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3.6. Choosing Materials for Interior Design: Adapting to European Tastes and Standards

As trends and styles in apartment design evolve over time, one aspect remains constant – the sense of taste and proportion. Creating a flawless interior by harmoniously combining materials, textures, and patterns is not something everyone can achieve. There are no specific guides or literature for this purpose, and each designer relies on their own experience and knowledge.

 

When an amateur undertakes the task of decorating, they are likely to make the following mistakes in selecting materials for a design project:

 

  • Excessive use of shiny or lacquered surfaces;
  • Using only one material in the design, such as walls completely covered with wooden panels;
  • An overabundance of different prints and textures;
  • Excessive use of moldings on walls and ceilings;
  • Accentuating and using bas-reliefs on walls in small rooms;
  • Overindulging in unconventional solutions, like a bare brick wall in a room, excessive use of textured plaster, or large photo wallpapers.

These mistakes are not exclusive to amateurs. Often, even qualified designers make errors in pattern accumulation and incorrect selection of finishing materials.

 

How to Properly “Mix” Textures in Home Decoration

 

Let me tell you about some of the most successful combinations.

 

Wood and Leather This combination is one of the most effective and luxurious. It looks great in any style, from classic to high-tech. However, it’s important not to overdo it with accents or wall decoration. Smooth and even surfaces are preferable. Leather also pairs well with glass.

Wood and Stone Natural stone is usually used here. It shouldn’t be overused, as it can “weigh down” the atmosphere. Different textures look attractive. For example, if the stone surface is rough, wooden details should be smooth and even.

Combining Wooden Details and Smooth Surfaces This is commonly used in kitchen design, where rough, massive wooden surfaces are combined with lacquered countertops. Or glossy floor and facade finishes are paired with wooden tables and chairs.

Smooth and Textured Surfaces This is widely used in wall decoration. It often involves combining smooth, monochromatic walls with one textured 3D panel. Depending on the room size, several such panels can be used. These surfaces are often painted in contrasting or complementary colors. This technique is frequently used to decorate fireplaces, with elegant moldings in classic versions.

Wood + Ceramic + Plants Combination This looks striking in bathroom design and in eco-style interiors. Increasingly, living plant walls are seen in various rooms. This trendy approach greatly enlivens and harmonizes the space, purifies the air, and pleases the eye. It looks magnificent in combination with ceramic tiles and natural wood.

 

Remember a couple of rules:

  1. Dissonance in the interior is caused not by different, but by similar textures. It’s essential to combine contrasts.
  2. Selecting various finishing materials is an excellent solution for space zoning.

 

Ornaments

 

There are also tried-and-tested rules for choosing patterns:

  • It’s recommended to use an odd number of different patterns.
  • A combination of ornaments of different sizes looks advantageous.
  • When choosing the colors of a pattern, use the rule “two bright, one – calm.” There’s no need to choose overly multicolored and bright patterns – this creates disharmony and tastelessness in the interior.
  • Different prints should be combined by color. One primary pattern should contain the colors of the others.
  • Large ornaments look good on large surfaces or items, while small patterns suit smaller objects.
  • In prints, it’s advisable to combine geometric and floral motifs.

That’s all for now, dear readers. If someone wants help decorating their home or apartment, they can contact me – designer Olesya Blashchenko. I will help you tastefully select the necessary materials and ornaments for your interior.

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