9 Popular Interior Design styles explained

design style

How would I sum up my design esthetic as an interior designer? I may use one or several of the following characteristics:

Use of texture and patterns
Use of contrast
Full range of colors including neutral tones
Boldness in terms of color and art
Geometric forms
Plants
Wood
Use of art throughout space including photos, paintings and sculptures
Brass, steel and black metal
Vintage pieces
Luxurious feel
Cozy feel

Sometimes it's difficult to define your design esthetic based on today's various design style categories. To get a broad feel for my taste take a look at these Pinterest boards:

But if we're talking about my design styles based on defined categories, they would be as follows (along with some descriptions)...

Contemporary

Contemporary style (which means “in the moment”) encompasses a range of styles developed in the latter half of the 20th century.

Characterize by:

Use of a neutral base palette with bold contrasting colors.
Use of curved lines (compared to modern design which uses straight lines
Focus is on form of decor versus function (which is what modern design does)
Smooth, clean unadorned surfaces
Simple use of patterns such as stripes & geometric for contrast
Simple, uncluttered spaces
Artistic flair
More trendy
Sofas, chairs and ottomans have exposed legs
Minimalist design approach
Use of light—especially natural light

Modern

Modern is a broad design term that doesn’t necessarily have a single definition. Modern design employs a sense of simplicity in every element, including furniture. Modernism was a rejection of the ornate flourishes of other design styles, such as Gothic, Renaissance and Victorian styles of design.

Characterize by:

Clean straight lines
Open floor plans
Lack of moldings trimming windows, doors and walls
Use of metal
Minimalistic design
Lack of clutter
Bold accent colors
Built-in shelving

Mid-Century Modern

"Midcentury modern" itself is a difficult term to define. It broadly describes architecture, furniture, and graphic design from the middle of the 20th century (roughly 1933 to 1965, though some would argue the period is specifically limited to 1947 to 1957).

Characterize by:

Clean lines, curves & smooth surfaces
Organic forms
Bold colors with neutral walls
Use of patterns and texture
Focus on Wood and brass details
Signature pieces of furniture
Rugs and throw pillows
Table and floor lamps with geometric shapes

Minimalist

The minimalist decorating style is an exercise in restraint, where space, lighting, and objects play equally important roles. This style demands you to pare down your furnishings to the bare essentials so that you're left with a set of curated objects that deliver maximum impact.

Characterize by:

Simplicity in form and function.
Uncomplicated wall finishes.
Clean, open, light-filled spaces.
Minimal decoration
Strategic use of materials for visual interest, texture, and personality.
Two to three color palette.
Simple textiles that add warmth

Scandinavian

A design movement characterized by simplicity, minimalism and functionality that emerged in the early 20th century, and subsequently flourished in the 1950s throughout the five Nordic countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland.

Characterize by:

No wall to wall carpets
Exposed wood flooring
Light muted colors
Wood, wood everywhere
Clean lines
Decluttered spaces
Minimal decor
Maximizing natural light
Greenery
Cozy textiles

Industrial

Industrial style or industrial chic refers to an aesthetic trend in interior design that takes clues from old factories and industrial spaces that in recent years have been converted to lofts and other living spaces. ... The Industrial style of design is most commonly found in urban areas including cities and lofts.

Characterize by:

Exposed pipes, ducts & brick
Wood and Metal surfaces
Vintage furniture and accessories
Use of warm and neutral tones. No bright colors.
Concrete, wood or stone floors
Free standing lights
Large comfortable furniture

Rustic

Rustic style is a design emphasis on rugged, natural beauty. It embraces nature-inspired textures, simple and earthy colors, and ultimately an unpretentious, organic warmth.

Characterize by:

Quite often rustic spaces are in natural environments such as the woods or mountains.
Use of raw natural elements, exposed wood
Wide plank wood floors
Fireplace
Wood paneled walls
White walls
Neutral color palette mixed with white
Chunky pieces of furniture
Faux animal hides
Solid fabrics
Non-shiny metal
Use of greenery
Use of textures
Mimicking nature
Woven textiles

Art Deco

Art Deco, short for Arts Décoratifs, is characterized by rich colors, bold geometry, and decadent detail work. Having reached the height of its popularity in the 1920s, '30s, and '40s, the style still brings in glamour, luxury, and order with symmetrical designs in exuberant shapes.

Characterize by:

Heavy geometric influences.
Triangular shapes.
Zigzags.
Trapezoidal shapes.
Straight and smooth lines.
Loud, vibrant, and even kitschy colors.
Streamlined and sleek forms.
Sunburst or sunrise motifs.
Exaggerated curves
Hard edges
Stepped forms
Chevron (inverted, V-shaped mark) arrangements
Ziggurat patterns
Stylized, floral patterns

Bohemian

The word 'bohemian' refers to someone who is socially unconventional and often involved in the arts, making it a great interior design option for a rich and heady space full of visual interest and a relaxed spirit.

Characterize by:

Simple base color, usually warm and earthy
Botanicals
Various different patterns
Furniture low to the ground
Distressed furnishings & decor
Not minimalistic but not hoarder-like
Use of metal & mirrors
Lots of layering
Lot’s of art

Do any of these styles resonate

with you? If so, let's talk!