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Our Guide to Room Design Ideas: From Minimal to Vintage Glamour

If you’re planning to revamp a room in your house or just want to add another element into an existing room you’ve decorated, use our guide to see what goes well in nine commonly desired styles.

Simply click the style of room you have or would like to have and we’ll tell you more.

We’ve also broken down the advice into tweetable chunks so you can share your new-found knowledge with a click!

 

NauticalIndustrialMinimalGothicRustic70s RetroShabby ChicMoroccanVintage Glamour

Nautical

The nautical look is particularly popular in bathrooms and light and airy spaces, such as conservatories. To set off your nautical look, concentrate on cotton, canvas and linen in striped patterns, to achieve that boat house look. An anchor motif or two can also set off this look, just be careful not to overdo it.

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For nautical-themed rooms, stick to blues and whites. Striped patterns can be particularly effective http://bit.ly/OO9cpq via @Plumbs

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Industrial

This industrial look relies heavily on industrial materials, so exposed brick and metal structures are a great foundation. To exaggerate and compliment this, furniture upholstered in leather or even suede, can be particularly effective. Rich colours tend to work best here, but try to steer clear of anything too bright, as this can upset the overall effect.

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If your room takes on an industrial look, rich coloured leather or suede can really complement the style http://bit.ly/OO9cpq via @Plumbs

Industrial (1)

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Minimal

The minimal look is particularly popular in areas such as the kitchen, in which people want to keep lines clean and surfaces clutter-free. The most effective use of colour and fabrics in a room like this is to keep it simple. Monochrome colour schemes work particularly well in minimal room designs. In terms of fabrics, echo the clean lines with geometric patterns that complement the style.

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Choosing the minimal look means keeping it simple – clean lines and monochrome colour schemes work well http://bit.ly/OO9cpq via @Plumbs

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Gothic

The gothic, or medieval look, is a dramatic and powerful one, and this should be reflected in your choice of fabrics and accessories. Stick to rich colours and luxurious fabrics, such as silks and velvets. Damask and striped patterns tend to look most at home in a gothic room. Add gold accenting for a particularly regal look.

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Rich colours and luxury fabrics, such as silks and velvets, are a great way to add drama to a gothic room http://bit.ly/OO9cpq via @Plumbs

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Rustic

Rooms that adopt a rustic look can be particularly inviting when done correctly. Natural fabrics and muted tones come together to create a harmonious look. Add a faux fur throw or rug for extra comfort underfoot. Knitted cushions or tartan fabrics, in stony colours, contrasted against rustic wooden furniture works perfectly to create a warm and cosy den in which to relax.

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Rustic room designs welcome the use of traditional fabrics - wools and tartans can really add warmth http://bit.ly/OO9cpq via @Plumbs

Rustic (1)

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70s retro

70s retro was all about bright colours and funky patterns, so you can really have some fun when decorating a room like this. Burnt oranges, yellows and browns are classic colour choices, but don’t be afraid to mix things up; purples and greens can make an effective contrast. When it comes to patterns, anything goes – from floral to leopard print. Just make sure you pick one and stick to it because too many pattern choices is sure to give you a headache!

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If your room adopts a 70s theme, experiment with floral and leopard print – just don’t try and do it all! http://bit.ly/OO9cpq via @Plumbs

Retro

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Shabby Chic

It’s extremely effective when done right, but the shabby chic look can be incredibly easy to achieve. Pair white-washed woods with pastel coloured fabrics for a light and airy feel. The use of toile, floral and even plaid fabrics can really accentuate the look, making the space both quaint and homely. Add a frilly cushion or two to complete.

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Toile and floral patterns can make quaint, shabby chic interiors even more pretty and inviting http://bit.ly/OO9cpq via @Plumbs

Shabby Chic (1)

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Moroccan

The Moroccan-style room can be beautifully exotic if you can pull it off. Inventive use of lighting and rich colours and textures are key here. Try using deep reds, oranges and greens, in ikat and striped patterns, to echo traditional Moroccan materials. Faux animal hides, used as rugs, or faux fur throws, draped over the arm of a sofa, can make the environment feel all the more authentic.

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Deep reds, oranges and greens, in ikat and striped patterns, look great in a Moroccan-style interior http://bit.ly/OO9cpq via @Plumbs

Morrocan

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Vintage Glamour

Historically, it’s one of our favourite looks when it comes to interior design, and it doesn’t have to be that hard to achieve. Monochrome works brilliantly in a vintage-style room, but throwing in a bright colour or two really sets things off. The use of stripes and quilting can look particularly effective when it comes to upholstery, and an animal print cushion or two won’t go amiss either. Just be careful not to go overboard – too much animal print can look gaudy if you’re not careful.

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Vintage glamour is all about luxury - the use of stripes and quilting are a great way to tackle furniture http://bit.ly/OO9cpq via @Plumbs

Vintage Glamour

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Joanna Whitworth
Home Decor enthustiast and employee of Plumbs Loose Covers and Reupholstery.
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UK-wide service
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