How to get the interior design style you love

French Elegance

French elegance doesn't have to mean jeweled tones and gold-gilded mirrors. This homeowner took a more rustic approach to the style, collecting finds from flea markets and antique stores. Annie suggests the key to this style is presentation: "These objects may not be elegant in themselves, but Alex has put them together and presented them in a very elegant way."

Try creating your own textured wall by mixing Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan in Burgundy Red, Greek Blue and Old White. Wash the wall so the paint drips down to give it texture. Annie suggests experimenting with your own colour combinations.  

Photo, Christopher Drake.

Coastal

This kitchen uses white walls and tiles and rustic wood accents to give it a coastal feel. We love the mixture of styles present – the metal pendant lights add an industrial warehouse look to the room. 

"This room also reinforces the important point that when it comes to choosing a style, you don't have to hammer it home in every single room," says Annie. 

Photo, Christopher Drake.

Bohemian

The bohemian style is all about mixing cultures, clashing colours and patterns – without it looking chaotic. Annie says getting it right "is not easy" but the key is to experiment with different combinations of pattern and colour. 

Annie suggests finding something that unifies the room together, such as a common colour. 

Photo, Christopher Drake.

Warehouse

The warehouse style is functional, outfitted with simple furnishings and easily versatile. "Warehouse is made up of salvaged and upcycled functional furniture and ornaments," says Annie. 

She suggests taking old objects and using them in a new way. 

Photo, Christopher Drake.

Rustic Country

The country style, Annie says, "is all about celebrating the great outdoors away from the city." Think rustic, simple furniture that has been used and looks worn. 

Try applying another coat of paint to old pieces to make them look textured and even more distressed. 

Photo, Christopher Drake.

The book

More interior styles and tips from Annie and Felix can be found in Annie Sloan's Room Recipes from Style and Colour by Annie and Felix Sloan, CICO Books. 

Click the pink "up" arrow to see descriptions and tips from the book.