21 Most Popular Types of Interior Design Styles

Interior Design Styles

If you have been researching how to design your home’s interior, you probably have come across
different interior design styles such as “contemporary,” “modern”, “industrial”, “art deco”, and several
others. Have you ever wondered what these terminologies actually mean?
For starters, these terms refer to different interior design styles, with each design having its unique
characteristics, flavor, finish, and experience, and interior styles. This article seeks to decode the
meaning of some of these interior design styles and to explain why they are as popular as they are.
While the interior design profession has existed for just over 100 years, the process of interior design
has existed for as long as humans have been constructing homes and decorating them based on their
needs and materials available to them. Centuries ago, when we were hunters and gatherers, do you
think that a hunter’s house would be the same as a gatherer’s house? If we were to hazard a guess, the
hunter-gatherer days of human civilization would have a utilitarian design style.
So, despite being a temporary shelter, a hunter’s house would have more space for the tools needed to
hunt and more masculine interiors while a gatherer’s house would have more storage space and be
gender-agnostic. Over the years, as civilization evolved, preferences and materials evolved too, giving
rise to different interior design styles. Today, we are going to talk about some top interior design styles
that have managed to stand the test of time and are used by people even today.
But before we do that, how good is your siding installation? Like any home improvement project, the
success of your interior design process is dependent on the condition of other parts of the home. Your
home’s unique attributes will come out better when the siding is in good condition, the interior décor
on point, and when all areas around the home are functional and comfortable. We are going to talk
about some top interior design styles that have managed to stand the test of time and are used by

21 Most Popular Types of Interior Design Styles:

1. Modern Interior Design
2. Contemporary Interior Design
3. Art Moderne Interior Design
4. Mid-Century Interior Design
5. Minimalist Interior Design
6. Scandinavian Interior Design
7. Shabby Chic Interior Design Style
8. Eclectic Interior Design
9. Industrial Interior Design
 10. Farmhouse Interior Design
11. Art deco Interior Design Style
12. Boho – Bohemian Interior Design
13. Coastal Interior Design
14. French Country Interior Design
15. Hollywood Glam Interior Design
16. Japandi Interior Design
17. Mediterranean Interior Design
18. Asian Décor Design
19. Rustic Interior Design
20. Traditional Interior Design
21. Transitional Interior Design

1. Modern Interior Design Style

From the onset, it is important to note that “modern” and “contemporary” are two different interior
styles. A modern interior design style is defined by clean and simple color schemes, welcoming feel,
clean individual elements, as well as heavy use of glass and steel and much-needed siding replacements
that date back in historical times. Black and white dominate the color palette, with some faded shades
of blue, red, among other prime colors.
We spoke about contemporary interior design style which blends the design styles from various eras,
the Modern Design style is from a specific period – the dawn of the 20th century. This style is rooted in
German and Scandinavian design styles and architecture. It is all about logic and practicality and the
paintings and sculptures are chosen accordingly. The focus of the designer is on functionality and NOT
on the form.
The living spaces are designed in a minimalist manner with open floor plans. It focuses on block colors
and primary hues with modern art in contrasting colors. The furniture used is functional and simple
with clean lines. Natural lights play an essential role in a modern home while accent lighting is used to
highlight specific elements, architectural features, sculptures, etc.
The core idea of the modern style is to create simple and clutter-free homes with no unnecessary
adornments. Since form follows function, everything used in a modern home fulfills a practical purpose.
This style trended in the early 20th century and happened to make a comeback a century later. Most
décor materials in this style border on simplicity, especially the furnishings. Nothing is overly loud or
daring.
2. Contemporary Interior Design Style

Contemporary interior design is a type of interior design style which refers to trends that are ruling
now- at this very moment. An interior design style that was “contemporary” in the 2010s is not
necessarily contemporary now, but a design that was “modern” back then still remains to be “modern”-
always was, always will! In other words, modern design doesn’t change with time, whereas
contemporary is more fluid.
The contemporary interior design style is something that can be adjusted to every room in the house.
Be that, bedroom, living room or even kitchen. A contemporary kitchen is a mix of new and old that
makes it perfect for all members of the family to sit around and chat. Importantly, choosing
contemporary kitchens comes in very handy as there are many available and ready assemble kitchen
cabinets that are both contemporary and beautiful.
The Contemporary Interior Design style is more like the modern way of living – inspired by all the
design styles in the past including minimalism, modernism, Art Deco, and even the historical design
eras mentioned above. However, this does not imply that the contemporary style is ruffled and vague.
Instead, it has clean lines and smooth surfaces offering an orderly appearance of the space.
Contemporary homes usually have open floor plans and use a lot of natural light. The materials used are
eco-friendly or recycled with a lot of focus on energy conservation. The colors used are usually neutral
with a dash of vibrancy using a brightly-colored sofa or painting, etc. Most of the furniture used in a
contemporary styled home is from the present. Lighting fixtures are chosen from various eras to
accentuate the living space.
The crux of the contemporary design style is that it blends various styles without too much emphasis on
any and creates a home that speaks volumes about the people who live in it – a home with a unique and
fresh personality.

3. Art Moderne Interior Design Style

Art Moderne originated from the United States in the early 1930s and trended until the late 1940s.
Those days, this interior design style was all about bigger, bolder, and brassier. Furniture was designed
with a swelling curve and other décor items were either pared or stripped down. Designers also refer to
this interior design style as the American Modern or Modernist.
4. Mid-Century Interior Design Style
The mid-century interior design style was popular in the wake of the Second World War. Just like was
the trend with almost every aspect of life those days, this interior design style emphasized on vivid use
of color; from the walls to the wall arts, to the artifacts. Everything was colorful in this era. Furniture
was defined by crisp lines, and indoor plants were in plenty.
This is an interior design style from the 40s to the 60s. As was symbolic of the times, after the end of
World War II, minimalism and utility were the core themes of homes. A home designed with the Mid-
Century Modern Style has a retro feel with a fresh twist. Timelessness and comfort are at the epicenter,
making it one of the most preferred interior design styles. Typically, this design creates homes that are
expressions of the homeowner.

The center of focus of a living room is a painting or an artifact that resonates with the people living
there. Clean lines, spare surfaces, and simplicity are some other striking features of the mid-century
modern design style. Sculptures, graphical shapes, and highly saturated colors that are symbolic of the
50s and 60s find their way in this interior design style too.
The core idea of the mid-century modern interior design is to create homes like the ones featured in the
television series Mad Men – a seamless flow between the outside and inside of the home, design
elements from three decades of the 20th century (the 40s to the 60s), and a fresh take on the mid-
century design style.
It was during this time that people realized that on top of making a home functional, there was a need
for enough spaces for social activities within the home. That is why the style leaves tons of shared,
common areas all-around a house. Go for this interior design style if your focus is on strengthening
interpersonal bonds- if you are a highly social person.

5. Minimalist Interior Design Style

This minimalist interior design style originated in Australia and is still very popular there. The style
emphasizes minimalism in all aspects of interior design, from simple furnishing to neutral color
palettes, to functional but not flamboyant accessories. Everything is streamlined, simple, and necessary.

6. Scandinavian Interior Design Style

The Scandinavian interior design style is a combination of various design styles that evolved in the 20th
century in the five Nordic countries of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. The
Scandinavian style is about a minimalist interior, utility, and simplicity.
It also embodies simplistic yet highly functional spaces. It is also warm and leaves space for personal
invitations. What makes it different from minimalist designs is that the style emphasizes affordability
and not just necessity.
Most décor items are bare ornaments, rounded furniture, organic and clean detailing, as well as
dominantly black and white color palettes. It is also characterized by bare layouts and arrangements.
You could call it a blend of minimalism and mid-century styles.
7. Shabby Chic Interior Design Style

The Shabby Chic Style is characterized by laid-back vibes, airy lighting fixtures, antique-touch furniture,
and a vintage-inspired charm. It is inspired by modern designs, but it has some elements of
contemporary design.
where the home uses elements that appear old with a lot of wear and tear but are highly functional.
Sometimes, new items are distressed to give the appearance of an antique.
8. Eclectic Interior Design Style

Eclecticism is all about picking ideas and inspiration from a broad and diverse range of sources. The
Eclectic Interior Design style creates homes that are rich and layered with ideas picked from design
eras and styles spanning centuries.
This style brings contrasting style elements, colors, and textures together for a unique feel. This is
chosen by people who prefer a bold décor and like expressing themselves creatively. There are
hundreds of options to choose from and the output will depend on how the styles are merged.
For example, if you want to create a bohemian style feel to your living room, then you need to know the
minute details of the design style and have access to the boho elements and furnishings that can help
create that feel.
The background colors used are usually neutral to allow the designer to highlight the accessories and
furniture. Rooms designed with eclectic style have multiple focal points and work on balancing colors
and textures to not overwhelm the eye.
The core idea of the eclectic style is to use all the styles from history and create something fresh,
unique, and mesmerizing. It is all about creativity and the ability to use the mind freely and
innovatively.
Features of eclectic interior design style:
 Many people associate the eclectic home décor with the ‘anything goes’ approach. However, it is a more
purposeful and planned way of interior design.
 It is a blend of different styles and periods creating layered home décor.
 An eclectic interior designer uses neutral background colors and uses materials and items in an unexpected
manner.
 Walls are usually kept simple. They allow the designer to add accessories that make an impact. A busy wall will
fail in bringing out the vibrancy of the accessories.
 Both light and dark colors are used as required in eclectic design. If you want to add warmth and depth to a
room, then you can use darker colors. On the other hand, if you want to make a
 Space appears larger or highlights a boho décor, then light colors are your best bet.
 You can play with a lot of textures and patterns to make your eclectic décor harmonize with your mood. Using
textures that contrast can create a memorable eclectic feel to your home.
 Remember, play enough to keep the eye interested but avoid overdoing it.
 For an eclectic look, create distinct focal points by mixing and matching frames on a gallery wall. Use smooth
textures right next to rough ones like marble next to wood, etc. Also, use soft surfaces next to the hard ones like
an industrial coffee table next to a luxurious sofa.
 The eclectic design ensures that everything has a place in each room. Accessories and adornments should have character without burdening
the eclectic space.

Colors best suited with eclectic interior design style:

Eclectic homes with a simple color palette are usually accompanied by textures to add interest to the
room design. Cohesiveness is the essence of eclectic decorating. Hence, many designers try to use one
texture at least thrice throughout the home. To ensure harmony between a variety of styles, designers
use contrasting colors and textures to create an eclectic mix.
Regardless of the color scheme, the core palette requires you to choose some core colors to
complement the eclectic design. These colors work as a good place to start and create a cohesive and
eclectic home décor. Ideally, choose a neutral hue and one accent color to get started. Use a neutral hue
throughout the house. This will allow layering of other colors and not make the space seem
overbearing. A single hue also helps in unifying the entire design.
Furniture styles to be paired with eclectic decorating style:
Keeping in sync with the theme of the design, furniture styles are a mix of the old, classic, modern, and
new. You need to mix and match different furniture design styles to create a unique outcome. Statement
pieces are essential in a modern eclectic home. A statement piece can be a piece of furniture or wall art
or anything else that makes your eclectic design thrive. You don’t need to bother about coordinating the
statement piece. It is meant to stand out and be the focal point of the room.
Additionally, you can add baskets, card tables, drink trays, or bookshelves to the room to make it cozy
and comfortable. Also, try combining the old with the new. For example, place a Lucite coffee table and
pair it with a Louis XIV sofa. This contrast in design elements is what will make your home truly
eclectic.

9. Industrial Interior Design Style

Industrial Design is a union of style and utility. As the name suggests, an industrial-style home exposes building
materials that are otherwise concealed like bare brick walls, pipes, and recycled materials.

The designer tries to create a stylish space with a clear focus on function and utility all while trying to combine
modern elements with an organic feel and ancient charm. In industrial-style homes, you can find elements picked
from factories, industries, and warehouses.

These homes usually have open floor plans and the furniture is arranged to break the space. It is one of the easiest
interior design styles to implement since it banks on a neutral color palette and materials along with some industrial
elements. The designer does not have to bank on any cosmetic tricks to make the house look good since the raw
industrial elements make a strong statement.

The core idea of industrial interior design is to use elements from factories and industries with other design styles to
create a décor that is tailored to the homeowner.
10. Farmhouse Interior Design Style

A farmhouse is rustic and allows us to unite with nature since it uses a lot of organic and natural materials and
furniture designed accordingly. The Farmhouse Interior Design style uses these elements and creates a farmhouse-
like vibe in a city home surrounded by concrete.

One of the most highlighting aspects of farmhouse interior design is the fact that each room is driven by a particular
element. So, you can have a particular element ruling the living room and a different element ruling the bedroom,
etc.

This design style has a minimalistic interior and allows the homeowner to rewind and relax while keeping
functionality and elegance in mind. Another essential element of a farmhouse design is the lack of matching furniture
or décor as it strictly goes against the rustic style of a farmhouse. Wood being the primary material used in this
design style, the modern farmhouse is pretence-free, utilitarian, eclectic, and sophisticated – all at the same time.

The core idea of the farmhouse-style interiors is to use the chic elements from the countryside, modern industrial
elements, heirlooms, and artistic elements to piece together a unique, luxurious and relaxing home.

11. Art deco Interior Design Style

The iconic style emanates from France. Its pieces have refocused edges and jagged corners. It’s pronounced with
large cabinetwork. The style veers towards the ornate and jewel-suchlike period. It also evokes substance and
fineness.
12. Boho – Bohemian Interior Design Style
The Boho interior design style is a mark of free-spirited aesthetics that are a combination of culture and cultural
expressions to form a miscellaneous style. Its laid aft atmosphere is grounded on nature with some marks of bold
patterns and bright colors for its cabinetwork and accentuations.
The style is less strict on order and a blend of patterns and colors is encouraged. It’s streamlined by beast hides,
metallic accentuations and rich wood. It favors lush fabrics like hand-woven Moroccan hairpieces concentrated with
Japanese block prints and Malian slush clothed gamble pillows.

Its other remarkable features are natural accoutrements, shade and lush green agronomists. Some homes may be
decorated with brass and bobby essence with vibrations. Utmost of its accoutrements are collectables from the flea
requests in distant locales presumably from passages.
13. Coastal Interior Design Style
The coastal interior design is further of memory on a sand holiday with ocean shell
collectables in an airy, tranquil led and open space. It’s not a surprise to see crisp, white base
concentrated particulars with sky and ocean alleviations. The style generally means drawing
out littoral features and incorporating them into your spaces.
The features are substantially natural sand particulars like corals, shells and plums as
centrepieces Accoutrements like wood, jute, linen and glass are dominant with the style. It’s
also distinguished by lots of light and free-spirited air. The dominant accoutrements are
substantially white-washed, natural, and blue tones that allow the sunrays to sludge through
the aesthetic spaces.
14. French Country Interior Design Style
The french country interior design style is a mix of sophisticated features and other styles like seedy
enthusiasm, grange, and traditional. It’s marked by antique cabinetwork pieces and neutral womanlike
designs. The design is analogous to the transitional ultramodern innards design style and is a mongrel
blend of antique French, grange and seedy sharp styles.
It’s a popular style that evokes comfort and casual fineness. Its distinctive features include vocally
patterned fabrics in muted colors, painted and quaint furnishings and accessories. It incorporates lots
of wood and other natural accoutrements. It’s also appertained to as the parochial style as it’s further
formal and refined.
Its rudiments include rich colors, bold patterns, and gold accentuations. It’s favorable with warm color
tinges with medium to low intensities like soft yellows, warm pinks, baby blues and creams. It’s also
connected to impregnated colors like sunbaked ochre and deep slipup reds.
15. Hollywood Glam Interior Design Style
Hollywood glam interior design has been popular in California since the mid-twentieth century. It’s a blend of art
décor and mid-century ultramodern. It’s marked by a high discrepancy color combination of hot pink and green and
occasionally black and white. Patterns in Hollywood Glam are bold, dateless, and gender-neutral overall.

From fabrics to flooring, Greek key and kiosk patterns, geometrics, and beast prints are all welcome in a Hollywood
Glam home. Art deco and neoclassical motifs may also make an appearance. Black and white checkered flooring are a
perfect addition to the theme. The chandeliers are paired with high buff or imaged cabinetwork.

You can also incorporate suede, lacquer, leather, and metallic highlights. However, it can round the style. If your
client likes wallpaper and carpeting, it will be suitable to incorporate. The style diffuses glamour and luxury marking
the design as an epitome of complication.

16. Japandi Interior Design Style

The japandi interior design is a combination of Scandinavian and Japanese designs. The design is minimalistic and
earthy. The Scandinavian part is embedded from Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The design is Nordic and stretched
with soft color palettes. It’s completely functional and minimum.
The design highlights organic shapes with subtle interests, tonal textural plays and relaxed prayers. In white spaces
and slate undertones. Color pops may be from cultural pieces and throw pillows. The comforting, Zen-like sense of
Japanese style innards is fulfilled through the use of natural accoutrements and restrained colors.

These natural rudiments include inner water cradles and using tatami mats as bottom coverings. Tatami is supple
straw mats edged in cloth that measure 3-by 6- bases and help establish room sizes. Bamboo, gravestone and other
natural accoutrements give the base for a soothing color palette of brown, argentine and green. Soft flowery patterns
and colors are incorporated with ornamental crockery and stretched fabrics.

Furniture and accessories tend to be clean-lined and geared towards living near the bottom of the room. It balances
with light-toned wood and lots of whites and creams and tans. It’s pronounced with clean lines, bentwood and other
natural rudiments. The design is further of an understatement over ostentatious displays.
17. Mediterranean Interior Design Style
Mediterranean interior design’s origin is Greece, Spain, and Italy. It’s distinguished with bends, columns, and interior
sundecks. Its cabinetwork is majorly from rich wood tones with ornate features like rattan, gravestone, reclaimed
wood and linen.

The color palettes are generally a reflection of the sky and water. It also incorporates warm palettes from terracotta
and unheroic. Its windows are distinguishably large covered with minimum sheer curtains.
18. Asian Décor Design
Asian style innards design, occasionally called Oriental design, showcases the societies of Japan, China, Vietnam,
Thailand and other prominent Eastern societies. Accessories continue this dramatic style by featuring beast motifs
and mythological beasts, similar to monkeys and dragons.

Demitasse gusto jars, large vases and fish pots painted with complex patterns in multiple colors or in classic blue and
white are also fashionable in Chinese innards. Other swish particulars constantly seen are large wall showpieces,
pillars and folding defences, which depict literal characters and fabulous scenes in vibrant or striking color palettes.

It’s a replica of contemporary designs with a focus on satiny lines, remarkable shapes, and relaxing ambient
atmospheres. It’s embedded in nature attaining a Zen feel in your spaces. The innards are asymmetrical, exercising
circle rather than square shapes.

It’s also marked by window panels and sheer curtains. The panels separate spaces and enhance sequestration. The
color palettes are substantially nature-inspired and earth-toned to maintain a serene and calm vibe.

Asian countries are known for their warm weather, coastal style of living, and breezy homes with a lot of natural
elements and rattan furniture pieces. There are some interesting elements from the oriental countries that can be
used to bring a sense of mysticism and color to a home.
19. Rustic Interior Design Style
Rustic interior design is pronounced with natural traces, artificial accoutrements, and a grange charm. It’s
established from the alleviation of the Romantic Movement and focuses on the simplicity and the royal beauty of
nature. It’s not a surprise that the design is inclined to practical, clean, mannish and minimum spirit.

It’s more inclined to natural and weathered homestretches, raw wood, gravestone and leather. Since it’s grounded
on practicality, it’s common to find a fireplace as a statement piece. One can attain the look in their asked house by
incorporating raw essence decorations on the bookshelves or reading recesses.

20. Traditional Interior Design Style

The Traditional interior design takes inspiration from different styles from the 18th and 19th centuries. It is a
timeless design style and is not rooted in any specific period or era. Consistent and symmetrical, the traditional style
is not as eccentric as many other interior designs but not boring either.
The interior designer plays an important role in ensuring that the living space is interesting and makes a statement
by using design ideas from the 18th and 19th centuries with a modern twist. It is ideal for homeowners who
appreciate antiques and timeless art over eccentricity and modernism.

A traditional home usually has pieces of old world art found by homeowners with an interesting story behind them
that can make for some great conversations. Imagine the kind of character a chandelier and rug picked from flea
markets in rural Europe that have a history of over 150 years can add to a home! With vibrancy and symmetry being
the central theme of the traditional style, rich textiles and colors are used extensively. The interiors have clean
straight lines with timeless and functional furnishings.

The core idea of the traditional design style is to create a home that is inviting and warm. Most people associate with
tradition in a unique way and that’s what makes homes created with this design style intriguing and interesting.
21. Transitional Interior Design Style
An interesting juxtaposition of the traditional and contemporary interior decorating styles, the Transitional interior
design is a modern take on classic design elements. This is one of the most popular interior design styles among the
millennial generation since it balances the masculine and feminine elements aesthetically.