If you’ve been looking around to renovate your home, you have perhaps come across some interior design style names. And perhaps you know a thing or two about these styles and what their features look like.
In this blog post, we want to provide you with a handy and brief guide on the most popular interior design styles out there. Hopefully, this content will help you in making a better decision on your renovation.
Before we get started
Here are a few things to keep in mind on how to approach this guide.
These are brief descriptions of these styles as we try to provide you with a general understanding of what they are and what design elements they are made of. There is so much more about each of these styles that you could research and find out.
Ultimately, it’s all about finding what clicks for you, and what works with your project (based on different variables such as budget, space, etc.).
Also, don’t approach these style guides as rules. Interior design is an art. Just like any art, you get to express yourself with your choices. Get creative, and find what speaks to you.
These guidelines are there to help you get ideas. There is nothing concrete about how interior designs should look. You could mix everything up and find something entirely new.
With that being said, let’s now jump into these interior design styles.
10 most popular interior design styles for your home
To make things easy, we have decided to keep the list short. There are many interior design styles that you can find and get inspired by.
Searching online, especially on platforms like Pinterest where everything is so visual, is the greatest way to find inspiration. And when you do that you might come across many other interior design styles that may not be included in this list.
Here, we give you some of the style that you keep hearing, and you may not be sure about what exactly they are. Accompanied with a brief explanation, and some photos.
1.Minimalism
Minimalist style is a design approach characterised by simplicity, functionality, and a focus on essentials. It involves using a minimal amount of furniture, décor, and colour, often favouring clean lines, open spaces, and a clutter-free environment.
The goal is to create a sense of calm, balance, and order while highlighting key design elements and allowing them to shine. Minimalism often embraces neutral colours, natural materials, and a "less is more" philosophy.
2. Scandinavian
Scandinavian interior design is characterised by its minimalistic, functional, and cosy aesthetic. It emphasises clean lines, neutral colour palettes dominated by whites, greys, and natural wood tones.
Key elements include simple furniture with a focus on functionality, ample natural light, and a strong connection to nature through the use of organic materials like wood and stone. Textiles often feature soft, natural textures like wool and linen. The style promotes a clutter-free and uncluttered space, with an emphasis on comfort and hygge, a Danish concept of cosiness.
Overall, Scandinavian design creates a serene and harmonious atmosphere that celebrates simplicity and well-being.
3. Industrial
Industrial style is a design aesthetic inspired by factories and warehouses. It features raw, utilitarian elements like exposed brick walls, steel beams, and concrete floors.
This style often incorporates reclaimed materials, such as weathered wood and vintage machinery, adding a sense of history and authenticity. Industrial design embraces open spaces with high ceilings and large windows to maximize natural light.
The colour palette is typically muted, with shades of grey, black, and earthy tones. Furniture is functional and often showcases metal and distressed finishes. Industrial style celebrates the beauty of imperfection and creates a rugged, urban, and edgy ambiance in interiors.
4. Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern interior style, popularised in the mid-20th century, is characterised by a blend of simplicity, functionality, and sleek elegance.
It features clean lines, organic shapes, and a focus on bringing the outdoors inside through large windows and open spaces. The colour palette often includes warm, earthy tones and vibrant accents. Furniture designs from this era are iconic, with materials like wood, plastic, and metal combined for a minimalist yet comfortable look.
Mid-century modern interiors prioritise form and function, emphasising a clutter-free environment that celebrates innovative design, making it a timeless and sought-after style for many homeowners today.
5. Bohemian
Bohemian interior style, often referred to as Boho, is a free-spirited and eclectic design aesthetic. It celebrates creativity, individuality, and a relaxed, unconventional vibe.
Bohemian spaces are filled with an assortment of textures, colours, and patterns, drawing inspiration from around the world. Earthy tones are paired with vibrant hues, and textiles like rugs, tapestries, and cushions create a cosy, layered atmosphere.
Furniture is often vintage or repurposed, and plants and artwork abound. The result is a welcoming and whimsical environment that encourages self-expression and a sense of wanderlust, making bohemian style a favourite for those who embrace a carefree and diverse lifestyle.
6. Traditional
Traditional interior design style is rooted in classic and timeless aesthetics. It showcases a sense of elegance and refinement with a focus on symmetry and balance.
Rich, deep colours like burgundy, navy, and forest green are prominent, complemented by intricate patterns such as damask, floral, or paisley. Furniture features ornate detailing, dark wood finishes, and plush upholstery.
Traditional interiors often include antique pieces, chandeliers, and fine art. Cosy and inviting, this style creates a formal yet comfortable atmosphere that pays homage to historical design influences, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate timeless charm and sophistication in their homes.
7. Contemporary
Contemporary interior design is characterized by its clean, minimalist, and forward-thinking approach. It emphasises simplicity, functionality, and the use of sleek lines. Neutrals, whites, and bold accent colours are commonly employed in contemporary spaces.
Furniture pieces often feature smooth surfaces, and materials like glass, metal, and concrete are prevalent. Technology integration is a key element, with smart home features and modern appliances seamlessly incorporated.
Art and décor tend to be abstract or minimalist, and open layouts create a sense of spaciousness. Contemporary design is dynamic and ever-evolving, reflecting current trends and innovations while maintaining an uncluttered, sophisticated aesthetic.
8. Rustic
Rustic interior design embraces a warm, cosy, and natural aesthetic, inspired by rural and countryside settings. This style celebrates the use of raw, weathered materials such as reclaimed wood, stone, and exposed beams, creating a sense of rugged charm.
Earthy and muted colour palettes dominate, with warm tones like browns and deep greens. Furniture is often robust and functional, showcasing craftsmanship and imperfections.
Textiles like leather and wool add to the comfort. Rustic interiors incorporate elements like antiques, handmade décor, and nature-inspired accents. This style evokes a nostalgic, homely feel, ideal for those who appreciate the simplicity and authenticity of country living.
9. Coastal
Coastal interior design captures the relaxed, breezy ambiance of coastal living. It draws inspiration from beachfront settings, emphasising a light and airy atmosphere.
Colour palettes are dominated by soft blues, greens, and sandy neutrals, mimicking sea and shore. Furniture and décor often feature natural materials like whitewashed wood, rattan, and seagrass, creating a casual and inviting vibe.
Nautical elements like shells, ropes, and maritime-themed art add character. Large windows and open layouts maximize natural light, bringing the outdoors in. Coastal design fosters a tranquil, vacation-like feel, making it a popular choice for those seeking a peaceful and beach-inspired interior.
10. Art Deco
Art Deco interior design, originating in the 1920s and '30s, exudes glamour, luxury, and sophistication. It's marked by bold geometric shapes, intricate patterns, and opulent materials.
Art Deco spaces often feature rich colours like deep blues, golds, and blacks, along with high-contrast combinations. Furniture showcases sleek lines and symmetrical designs, with materials such as lacquered wood, mirrored surfaces, and polished metals.
Ornate detailing and lavish accents like crystal chandeliers, fur, and exotic woods create a sense of extravagance. Art Deco interiors are a celebration of the modern age's elegance, making them an enduring choice for those who appreciate artistry and refined aesthetics.