Discovering Your Design Aesthetic

The world of design is a vast and complex universe, filled with an array of terms and phrases that define various aesthetics and styles. From minimalism to maximalism, Japandi to Biophilic, there's a whole lexicon of design terminology that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Interior design and furniture design continues to evolve and transform, taking influence from different styles, cultures and eras. It's a dynamic field that merges and blends different trends, constantly bringing new ideas and aesthetics to the fore. Deciphering these terms and understanding their nuances is no small feat. It requires not only a keen eye for detail but also a deep appreciation for the way different elements come together to create a cohesive look and feel. 

But more than just understanding these terms, discovering your design aesthetic is about figuring out which of these styles resonate with you on a personal level. It's about identifying the colours, textures, and shapes that speak to your personality and taste. 

Remember that there's no right or wrong when it comes to personal style. It's all about what makes you feel comfortable and happy in your own space. So, take your time, explore different aesthetics, and don't be afraid to mix and match until you find your unique design language.

 

1. Mid-century Modern: Timeless Elegance

Mid-century Modern is more than just a design aesthetic; it's an inspiring movement that has stood the test of time. Picture a space that exudes minimalism, functionality, and clean lines - a true masterpiece in itself. This style, born during the mid-20th century, captures the essence of the post-war era with its emphasis on organic forms and materials like solid wood. 

But what truly makes Mid-century Modern remarkable are the iconic pieces that define it. Take, for example, this walnut tv unit. Its timeless design will instantly elevate any space, creating an atmosphere of refined sophistication that never goes out of style. Embrace the beauty of simplicity, the allure of functionality and minimalist clean lines. Let these elements inspire you to create a space that is both visually stunning and harmoniously balanced.

Choose furniture that not only serves a purpose but also showcases artistic craftsmanship. Let each piece tell a story, reflecting the enduring legacy of this extraordinary design movement.

As you embark on this transformative journey, remember that Mid-century Modern is not just about following trends; it's about embracing a timeless elegance that transcends the limitations of time. So let your creativity flow, honour the past while embracing the future, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring world of Mid-century Modern.

2. Japandi: The Perfect Harmony of East and West

If you're torn between Japanese and Scandinavian design, Japandi is the perfect blend for you. A harmonious fusion of these two styles could be your ideal solution. Championing the principles of simplicity, uncluttered lines and a sophisticated neutral material palette. At its core, Japandi reveres the use of natural materials and fine craftsmanship, resulting in the creation of timeless furniture designs destined to transcend fleeting trends.

Picture a living space that breathes the tranquility of a zen-filled Japanese garden while embodying the purposeful minimalism inherent to Scandinavian design. Collections such as this fluted oak cabinet are true embodiments of this Japandi spirit. This piece of furniture artfully harnesses the application of modern materials and adopt delicate forms echoing traditional Japanese screens.

Infuse your space with the calming ambiance of Japandi, consider incorporating the iconic fluted wood tv stand with one of our oak side tables and an energy efficient lamp. These elements not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of your home, but also contribute to creating a serene, peaceful atmosphere, quintessential to the Japandi style. 

3. Minimalist: Less is more

Minimalist interior design is a profound embodiment of the "less is more" philosophy. This design ethos champions simplicity, eliminating any form of clutter or superfluous elements to pave the way for functionality and essential items. The minimalist approach is not about creating an empty space, but rather about carefully curating the space to enhance its purpose and function.

A hallmark of minimalist design is its use of a monochromatic or neutral colour palette. These subdued hues serve to create a calming, tranquil environment that soothes the senses and promotes relaxation. Clean lines and open spaces are other key elements, contributing to an uncluttered aesthetic that is both visually pleasing and mentally soothing.

However, minimalist design goes beyond just aesthetics, it places a high value on quality over quantity. Each piece of furniture or decor is meticulously chosen for its utility and aesthetic value. There's no room for unnecessary items; every element serves a purpose, whether it's a functional necessity or a carefully selected piece of art that adds to the overall visual harmony of the space. Our FICO storage shelving is the epitome of minimalist design. 

The most significant aspect of minimalist interior design is its promotion of a lifestyle that values simplicity, order and harmony. It encourages mindful living, urging inhabitants to focus on the essentials and discard the excess. This results in a home that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a serene sanctuary that facilitates relaxation and mental clarity.

4. Maximalism: The antithesis of minimalism

Maximalism design is a bold and vibrant aesthetic that celebrates excess and extravagance. Throwing out the "less is more" mantra and instead embracing the idea that "more is more." This design style is not for the faint-hearted; it's for those who love to make a statement and aren't afraid to break the rules. Maximalist spaces are characterised by rich textures, bold colour palettes, intricate patterns, and an eclectic mix of various design styles. 

There’s a sense of abundance in maximalism, with rooms filled with art, furniture, accessories and decorative items. A maximalist interior is a harmonious blend of elements that reflect the owner's personality and taste. Every corner, every wall and every surface is an opportunity to showcase something visually stunning and unique. It's not about clutter, but rather about curating and displaying items that hold personal significance.

Maximalism encourages self-expression and individuality. It invites you to fill your space with objects you love, design that inspire you, and furniture that tell your story. Try incorporating standout furniture pieces, such as this distinctive Dark wood TV Stand with knurled brass handles, or the unconventional oak drinks cabinet. Maximalism is about creating a space that feels deeply personal and utterly unique, a space that's bursting with life and character. 

5. Biophilic

Biophilic design is gaining popularity in interior design, as it allows us to cultivate a strong bond with nature. This design approach, centered around plants, has become particularly appealing in the aftermath of the pandemic, when our longing for a connection with the natural world has intensified due to increased indoor time. By incorporating greenery and natural elements, we can seamlessly bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor spaces, resulting in beneficial impacts on both our mental and physical well-being.

Biophilic furniture design represents a shift towards more sustainable and health-conscious design practices. This includes the use of wood finishes that have zero VOC’s, ensuring a healthier indoor air quality, as well as the incorporation of plants into the space. Our REKO dark wood dining table would be the perfect addition to a biophilic featured space. The goal is to create a living space that feels more like a natural habitat than a traditional home or office, thereby promoting a sense of peace and tranquility.

This type of design can have significant positive effects on mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, improve mood, and even enhance cognitive function. Moreover, it can also contribute to improved air quality and overall environmental sustainability. As such, biophilic furniture design not only creates aesthetically pleasing spaces but also promotes well-being and sustainability.

Conclusion:

The journey of discovering your design aesthetic is a deeply personal and transformative process. It's about exploring different styles, understanding their nuances, and identifying which elements resonate with you on a personal level. Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of Mid-century Modern with its emphasis on organic forms and materials, the harmonious blend of East and West in Japandi that champions simplicity and fine craftsmanship, the profound embodiment of the "less is more" philosophy in Minimalism that promotes a serene sanctuary at home, or the bold and vibrant Maximalism that celebrates excess and extravagance, each style offers unique elements that can transform your space into a reflection of your personality and taste.

However, if you are undecided or would like to speak to our dedicated design team about your decoration goals, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We can provide a design solution to fit your needs and budget. Our team of qualified designers will work with you, to answer any questions or concerns regarding your furniture and interior decor. Should you want to alter or adapt one of our designs, or provide your own unique ideas, we are on hand to help you through the whole process. You can view the full KODA product range through our wooden furniture collection. 

 

 

Q/A Section:

What is aesthetic design?

Aesthetic design is a process of creating visual elements that are pleasing to the eye. It involves combining various design principles and techniques to create an appealing and harmonious composition. The goal of aesthetic design is to enhance the overall visual appeal of a product. 

How do I know which design aesthetic is the best fit for me? 

Furniture design aesthetics is all about what feels natural. What type of furniture are you most drawn to and does it evoke the emotions that you want to feel from your space? There’s nothing wrong with experimenting with different design aesthetics to find your favourite.

What if I already have a design in mind?

We’re always more than happy to help whether it’s with creating a completely fresh design, or making alterations to any of our existing pieces. Get in touch and speak to a member of our design team.