Interior Design Styles Guide
One of the main questions I receive is, “what is your interior design style?” To be honest, it’s a mix of a couple different styles and for many years I really had no idea. I mean, I knew about various styles, but what felt right to ME? After a lot of exploration and experimenting, I’ve finally settled into my perspective. And you know what? It makes styling so much easier having this knowledge up front! Here, I’m sharing with a complete guide to many of the main interior design styles and how you can include them in your home.
Understanding more about design styles can help us move on from Outdated Home Decor Trends and find your own authentic path!
1. Modern Design
This style features clean lines, minimal decor, and a focus on function and simplicity. It often includes materials such as metal, glass, and concrete, and may use a neutral color palette with bold pops of color as accents.
Embracing clean lines and an uncluttered approach, modern design lines up well with minimalism. Check out the Basic of Minimalist Interior Design Style for more styling ideas.
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Similar interior design styles:
Contemporary: Similar to modern, contemporary decor style also has a lot of clean lines and simplicity, but it tends to be more eclectic and a wider range of materials.
2. Traditional:
The traditional style is all about classic design elements and is a little bit formal. The traditional interior design style is tried and true.
This style highlights muted shades with pops of color. There is a hint of history or glamour to your space with rich touches, darker wood, upholstery, and window coverings.
Similar interior design styles:
Transitional: Just like it sounds, transitional is a mix of traditional and modern elements. It combines the classic elegance of traditional design with the clean lines and simplicity of modern design.
3. Bohemian:
Also known as boho, this style has a free-spirited, eclectic, and artistic vibe. It often includes a mix of colors, patterns, and textures from various cultures, along with vintage or handmade furniture and decor items.
Bohemian style is known for its relaxed, eclectic and unconventional feel.
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Love the boho vibes? Check out my Boho Patio Design and Boho Bedroom Refresh.
4. Coastal:
Coastal decor is inspired by the seaside and often features light, airy colors, natural materials such as rattan, jute, and weather beaten woods.
It has a relaxed and breezy feel, evoking a sense of calm we find from the waves. You’ll see shades of blue and sandy beige. This is not about seashell prints from the 80’s but an overall sense of tranquility.
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Learn more about this style and create a California Coastal Dining Room.
5. Mid Century Modern
Also referred to as MCM, mid-century modern interior design includes clean lines, geometric shapes, and a combination of natural and synthetic materials. The series, Mad Men, showcased this design beautifully.
So many people ask wonder, what are mid century modern design colors? Think of bold, earthy colors like ochre, orange, brown and mustard yellow along with teals and olive greens.
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Love MCM? Check out 9 Mid Century Modern Lights and Mid Century Modern Living Room Design. Also, The Spruce has a round up Mid Century Modern Color Palettes to get you started.
6. Scandinavian:
This style started in Nordic countries and is known for its minimalist and functional design. It typically features light colors, natural materials such as wood and leather, and simple, functional furniture with clean lines.
Scandinavian decor often incorporates hygge, a Danish concept of coziness and comfort.
7. Industrial:
Inspired by the urban loft look, industrial style features raw, unfinished elements such as exposed brick, metal pipes, and distressed wood. It often has a muted color palette with pops of metallic tones and utilitarian furniture and lighting.
8. Farmhouse:
This style draws inspiration from traditional farmhouses and rural living. It’s been popularized in recent years by the HGTV show, Fixer Upper.
Farmhouse interior design often features rustic and distressed wood, vintage or repurposed furniture, and a neutral color palette with warm, earthy tones.
The Modern Farmhouse trend makes this design style more contemporary – with more contrast, black hardware, and less wood.
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Like this interior design style? Check out Modern Farmhouse Living Room Essentials and Modern Farmhouse Bathroom Inspiration.
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