theme Interiors 1
Industrial Theme Interiors

4. Based on Core Elements

  1. Earth
  2. Water
  3. Air
  4. Fire
Water Theme Interiors 1
Water Themed Interiors

5. Based on Materials

  1. Metal
  2. Glass / Mirrors
  3. Stone
  4. Concrete
Metal Theme 1
Metal Theme Interiors

I do hope this will help every home maker when discussing the subject of Interior Design Themes with their Interior Designer. Do write in with your comments & inputs so that the discussion helps improve upon the subject and each one’s understanding of this critical element of Interior Design.

 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles

A functional lining of the bottom portion of walls that started as a technique for wall protection and retaining heat

A number of readers of this blog have asked questions around what work sequence one needs to follow while doing

You may read the full article at https://www.deccanherald.com/content/646811/a-guide-modular-kitchens/

Stainless steel kitchens are gaining popularity in Indian homes, known for their durability, hygiene, and modern aesthetic. While traditionally seen

If you have not seen the “matka painting” pictures on our facebook page then do click here to check them

Our first few projects, this was way back in 2010

Modular kitchen at a project that I handed over earlier this week. Clicked this on my mobile phone and it

This article comes to us from our partner Artburt. Artburt has been passionately promoting the cause of Digital Photography as

Home Interiors and Decorators   This one is for readers who have or are in the process of renting out

Doing up a home is a deeply emotional journey for a family, one that represents years of savings, aspirations, and
Since the Japandi theme is in vogue nowadays I thought the best way to explain the theme for the benefit

The interest in Lacquered glass shutters for home interiors seems to have picked up lately in Bangalore. I’ve had a

My article above was published in Deccan Herald today. You may read it here http://www.deccanherald.com/content/535128/art-homes-sake/ However…..since, as readers of this

The design of the Bookrack was the highlight of this project. It was an industry leading design at the time

News of senior citizens tripping, falling and injuring themselves at home is nowadays something that one hears of quite often.

MinimAtion – Minimalism + Automation in Interior Design – The Latest Trend that is making Interior Designers go back to

Found this brilliant article on lighting for your home on the internet, could not help but share. https://www.americanlightingassoc.com/…/3-Types-of-Lighting

Home renovation is an area that most customers struggle with, I hence thought it best to pen down our experience
The Bar Unit was the show stopper in this project. This is one of our initial projects in the year

Related Articles

Scroll to Top
Thank you icon

Thanks for your Interest

We will get back to you on this shortly