“More is more” according to the granny style or would you rather go minimalist with lots of free space? Vintage, modern, Scandinavian, industrial or boho – we can design and furnish our living space in a variety of ways and according to different styles so that we feel comfortable in it and recognize ourselves in it. Even in ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, emphasis was placed on the attractive design of living spaces. Beautiful interior design can not only improve our quality of life and inspire the soul, but also ensure functionality in everyday life.

We, the MAGNA Atelier, also offer tables and accessories that correspond to different furnishing styles - every interior enthusiast will find what they are looking for with us. We would therefore like to devote this article to the topic of furnishing styles and their history.

What exactly is an interior design style?

When we talk about an interior design style, we are referring to the way in which a room or building is designed and furnished. An interior design style includes various elements such as colors , materials, shapes , furniture, decorations and lighting, which are combined to achieve a specific aesthetic or atmospheric goal. The chosen interior design style can strongly influence the mood and character of a room and thus have a major impact on our well-being as well as on the functionality of a room. And just as each person is individual and unique, so is their own interior design style. Nevertheless, over the last few centuries certain styles have emerged that have appealed to a large group of people.

The History of Interior Design Styles

Interior design, the creation of interior spaces, has been around for many centuries. The first time a living space was designed, if you will, was around 40,800 years ago - in the Cueva de El Castillo cave in Cantabria, Spain, red, black and brown prints of hands, feet and fingers were found on the rock walls. To call this an element of an interior design style is of course a stretch, but cave paintings show us that people in the Paleolithic period already had an artistic understanding and the ability to represent their environment through artistic expression.

A little later, in the Roman Empire and ancient Greece , interior design as we understand it today played a major role in everyday life. We learned about the "Roman house" in history lessons at primary school and some people probably still dream of having their own atrium.

If we travel a little further in time, to the Middle Ages, it was primarily noble houses and monasteries that had elaborately designed interiors or were able to design them at all. Magnificent castles and palaces were also built during the Baroque and Rococo periods, in which interior design played a central role.

Another pioneer when it came to interior design was the Asians - there is a long tradition of interior design in the Asian region. In China, more than 2,000 years ago, great importance was placed on the harmonious and balanced design of interior spaces. Incidentally, Feng Shui, the doctrine of harmonizing people with their environment, also comes from there.

In the 19th century, as a result of industrialization, new forms of living and working emerged, which also placed new demands on interior design. This is how the style of historicism emerged, which picked up on past stylistic eras such as the Renaissance or Baroque. At the same time, new furnishing styles emerged, such as Art Nouveau, which was characterized by organic shapes and ornaments.

In the first half of the 20th century, modern architecture finally developed, which of course also influenced interior design. The Bauhaus style focused on functionality and reduction to the essentials. In the 1950s and 1960s, other styles emerged, such as the Scandinavian and Pop Art styles, which most of us are familiar with. The Scandinavian countries, which are known for their minimalist style and use of natural materials, have particularly stood out in recent decades.

Also brand new is the so-called "Granny Chic " or "Grandmillennial style", which is characterized by lots of patterns, kitsch and colors, as well as high-quality furniture in heirloom quality . Furniture made of real natural stone, old paintings and colorful wallpaper are just a few examples of this new interior design style, which is also practiced by Martha Stewart. 

And which modern interior design styles are most popular today?

What types of interior design styles are there?

Over many centuries, countless interior design styles have emerged across different historical eras, geographical regions, cultural traditions and personal preferences. Today, there is a wide variety of styles and trends in interior design, from minimalist and "clean" to opulent and playful. Ecological sustainability is also playing an increasingly important role, which means that the use of natural materials and resource-saving products, such as MAGNA glass ceramic , is becoming increasingly important.

Some examples of modern interior design styles are classic style, country style, Scandinavian style, industrial style and boho style. We would therefore like to take a closer look at some of these interior design styles.

Scandinavian – Clear Lines & Colors

The Scandinavian interior design style, also known as "Nordic design," is an interior design style that emerged in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. The style is characterized by its minimalist aesthetic, natural materials and light colors. In the 1930s - years ago, the Scandinavian interior design style emerged as a reaction to the historical interior design style that was prevalent at the time. Scandinavian designers wanted to create a new aesthetic that was more functional, simple and accessible. The interior design style was also developed in response to the dark and long winter months to create a cozy atmosphere.

Finally, the Scandinavian interior design style gained worldwide fame in the 1950s through the “Scandinavian Design Exhibition” in New York, which introduced the new style to a wide audience. The style was influenced by many well-known Scandinavian designers such as Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton and Hans Wegner.

These features characterize the Scandinavian interior design style:

• Bright and natural colors such as white, beige and gray
• The use of natural materials such as wood, leather and wool
• Simple and functional furniture pieces
• Clearly defined lines and shapes with a minimalist aesthetic
• Emphasis on light and space
• Natural and organic shapes for decoration and accessories

The Scandinavian interior design style is a timeless and elegant style that combines functionality and aesthetics. It is ideal for people who want to create a calm, relaxed and natural atmosphere.

An example of Nordic style

Our “Victoria” model is a vivid example of the Scandinavian interior design style. The light and simple wooden frame fits perfectly into this style without being obtrusive. 

Boho – Ethnic & Hippie Vibes 

The boho interior style, characterized by a relaxed and creative atmosphere, is inspired by hippie and bohemian culture. This style combines elements from different cultures, eras and styles, which is why it is often colorful, unconventional and full of textures and patterns.

The term "Boho" comes from "Bohemians," a group of artists and intellectuals in the 19th century who cultivated an anti-traditional, individualistic way of life. However, the Boho interior style developed in the 1960s and 1970s, when The hippie movement became popular in the USA and Europe.

Did you know that Sienna Miller , one of the most famous celebrities, really brought the boho style into the mainstream? In the late 1990s and early 2000s, she became known for her individual and unconventional style, which included many elements of the boho style. Her outfits during the 2004 Glastonbury Festival, in which she wore long maxi dresses, feather headdresses, crochet vests and cowboy boots, in particular, shaped the image of the boho style. As an actress and model, Sienna Miller also carried the boho style forward in films such as "Alfie" and "Factory Girl" and in fashion shows for brands such as Burberry and Mango. Her relaxed, yet elegant way of combining the elements and mixing different styles and patterns influenced many women and shaped the boho style for many years.

These features characterize the boho interior design style:

• Combination of different textures, patterns and materials such as velvet, silk, cotton, leather, metal and wood
• Adding ethnic and global influences like Moroccan carpets or Mexican ceramic tiles
• Using natural materials such as plants, wood and stone to create vintage furniture and accessories that are full of character and unique
• Warm and earthy tones such as orange, brown, red and gold as well as bold color accents such as pink, turquoise and green

Overall, the boho style is a creative and unconventional interior design style that emphasizes individual personality and artistic expression. In the last five years, this style of furnishings has become increasingly common in mainstream furnishing stores.

It is interesting to note that the boho style has become increasingly mixed with the Scandinavian interior design style in recent years. This new style has even been given its own name – the “Scandi-Boho style” .

An example of the boho interior style:

Our “Lake Tahoe” model makes boho hearts beat faster. The driftwood frame could easily have been collected by a hippie and the top made of real natural stone is the ideal place to plan your next trip to a faraway land.

Country House – Cozy & Rustic 

Integrating traditionally rural elements made from natural materials into the interior design is the anchor point of the country house style. This style can vary depending on the region and culture, with certain features typical of the country house style.

These features characterize the Scandinavian interior design style:

• Use of natural materials such as wood, stone, linen and cotton
• Color palette of natural tones and muted colors such as white, beige, brown and green
• Using rustic furniture or vintage pieces with patina
• Details and accessories that emphasize the rural atmosphere such as flowers, candles, antique or rustic wall decorations, table linen, cushions and blankets are added

Overall, the country house furnishing style is characterized by a warm, cozy and rustic atmosphere. It is ideal for people who want to create a relaxed and natural environment that contrasts with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The country house style is often associated with a life in the country and a love of nature and simplicity.

An example of the country house style:

Our “Louisiana” model is a dream for all lovers of the country house style. You can place freshly picked flowers from the forest on it and enjoy a glass of wine by candlelight in the evening. The turned wooden legs are playful and exude charm throughout the living room.

Industrial – Concrete, Rust & Vastness

The industrial interior design style is a modern interior design style characterized by its raw, exposed and minimalist aesthetic. The style is inspired by old factory and industrial spaces and combines elements such as brick walls, concrete floors, metal pipes and rough wooden elements. This style is also known for its emphasis on functionality, simplicity and is particularly popular among men. The origins of the industrial furnishing style go back to the 1960s in New York City, where artists and loft dwellers converted old factory and industrial spaces into apartments. In the 1980s and 1990s, the style was finally taken up and further developed by designers and architects.

These features characterize the industrial furnishing style:

• Unplastered brick walls, exposed concrete floors and pipes as design elements
• Use of design elements made of steel, iron, brass, copper or aluminum
• Combination of rough wood, metal and leather emphasizing functionality and simplicity through the use of industrial lighting elements such as factory lamps or simple light bulbs
• Use of accessories and decorations made of metal, wood or leather

The industrial interior style is a modern and minimalist style that stands out for its raw and urban aesthetic. It is ideal for people who prefer simple, practical and robust furnishings, but still value modernity and individuality.

An example of the industrial interior style:

The “Rome” model is a perfect example of the industrial interior design style. The rust-colored frame and the simple and clean lines of this coffee table are perfect for placing the chic table in a New York loft - or in your own home.

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