Welcome to our main interior design styles where you get a bird’s eye view of the different interior design styles.
1. Traditional Decor Style
In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software.
Traditional interior design style stems from a variety of old-school European styles and together are now referred to as “traditional”. Elements of this design include:
- Reflects classic European decor,
- Elaborate moldings and wood paneling,
- Built-in cabinetry,
- Elegant furnishings and antique pieces,
- Pairings of furniture and accessories,
- Neutral palette with vibrant colors for furniture and accent pieces,
- Expensive textiles like silk, velvet, cashmere or comfy fabrics like cotton or linen, and
- Intricate tile and wood floor patterns
Our traditional home decor style guide includes an extensive photo gallery that includes all rooms of the home.
Traditional interior designers are those that are heavily influenced and inspired by the old European décor that gained popularity, particularly during the 18th and the 19th century. They are big on heavy furniture and fittings that are still very stylish and elegant.
This type of interior designing is perfect for those who love decorations and styles that a have rich history behind them for instance, classic art pieces, antique elements, and symmetrical objects.
Some key markers or features of the traditional interior designs include rich tones, dark woods, and sophisticated colors. The most distinctive feature is that the walls are often painted with neutral colors so that the furniture and decorative accents can be highlighted. The ‘traditionalist’ also loves creating intricate architectural details like wood paneling, coffered ceilings, in-built cabinetry, etc.
One of the most vital aspects about traditional interior design is ‘symmetry’ which means that everything from sofas to lamps to accessories has to be in pairs. The underlying idea behind this is that there should be a balanced space centered on a focal point, which is usually the television, a decorative art piece or the fireplace.
2. Modern Interior Style
Modern style for interiors is more popular in the media than in real life. I think people appreciate the look of it and it’s definitely cool, but when it comes to living in the more austere design, people opt for warmer home decor styles such as rustic, cottage or traditional.
Nevertheless, builders and architects are incorporating modern elements to many homes which is kind of cool; but moderating it with materials, angles and lines that add warmth.
Key attributes of modern interior design style include:
- Absence of ornament,
- Intentional asymmetry,
- No clutter or chaos,
- Neutrals with primary colors and bold color contrasts,
- Geometric-patterned or plain area rugs,
- Furniture pieces have clean lines and basic shapes, made of materials like metal, chrome, or glass and are streamlined with polished, smooth and sleek surfaces,
- Art, rather than accessories, and
- Open floor plans
Modern interior designers are also described as super “sleek” since they have an unparalleled love for simple palettes and designs that are often coupled with clean, crisp angles, and lines. They absolutely hate clutter and always strive towards removing extraneous objects from the picture.
Their designs are fresh, elegant and have a sense of simplicity in every style that they create. Unlike contemporary designers, they love adorning spaces; however, they do it with such skill and subtlety that you won’t even realize there is something “extra” in the design.
Modern interior designs also include elements and materials that provide you with an overall warm and comforting feel without being too loud or bold. One of the most distinctive characteristics of these interior designers is their tendency to use monochrome palettes. Black and white are usually their go-to colors, often with hints of other primary colors like blue, yellow and red.
3. Contemporary Home Decor Style
Contemporary design style is often confused with modern design style… usually references to modern are in fact contemporary design.
Contemporary design is current design which includes open spaces, plenty of light, straight lines, plenty of glass, settel and wood and in some cases unusual layouts.
Elements of contemporary design:
- Open spaces or open floor plans,
- Unusual layouts,
- Use of natural light,
- Neutral colors,
- Metal accent pieces,
- Textured and natural fabric,
- Very light or very dark wood tones, and
- Lighting design used as an artistic statement.
Contemporary designers create designs that are more fluid, in the sense that they are according to the current, trending styles; however, they don’t resort to a particular style or design. These designers also have a great sense of what’s currently in style so their designs are constantly evolving and carry a very modern touch to them.
In today’s time, contemporary interior designs include unadorned spaces that appear to be super clean and classic, along with furniture that is exposed from its legs to create more space. As stylish and modern contemporary designs may be, they are yet super elegant with intricate details kept to a minimum.
Be sure to check out these 20 sets of clashing interior design styles (avoid a disasta).
4. Transitional Interior Design
Transitional interior design style is an elusive style that spans multiple styles tying traditional or long-standing styles together with modern or contemporary design elements. It’s extremely popular right now among designers. In fact, it’s very easy to confuse contemporary with transitional and in fact for both types it’s often easy to argue a particular interior design is one or the other.
Transitional interior design elements include:
- Curved furnishings with straight-lined lacquered finishes,
- Limited use of accessories,
- Use of impactful art as focal points,
- Neutral color palette, and
- Textural elements such as wood, glass, lacquer, rattan, fabric, steel and metal.
Check out our vast gallery featuring transitional designs. Click button above.
5. Mid-Century Modern Design Style
Midcentury style is a package deal. While some homes can have a different exterior style to the interior, that doesn’t really work with midcentury. The midcentury home must be midcentury outside and inside.
It’s a distinct look with clean lines, sparsely furnished, often not terribly large (but can be) and of course give off the 1950’s and 1960’s nostalgic look.
I had the privilege to do a driving tour of midcentury homes in Palm Springs and even managed to check out some open houses of a few midcentury homes. They are definitely cool.
These interior designers take you back to the 1900s with some of the most iconic interior styles and designs. Mid-century modern interior designers offer you a unique blend of minimalism and a kind of an ancient retro look. The main theme followed by these designers is “fussy-free” which is usually accompanied by crisp, simple lines, rusty metals, a lot of wood, subtle silhouettes and hues of blues and greens.
These designs are believed to be a break-free from traditional design conventions that have taken a direct plunge into the modern era.
Some typical designs adopted by mid-century modern interior designers include simple fabrications, pared-down forms, molded plastic plywood, and natural-shaped furniture like an egg-shaped chair, for instance. Their styles and designs are often somewhere along the lines of ‘contemporary’ and are super versatile, which makes the transition simply flawless.
6. Shabby-Chic
Shabby-chic is big these days with the popularity of vintage and DIY home decor. While I don’t want to say shabby-chic is a full crafty style, thee are definitely craft elements that people like such as distressed furnishings, floral prints and design elements and whitewashed floors… all of which are popular DIY projects in the home. You can view and select the best of the DIY Memes now as well. Interesting isn’t it?
Main shabby-chic design attributes:
- Decor has a soft, feminine feel,
- Vintage fabrics and items,
- Distressed and painted furnishings,
- Whitewashed and pickling floors,
- Pale palettes, and
- Floral prints.
The Shabby Chic interior designers draw quite a significant chunk of their inspiration from the vintage designs and styles; however, they are more focused towards creating feminine, soft and delicate designs.
Most of the furnishings used by these designers appear to be distressed and aged and contain a very antique kind of a finish. The aim of this type of interior designing is often to blend together features of contemporary and modern styles with a scruff and ragged finish.
Some key elements include wall hangings, flimsy light fixtures, linen textiles and a mixture of white and pastel colors.
7. Industrial Interior Design
Industrial design became popular in the 1990’s as many North American city centers started enjoying a refurbishment by converting old manufacturing facilities and warehouses into condos and multi-unit residential buildings. Instead of covering up or removing all the remnants of the space such as brick walls, exposed pipes and electrical wires and putting in interior walls, developers created large, open units preserving the old floors, walls and keeping much of the pipes and wiring and beams exposed resulting in what is known as industrial home decor.
The key elements of industrial interior design include:
- Raw and unfinished look,
- A mix of grays, neutrals and rustic colors,
- Utilitarian objects,
- Large sectionals,
- Antique or light fixtures with metal finishes,
- Use of vintage and old factory and laboratory pieces,
- Wood and metal surfaces, and
- Concrete flooring.
Industrialist interior designers make everything about exposed and raw materials. As the name suggests, the majority of their inspiration is drawn from things like an urban loft or perhaps an industrial warehouse.
Some of their key elements include dangling metal fixtures, high ceilings, sparse furniture pieces, and stripped back floorboards. This type of designing is mostly all about obtaining a cold, eerie look. However, many designers may use statement lights or pieces of abstract art and photography to add in a pop of color and delicacy.
The industrial interiors are often described as ‘truly rustic and mature’ considering it thrives on the liberal use of wooden elements and exposed steel.
Have you picked out your favorite type of interior designs yet? You can even mix up elements and features of different designs and give your home a whole new look.
8. Eclectic Design Style
Eclectic design is a showcasing of contrasting elements including colors, furnishings and materials. It can easily be overdone to look terrible, but when done well, the contrasting aspects can be tied together to create a cohesive and attractive design.
Main design attributes:
- Varied palette with a few grounding neutrals,
- Different pieces in the room are tied together with paint, fabric or a more refined or roughed-up finish, and
- Defined by contrasts and variety.
Eclectic interior designers are best described as diverse and playful since they love mixing new styles with the old ones and creating something absolutely fresh and unique. They tend to borrow ideas from a variety of different trends, styles, and also from different time periods. These designers are all about breaking the rules and having a little fun of their own.
Eclectic designs provide a great canvas for designers to work their magic on and come up with something outstanding. From the looks of it, one might think of these designs as haphazard or chaotic, however, there is a very fine line between aesthetically pleasant eclectic designs and those that are merely created without any measured motifs or themes.
While eclectic designs are indeed very assorted and kind of like ‘all-over-the-place’, they still have a sense of balance to them and are a true definition of a ‘cohesive blend of designs, colors and patterns’.
9. Beach/Nautical Style
In my view the beach style should be reserved for houses on the beach. It’s kind of odd to have a nautical themed home in the burbs. This style includes light colors with splashes of bright colors such as navy blue and even bright colors, loads of natural light (i.e. windows), nautical accessories such as rope, dark wood and other items found on boats and wicker or rattan furniture.
- Light and breezy,
- Nautical-themed decor,
- All white backdrop; borrow colors from sand, surf and shells;
- Décor crafted from natural fibers and organic materials,
- Wickers tools, rattan furniture and beds with a natural oak frame, and
- Window coverings
Nautical interior designs are best described as positive, warm, and relaxing. The primary reason is that they always make you feel like you are near the ocean. Interior designers who follow the nautical theme typically make use of elements like sea creatures, ships, and anchors. Their color palettes are also full of those that you would see on the beach, which is why the nautical style is also referred to as the “beach-inspired” look.
These designers strive towards making your home truly comfortable by using an abundance of white, blue, and sand-colored foundations, along with inexpensive wooden furniture and hues of oceanic blue.
Some key characteristics of nautical designs include chic linen upholstery for lounges, unfinished wood used in chairs and tables, and sea-inspired decorative accents like jute ropes, seashells and rowing oars.
10. Farmhouse Interior Design Style
Farmhouse is similar to country or rustic design styles except that it’s typically lighter, incorporates some shabby-chic, enjoys plenty of natural wood and gives an aura of a cozy feel.
Main style elements:
- All white look,
- Dominant fireplace,
- Large kitchen and dining place,
- Open shelves and cabinets,
- “Company” parlor and “family” sitting room,
- Cozy fabrics, natural materials and textiles,
- Vintage, reclaimed or heritage accessories,
- Vintage, shabby chic furniture with a rustic flair,
- Tongue-and-groove paneling, shiplap and butt boards,
- Even ceilings with exposed reclaimed beams,
- Barn doors,
- No to glass, and
- Wide plank floors.
11. Mediterranean Interior Design Style
Mediterranean is a style that seems more popular than it is. A few years ago I was under the impression a lot of homes embraced the Mediterranean style, but in actual fact, it’s not that widely used. It’s distinct with plenty of ornamental styling and features including columns and arches. It also has a distinct color scheme being earth tones.
Main style elements:
- Arches
- Columns
- Ornate features including furniture
- Tile and brick
- Earth tones
- Large furniture
- interior balconies
- Tall ceilings (not always, but it’s no uncommon)
- Curves.
12. Craftsman Style
Key interior style elements:
- Open floor plan: This is definitely a much-desired design feature today and so it makes sense the Craftsman is a very popular design for contemporary homes.
- Plenty of built-in wood elements such as cabinetry, fireplace mantles, bookcases, etc.
- Plenty of handcrafted woodwork including exposed ceiling beams.
- Use of natural materials such as wood, stone, brick, glass and tile.
- Plenty of windows.
- Color scheme: earth tones and plenty of wood.
Important design elements:
- Predominantly white,
- Bright colors combine with the main white color,
- Large mirrors,
- Principles of symmetry,
- Furniture pieces are functional and stylish but not too trendy and contemporary,
- Use of light colored wood and warm colors, and
- Light wood flooring dressed up with rugs in subtle color.
Inspired by the simple lifestyles in the Nordic countries, Scandinavian interior designers provide timeless interior designs and styles that are greatly characteristic of the fjords, snow, and mountains found in those countries.
Their designs are a true representation of pared-back coziness, a myriad of textures and some clean, refined lines. They are a beautiful work of art, but always so simple and subtle. Scandinavian designs are big on space, fewer accessories, natural light flowing in, and minimal furniture that serves some purpose.
This take on the interior style and design follows the “Bauhaus principles” that make use of fluid lines, all-white color palettes, wide plank flooring and a strong focus on object proportions. The designers also ensure that they use playful accent colors, organic materials and gentle contours. Scandinavian designs are best described as modern, practical and uncomplicated.
14. Rustic Style
Important rustic design elements:
- Exposed ceiling beams,
- Use of reclaimed wood,
- Exposed stone wall,
- Wooden flooring,
- Cowhides, sheepskins and simple neutral-colored natural fabrics,
- Distressed and handcrafted items,
- Wood-burning fireplace, and
- Prominent staircases.
Rustic interiors are truly raw, often with unfinished elements that are typically made of stone or wood. Interior designers who follow the rustic theme derive most of their ideas, styles, and designs from natural inspiration and also tend to include accessories that mostly come from outdoors.
Most of the accessories they use consist of elaborate architectural details and dramatic features like reclaimed wooden floors and perhaps, ceilings that are decked with wood beams.
The main focus of rustic interior designers is on raw, natural, and unrefined elements that are bold and blatantly real. These designs also have quite an earthy and organic touch to them. Many people consider rustic to be really dark and heavy, however, there is a trend of ‘modern and contemporary rustic’ that has been making waves lately and it is a fresh, light, and grounded take on the ‘original’ rustic theme.
15. Asian Design
Important Asian interior design elements:
- Asymmetry,
- Altar-like alcoves,
- Reference to nature,
- Chinoiserie furniture,
- Natural materials,
- Simplicity,
- Clean lines,
- Circle motif,
- Orchids, and
- Use of curtain walls, door panels or Japanese tokonama.
16. Tropical Interior Design Style
Important tropical design elements:
- Open plan layout,
- Safari-themed, jungle or beach vibes,
- Passive cooling,
- High ceilings,
- Light and breezy,
- Ceiling fans,
- Monochromatic and light, reflective color scheme,
- Predominant green nuances,
- Accessories and furniture made of tropical woods or natural materials,
- Fabrics and textiles with palm leaves or animal motif,
- Plenty of indoor plants,
- Figures and statues of animals, and
- Wooden flooring with a red carpet.
17. Southwestern Style
Important Southwestern design elements:
- Casement or recessed windows with ornamental grillwork facing the street,
- Mix upholstery finished and textiles,
- Bold, vibrant, warm colors (orange, red, gold, yellow, blue and desert-toned neutral hues),
- Accessories made up of dark-colored cast ironmongery, candles, dried flowers, sculptures, animal skins, pottery pieces, etc.,
- Painted wood furnishings built with thick legs,
- Large wall murals, and
- Floors made of rustic brick or terra cotta tiles or mosaic with patterned rugs.
18. Victorian
While not terribly popular these days, the Victorian style is used in older homes by homeowners looking to preserve Victorian era homes, of which there are many in the United States.
The following sets out some key design elements of the Victorian style:
- Asymmetrical designs;
- Vibrant colors
- Decorative trim;
- Textured wall surfaces with complex patterns from wall-to-ceiling wallpapers to luxurious fabrics;
- Elaborate and massive furniture;
- Extravagant accessories; and
- Bay windows, sometimes with stained glass panels, walk-out versions or built-in bench.
19. Minimalist
As the name evidently implies, minimalist interior designers are truly simple, low-key, and unfussy. They thrive on the principle that goes like; “less is more” so they take some of the best and simplest modern designs and simplify them even further
While not technically an established design style, we list it because it’s a style people look for. There are styles that are minimalist such as modern and midcentury design styles.
Minimal interior styles and designs consist of ultra-clean lines and streamlined furnishings that have nothing flamboyant or glitzy about them. They also pick on-air and neutral color palettes that provide a great sense of warmth and coolness to the eyes.
The minimalist trend is believed to have been started sometime during the twentieth century and was initially influenced by the super simple and delicate Japanese designs. Modern minimalist interior designers always make use of black, white, and primary colors. Their designs are truly simplistic and nothing less than work of art.
20. Vintage
Like minimalism, vintage isn’t an established interior design style, but it’s also a look that people want so we include it in our list.
While they come off as old-fashioned, vintage interior designers have a great aptitude for versatility, creativity, and imagination. They create absolute primary pieces that always tell a story and seem to have a rich history.
Vintage interior styling focuses on minimal clutter and puts forth a very clean, crisp, and classy display of furniture, decorative accents, and designs. These interiors also often include old frames and photographs that are usually black and white in order to give the entire space a very old yet stylish look. You may also see a variety of open shelves in most vintage designs that allow one to show off their classic vintage accessories and items.
21. Bohemian
Bohemian interior designers are known for their use of those interior pieces that seem to possess nomadic and ethnic vibes. They also love playing with vibrant colors and rich patterns that appear to be bold and loud.
An interesting yet key characteristic of these designers is that they purposefully make things look messy so you will often find them mixing around different colors and a variety of elements like pillows, throws, rugs, etc.
The Bohemian-style interior is also a true representation of the avant-garde lifestyle that is known for its adventurous and carefree spirit. So, these designers also try to display these features in their styles and designs.
Some trending modern bohemian designs include those inspired from southwestern, Moroccan and tribal styles that may typically consist of animal hides, metallic accents and wood.
22. Hollywood Glam
Undoubtedly, the Hollywood Glam interiors designers are by far the most modern and stylish of all. Their key characteristic is that they are super luxurious and over-the-top in their interior designs. They love to create big and bold statements with the help of dramatic and opulent design styles.
Most of their styles and designs consist of Victorian inspirations with antique furnishings, plush and velvety elements, and magnificent decorative accents. The color palettes used here are usually very bold with beautiful blends of turquoise, reds and purples.
23. Arts and Crafts
Arts and Crafts design started in Britian in the late 19th century started by William Morris, a textile designer. Arts and Crafts design incorporates all aspects of interior (and exterior) style including prints, wallpaper, furniture, ceilings, walls, roof, flooring and more.
See our extensive Arts and Crafts interior design guide here.
24. Maximalism
Maximalism’s growing popularity today is in response to recent years’ proliferation of minimalism. Maximalism isn’t new but it’s enjoying a resurgence. It’s not cluttered although to some it might be. Maximalism embraces colors, textures and incorporating decor in every square foot of a home. Hence rugs, wallpaper, bookshelves, throw pillows and blankets, built-ins and more.
Read our extensive article on maximalism here which includes many excellent examples.
25. Japandi Style
Merging Japanese elegance with Scandinavian simplicity, Japandi represents a harmonious design philosophy. Born from Japan’s ‘Wabi-Sabi’ – the beauty in imperfection, and Scandinavia’s ‘Hygge’ – the essence of coziness, Japandi emphasizes muted tones, natural elements, and minimalism.
Japandi stands out in today’s world of fast-paced trends. Its principles? Sustainability, versatility, tranquility, and functionality. Picture a living space echoing with calm, devoid of clutter, and resonating nature’s palette.
To embrace Japandi:
- Declutter.
- Prioritize nature (wood, stone, plants).
- Adopt earthy, calming colors.
- Choose timeless, durable furnishings.
In essence, Japandi isn’t just a trend, it’s a lifestyle shift towards elegance and peace.
26. Organic Modern
Organic modern is nature’s VIP lounge. Think woods, stones, and all things earthy. But with a sleek twist. It’s not your grandma’s rustic cabin. It’s more like Mother Nature got a minimalist makeover. Huge windows? Check. Neutral tones? Absolutely. It’s where the forest meets the future. Comfort, meet chic. Organic Modern – where cozy gets a cool upgrade. Boom. Nature just went high-end.
Is it trending?
Absolutely! Organic Modern is the talk of the town in the design world. As folks lean into sustainability and nature-inspired living, this style is booming. It’s the perfect blend: earthy vibes with modern flair. With home becoming a sanctuary, many want that natural touch but with a contemporary twist. In a nutshell? Organic Modern is not just trending; it’s thriving. Go green, but make it sleek!
27. Quiet Luxury
Quiet Luxury in interior design is all about subtlety and sophistication. It’s not about the bling or the flashy; it’s the muted elegance that speaks volumes. Imagine walking into a room and feeling an immediate sense of calm, but also being awed by its understated opulence.
The colors? Mostly neutral. The materials? Think rich velvets, soft linens, and polished woods. Everything is high-quality and thoughtfully chosen but never screams for attention. Furniture pieces in this style prioritize comfort, but they’re also timeless and meticulously crafted.
Lighting plays a crucial role. It’s soft, layered, and ambient, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Art and decorations? Minimal yet impactful. Think a singular sculpture or a tastefully framed artwork rather than walls filled with pieces.
The essence of quiet luxury is creating spaces that feel both serene and sophisticated. It’s about appreciating the finer things without being ostentatious. It whispers elegance rather than shouting extravagance. In a world that often feels loud and chaotic, quiet luxury provides a sanctuary of refined tranquility.
Design FAQ
What is the most popular decor style for interiors?
It actually varies by room. We analyzed hundreds of thousands of interiors and put together a massive collection of design statics here. If you want a sense of which styles are more popular, check out all those articles (plenty of charts and tables breaking down the design data).
Can you combine different decor styles in the same room?
Yes, absolutely but it requires some skill. Often interior designers will incorporate aspects of two or more decor styles in the same room. Many established styles are a result of multiple other styles.
Can you use multiple design styles in different rooms in the same house?
Again, yes you can but you don’t want to go too crazy. I believe it’s better to be consistent throughout the room so if you wish to combine styles, do so equally in each room. For example, you don’t want a rustic kitchen next to an ultra-modern living room. That would look very odd.
Related: 32 Home Architectural Styles – this explains the different architectural styles for homes as they appear on the outside.
