Your new is just around the corner
Sign up for insight into the latest design trends from our newsletter
You're on the list
By signing up, you agree to receive email marketing.
DESIGN 101
Interior Design Styles
Defining a trend, space, or piece as belonging to a certain design category can help you make sense of a space and form a cohesive style. At the same time, styles are guidelines. In the end, it’s up to you to decide how you’ll furnish and decorate your home.
What Are Interior Design Styles?
Interior design styles are a lot like musical genres. You might know a country, rock, or hip-hop song when you hear it. Each genre has a unique sound and recurrent musical themes that are representative of that category. Similarly, interior design styles are defined by a signature set of visual elements that encompass it — certain color schemes or types of materials. And like music, multiple interior design styles can share overlapping qualities.
There are always trending looks and songs, but when it comes down to it, choosing the style that works for you is a matter of personal taste and preference.
Mid Century Modern
Mid century modern refers to a specific period in American style history: the 1940s to the 1970s, when elements like wood paneling, earth-toned tiles, and lounge chairs with thick cushions and tapered legs were in vogue. Think of the classic homes of architect Frank Lloyd Wright and the furniture you’d likely find there. Whether you’re decorating a mid century modern bedroom or living room, enjoy a retro, high-style look.
Coastal
Coastal style conjures visions of sunny trips to the beach. But instead of a tropical Mediterranean destination, coastal looks lean toward breezy and sandy beaches. It’s a nautical chic theme that can be recognized by its refreshing palette of blues, whites, and ocean greens, as well as woven furniture made of wicker or rattan. Coastal style tends to add a soft and serene vibe to any room or outdoor space.
Transitional
The ultimate “cross-category” design style, transitional is ideal for anyone who feels torn choosing between traditional and modern looks. This elegant remix uses distinct elements from both styles, pairing brown thatched flooring (traditional) with sleek white cabinetry and countertops (modern). From transitional living rooms to bedrooms, this timeless style offers the warmth and comfort of a classic home as well as the cool edginess of a modern home.
Contemporary
Contemporary interior design is a more streamlined take on modern style. Though it’s closely related to minimalist style, contemporary style tends to incorporate a bit more texture. It’s a clean and uncluttered style that honors your space and its unique architectural attributes. Other accent colors may be introduced through decor or artwork that provide visual interest against a neutral and monochrome color scheme.
Traditional
“Vintage” and “classic” are qualities that come to mind when considering a traditional style. This design looks to the past, but often with modern updates. Here you could incorporate high-backed dining room chairs and tapered candles, or an upholstered chair perched under an oil painting. The choice is yours. From traditional kitchens to classic bedrooms, traditional style rooms offer timeless comfort and enduring beauty.
Modern
Modern interior design is about function as well as form. Style and practicality work seamlessly so you can adore the beauty of your modern kitchen while also marveling at the effective use of space. Lines are crisp, clean, and practical in modern design. Expect solid colors and exposed metal that look minimalist and uncluttered. As for decor, keep things simple with a large statement art composed of geometric shapes or a high-end coffee table with thin metal legs and glass tops.
Rustic
Get in touch with your outdoorsy side with rustic design style, a down-to-earth look that evokes a cabin in the woods. Exposed wood is a hallmark of rustic homes, and most feature wood flooring, high beams, and pillars that tie the room together. Natural fabrics, like wool rugs and hemp throws adorn the space to give it that homey and country feel. From your bedroom to your kitchen, rustic styles add a sleek yet earthy feel to your space.
Glam
Glam home decor styles recall a particular time in history: old Hollywood. Think of tasteful gold accents and luxurious white furnishings, with neutral gray furniture that leans a bit retro — mid century modern or even all the way to traditional. A glam room might have deep, wide, and cushiony sofas like the ones you might find in a high-class Las Vegas hotel room suite. This style is all about high-power drama, so go ahead add some opulent decor like a crystal chandelier.
Other Styles
Tuscan
The Tuscan design runs parallel to traditional style, invoking old European elements. There’s an emphasis on strong, well-built materials that hark back to an era of high craftsmanship. Look for classic elements like dark-colored wood, high-backed chairs, upholstered seating, and an earthy color palette of browns and beiges that belong in a romantic vision of a rustic Italian villa.
Farmhouse
There’s a clean, inviting look to a farmhouse design that may remind you of cottage style. Neutral colors like beige, soft green, and white blend seamlessly in open and spacious rooms. For a farmhouse bedroom, incorporate thick linens with piles of pillows. As for the larger furniture like bed frames, nightstands, and dressers, look to natural reclaimed wood furniture and a color palette of light neutrals to add a touch of earthy coziness.
Bohemian
In a bohemian room, you’re ignoring the rules and creating your own. You might use elements from global design, drawing on cross-cultural traditions. The objective is to create a relaxed, open, and welcoming space that’s as unique as you are. Character and whimsy combine to create a free-spirited and earthy atmosphere. Think of a room that has an African tapestry, a stone Buddha, and ethereal sheer curtains that would please any fortune-teller.
Scandinavian
A style that emerged in the 1950s in Northern Europe, Scandinavian is a close cousin of minimalist design that puts emphasis on creating coziness within a highly functional space. The design emphasizes a lack of clutter or bold colors. Instead, it’s a peaceful look focused on neutral tones, exposed wood, and bright and airy spaces. It also indulges in high-pile rugs and comfortable textiles that really honor the “hygge” feeling of welcoming warmth.
Cottagecore
Cottagecore wants to remind you of the comfort of the cottage and a simpler way of life — without sacrificing modern amenities of civilization. This nostalgic style incorporates exposed wood, rock, and stone elements that add a bit of a raw, salt-of-the-earth vibe, but also uses plenty of comfortable furniture like deep couches, soft linen pieces, and pastel-colored designs. For a cottagecore kitchen or living room, think butcher block countertops, overstuffed couches, and soft feminine colors.
Western
If you’re into old Clint Eastwood movies, western might be just the look for you. The refined and sophisticated take on the old aesthetic maintains some of its rugged roots without looking like a caricature. This style features heavy wood furniture and well-loved leather chairs that sport an elegant patina. It’s a straightforward look with little ornamentation, but small accents like wool blankets and Old West-inspired art can complete this design.
Choose Your Ideal Interior Design Style
Interior design styles are easy ways to begin thinking about how to define your own aesthetic. Shop by style or curate your own unique look by mixing and matching pieces from different styles.