Choosing the right home style

If you are unsure of your home style, you may want to take some time to think about what you like, what your preferences are and how you can make this show through your decor. You will notice that there are many home styles that have a unique look. Some of these styles have been around for centuries while others are just starting to come into style. You can see many different types of interior design including Scandinavian, rustic, gothic, contemporary and traditional. Each one of these styles is unique in design and you should be able to find one that matches your personality and home style.

Rustic homes are considered to be traditional but with a certain warmth and charm. This style can be found in homes in all price ranges. You may want to consider adding some extra character to your home with some decorative pieces. If you like the look of a rustic home but you are not sure if it would work, consider the beautiful warm furnishings and woods that have become so common in this style and you are sure to love your new decor. For information on Engineered Wood Flooring, go to https://www.irwintiles.ie/wooden-flooring/engineered-wood-flooring

Perhaps you want a new look but don’t know what colour or style of flooring to choose. Many people like to get a floor that’s easy to clean, will be long lasting and that fits in perfectly with the rest of the decor. Some choose dark wood floors and even choose a black finish to help make a real statement with new floors in their new home.

Bringing Scandinavian style home on a budget

Scandinavian style balances clean, simple furniture with warmth, light and plenty of natural wood. At its heart is bringing the outdoors in through natural materials and rustic touches, with bright fabrics in folksy florals or plain colours. Paler woods and white furniture and linens make the most of the light.

In the kitchen, white cabinets and worktops with white stools or a table and chairs set the tone, while wooden chopping boards, candle holders and a fruit bowl add warmth. Keep it uncluttered but not sparse, so the room stays cosy. In the bathroom, the look works well with standard white units paired with wooden fittings and brightly coloured towels. Wood and fabric at the window can attract mould, so waterproof roller blinds are a better choice.

The bedroom is the place for hygge, the Danish idea of cosiness that helps people through long, dark winters. Soft blankets, plush cushions and clusters of tealights create warmth cheaply, and an upcycled pallet can supply the wood. It is more about the spirit than specific objects.

Matching a hardwood floor’s finish to your style

A hardwood floor suits many home styles, and its texture has a big influence on the feel of a room. If you want a smooth finish or light texturing, such as scraping or wire brushing, a pre-finished floor is the obvious choice, as it saves time and inconvenience during fitting.

For a truly rustic look with rough-sawn or natural textures, pre-finished boards are less suitable and can look artificial rather than authentic. To achieve an even appearance, manufacturers need fairly consistent raw timber, so much of the wood’s character is lost. Those after a traditional feel usually want timber with saw marks, natural quirks and uneven textures, which means finishing it on site.

For light texturing, either option can work, so compare what is available. Hardwood is also more versatile than it is often given credit for. Rough, unfinished boards can sit well in a contemporary design, and pre-finished boards can enhance a traditional room. In the end, the feel you want for the room should guide the choice.

Creating a rustic look at home

If rustic style appeals, comfortable fabrics are the place to start. Cosy blankets, checked or chunky knits, faux fur throws and patterned woven rugs all add warmth, and rugs sit especially well on wooden floors. Mixing vintage and modern pieces can still give a unified look.

Wood is central to the style. Touches of oak, chunky ceiling beams and whitewashed wood on white walls create a traditional rustic feel. Leather sofas suit the look, as do simple end tables holding books, ornaments and plants. Handcrafted items and accessories matter too, because rustic style values skill and attention to detail.

Layering adds depth and warmth. Build it up at every level, from rugs on the floor to cushions, furnishings and wall coverings, and play with pattern as you go. Mismatched dining chairs can work well together. Above all, keep furniture and decoration simple, which is what stops a rustic room from feeling cluttered.