Fortunately, we’re here to help! With this handy design guide, you’ll be able to choose a theme that speaks to you and get started adapting your home to fit your preferred style. As we go along, you can browse matching home furniture here so that you can get a feel for how these themes would work in your space. So jump in and see which theme sounds like a fit for your home.
Industrial
Unlike its historical counterpart, the industrial theme actually came into its own in the 1990’s and 2000’s. Characterized by dark colors, distressed surfaces, and an incredible amount of wrought-iron, this theme works well with open floor plans, especially if you’ve got an exposed brick wall inside your home.
Evoking the idea of an old factory refurbished for home use, the industrial style can be a DIYer’s dream. By incorporating pipes or repurposing distressed wood, you can create everything from wall hangings to shelving to end tables that match your theme perfectly. This theme lends itself to poured concrete floors or countertops, which are both durable and inexpensive when done right. Best of all, a trip to the antique shop now and again can produce a statement piece that really sets off your living room!
Choose large furniture in dark browns or grays with exposed iron works or distressed wood for a consistent look.
Minimalist
The minimalist theme is on fire right now. Defined by clean lines, understated colors, and striking structural designs, it stands as the no-nonsense big brother of the group.
A home with a minimalist theme is just what it sounds like. It is a rejection of the frivolous and the cluttered, a return to simple necessity. Minimalist homes are often full of right angles and sharp contrasts. The structures offset their austere (some would say severe) designs with expansive windows, flooding the spartan floor plan with natural light. Varying degrees of black and white are the tone-setting colors of choice, often arranged in direct contact with one another for maximum contrast.
Because decorative accents could be considered superfluous, furniture are often single-material, monochromatic pieces that are a statement unto themselves. Look for pieces that can stand on their own. Tables, couches, and even lighting should be chosen in a way to efficiently fill a space while serving its purpose without unnecessary adornment.
It is worth noting that while efficiency and simplicity are the hallmark of the Minimalist theme, purchasing furniture to fit this theme can be expensive!
Bohemian
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the free-for-all rogue of the group: Bohemian style!
Bohemian is all about breaking rules and decorating in a way that elicits a feeling of freedom more than a curated image. It is meant to be an expression of your personality and experiences. Because of this, Bohemian style often incorporates pieces of your history, like family memorabilia or travel souvenirs into the decor. Colors are often vibrant, unexpected, and myriad.
Read also: Bohemian Home Decor Ideas
To further enhance the breezy feel of the Bohemian theme, decorators will include various fabrics, roping, and tasseled items. Nature and the natural are important in this style, so potted plants and creeping vines are encouraged.
The furniture is an extension of that inlincation toward nature. Wicker tables and chairs, exposed wood, hemp, and rattan are all featured prominently. No need to look for a matching set here! Just stay true to that theme of freedom as you mix-and-match away!
And one final thing: in the Bohemian style, it is impossible to go overboard with artwork!
Ranch Style
Thanks to certain popular home renovation shows, the once-antiquated ranch style home is making a comeback in a big way.
Rancher homes, from the outside, seem to be the height of practicality. They are often only one story with a single, unbroken roofline. In original ranch homes, this design was simple to construct and held up well in storms and high winds. They often have long cozy porches in front of large windows.
Inside, the Ranch home is often long with an open floor plan. Simple in design, the rooms are geared toward family and social interactions and often feature combined spaces, like a combo kitchen-diningroom-livingroom. Because of this, they are very forgiving when it comes to furniture styles.
It’s large, open theme lends itself well to equally large, long dining tables. Sofas, sectionals, and even TVs can be equally grand in scale. These choices, combined with wall colors that imitate the grays or blues of the sky, give the home an expansive feel.