Need help deciding what home design style is right for you? Check out this list of 21 prominent Interior Design Styles.
This post will define 21 of the most popular Interior Design Styles.
Interior design doesn’t have to be complicated, but with so many styles trending, it can get confusing to discern which are the most relevant. The 21 interior design styles discussed in this list were determined in popularity by the most exclusive design experts.
If you’re looking to add a new style to your home or even redecorate a small bedroom, this list will help. The breakdown will define 21 of the most popular types and a few tips on incorporating each one into your home.
I’ll discuss each interior design style in depth so you can create your unique look. You may find you have more than one preference. And that’s more than okay!
There are many ways to combine core design styles to create a one-of-a-kind statement. For example, if your home is primarily farmhouse decor, you can include modern organic touches to freshen up the design method. Let’s jump into the list so you can start refreshing or redecorating your home today!
21 Popular Interior Design Styles For Your Home
1. Modern
Modern style is one of the most popular interior design themes.
A Modern Decor style is clean, clutter-free, and streamlined. Furniture is usually long and lowered to the ground with no ornamentation.
Bright natural lighting and an open floor plan are conducive to this style with straight solid lines. Neutral and monochromatic color schemes round up this modern look with touches of metal and glass.
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2. Contemporary Interior Design Style
The ultimate interior design style for a small or large house.
A contemporary design style is often confused with Modern because of their similar definitions, but the two are very different. While Modern is based on a design from the early 20th century, contemporary style is ever-evolving with more character. It’s focused on the here and now, usually cashing in on the latest design trends.
Pops of black and neutrals often define a contemporary style room, with smooth and bare flooring, and bold furniture. Geometric throw pillows can add texture and pops of color. When embracing this style, be prepared to adjust to slight shifts as design trends evolve.
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3. Traditional
A historical interior design style that’s predictable but not boring.
A home designed with a traditional aesthetic is warm, rich, and timeless. This design came into popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries and usually ranks high in design choices.
It uses rich colors like red, green, gold, brown, and blue while usually combined with darker wood finishes. Symmetry and consistency are essential for this design, so you must think in pairs. For example, two matching chairs, two matching end tables, or a pair of matching lamps will help define this style in the home.
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4. Transitional Interior Design Style
A relaxed and classic design with a neutral palette.
Where traditional design tends to be warm and heavy, the transitional design style is light, airy, and more relaxed. Dating back to the 1950s you can think of this style as a middle ground between traditional and modern, with contemporary thrown into the mix.
Accessories are pared back, and colors are neutral, with small colorful pops displayed in accent pieces. There are more open spaces, and as a result, this style can feel more current and serene while blending in classic and timeless elements.
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5. Mid-Century Modern
A top 10 interior design style.
The mid-20th century (approximately 1945-1969) brought on the Mid-Century Modern design craze, which moved away from ornate interiors. Clean straight lines highlight this fun yet simple, functional decor.
Choose your pieces thoughtfully and include a bar cart and a sunburst mirror, which are trademarks of this design. Keep your colors neutral and perhaps add some muted or pastels as color accents. Allow teak wood, metal, and glass to accent the room.
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6. Minimalist Style
Simple beauty defines minimalist interiors.
The early ’90s brought about minimalist design into homes. Like the modern decor, keep this serene style simple, and remember, LESS IS MORE.
The furniture should be minimal yet functional and add value to the area while letting the architecture or view shine. Black and white, creams, gray, and monochromatic colors work well with this clean, uncluttered design aesthetic.
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7. Industrial
A classic interior design theme.
Industrial interior design has a neutral color palette based on natural lighting and architectural details. Incorporate cozy hygge vibes to tame the cold contrast often associated with this style.
Play up any one or ALL features if your home has exposed brick, industrial pipes, beams, or concrete floors. Reclaimed wood for tables and bare light bulbs are huge nods for this style.
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8. Scandinavian Interior Design Style
An international interior trend.
The Scandinavian design originated in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Norway in the early 20th century. By the 1950s it was known around the world.
Today it reigns as one of the most sought-after contemporary methods. Most Scandinavian home styles are minimalistic and simple, using light woods like ash and beech. Colors are soothing Nordic shades of white and gray with muted blues and green hues.
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9. Modern Farmhouse
Interior house design styles combined.
Remember, combining interior styles and making them specific to your taste is perfectly acceptable. Modern farmhouse design is only one of the many combinations that have become popular.
So, let’s break down this dichotomy. The farmhouse style is often rustic, while the modern aesthetic can be cold. Combine these two designs, and get an elegant yet warm and classy feel. Reclaimed wood mixed with sleek marbles and lots of black and white with a wide-open floor plan adds to this decor.
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10. Eclectic
A colorful interior design style.
What happens when you LOVE many different interior styles? No worries, there’s a solution. Introducing eclectic design!
Several favorite furnishings with a standard color scheme define this eclectic style. This design aesthetic is all about bringing out your unique personality while combining the best of everything.
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11. Bohemian Interior Design Style
Express yourself with a colorful boho design or stick with neutrals.
Colorful and full of personality, a bohemian interior design is laid-back, fun, and follows no rules. If you want your boho look to be modern, cut back on the color and use more neutrals.
Pile on the throw pillows and layer with textures regardless of your colors. Use rattan, wood, lots of plants, and a few vintage pieces, and don’t forget the rugs!
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12. Shabby Chic Design
A modern vintage style that incorporates old and new.
Shabby Chic home decor is a blend of vintage and organic materials like jute. The style is eternal, and the colors are a nice mix of cream, white, pink, and gray. Using blues will modernize this look.
Florals and ruffles, sheers, and natural lighting work well with this soft design. Antique lamps or chandeliers complete this decor look.
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13. Coastal
An American classic interior design style.
DO NOT mistake coastal design for a cheesy nautical look. The coastal style is classy, calm, and beachy chic.
Neutral color tones with small touches of blues, greens, corals, and yellows set the stage for this resort-setting design. Natural pieces like driftwood, a jar of seashells, and light linens finish this look.
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14. Hollywood Regency Glam
A trending interior design style.
Hollywood Glam, also known as Hollywood Regency, is a glitzy design style that emerged in the 1930s in Hollywood, California. It represents the Golden Age of cinema and emulates big-screen stars’ homes decorated with over-the-top luxury.
With velvet currently trending, it’s easy to decorate your home or apartment with this glamorous design. Throw in some crystal chandeliers, marble, and shiny accessories, and you’ll be ready to roll out the red carpet.
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15. Southwestern Interior Design
A vibrant and historic style.
Southwestern design is influenced by the 18th and 19th centuries, but it doesn’t have to stay there! Bring in some updated furniture styles and on-trend accent pieces. Picture it classy and elevated while organically glamorous.
Start with warm color tones, and don’t forget the muted colors of a desert sunset as accents. Keep your eyes peeled for longhorn accessories, cacti, succulents, cowhide, and Mohave prints. Pull this design together with some tribal patterns in rugs and pillows.
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16. Rustic Design
A natural and organic interior design style.
Whether you’re looking for a total commitment to rustic design or just trying to warm up a cold, sterile corner, the rustic aesthetic has a little something for everyone. It’s comfortable and inviting with pops of organic elements.
Rustic style includes neutral colors, reclaimed wood furniture, and wood beams. Picture beautiful cutting boards in different shades of wood for the kitchen, propped up against a pristine marble backsplash. A wood sculpture in the connecting room with layers of textiles (think area rugs) would compliment the rustic design.
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17. French Country Interior Design Style
Moving towards French contemporary.
French country design, also known as provincial style, is welcoming and casual yet refined and elegant. It draws its inspiration from the French countryside with plenty of European elegance. Faux finishes and ornate curves are part of the charm of this aesthetic.
If you like the sophistication of the style but want a more updated look, check out the new line from Restoration Hardware dubbed French Contemporary. There you’ll find a sleeker, more modern look with less curvature.
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18. Mediterranean Interior Design
A contemporary interior design style with vibrant flair.
Originating in the 1920s from southern European countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, this design aesthetic takes after beautiful Mediterranean villas. Sometimes the simple, elegant style has Greek, Italian, and Spanish influences.
Mediterranean colors are drawn from nature, so you’ll find blues, olive greens, clay reds, and golden yellows in this style. This timeless design is beautiful with lots of character and more contemporary furnishings will add an update.
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19. Art Deco Interior Design Styles
Where traditional style meets luxury and glam.
Art Deco design first appeared in France before World War 1. This style was the epitome of luxury and glamour but became more subdued during the Great Depression. Falling out of favor in the 1950s, it now has a resurgence.
Chevron patterns, expensive fabrics like velvet, and bright, bold colors paired with creams and beiges define this style. This is an excellent aesthetic to check out if you want to update but keep a traditional design. Start with a large art deco mirror and some modern lighting to quickly achieve this look.
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20. Asian Zen
A contemporary minimalist interior design style.
Asian Zen interior design is about simplicity and openness. Sightlines are not obstructed, which keeps the energy flowing. This design is all about tranquility, harmony, and balance.
Colors should be light and monochromatic while bringing nature into the home. Bamboo, snake grass, rocks, pebbles, and a water feature are organic and will help you relax.
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21. Scandifornian
A unique interior design style where Scandinavia meets Cali.
When the cold Nordic meets sunny California, what style do you get? Say hello to Scandifornian design. Scandinavian minimalism paired with the fun and warmth of California results in the perfect balance.
Textured neutrals and patterns are thrown on a white foundation with light woods. Mix in some Mid-Century details and a little boho, and you’ve achieved a cozy, clean, sophisticated space.
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FAQs For Interior Design Styles
Is there an interior design styles quiz I can take?
Yes! If you need help figuring out what design style is best for you, check out this quiz here.
What are the 6 or is it 7 types of key principles in interior design?
According to the experts, there are 6 basic principles of interior design: balance, rhythm, harmony, emphasis, and proportion and scale. Check out more details here.
Will these 21 interior design styles work for a small house?
Absolutely! These popular styles will even work for apartment aesthetics.
Is this list of popular interior design styles relevant in 2022?
Yes! According to interior design experts, this list was relevant in 2021 too, and these styles aren’t changing any time soon.
Can I decorate my apartment with these interior design styles?
Of course! These popular interior design styles can work for an apartment or even a small bedroom.
Are any of these interior design styles colorful?
Yes, several of these interior design styles incorporate vibrant colors. Check out Art Deco, Mediterranean, Southwestern, Hollywood Regency, and Eclectic design.
What are the top 10 interior design styles?
There isn’t a list that states the top 10 “official” design styles, but you can make your own opinion after reading this article based on your likes and design interests.
Is there any history behind these different interior design styles?
Yes! Each design method has a bit of history behind how it became relevant, depending on the period it originated.
What are the most relevant modern interior design styles?
Contemporary, Farmhouse modern, Scandinavian, and Minimalist designs are the most relevant modern styles currently trending.
Can I decorate a living room with these interior design styles?
Of course! Remember, styles can intertwine, so don’t worry about mixing up designs in different parts of your home. Focus on what feels right to you.
How can I redecorate my bedroom with these interior design styles?
Just pick out a style that resonates with you from this list and start incorporating some new pieces into your bedroom. A new bedspread, area rug, and lighting can instantly transform a room. Check out this article on bedroom aesthetics for a quick refresh.
How many types of interior design styles are there?
After extensive research, I have yet to see an exact number listed by design experts. If that changes, I’ll keep you posted!
Final Thoughts On 21 Popular Interior Design Styles For Your Home
I hope this article clearly defined what it means to decorate with 21 of the most popular interior design styles. It’s important to remember that design doesn’t have to follow strict guidelines. It’s all about decorating your home to feel best for you and your family. If that means mixing styles, then do it!
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