Want to learn about the different interior design styles that are ruling the roost? Check out this wide-ranging selection of décors, from Minimalist to Maximalist and everything in between.
In interior design, different styles help designers and their clients describe and discuss the particular looks or approaches they’d like to adopt in their homes or projects. These styles may evoke different eras, cultures, or places, or simply be a description of a certain color palette, atmosphere, or overall finish.
By learning about different interior design styles, you’ll be able to express your own preferences and personality in the way your home is styled. This foundational knowledge will also give you the confidence to experiment with your interiors, mix different styles together, or even break the rules completely to create evermore unique looks.
Are you ready to find out about the top 26 interior design styles? Then, read on!
- Mid Century Modern
- Minimalist
- Scandinavian
- Shabby Chic
- Bohemian
- Coastal
- Art Deco
- Modern Farmhouse
- Neo Industrial
- Maximalist
- Memphis
- Regency
- Contemporary
- Art Moderne
- Eclectic
- Farmhouse
- French Country
- Hollywood Glam
- Japandi
- Mediterranean
- Asian Décor
- Rustic
- Traditional
- Transitional
- Feng Shui
- Urban Modern
1. Mid-Century Modern
The interior design style known as Mid-Century Modern first came to prominence after World War Two, bridging the decades between 1940 and 1970. The style is defined by an emphasis on vibrant colors in wall art, paint palettes, and textiles, while furniture in this style is frequently made of natural materials. Due to resources at the time, minimalism and functionalism became central considerations of the design movement, while clean silhouettes, indoor plants, and warm wood fittings provide a distinctly Danish feel.
An example of a Mid Century Modern-style living room
2. Minimalist
The central idea behind Minimalism is “less is more”, with minimalist designers promoting the reduction of clutter and the simplification of interiors in order to promote the richness that can be found in emptiness. With elements taken from Japanese Zen Philosophy, minimalist interior designers seek to create calm, pure, and harmonious spaces. This is achieved through the use of features such as white walls, neutral color palettes, natural flooring, and the reduction of visual distractions.
An example of a Minimalist-style bedroom.
3. Scandinavian
The Scandinavian style of interior design represents a mixture of styles hailing from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland and encapsulates simplicity, functionality, and a minimalist aesthetic. The style differs from Minimalism in that it creates a warm, relaxed, and inviting feeling through the use of natural light and neutral colors, while bare arrangements and clean detailing show the prioritization of affordability over basic necessity. Frequently seen in Scandinavian-style interiors are the use of tonal textural pieces, the use of natural wood for furniture and accessories, and more industrial pieces for lights and shelving.
An example of a Scandinavian-style kitchen.
4. Shabby Chic
With a history in vintage French design, Shabby Chic speaks to a lived-in yet elegant look that incorporates country farmhouse and antique elements. Features of a shabby chic interior could include ornate gilded mirrors, white-painted floorboards, natural fabrics, distressed wooden furniture or fittings, and soft or pastel color palettes. Though accessories or furniture may appear worn or used, the overall effect of the style is timeless and romantic.
An example of a Shabby Chic-style interior.
5. Bohemian
Bohemian (also known as “Boho”) is an interior design style that marries multiple aesthetics and cultural influences to create a laid-back and miscellaneous look. Taking elements from nature and combining contrasting patterns and colors, Bohemian interiors take a maximalist approach to accessories and decoration, with fans of the style trawling vintage markets and artisan stores to find unique pieces to decorate their homes with.
An example of a Bohemian-style interior.
6. Coastal
Taking inspiration from the sea, beach, and natural landscape of the coast, Coastal interiors use vibrant neutrals, natural light, and found objects to mirror the impression of space, illumination, and calm associated with seaside living. Color palettes frequently include light blues, creams and neutrals, while furniture is also kept light, with whitewashed furniture and floorboards creating the illusion of more light and space. Shells, stones, driftwood, and glass are popular centerpieces in Coastal homes, with crisp white textiles further bolstering the feeling of freshness in the room.
An example of a Coastal-style interior.
7. Art Deco
With its roots in 1920s France, Art Deco–short for the French Arts Décoratifs– is a visual arts, architecture, and product design style that has been adopted by interior designers seeking to represent the glamor of the period in homes and interiors. Mirroring the luxury and decadence that defined the era, Art Deco evokes opulence through the use of rich textiles, bold colors, jewels, and ornate decoration, while furniture and statement centerpieces come in geometric forms and are made from luxury materials such as marble, mirrored glass, and lacquer.
An example of an Art Deco-style interior.
8. Modern Farmhouse
Modern Farmhouse is an interior design style that offers a modern twist on its more rustic cousin. It does this through the use of a less cluttered, more minimal approach combined with a pared-back and neutral color palette. Mid-century furniture and industrial elements can be incorporated to give a more contemporary feel. Exposed wood beams, vintage accent pieces, and house plants complete this modern makeover of the traditional farmhouse look.
An example of a Modern Farmhouse-style interior.
9. Neo Industrial
Interiors designed in a Neo Industrial style offer a fresh take on increasingly popular factory-inspired interiors. The look champions the aesthetic pleasure of raw and unprocessed materials while celebrating the marriage of form and function to create beautiful yet liveable interiors. Elements that you might expect to see in a Neo-Industrial style interior include exposed brickwork, concrete, steel, and wood, with the imperfections and natural textures of these materials highlighted throughout the space.
An example of a Neo Industrial-style interior.
10. Maximalist
Maximalist interior design rejoices in a “more is more” philosophy. Embracing layers of bright colors, clashing patterns, contrasting textures, and eclectic collections of artwork, the aim of maximalist is to showcase the personality of the homeowner in a carefully curated, and sometimes chaotic, display. Due to the value placed on the individual tastes of the homeowner, each Maximalist style interior will be unique to the person designing it. A good rule of thumb is to aim for bright prints, and lots of contrast, and to place your unique finds and treasured positions at the center of each room.
An example of a Maximalist-style interior.
11. Memphis
A playful take on postmodernism, graphic patterns, bold color palettes, and square tiles feature heavily in Memphis-style interior design. Coming to the fore in the 1980s, the style encourages the use of geometric shapes and mismatching decor. Items that are generally associated with the look include the iconic Ultrafragola mirror or the Carlton bookcase. More modern takes on the Memphis aesthetic champion the incorporation of arches, curves, shapes, neon, and color into the room, while extravagant house plants feature heavily both in new and older versions of the trend.
An example of a Memphis-style interior.
12. Regency
Regency style speaks to opulence and grandeur with touches of the exotic thrown in as a nod to overseas adventures. Animal masks used as decor elicit a flamboyant feel, while key pieces include heavy drapes, high-backed chairs, chandeliers, and gilded mirrors. Materials favored by this style include dark, heavy woods such as mahogany or rosewood, and brass inlays, while chair legs are typically designed to be column-, concave-, or X-shaped.
An example of a Regency-style interior.
13. Contemporary
The Contemporary interior design style refers to what is in fashion right now–a unique blend of subtlety and sophistication. Contemporary interiors generally include minimal elements combined with high-tech details, with room layouts that are more streamlined than typically modern interiors. Designers who favor this style tend to focus on craftsmanship, textiles, and a color palette comprising black, white, and neutral tones, while the goal of the design is to make the most of each individual environment and optimize functionality.
An example of a Contemporary-style interior.
14. Art Moderne
Art Moderne, also known as American Modern or Modernist, is all about bold design. Hailing from the US in the 1930s, striking patterns, clear lines, bright colors, and simple, geometric shapes dominate homes decorated in this style. Designers with a preference for Art Moderne produce an aesthetic that is less cluttered and more functionality-oriented than the Art Deco interior design style; the Art Moderne movement is generally considered to be a more contemporary take on traditional interior design principles.
An example of an Art Moderne-style interior.
15. Eclectic
Homes which seek to champion the Eclectic interior design style typically incorporate elements from a range of different design approaches into one setting. Drawing inspiration from both contemporary and traditional interiors, the aesthetic brings together a mixture of furniture and accessory styles while wallpaper and textile choices which exhibit clashing colors and mismatched patterns are actively encouraged.
An example of an Eclectic-style interior.
16. Farmhouse
Interiors designed with the Farmhouse style in mind are defined by the use of wood elements in furniture, floorboards, and accessories, while white and cream tones for walls and textiles give a room a fresh, outdoorsy feel. The most recognisable element of the Farmhouse style of interior is the incorporation of distressed furniture. This is furniture that has been painted and then purposefully sanded down to give a more lived-in look. In general, Farmhouse-style interiors prioritize practicality and comfort over striking design choices, while soft, light furnishings and neutral-colored rugs are also popular additions to a Farmhouse-style room.
An example of a Farmhouse-style interior.
17. French Country
French Country is an interior design style inspired by the homes of the French countryside that is recognisable by the combination of comfortable and elegant pieces such as rustic antiques and upholstered chairs. Simple yet graceful wooden décor or objects, such as chests, side tables, and mantelpieces are popular choices when adopting this style, with cozy, vintage rugs and cushions used to increase comfort and soften silhouettes.
An example of a French Country-style interior.
18. Hollywood Glam
Combining elements of Art Deco and Mid Century Modern, Hollywood Glam is the ideal choice for those pining for more glamor in their daily lives. This decor choice brings together rich fabrics such as velvet, silk, and satin, lacquered finishes, fresh color palettes, mirrored surfaces, and even crystal accents, paying homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood. Other defining characteristics might include plush duvet covers, upholstered headboards, and bold, timeless patterns.
An example of a Hollywood Glam-style interior.
19. Japandi
Dominated by calming, neutral tones such as beiges, grays, taupes, and creams, Japandi fuses Japanese and Scandinavian minimalist interior design styles to create serene, balanced, and harmonious spaces. Natural elements, such as woods and clays, are popular choices for Japandi accent pieces like vases, mugs, or pots, while black accents are sometimes used to create contrast. Clean lines and a focus on simplicity make Japandi an ideal choice for those with busy lives looking for a tranquil space to come home to.
An example of a Japandi-style interior.
20. Mediterranean
Mediterranean-style interior design channels the aesthetics rooted in coastal Mediterranean living, most notably the interior design choices associated with Southern European countries such as Spain, Greece, and Italy. Natural finishes, large views of the outdoors, exposed beams, and a neutral or white color palette are common in these parts of the world, as is a focus on indoor-outdoor living. Allowing the maximum amount of light to enter the room is typical for Mediterranean homes, combined with the intent to create large communal spaces for gatherings of family and friends.
An example of a Mediterranean-style interior.
21. Asian Décor
Sometimes referred to as Oriental interior design, Asian Décor brings together design concepts from countries such as China, Thailand, Japan, and Malaysia. While Asian Décor will vary depending on which country the interior designer is channeling, the creation of tranquil spaces is a common theme to all interiors that come under this banner. An earth-tone color palette, the incorporation of natural materials into the space, and floral and nature-inspired motifs are also popular elements found in Asian Décor.
An example of an Asian Décor-style interior.
22. Rustic
Rustic interior design is a broad term used to incorporate a range of interior design styles, such as Coastal, Farmhouse, and Tuscan, to name a few. Rugged, natural beauty is valued in Rustic homes, with exposed wood or brick and stone centerpieces commonly seen. Those hoping to create a Rustic interior in their own home should seek to incorporate features that highlight and emphasize the structure of the building while using light and glass to draw connections between outdoors and indoors.
An example of a Rustic-style interior.
23. Traditional
The Traditional style of home décor has its roots in 18th and 19th century Europe and is based on conventional ideas from that time of how a room should look. Despite hailing from a specific time period, Traditional interiors seek to exhibit a timeless elegance that combines warm tones and cozy fabrics with classic choices of furniture and furnishings. Rooms are typically designed to be functional and family-friendly, with familiar, comfortable pieces prioritized over what’s currently in fashion. Dark wood finishes and neutral color palettes are also popular choices in Traditional interior design.
An example of a Traditional-style interior.
24. Transitional
A merging together of two distinct interior design styles–Traditional and Minimalist–the Transitional interior design style first began to appear in homes around the middle of the 20th century as a softer alternative to embellished Traditional homes and stark Minimalist designs. While Transitional design can be loosely interpreted, elements that frequently occur include neutral color palettes, pops of colors in accessories, textiles, or artwork, statement lighting, and furniture that combines both curved and straight lines.
An example of a Transitional-style interior.
25. Feng Shui
More than just a décor choice, Feng Shui is the combination of engineering, interior design, and astronomy principles to create a positive impact. Literally translating to “wind and water”, it embodies the Chinese practice of controlling flow of energy around the home. Those who practice Feng Shui focus on how the manipulation of wind and water–two primary sources of energy–can affect different areas of the homeowner’s or resident’s life. Commonly incorporated elements include decluttering spaces, experimenting with color and its effect on mood, sounds created using metal, wood, or clay (such as wind chimes), natural light, house plants, and the placement of treasured objects in key positions around the home.
An example of a Feng Shui-style interior.
26. Urban Modern
Urban Modern is a popular interior design choice for many apartment dwellers thanks to its mixture of contemporary and industrial elements cushioned by warmer tones and soft furnishings. Minimal yet comfortable features might include plush fabrications or fluffy rugs, while large windows and steel-framed shelves give a nod to more factory-inspired settings.
An example of an Urban Modern-style interior.
Conclusion
We hope our rundown of these interior design styles has given you some food for thought. Whether you’re planning a full redesign of your home, or you’re just looking to freshen up one room, these approaches should provide plenty of inspiration and new ideas for colors, accessories, textiles, and furniture.
If you’d like to learn more about interior design, from India’s most popular designers to the fundamental principles and processes of the practice, check out our other interior design articles over on our blog.
You can also take a look at AND learner Pawanjot Singh’s Residential Interior Design project to see how certain styles of interior design translate into practice.
Next Steps
Ready to get started with interior design? Here are some additional resources you can consider:
- Watch this session by Snehanshu Mukherjee, Founding Partner at T.E.A.M and Mansi Almadi, an Interior Designer at Studio Lotus
- Talk to a course advisor to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.
- Check out our Interior Design courses - all courses are taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts.
- Take advantage of our scholarship and funding options to overcome any financial hurdle on the path of your career transformation.
Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.
