Design Styles
Were you ever at the decoration stage of your new home but was stuck for style choice? Maybe you've seen some design styles you liked but never knew the names of? That's where we come in! From cozy cottagecore to sleek minimalism, we'll explore styles from the popular to the unknown that'll transform your living space.
Author: Sally M Anderson
Editor: Michelle Bell
Contents
- What is a design style?
- How do I find my personal design style?
- How many styles are there in interior design?
- Classic Interior Design Styles
- Modern Interior Design Styles
- Eclectic and Fusion Design Styles
- Global Influences on Interior Design
- Emerging Interior Design Styles
- Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design Styles
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What is a design style?
A design style is a cohesive approach that encompasses specific selection of color palettes, furniture and decorative elements. It's the overall look and feel that defines a space, reflecting the personality and preferences of its inhabitants. Design styles can range from traditional to contemporary, minimalist to maximalist, and everything around or in between.
How do I find my personal design style?
Photo credits: Cottonbro Studio
Finding your suited design styles is like an exciting journey of self-discovery. Here are some tips to help you uncover your unique aesthetic:
- Trust your instincts. Don't be afraid to mix elements from different styles if that's what feels right to you.
- Research inspiration. Finding out what appeals to you can be found in magazines, online platforms (such as here), and even in public spaces.
- Create a mood board. Collect images, color swatches, and textures that resonate with you.
- Analyze your existing decor. Look at the items you already own and love. Do they share common characteristics or themes?
- Consider your lifestyle. Design styles alone should not only be visually appealing but also functional for your daily life.
How many styles are there in interior design?
Photo credits: Skylar Kang
We like to think there are as many styles as there are colors. With mixing, matching and the many shades of styles that exist, it's very difficult to truly put a number on this. While it's challenging to provide an exact number, we can broadly categorize them into classic, modern, eclectic, and global influences.
Classic Interior Design Styles
Victorian
Victorian design style is known for its opulence, intricate details, and rich color palettes. It reflects the prosperity and cultural changes of the Victorian era.
Key Elements and Features:
- Ornate furniture with curved lines and tufted upholstery
- Rich, dark wood tones like mahogany and walnut
- Elaborate textiles including velvet, silk, and damask
- Intricate patterns and textures
Historical Influence: The Victorian style emerged during Queen Victoria's reign (1837-1901) and was heavily influenced by the Industrial Revolution and increased global trade.
Edwardian
Edwardian style is characterized by lighter, more feminine aesthetics compared to its Victorian predecessor. It emphasizes elegance and simplicity.
Key Elements and Features:
- Pastel color palettes
- Floral patterns and motifs
- Light, airy spaces with large windows
- Bamboo and wicker furniture
Historical Influence: This style developed during King Edward VII's short reign (1901-1910) and reflected a shift towards more relaxed and less formal living.
Colonial
Colonial style draws inspiration from early American settlers, blending European and New World elements.
Key Elements and Features:
- Symmetrical layouts
- Neutral color palettes with pops of rich colors
- Wood furniture with simple, clean lines
- Decorative moldings and wainscoting
Historical Influence: Colonial style emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries, influenced by British, French, and Spanish colonial architecture.
Art Deco
Art Deco is known for its glamorous, sophisticated, and forward-thinking design elements.
Key Elements and Features:
- Bold geometric patterns
- Luxurious materials like chrome, glass, and mirrors
- Streamlined furniture with sleek curves
- Contrasting colors and metallic accents
Historical Influence: Art Deco originated in France in the 1920s and gained worldwide popularity, symbolizing luxury and modernity.
Modern Interior Design Styles
Mid-Century Modern
Mid-Century Modern design emphasizes clean lines, organic forms, and a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Key Elements and Features:
- Minimalist aesthetic with pops of color
- Iconic furniture pieces with tapered legs
- Large windows and open floor plans
- Integration of natural materials like wood and stone
Historical Influence: This style emerged in the mid-20th century, influenced by the Bauhaus movement and Scandinavian design principles.
Contemporary
Contemporary design is ever-evolving, reflecting current trends and styles of the present day.
Key Elements and Features:
- Neutral color palettes with bold accents
- Sleek, clean lines in furniture and architecture
- Use of natural light and open spaces
- Incorporation of sustainable and eco-friendly materials
Historical Influence: Contemporary design is fluid and constantly changing, drawing inspiration from various styles and global influences.
Minimalist
Minimalist design focuses on simplicity, functionality, and the concept of "less is more."
Key Elements and Features:
- Monochromatic color schemes
- Bare essentials in furniture and decor
- Clean, uncluttered spaces
- Hidden storage solutions
Historical Influence: Minimalism gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, influenced by Japanese design principles and the works of architects like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
Modern Farmhouse
Modern Farmhouse style combines rustic charm with contemporary elements, creating a cozy yet refined aesthetic.
Key Elements and Features:
- Neutral color palettes with natural textures
- Mix of modern and traditional furniture
- Reclaimed wood and industrial accents
- Open concept layouts with plenty of natural light
Historical Influence: This style emerged as a contemporary take on traditional farmhouse design, gaining popularity in the 2010s.
Eclectic and Fusion Design Styles
Bohemian
A real favorite here at Modern Age Designs. Bohemian, or "Boho" style, embraces a free-spirited, unconventional approach to design.
Key Elements and Features:
- Rich, vibrant colors and patterns
- Layered textiles and textures
- Eclectic mix of furniture and decor
- Plants and natural elements
Historical Influence: Bohemian style has roots in 19th-century counterculture movements and draws inspiration from various global influences.
Industrial
Industrial style celebrates raw, utilitarian elements often found in factories and warehouses.
Key Elements and Features:
- Exposed brick, pipes, and ductwork
- Metal and wood furniture with clean lines
- Neutral color palettes with pops of bold colors
- Vintage or repurposed items as decor
Historical Influence: This style emerged in the late 20th century as artists and creatives began converting abandoned industrial spaces into living areas.
Transitional
Transitional style bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary design, offering a balanced and timeless aesthetic.
Key Elements and Features:
- Neutral color palettes with subtle patterns
- Mix of curved and straight lines in furniture
- Minimal accessories and clutter-free spaces
- Emphasis on comfort and functionality
Historical Influence: Transitional style developed as a response to the desire for a more versatile and adaptable design approach.
Maximalist
Maximalist design embraces bold colors, patterns, and an abundance of decorative elements.
Key Elements and Features:
- Vibrant color combinations
- Layered patterns and textures
- Eclectic mix of furniture and decor
- Gallery walls and curated collections
Historical Influence: Maximalism gained popularity in recent decades as a reaction to the minimalist trend, celebrating personal expression and creativity. To learn more, visit our maximalist design post.
Global Influences on Interior Design
Scandinavian
Scandinavian design emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and connection to nature. Read more about it here.
Key Elements and Features:
- Light, neutral color palettes
- Natural materials like wood and leather
- Minimalist furniture
- Cozy textiles and hygge elements
Historical Influence: This style emerged in the mid-20th century in Nordic countries, focusing on creating warm and inviting spaces despite long, dark winters.
Mediterranean
Mediterranean interior design style draws inspiration from the coastal regions of Southern Europe, creating warm and inviting spaces.
Key Elements and Features:
- Warm color palettes inspired by sea and sand
- Terracotta tiles and textured walls
- Wrought iron accents and arched doorways
- Indoor-outdoor living spaces
Historical Influence: Mediterranean style has roots in the architecture and design of countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece, reflecting their rich cultural heritage.
Asian Zen
Asian Zen design focuses on creating calm, harmonious spaces inspired by Eastern philosophy.
Key Elements and Features:
- Neutral color palettes with natural accents
- Minimalist furniture and decor
- Natural materials like bamboo and stone
- Water features and indoor plants
Historical Influence: This style is influenced by traditional Japanese and Chinese design principles, emphasizing balance and tranquility. style developed as a response to the desire for a more versatile and adaptable design approach.
French Country
French Country style combines rustic charm with elegant details, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Key Elements and Features:
- Soft, muted color palettes
- Distressed wood furniture
- Toile fabrics and floral patterns
- Wrought iron accents and chandeliers
Historical Influence: This style originated in the French countryside, blending rural simplicity with refined elements from urban French design.
Emerging Interior Design Styles
Japandi
Japandi is a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design principles, emphasizing minimalism, functionality, and natural elements.
Key Elements and Features:
- Neutral color palettes with subtle contrasts
- Clean lines and simple forms in furniture
- Natural materials like wood, bamboo, and stone
- Minimalist decor with a focus on craftsmanship
Historical Influence: This style emerged in the 2010s as designers recognized the similarities and complementary aspects of Japanese and Scandinavian design.
Grandmillennial
Grandmillennial style, also known as "granny chic," combines traditional design elements with a modern twist.
Key Elements and Features:
- Floral patterns and chintz fabrics
- Antique furniture mixed with contemporary pieces
- Needlepoint pillows and embroidered textiles
- Pastel color palettes with pops of bold colors
Historical Influence: This style emerged in the late 2010s as a reaction to minimalism, embracing nostalgia and traditional design elements.
Cottagecore
Cottagecore is a romantic interpretation of rural life, emphasizing simplicity, sustainability, and a connection to nature.
Key Elements and Features:
- Soft, muted color palettes with floral accents
- Vintage and antique furniture pieces
- Handmade crafts and DIY decor
- Abundant use of natural materials like wood, wicker, and cotton
- Floral patterns in wallpapers, fabrics, and accessories
Historical Influence: A trend emerged in the late 2010s but gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. It draws inspiration from traditional rural cottage life.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design Styles
Vernacular
Vernacular-inspired interior design draws from local traditions and materials, creating spaces that feel authentic to their location and cultural context.
Key Elements and Features:
- Use of locally sourced materials like wood, stone, or textiles
- Handcrafted furniture and decor items
- Color palettes inspired by the local landscape
- Integration of traditional patterns and motifs
Historical Influence: This style has roots in regional design traditions but has gained popularity in recent years as a sustainable and culturally rich approach to interior design.d in the 2010s as designers recognized the similarities and complementary aspects of Japanese and Scandinavian design.
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design focuses on connecting interior spaces with nature, promoting well-being and sustainability.
Key Elements and Features:
- Abundant use of plants and natural light
- Organic shapes and forms in furniture and architecture
- Natural materials and textures
- Integration of water features and green walls
Historical Influence: This style gained popularity in recent years as awareness of the importance of nature in our living spaces increased.
Pueblo
Pueblo-inspired interior design draws from the adobe architecture of the American Southwest, creating warm, organic spaces with a strong connection to the earth.
Key Elements and Features:
- Rounded corners and organic shapes
- Earthy color palettes with pops of turquoise or terracotta
- Handwoven textiles and Native American-inspired patterns
- Rustic wood furniture and wrought iron accents
Historical Influence: This style has its roots in indigenous Southwestern architecture but has been adapted for modern interiors, gaining popularity for its warmth and cultural richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular home decor style?
While popularity can vary by region and personal preference, some consistently popular design styles include: Modern Farmhouse, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian, Transitional, Contemporary. These styles often appeal to a wide range of homeowners due to their versatility and timeless qualities.
How to Choose the Right Interior Design Style?
To choose the right interior design style we want to identify your personal preferences and lifestyle needs. Next, consider your home's architecture and existing features. Research different styles, gather inspiration and don't be afraid to experiment a little. Finally, if you're unsure consult with a professional interior designer for further guidance.
What are the 7 concepts of interior design?
The 7 concepts of interior design are:
- Space
- Line
- Form
- Light
- Color
- Texture
- Pattern
These elements work together to create a cohesive and visually appealing interior design.
Conclusion
We've explored a wide range of design styles for you to choose from, with more to come. From classic to modern, eclectic to global influences, each with their own unique characteristics, key elements, and historical influences.
Selecting the right design style for your home is crucial as it reflects your personality, enhances your living experience, and creates a cohesive atmosphere throughout your space. The right style can make your home feel more comfortable, functional, and visually appealing.
Remember, there are no strict rules in interior design. Don't be afraid to mix elements from different styles to create a unique look that truly represents you. Experiment with various design styles, and most importantly, have fun in the process of creating your perfect living space!