The Personal Evolution of Interior Styling

November 13, 2021

Often confused with interior design or a part of it, interior styling focuses on the unique or individual style of the room.

While there is certainly an overlap between the aesthetics design created by an interior designer, interior styling focuses on the relationship of the details of the textures, finishes, and decor. 

Originally working with magazines and photoshoots, interior styling services have transitioned to working with creating specific ambiances in our private homes. Changing the ambiance of the room without changing any of its structural properties is the true art of an interior stylist. 

In essence they pose a new air of conversation to the room.

By adding, removing and curating different decorative items, fabrics, and placements, the interior stylist can bring in a renewed freshness and updated personality to the room. 

Besides the aspect of beautification of a space, we find ourselves asking a more profound esoteric question of the role that interior style plays in our lives and why it matters. 

A personal cathartic evolution

It is hard to believe that interior styling could be a topic whose origins date as far back as the ancient Egyptian tombs whose mural hieroglyphs and intricate wall decor was intended to bring joy to the dead and assist their journey to the afterlife by depicting their family history and achievements. 

Basically, these sacred symbols tell their unique story.  And they filled up their tombs with plenty of objects and paintings to guide them on their eternal journey. 

As one would expect, the tombs of the pharaohs and kings were more elaborate, signifying their power and wealth. The most famous piece of art of ancient Egypt is the gold mask of Tutankhamun of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun from the 18th dynasty who reigned from 1334–1325 BC,  found in the Valley of the Kings in 1925 by Howard Carter. 

Throughout history the translation of life could be seen through the interior styles from the raw materials, ornate finishings, the symbolic architecture such as cornices,  loggias and arcades, and of course the furnishings.

The intentions behind the use of the designs, similar to the ancient Egyptians, reflecting wealth, social and cultural status continue through our modern times and have further evolved into a reflection of our wellbeing and lifestyle.

These motives boil down to one common denominator…the intrinsic importance of our unique story. 

In our modern world we continue telling our story through our homes. 

We intentionally prepare our homes according to the seasons, we rejuvenate the spirit of our homes through art pieces, decorative details, changing colour palettes and textiles and favourite keepsakes. 

We intentionally renovate our homes to reflect our current lifestyle and modern day ideologies of the comforts of living. 

We create new spaces, multifunctional living spaces, niche spaces, indulgent luxuries such as bathroom spas, fitness gyms and home cinemas. Our kitchens have morphed into social cooking and entertainment areas, and outdoor gardens have come indoors through glasshouse extensions. 

Our homes reflect not only our story, but a historical catharsis of our personal evolution of humanity stemming from prehistoric times.

This might sound like a very mythical notion indeed, but the interpretations of our existence are deeply rooted from our origins and whose expressions serve to bring context and profound meaning to our lives. 

At Callender Howorth this the ethos behind our designs in helping our clients to translate a rich and profound meaning to their lives and the lives of their loved ones.