12 popular design styles defined
1. Modern
The term "modern style" usually refers to a home with a clean and simple color scheme, that relies heavily on the use of décor materials like glass and steel. Modern décor style emphasize a sense of simplicity in every element, including furnishings. Modern style is inspired by 20th century décor trends. Distilled into a single word, this style is “sleek”. Modern interior design embraces clean individual elements into a cohesive design that gives an overall welcoming feel without being too loud or daring. Black and white form the basis of the color palette, complemented by hints of different prime colors.
2. Contemporary
People tend to confuse modern interior design with contemporary interior design, but there's a big difference between the two. The fundamental distinction that differentiates contemporary décor and modern style is that, while modern style can trace its roots to the 20th century, contemporary style is more fluid and may include a combination of other styles. Contemporary interior design usually has plain spaces that evoke a sense of the clean and classic, with floating furniture that gives the effect of bigger space. Contemporary styles can best be described as elegant, with complex details kept to a minimum.
3. Mid-Century
The mid-century style features a distinctive and unique look with clean lines, and is inspired by 1950s and 1960s design. This retro look with a nostalgic touch defines the mid-century style and incorporates components of minimalism into its overall design. The style combines natural shapes, like the iconic “egg-shaped” chair, with clean geometric lines and patterns. Warm wood tones are supplemented by earthy tones and warm neutrals, with brass and gold accents adding a pop of glamor. This style is not limiting, however, and allows for incorporating traditionally cooler tones such as emerald and deep blues, to complement the warm color palette. You can also approach this style from a cooler and more bright angle - white walls, cool pastel furniture, and light wood tones . As long as you ensure to combine clean geometric lines with softer natural shapes, your home will effortlessly invoke the nostalgic elements of the style.
4. Traditional
Traditional interior design stems from a range of vintage styles. The traditional interior style embraces rich color tones and dark stained woods. The most distinctive feature of the traditional style is the color scheme of neutral colors that highlights the rich wooden furnishings and other decorative elements. The traditional style includes dark/stained wood paneling, coffered ceilings, and built-in cabinets. The style embraces depth, layering, and dimensionality to create a timeless look and welcoming feel.
5. Rustic
Rustic designs are notoriously "raw" - with unfinished components that are typically made from stone and wood. The rustic style is heavily inspired by nature and embraces elements that come from the outdoors - a plethora of plants, natural unfinished woods, and plenty of natural light. Many styles nowadays integrate rustic design with fashionable furnishings and accessories.
6. Shabby Chic
This style gained immense popularity in the mid-’80s and 90’s as one of the top go-to interior style designs when looking to evoke laid-back vibes. Shabby chic ultimately received quite a bit of backlash after having been misbranded as granny decor, however when done properly, it is anything but. The furnishings used by this style contain antique touch and boast a timeless lived-in vintage-inspired charm. Shabby chic features include hangings airy lighting fixtures, white and pastel colors and vintage furnishings. The most distinctive feature of shabby chic is the combination of contemporary and modern elements with a to achieve a unique rugged finish.
7. Minimalist
The minimalist style is one of the most popular of the modern styles. It includes super clean lines and streamlined furniture - simplicity is the key with this style. You won’t find anything flamboyant or glitzy in minimalist designs, as the design's main focus is on functionality. Minimalist style often uses natural colors to balance warmth and coolness. The minimalist style can be summarized into minimal concepts - clean lines and functionality.
8. Industrial
The industrial interior style is focused on metal, sturdy wooden elements and often exposed brick walls. Industrial interior designs are inspired by the look of an old factory building and invoke a sturdy, rugged feel. Industrial interior style has two variants: The dark, rugged vintage look and the lighter, brighter yet robust style. Depending on your taste, you can choose the look that best suits your style and needs.
9. Scandinavian
This style is definitely one of the most popular interior styles, and has only grown in popularity in recent years. Scandinavian design features a clean and simple look, fully functional while emphasizing the clean lines of minimalism. This style is characterized by soft contours, light color tones, white and gray undertones, and natural materials. Most Scandinavian interiors have a color palette consisting of white, grey, black and wood.
10. Transitional
Transitional interior design is the happy medium of interior design. It places equal emphasis on livability and aesthetics to create a home that feels first and foremost like, well, a home. This is achieved by combining more traditional functional pieces (such as plush sofas that are first functional and comfortable, then stylish) with trendy accent pieces (accent pillows and wall décor). True transitional style incorporates the clean lines of modern design with more traditional function pieces – say a glass-top steel coffee table with a plush sofa – to achieve a home that is both immaculately styled while maintaining emphasis on day to day life. In terms of color palette, this style emphasizes the calm and neutral. Light natural woods, clean white walls, and carefully chosen accent pieces serene tones. The final look is both welcoming and relaxing, and transforms your home into your own personal haven.
11. Bohemian
The Bohemien interior style features a creative mix of rich patterns, colors and shapes. The concept has its roots in early 19th century Europe, and borrows elements from North African and Eastern design. The golden rule of Bohemian design is that there are no hard-set rules. Bohemian style is known for its use of textiles, wood and animal fur. The style is inherently eclectic and invokes a worldly vibe, with a color palette that embraces both earthy, rich colors as well as bright colors and calming pastels. It incorporates metallic accents and a variety of textures - think macramé wall hangings with brass light fixtures - to form a seamless amalgamation of eclectic décor.
12. Urban Modern
The urban interior style descends from the sturdy lofts of the large cities, like New York. This style takes elements from contemporary, modern, and industrial design, and creates a unique environment perfect for cosmopolitan living. For example, Urban modern style features many minimalist elements, geometric prints, vintage décor accents combined with plush extravagant furnishing. The color palette is comprised of a bright neutral base, with plenty of room for rich, bright accents and pops of color. Whether it be a bright yellow sofa or an emerald accent wall, don't be afraid to soften the overall look with rich jewel tones and warm colors.
