Are you curious to know all about interior design or do you simply want to redecorate your home and are unsure which style to choose?
I know, it can be quite tiresome going through all the types and subtypes and not knowing what you are looking for.
Either way, you are in the right place as we are about to explore some of the most popular interior design styles.
They may serve as an inspiration to you, or you may find out what style you already have. This guide will help you uplift any space in your home and make it more attractive and inviting.
As you go through the guide, pay attention to the ones that catch your eye the most – they are probably your top choices.
Top 20 Interior Design Styles
Here are the top 20 interior design styles:
- Traditional Style
- Minimalist Style
- Contemporary Style
- Industrial Style
- Modern Style
- Mid-Century Modern Style
- Transitional Style
- Modern Farmhouse Style
- Bohemian Style
- Rustic Style
- Coastal Style
- Mediterranean Style
- Scandinavian Style
- Art Deco Style
- Eclectic Style
- Shabby Chic Style
- Southwestern Style
- Japandi Style
- Hollywood Glam Style
- French Country Style
From modern to timeless, all styles have unique characteristics that make them stand out. It all depends on what you personally find beautiful and how you imagine your home to look like.
Also, each style mostly relies on specific details, materials, or color schemes, and we are about to see how all these can beautifully come together to create a unique design.
Let us explore each one of the 20 styles and do not forget to write down your favorites.
1. Traditional Style
Probably one of the most famous styles, traditional interior design draws inspiration from 18th and 19th-century France and England.
It uses chairs and tables made of hardwood, detailed ornately. Crystal chandeliers are a common choice in homes that choose this style.
Many different patterns can be found on fabrics, such as florals, damask, and stripes.
Materials that are used are rich so you can expect to see silk, velvet, and cashmere everywhere. Another characteristic of this style is that nothing has to be matchy.
It has to look as if the furniture has been passed on through decades. When it comes to color palettes, traditional design mostly uses neutrals (whites and beiges) with a touch of color in ornaments, art, and florals.
2. Minimalist Style
Clean lines, simple finishes, and sleek furniture roughly define the minimalist interior design style.
The main motto for this style is ‘less is more‘ so most minimalist spaces look quite empty.
Inspired by Japanese design, it has gained much popularity in recent years so it has a lot of similarities with the contemporary style.
The color palette is mostly neutral with a lot of whites, blacks, grays, and beiges. Matte finishes and sleek lighting are also very popular in homes with this style.
It is important to note that the minimalist interior design loves clutter-free spaces that allow a lot of natural light in and look clean and airy.
3. Contemporary Style
AI-Generated Image
Contemporary interior design style is the style of today. It is something we watch change and evolve in front of our eyes.
It borrows many different designs from different decades while adding a modern element and remaining in tune with trends.
Currently, this style is mostly similar to the minimalist style because they have many characteristics in common – sleek designs, and airy and light spaces.
Open layouts are also popular as they contribute to the airy feel. The accent is on contemporary art, molding accent walls, and everything that makes your space stand out.
I am sure we will witness this style change throughout the 21st century.
4. Industrial Style
AI-Generated Image
This style is making a huge comeback especially because it also has a lot of similar characteristics with minimalist style.
Started by the end of the Second Industrial Revolution, it is inspired by many vacant buildings of that time that were turned into homes.
Exposed brick walls, naked pipes, clutter-free spaces, and a lot of metal details make this style very unique and contemporary.
Besides brick, concrete is another popular material that is used to contribute to the ‘unfinished‘ feel.
5. Modern Style
You may ask yourself – what is the difference between the modern and the contemporary interior design style?
Although they both follow trends and have several similarities, there is a clear distinction:
- Contemporary style is ever-evolving.
- Modern style refers to a specific time period.
Modern style is the style of the early and mid-20th century and is largely inspired by mid-century modern, Scandinavian, and post-modern design.
Art is the main decor in these homes and furniture is kept simple and sleek. Also, the use of metal and glass is highly popular.
6. Mid-Century Modern Style
This beautiful style is experiencing a revival these days so it is probable that you have come across it in new design catalogs and magazines.
Started in the post-war world, it became the staple style of the ’50s and ’60s.
It represents an evolution of interior design as it wanted to step into the modern world and leave the ‘old‘ style behind.
Spaces are airy, furniture seamlessly blends into the space, rich wood like walnut is regularly used and glass portals represent the connection to nature.
Pop of color is mostly achieved by mustard yellows and greens.
7. Transitional Style
This beautiful design style is perfect for those who strive for the middle ground – a great blend of traditional and contemporary.
It is both feminine and masculine and it accentuates furniture pieces and textiles, without using much ornaments.
Wooden finishes on curved furniture and blankets on modern sleek lines create a unique balance.
This style is perfect for any room in a house.
8. Modern Farmhouse Style
The traditional farmhouse style is all about natural materials such as wood and stone, and their integration into the living space.
However, the modern farmhouse style blends the modern style with these traditional elements and results in a beautiful blend of elegance and rustic charm.
Also, mixing metals is very popular for this style as it creates contrast. Choose gold, brass, or nickel and create a perfect modern farmhouse design.
Open spaces and sleek lighting are also popular with this style as they accentuate the modern touch.
9. Bohemian Style
Boho style is all about mixing things from different cultures and using things unconventionally.
It is not unusual to see a rug instead of a piece of art on a wall, or animal prints all over the space.
It is a laid-back style that feels a bit nomadic as it displays ‘souvenir-like‘ decorations.
Also, rich wood and metallic accents add to the modernity of the style. Color palettes are mostly neutral with the exception of colorful rugs, animal prints, or bold art.
10. Rustic Style
Rustic style accentuated the beauty of nature and natural elements. It uses a lot of wooden furniture, brick is a popular element, and a fireplace is usually a centerpiece in these homes.
Usually, there are no colorful patterns, palettes are simple and neutral. However, depth is added through texture and various materials.
Sheepskin and wool are usually present to soften the wooden or stone elements.
To add sophistication or elegance to this style, minimalistic and sleek chandeliers can do wonders when chosen correctly.
11. Coastal Style
Don’t you just love spending time in coastal homes while vacationing? Well, you do not have to be on vacation to enjoy the coastal interior design.
This style is characterized by a natural color palette that uses whites and beiges to represent sand and stones, as well as blue touches to represent the sea.
Instead of using seashells and seahorses as decorations, the coastal vibe is accentuated by natural materials used for the interior decor.
Windows are never fully covered as the accent is on breeziness and natural light.
A thin white fabric is all you need if you have to cover your windows.
This connection to surrounding nature is also accentuated by indoor plants and greenery.
12. Mediterranean Style
Inspired by Spain, Greece, and Italy, the Mediterranean style is both iconic and culturally rich.
This style usually uses many staple interior design elements found in these countries such as arches, balconies, natural elements, and beautiful ornaments.
This style creates a sense of warmth with rich earthy tones and wooden furniture that mimics Mediterranean scenery.
Greens, blues, beiges, and terracotta are usually colors that are used for this style.
Connection to nature is very important which can be seen in rich wood choices and color palettes.
Mosaics and decorative tiles are also used in these homes.
13. Scandinavian Style
Another style that is closely tied to minimalism is the Scandinavian interior design style.
It accentuates the airy atmosphere, light wooden furniture, clutter-free spaces, large mirrors, and soft textures.
Sleek finishes are also popular as they contribute to the minimal overall look.
The connection to nature is important in this style, so large windows that teleport you to the surrounding nature are mostly used.
Hygge is a concept that is used for this style, which calls for a warm atmosphere and cozy time spent at home.
Layered fabrics are another staple of this style, so if you love layering different carpets, blankets, and curtains at home, you will probably enjoy the coziness of the Scandinavian style.
14. Art Deco Style
If you are a fan of Miami Vice, or any Miami and Florida-related TV shows or movies, you are probably familiar with Art Deco.
This iconic design style, which started in France in the early 20th century, made its way to the US between the 1910s and 1940s.
Influenced by the Industrial Revolution, Art Deco often used metal as a key material and pastel color palettes.
You can easily spot art deco pieces by their sharp edges and angular shapes.
Velvet furniture and dimmed lights set the vibe for a very inviting and intimate atmosphere.
Large, oversized furniture, like armoires and sofas, was also a staple of the style.
These days, it is becoming more popular due to the ’80s nostalgia.
15. Eclectic Style
If you love mixing patterns, textures, and prints, this style is worth considering.
This style is all about choosing different elements that normally would not fit together and matching them to create a unique style.
However, it is important to stay tactful and not cross the line – it shouldn’t look too cluttered and busy.
It is advisable to stick to a neutral base and add a few accent things such as cushions, carpets, tables, or art that will add to the eclectic and worldly vibe.
It is also advisable to mix old and new furniture.
16. Shabby Chic Style
This style is probably one of the most feminine styles out there. Shabby chic interior design style embraces everything vintage, elegant, and cozy.
Vintage furniture is paired with pastel touches, whitewashed walls, and floral patterns.
Vintage furniture is mostly passed on through generations, where each generation adds its own touches.
In order to create contrast, glamorous details like crystal chandeliers are added to create a chic vibe.
17. Southwestern Style
This beautiful style finds inspiration in nature, Spanish textiles, and the desert palette.
Terracotta, rust, and cactus green are popular colors for this style. The furniture tends to have a heavier, more substantial look, often featuring thick legs and bold finishes.
Texture also plays a big role in Southwestern interior design, with suede and leather being the go-to materials for upholstery.
This style can also be seen in many modern or boho interiors as it fits neutral, natural, and sleek designs.
18. Japandi Style
This interior design style is a perfect blend of Scandinavian and Japanese styles. Scandinavian hygge and its comfort are combined with Japanese art and lifestyle.
Functionality is very important in this style, so you will rarely see anything that doesn’t serve a purpose placed in these homes.
Minimalist space, simple furniture, and neutral palettes are what this style is concentrated on.
Although some pieces may be more expensive due to the ‘quality over quantity‘ motto of this style, it is fine because you will buy fewer items than usual.
19. Hollywood Glam Style
Imagine walking into a 1930s cocktail party where your host is a Hollywood star. This style embodies the old Hollywood glam with several modern touches.
It perfectly blends art-deco and mid-century modern styles to create one of the most glamorous styles.
High contrast is desirable with a pop of color usually in soft greens and pinks.
Glamorous chandeliers, cocktail tables, and luxurious sofas add to the sexiness and luxury.
It is based on hospitality as well, so it is very concentrated on guests and their needs.
20. French Country Style
This style blends many that we have already mentioned: traditional, shabby chic, and farmhouse.
The accent is on stylish vintage furniture with touches of modern charm.
This is another feminine style that embraces juxtapositions and imperfections.
Evoking nostalgia, this style reminds us of our grandma’s homes. Raw textures, muted colors, exposed beams, and natural materials are commonly used.
Also, soft shades of cream, lavender, and sage green create the most cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Conclusion
If any of these styles have caught your attention, it means it was worth the read.
It is also very important to note that your style could be a combination of two or three styles.
Also, do not forget personalization and your own touch that will play a huge part in these interior designs.