It happens that we are undecided when it comes to redecorating and rethinking the interior lighting of a room. We are fortunate to live in an era where all trends and styles evolve side by side. Indeed, clothing styles from 30 years ago coexist with those that seem to come straight out of the future. Old cars still drive on the roads, and novelists draw inspiration from the past to create today's reality. No matter where we look, we can see a mix of the past, present, and future. And these times combine without conforming to rigid stylistic grammar. Decoration is no exception to the rule, and it can be difficult to make an "enlightened" choice. Throughout history, several decorative styles have made their mark and remained current. Here are 5 timeless interior decor styles, along with the types of lighting associated with them.
1) Vintage: warm interior lighting
The Vintage style is directly inspired by the 1950s. Armchairs with straight and clean lines blend seamlessly with rattan chairs and shag carpets. We also notice wallpapers and curtains that dare to mix saturated colors with printed patterns. Of course, we shouldn't forget the small decorative elements of yesteryear that evoke a bygone, but still vibrant, era. Cushions, trinkets, vases, and metal boxes certainly contribute to the success of a Vintage decor. In terms of interior lighting, curves are embraced, whether it's suspended luminaires, floor lamps, or small accent lamps. Made of brightly colored plastic, wood, metal, or a mixture of all these, Vintage style lamps offer warm light. Finally, raw materials are preferred, and the luminaires give rooms the muted atmosphere typical of the post-war years.
2) Art Deco: sophisticated interior lighting
The Art Deco style undoubtedly marked the 1920s, and it is still relevant today. If you want an idea of what this style has to offer, think of the movie
The Great Gatsby. Born after the First World War during the Roaring Twenties, Art Deco is synonymous with a luxurious, decadent, festive, and glamorous atmosphere. Rich materials such as noble woods, ivory, wrought iron, brass, and gilding are highlighted. Of course, we shouldn't forget the geometric patterns and shapes that evoke movement. Marble tables, velvet armchairs, metallic wallpapers, Venetian mirrors, nothing is too beautiful with Art Deco! The lamps of this style use clean lines and geometric shapes, combining glass and ornate metal. Interior lighting of this type includes suspended luminaires, wall sconces, and chandeliers that exploit both movement and volume. So, the focus here is on dynamic forms to bring a certain luminous lightness to an otherwise busy decor. When in doubt, ask yourself: does the luminaire that interests you give you an impression of luxury and sophistication? Of course, you can always ask yourself if it would have its place at Gatsby's!
3) Oriental: dreamy interior lighting
The fascination with the East is not new; traces of it can be found in the works of famous artists, including Van Gogh! The Oriental style borrows elements from Asia, as well as some decorative aspects of the Middle East. This includes carved arches, bamboo, pottery, carpets, raw fabrics, and ornate wooden furniture. Red and black are often found, but also softer and cooler colors, like jade. The created atmosphere evokes the freedom of wide open spaces, nature, warm winds, and spices. Essentially, it all forms a warm and exotic ensemble. Oriental style luminaires rely heavily on plays of light and transparency. The aim is to reproduce the morning sun rays filtering through the curtains. Golden tones are therefore preferred and give rooms a magical air worthy of the tales of the
One Thousand and One Nights. If this style interests you, consider a suspended luminaire casting a dance of shadow and light on the walls. You can also opt for a rice paper lamp or a
wall sconce with geometric patterns. In other words, the important thing is to think about interior lighting in terms of an atmosphere of travel and dreams.
4) Pop: explosive interior lighting
The Pop style can be summarized in three words: explosion of color. Curves, garish colors, prints, and Pop icons roar in unison in an electric atmosphere. Primary colors (yellow, red, and blue) are omnipresent, and they are as saturated as possible. In addition, there are other eye-catching colors, such as apple green, orange, and purple. Geometric shapes are highlighted, particularly in the form of square or rectangular frames painted in a single color. Finally, the strong presence of geometric elements and a certain absence of conventional structure create a dynamic atmosphere. With the Pop style, lighting is a crucial element, because without light, you can't fully enjoy the colors! Again, saturated colors are essential, and originality is a mandatory criterion. Like other decorative elements, lamps exploit the appeal of geometric shapes, whether spheres or prisms. And if you like a lamp but it's not very colorful, you can always turn to colored bulbs to make your decor a colorful, unique, and energetic universe.
5) Bohemian: original interior lighting
The Bohemian style is eclectic and gives full rein to imagination and creativity. Comfort, nonchalance, and quirkiness are the keywords for this type of decor. As with the Pop style, color is very present, but in a softer way. The colors and patterns of fabrics, furniture, walls, and different decorative elements do not need to be coordinated. Here, it's about doing as you please and creating your own style. In short, it's a kind of organized and colorful chaos. Bohemian style luminaires combine ornate metal, colored glass, fabric lampshades, and circular shapes. When looking for a lamp for a Bohemian style interior, keep in mind the desired comfort and heterogeneous aspect. The luminaires are not simply there to highlight the decor. Indeed, they are an integral part of it and invite the eye to wander here and there to soak up the whimsical and carefree richness of the place.
Come and see us!
Bring photos of your interior, and come and enjoy the advice of our experts at Luminaires & cie. They will surely guide you wisely in choosing your luminaires to create the most harmonious interior lighting according to your decor style. The right lighting in the right decor makes all the difference!
