Hello, I am Isabelle. I’m an Interior Design intern at Lehner Designs. I am a senior graduating in December from Western Kentucky University with an Interior Design Degree.
Around the world interior design is used to express spaces through each country’s current design trends. These spaces are uniquely put together based on tradition, environment, regional materials, historical evolution, and other local factors. I have been learning about the cultural influence of interior design in other countries and the influence each country has on interior design in America. Here are some different regions that have had a big influence on interior design in the United States of America.
European Influence
Some of Europe’s design influences include the colonial design elements, creating an elegant and sophisticated look, and Victorian and Gothic designs. These design elements include materials such as rich woods, detailed carvings and moldings, patterned wallpaper, luxurious upholstery, and decorative accessories.
Opulence is a key design concept used in Italy. It creates the appearance of luxury that is admired around the world. The use of luxurious textiles plays a very important role in achieving the opulence appearance. Some ways to add Italian opulence into your interior spaces are by using intricately carve furniture, incorporating ornate architectural details, using elegant decorative pieces, sumptuous upholstery, and incorporating the use marbles and golden details into your designs. For more on Italian influences in interior design, click here.
African Influence
Africa has many positive influences on interior design in the U.S. The use of colors, patterns, geometric prints, animal prints, and earthy tones create vibrancy, warmth, and a strong visual impact.
African design embraces the use of natural materials to design and decorate their interiors. The use of local resources and commitment to sustainability are important in their design concepts. Symbolism, storytelling, and ancestorial traditions influence their contemporary design practices. These influences inspire them to create intricate and unique interiors. Ways to incorporate African design into a space are by using bold patterns and colors, handmade and artisan goods, natural materials, and items with cultural significance (African masks and textiles sculptures). Learn more about African designs here.
Asian Influence
Asian influences bring the Zen and minimalist design styles to North American interior design. Clean lines, natural materials, and uncluttered spaces create the visual of the Zen and minimalist design style. Materials such as bamboo and silk are often used.
A design principle called Feng Shui used in China is well known around the world. It is the practice of arranging spaces to create balance and harmony throughout the space. The placement of furniture and objects in a space can create beautiful aesthetics but also a positive energy flow. Feng Shui promotes a person’s wellbeing success and happiness to create the ultimate living space making it a widely used and admired design concept around the world. Interested on learning more about Feng Shui, click here.
Hispanic Influences
Vibrant colors and patterns bring the Hispanic heritage into North American design. Bold reds, yellows, and blues are often used. Traditional Mexican tiles such as Talavera tiles are used many times to create a traditional Mexican design. These immigrant influences present a unique interior design landscape.
Hispanic interior design is very eclectic, mixing indigenous traditions with colonial influences. Ways to incorporate the Hispanic interior design style are by using Talavera tiles, arched doorways, stucco walls, wrought iron accents, and using a Moorish influence. Click here to learn more about Hispanic design.
Global influence on North America’s interior design has brought rich culture to our interior spaces. With a diverse cultural heritage of people from different countries living in America we can create and bring a little bit of a sense of home to those who are away from home while continuously expanding our ideas and philosophies in interior design. Interior design trends in America are constantly evolving thanks to many cultural influences from around the world and our ideas and inspirations are limitless. Click here to read more about global influences in interior design.
