Confused about what the different interior decorating styles are and what decor elements fit in each of them? Let the Bato Studio Styles Matrix help you find the styles that match your decorating preferences.

1. ART DECO

Design Essence: The Art Deco era, spanning the interwar period, exudes a timeless charm that peaked in the late 1920s and early ’30s. This aesthetic prioritizes form alongside function, celebrating glamour and opulence. As the nation grappled with the depths of the Great Depression, Art Deco became a beacon of escapism, offering a respite to a society in need.

Reasons to Embrace: Art Deco encapsulates the essence of the Roaring Twenties, radiating exuberance, sophistication, and a progressive outlook. Its allure lies in its luxurious undertones, hinting at the world as a vast, inviting oyster. It effortlessly blends a sense of opulence with a touch of mystery.

Perfect Match if…: You appreciate the bold and dazzling allure of statement jewelry. Your last Halloween costume embraced the spirit of a flapper. The idea of residing in the glamorous hotels of Miami’s South Beach captivates your imagination. You can effortlessly distinguish between a martini and a Gibson, and your preference leans towards the latter. Chrome has always held a special place in your design affection.

2. BOHEMIAN

Design Revival: In recent years, there’s been a striking resurgence of vintage and retro elements in fashion and interior design. Think golden metallic surfaces, vibrant hues, bold floral patterns, and modernized retro kitchen decor – all part of the hottest trends. Amidst these, a subtle 60s style is making a comeback, championed by figures like Kate Moss and Sienna Miller in the mid-2000s. Bohemianism is regaining global favor.

Fashion’s Influence: Inspired by the fashion world, designers and homeowners embrace Bohemian style, encouraging acceptance of the surroundings and the joy of discovering unique treasures. Adapted for contemporary urban living, here are captivating inspirations from pure bohemianism to the cool vibe of hip-boho-chic.

3. COASTAL

Design Essence: Coastal style, though as diverse as its locations—be it a New England saltbox, a Mediterranean villa, or a tropical Belizean cottage—will be explored in its American coastal iteration for this guide. It embodies the quintessential beach house aesthetic, exuding an airy and light atmosphere, drawing inspiration from sand, shells, sea, and sky to evoke a perpetual summer vibe.

Reasons to Embrace: Coastal style shines when it subtly creates a mood rather than overwhelming with overt beach-themed elements like oars, fish, or life preservers. While seaside motifs are fitting, there’s no need to adorn every surface with a sand dollar; a coastal space simply captures the relaxed, carefree essence of boating and beachcombing. The added perk? You can effortlessly achieve this look even if you’re miles away from the shoreline.

Perfect Match if…: You’re a dedicated Jimmy Buffett fan. A pedicure to you means strolling barefoot in the sand. Your choice of silverware revolves around a charming shell motif. In your world, every season is linen season. Vacationing at the beach isn’t a question; it’s a matter of deciding which beach you haven’t explored yet.

4. CONTEMPORARY

Design Essence: Contemporary design, technically rooted in the present, signifies a distinct departure from traditional decor conventions. Embracing “less is more,” it opts for smooth profiles, subtle fabrics, and minimal accessories. While lacking the overt warmth of older styles, it avoids a chilly ambiance.

Reasons to Embrace: Contemporary design’s allure lies in its emphasis on line and form, fundamental to good design, creating an airy atmosphere with open space and natural light. The absence of clutter ensures every piece holds significant importance.

Distinguishing from Modern: Though used interchangeably, contemporary and modern aren’t precisely the same. Modern refers to a specific 20th-century design movement with stricter guidelines, while contemporary allows for more fluidity and a bit of rule-breaking.

Perfect Match if…: Abstract works captivate you at art museums. You own over two “Simplify” books. Heavy curtains induce claustrophobia. Geometry class was your school day highlight. The idea of storing most belongings and redecorating in white tempts you.

5. FARMHOUSE RUSTIC

Design Essence: Farmhouse style, broadly divided into traditional and modern aesthetics, offers a versatile appeal. Traditional farmhouses showcase rustic country charm with vintage furniture and classic patterns like plaid. Drawing from the craftsman movement, it features simpler designs, unlacquered brass, and traditionalist elements with deeper hues.

Modern Farmhouse Style: As the name suggests, modern farmhouse style infuses contemporary elements into the classic farmhouse look. Evolving into variations like coastal and French farmhouses, it exudes an early American feel with less intricate finishes. Clean lines, a neutral palette, and modern touches define the interiors, leaning towards a Scandinavian influence for a fresh, contemporary vibe.

Perfect Match if… You appreciate traditional craftsmanship and rustic country charm. Vintage furniture and classic patterns resonate with your style. Deeper, earthy hues create a cozy atmosphere.

Modern Farmhouse Style: You prefer a blend of classic and contemporary elements. Clean lines and a neutral color scheme appeal to your design sensibilities. A touch of Scandinavian influence adds a modern and fresh feel to your space.

6. FRENCH COUNTRY

Design Essence: French country style, true to its name, emerges from the idyllic landscapes of rural France. Rooted in local traditions and cherished heirlooms, it embodies an unstudied, collected aesthetic that effortlessly combines simplicity with elegance, offering a feast for both the soul and the eye.

Reasons to Embrace: Guided by an innate sense of taste and refinement inherent in the French, this unassuming style avoids feeling pedestrian. French country décor, marked by instinct and a keen sense of balance, consistently finds its center, harmonizing disparate elements effortlessly. It seamlessly blends old-world charm with a touch of sophistication, ensuring its perennial freshness.

Perfect Match if… Lavender-scented bath products are a staple. Gardening is a passion that gets your hands dirty. Harmony is essential, and discord is unbearable. You believe wine tastes superior in a chunky tumbler rather than a dainty stem glass. Move aside, Julia Child — your coq au vin reigns supreme.

To be continued…
Twelve Design Styles Match Your Selections (Part II)