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Interior Design Styles: The 12 Most Popular Styles

Decorating your home can be a great experience. There’s so much to do- pick paint colours, get furniture, plan a lighting scheme, get some rugs, some cushions, a few accent pieces and so on. With so many elements at play, it’s important to plan your interior scheme with a central design theme. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular interior design styles.

The 12 Most Popular Interior Design Styles

1. Modern
2. Contemporary
3. Minimalist
4. Industrial
5. Mid-Century Modern
6. Scandinavian
7. Transitional
8. French Country
9. Bohemian
10. Rustic
11. Art Deco
12. Coastal

1. Modern

When you talk of modern interiors the reference is to clean lines, crisp geometry and a single or dual colour palette. It’s clutter-free and easy to maintain. Materials like metal, cement and glass are popular with modern home interior design styles. Some people may find this style of interiors too cool for their home. You can add personality to your space with one or two carefully selected pieces.

2. Contemporary

Contemporary interior design styles are often grouped together with modern interiors. However, there is a subtle difference. Contemporary interiors are warmer and incorporate softer silhouettes. It does not reflect a single period of time but keeps evolving. Thus, it reflects current interior trends along with features of Art Deco, minimalism, and a host of other global styles.

3. Minimalist

Not very long ago, minimalism was trending across the world. It is a stricter form of modern interior design styles. Minimalistic interiors are characterized by neutral colour palettes, simple, streamlined forms and open floor plans. Instead of adding lots of décor pieces, the style uses materials strategically to add visual interest and texture. Everything placed in the house must be functional

4. Industrial

As the name suggests, Industrial interior design styles draw inspiration from lofts and warehouses. It is characterized by raw finishes such as exposed wiring, concrete, brick and unpolished wood. Like a minimalistic home industrial interiors have open floor plans. They also have high ceilings and large windows. The colour palette is typically neutral or shades of grey with a few splashes of colour in the form of soft furnishings and wall art.

5. Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern interiors reflect the style of the mid-1900s. It’s reminiscent of the 1950s and 60s in particular. This style of interiors is characterized by fuss-free functionality with soft, sleek silhouettes and natural elements. In terms of furniture, the silhouettes preferred are organic and pared down. Pastel colour palettes as well as primary colours are very popular with this interior style.

6. Scandinavian

Scandinavian interiors celebrate the simplicity of life. The design style originated from the Nordic countries and hence the name. Each element in Scandinavian interiors is carefully thought and designed to maintain functionality without losing any of its natural beauty. Furniture can often look like a work of art with sculptural influences. The colour palette has a white base with pastel pops in the form of a single piece of furniture or soft furnishings. In terms of material think enameled aluminum, natural wood, bright plastics and steel.

7. Transitional

The transitional interior style balances a classic, traditional design sense with modern aesthetics. It’s equally masculine and feminine. It has a sense of plushness with plenty of cushions and décor pieces but also features materials like glass and steel. The colour palette is designed to be warm and calming through pastel and neutral shades. In terms of furniture, think of large, upholstered sofas with wooden trims, highly polished wood tables and lacquered finishes.

8. French Country

If you’re thinking of luxury interior design styles, there’s nothing like French country interiors. The style is warm, feminine, soft, romantic and earthy. It is highly ornamental with plenty of carved detailing on wooden furniture, ceiling medallions and wall moldings. French country interiors put materials like wood, stone and brick into the spotlight and bring in warm shades of yellow, red and gold. It uses heavy woven fabrics for linen and furnishings. In terms of décor, you may want to show off your porcelain collection.

9. Bohemian

If you’re looking for carefree and young interior design styles, the Bohemian style is ideal or you. There are few rules with Bohemian interiors and you can experiment with colours, materials and textures. It incorporates everything from vintage furniture to modern light fixtures, traditional weaves from around the world and so on. You can place rare artwork from eminent galleries alongside an armchair sourced from a thrift store. Bohemian interiors are eclectic and prioritize comfort and personal expression.

10. Rustic

As the name suggests, a rustic interior style reflects an unfinished look with natural wood and stone. Rustic interiors incorporate many elements from the outdoors. It is characterized by architectural detailing like a vaulted ceiling, exposed wooden beams and reclaimed floors. Furniture may be constructed with reclaimed wood or wrought iron. Distressed finishes and neutral colour palettes that include shades of blue and green are popular with rustic interiors. The style is intended to look effortless and easy to live with.

11. Art Deco

The Art Décor style originated in the 1920s and has been popular ever since. It is glamorous, opulent and luxurious. Forms used in such interiors are streamlined, geometric and angular with a bold style. Motifs such as the sunburst, zigzag, steps and chevrons are characteristic of this style. In terms of material think marble, highly polished wood, crystal, lacquer and metallic brass or chrome trims. Inlays are very popular too.

12. Coastal

Coastal interior design styles are relaxed and celebrate the holidays and the look of the beach on a summer morning. It’s light with a colour palette that focuses on shades of blue and white. Natural finishes wood and river stones are a prominent part of the interior style. The furniture is large, plush and invites you to sink into it.  In terms of pattern think broad stripes and bold nautical prints.

Understanding the different interior design styles ensures that all the elements complement each other and come together to form a cohesive look. Most importantly, it puts you in a better position to understand your interior designer’s vision and gives you the framework to design a home you feel happy and comfortable in. So, are you ready to start designing your home with us?