How to Make a Stylish Interior: Principles of Cult Designers

Vibrant, bold eclectic interiors have long taken over the world. It seems like anything can be mixed together, but you need to approach the process wisely. We tell you how cult designers do it and which principles in their work you can take note of.

Don't be afraid to mix styles

In recent years, designers have increasingly moved away from "pure" styles and mixed them with each other. This led to eclecticism, fusion, and kitsch. For those not ready for serious experiments, eclecticism is perfect — it's a gentle mixing of two or three similar styles by spirit, for example, classicism and baroque.

For more daring experiments, fusion is ideal: a mix of details from different countries and eras. Finally, kitsch offers mixing anything — without rules or restrictions.

Marcel Vanders — a cult Dutch designer from Amsterdam — never sticks to one style in his work. He is convinced that success can only be achieved through experimentation.

Minimalism, art deco, loft — these are not dogmas but sources of inspiration that will help you create your unique and harmonious space. Fixating on one style is the same as stopping life.

What principles of Marcel Vanders can we use?

The designer believes that the interior of each room should be universal, so you are always comfortable in it. Therefore, mix directions — classicism works well with modernity if you gradually introduce elements from other styles.

Soften a calm color palette with bright accents — let various colored furniture, decor, and textiles come into play. And vice versa, vibrant finishes are beautifully complemented by details in subdued tones.

For example, in the design of the Modrian Doha hotel network in Qatar, Marcel combined familiar classicism with Arabic and modern styles. A neutral light palette was enhanced with carved decor — moldings and cornices on walls and ceilings. If desired, the ceiling can be left in its original form and limited to carved cornices.

Approach interior decoration with a touch of irony

This fun tip may seem strange at first, but it's what helped most cult designers achieve success. For example, Nikki Heslem — a British decorator (incidentally, the favorite decorator of Prince Charles) and globally renowned designer.

Despite being recently 80 years old, Nikki always approaches interior design with humor. When asked about his work, he always calls himself a decorator because the word "designer" feels too technical to him — Nikki loves decorating interiors.

I like to use "improper" items in interiors — they give the setting a special character. Accents should be unexpected, and experimenting with them is always interesting.

What principles of Nikki Heslem can we use?

The designer advises experimenting more with forms. You can use modern or classical furniture with clean lines and add a couple of non-standard pieces. Then the setting won't seem too "serious".

Look at the photo: a uniquely shaped lamp draws attention to itself. Without it, the interior would have seemed luxurious but ordinary. Geometric shapes added individuality to the space.

Mix expensive and budget materials

It seems like you can only create a beautiful interior with an unlimited budget, but designer Alexander Glikman holds a different opinion. He started his career in Russia, but thanks to his unconventional approach in work, he opened an architectural bureau in Italy and now works with clients all over the world.

The designer believes that having a large budget does not guarantee excellent results. Sometimes you can get away with small tricks, which nobody will notice anyway.

To avoid breaking your wallet during renovation, use imitations of classic details made from budget materials — for example, from polyurethane.

What principles of Alexander Glikman can we use?

Harmony is important for the designer: if you're using items or materials from mass-market, always complement them with something exclusive — these details can serve as the main accent.

For example, walls and ceilings can always be decorated with photo wallpapers or carved decor made from inexpensive materials — the effect won't be any worse. Polyurethane and false panel moldings can replace expensive wooden ones. Tiles can be chosen to look like marble or laminated to look like parquet. Furniture from mass-market can be appropriately complemented with a couple of antique pieces.

Summing up: what is important in creating a stylish interior?

Mixing different directions — if you want your interior to be "alive" and dynamic.

Playing with color, light, and textures — you will enjoy being in the room at any time of day and under any circumstances.

Experimenting with forms — simple lines can always be supported by more interesting solutions. They add individuality to the setting.

Using items and materials from different price categories. This will help you keep your budget.

A sense of irony — with this approach, new and interesting ideas will come to you. Plus, the renovation process won't seem too complicated.