How to Make a Stylish Interior: Principles of Cult Designers

Bright, 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 what 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 gave rise to eclecticism, fusion, and kitsch. For those not ready for serious experiments, eclecticism is ideal — it's a gentle mixing of two or three similar styles in spirit, such as classicism and baroque.

For more daring experiments, fusion is perfect: a mix of details from different countries and eras. And finally, kitsch, which 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 that you are always comfortable in it. Therefore, mix directions — classicism works perfectly with modernity if you gradually introduce elements of another style.

Soften the color palette with bright accents — let various colored furniture, decor, and textiles come into play. And vice versa, bright finishes pair beautifully with details in subdued tones.

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

Approach interior design with a touch of irony

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

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

I like to use "wrong" 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 in minimalist shapes and add a couple of unconventional items. Then the setting won't seem too "serious".

Look at the photo: an unconventional lamp draws all attention. Without it, the interior would have seemed luxurious but ordinary. Geometric forms 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 an unconventional approach in his work, he opened an architectural bureau in Italy and now works with clients worldwide.

The designer is convinced that having a large budget doesn't guarantee excellent results. Sometimes you can take small shortcuts, 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 to the designer: if you use items or materials from mass-market, always complement them with something exclusive — these details can become the main accent.

For example, walls and ceilings can always be decorated with photos wallpapers or carved decor made from inexpensive materials — the effect will be just as good. Polyurethane and falsified panels can replace expensive wooden moldings. Tiles can be chosen to look like marble or laminated to look like parquet boards. Furniture from mass-market can be appropriately complemented with a couple of antique items.

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

Mixing different directions — if you want the interior to look "alive" and dynamic.

Playing with color, light, and textures — you'll be comfortable 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 touch of irony — with such an approach, new and interesting ideas will come to you. And the renovation process won't seem too complicated.