When deciding to design or redesign a space, it can get pretty tough when deciding what style you want to base your design around. In the world of interior design, there are quite a few different design styles that have their own character and personality, all allowing you to get creative to build your dream space.
From classic to contemporary, coastal to mid-century modern, in this post we'll cover 10 main interior design styles to help you decide which one is for you. Settling on a design style is the no.1 method in creating a cohesive, inviting space:
Industrial
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Inspired by the raw, exposed aesthetic of warehouses, factories and other industrial spaces, this style captures the visual impact of exposed materials, structural elements and the implementation of rustic and modern elements. Similar to mid-century modern spaces, focusing on minimal functionality is key.
Keeping things exposed wherever you can is the best way to push the industrial feel. Exposed brick walls, metal beams and adding in raw materials will transform your space into a minimal, calm space. Using clean lines can add to the modern element of your space, whilst helping out with the overall cohesive. By using raw materials as main design elements, taking inspiration from rustic interiors, adding in warmer natural materials like wood can make your space more inviting, whilst maintaining the raw, industrial feel.
An open planned design will also help you create the best industrial space as it's one of the essentials to a minimal space. Keeping things airy will also allow the different materials to come through, creating more visual interest. Industrial-inspired light fixtures can also be both complementary the space's style whilst perfectly lighting the space.
Conventions of the Industrial Style:
Exposing brick walls, concrete floors and metal accents
Utilisation of raw, unfinished materials
Contrast between rough textures and sleek, modern elements
Incorporation of salvaged/repurposed items
Emphasis on open plan living and high ceilings
Mid-Century Modern
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The mid-century modern style is characterised by clean lines and graphic design elements. Incorporating these elements into each aspect of your space is key to deciding how effective your space is, from your light fixtures to your furniture to your wall art.
What's super important with mid-century modern spaces is the functionality of them. Minimalism is another staple point of this style, so make sure the main pieces you choose for the space have a purpose! By keeping it minimal and functional, it gives your more opportunities to get creative with some organic forms and geometric accents.
Focusing on using natural materials for your primary textures will help create warm atmosphere whilst using a less amount of furniture. The neutral, earthy colours create the ideal contrast for some bold coloured accents, through decor and wall art.
Conventions of the Mid-Century Modern Style:
Include organic, geometric shapes in your furniture and decor
Use of warm, earthy colours with natural wood tones
Integration of traditional and contemporary elements.
Emphasis on functionality without sacrificing comfort.
Bold, statement-making accents
Traditional
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If you're looking to create a classic, elegant space, the traditional style is the way to go. Inspired by historical design periods such as the Renaissance and Georgian eras, the style is full of timeless pieces that emphasise ornate detailing, symmetry and refinement.
The main element of traditional spaces that creates the warmth and sophistication their known for is the deep, rich colour palette. Using colours like burgundy, navy, forest green along with gold accents are the most popular (and effective) colour choice, evoking the most elegance compared to other shades. Alongside your walls, adding these colours to luxurious fabrics like velvet can add an extra touch of shine and texture.
When it comes to the accents and decorative pieces, there a few different staples that the traditional style has. Intricate woodwork, decorative carvings along with embellishments like tassels and trims will add to the elegance the colour palette creates. Along with the use of gold, using other metal finishes can also complement your space, but won't add as much of a rich feel.
Conventions of the Traditional Style:
Ornate detailing and intricate designs in your furniture/decor
A rich, warm colour palette with deep hues
Symmetry and balance in furniture arrangement
Luxury fabrics like velvet and silk
Elegant and classic accessories, like chandeliers and ornamental mirrors
Coastal
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The coastal style, also known as the nautical style is the perfect choice if you're looking to create a relaxed, breezy atmosphere. By embracing natural elements, light colours and soft furnishings, you can't help but create a serene, inviting space.
The key to creating the most effective coastal space possible is using a light, neutral colour palette. Whites, beiges, creams, soft blues and greens will all perfectly incorporate the best elements of the coast in your home, creating a relaxing space. Pairing these colours with natural materials is the best way to add texture whilst blending in with your palette, for example rattan, bamboo, jute and reclaimed wood will all to the coastal feel.
To maximise all of the coastal elements you decide to use is through natural light. What makes the light colours and natural materials look so good outside is because of how much sunlight that get, so why not bring that inside? keeping your windows clear and opting for light curtains/blinds made from linen for example is the best way to let the light in, without sacrificing any privacy.
Conventions of the Coastal Style:
A light, airy colour palette inspired by the beach and ocean
Use of natural materials like wicker, rattan, linen and jute
Incorporation of nautical elements like seashells and driftwood
Comfortable, minimal furniture to create a breezy and relaxed atmosphere
Emphasis on natural light and expansive views
Contemporary
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The best way to capture the theme of minimalism is through following the contemporary design style. Characterised by clean lines and simplicity, it's the best way to incorporate present interior design trends through modern elements and innovative materials.
Out of all the main design styles, contemporary spaces takes the most inspiration from other styles. Contemporary spaces tend to focus on minimalism, with sleek and streamlined designs, sharing a lot of similarities with the industrial style. The colour palette tends to be neutral in these spaces, ideal for creating the minimal vibe.
Contemporary designs also value functionality and practicality. Furniture and decor should always have a purpose, keeping it as decluttered as possible. Opting for an open planned design will always help with keeping things decluttered. For accents, using innovative materials such as glass metal and concrete to add some minimal visual interest, perfect for contemporary spaces.
Conventions of the Contemporary Style:
Clean lines and a minimalistic approach
Neutral colour palette with occasional pops of bolder colours
Use of natural materials like glass, metal and concrete
Open floor plans with seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces
Incorporation of sleek and streamlined finishes
Scandinavian
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The Scandinavian design style is another style that embraces minimalism to create a calm, relaxing space. However, this design style does give more space to include more features than other styles, using different colours, materials and textiles throughout. This allows for a cozy inviting space whilst keeping things fairly simple.
The key to unlocking the Scandi style's potential is through a neutral colour palette in all areas. Using shades of white, beige and grey as your primary shades will never fail to give you a light, free flowing space. Another staple of the style is the use of all different natural materials like wood, leather, wool and linen. Opting for lighter finishes for these materials can help blend the whole space together, adding the the open, minimal feel.
A super effective way to use some of these materials is through different types of textiles, from soft blankets to plush rugs to textured cushions. All of these decor pieces can add so much texture to your space, alongside warm and coziness. Be sure to not fill your space with different pieces, as functionality is another key element of the design style.
To truly make the most out of all of these elements, putting an emphasis on natural light can complete the calm feel of your space. Natural light can highlight all the different colours and textures whilst blending them all together in the most cohesive way possible.
Conventions of the Scandinavian style:
Minimalistic approach with clean lines and clutter-free spaces
Use of light, neutral colors along with natural light to create a bright and airy atmosphere
Emphasis on functionality and practicality in furniture design
Incorporation of natural materials such as wood, leather and linen
Simple, unadorned accessories and decor
Bohemian
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The Bohemian design style, also known as Boho, is the deal choice if you're looking to let your colourful creativity run wild. Taking inspiration from around the world, bohemian spaces focus on rich colours, and abundance of textures, all creating a unique, vibrant space. There is endless opportunity with this style for you to create a space that is yours and yours only.
When it comes to your colour palette, going for vibrancy will be the best way to embrace the bohemian style. Applying vibrant colours like deep red, royal blue and earthy oranges to your furniture and decor pieces will be the bets way to make the colours stand out more, compared to painting your walls with them. Using things like terracotta will allow the furniture and decor to stand out whilst complementing them perfectly.
Taking inspiration from all different countries around the world is another key element of bohemian interiors, giving you different styles and textures to layer with each other. Moroccan tiles and Indian textiles are two super popular ways that designers incorporate different cultures into one space.
Conventions of the Bohemian style:
An eclectic, free-spirited mix of colors, patterns and textures
Layered textiles such as rugs, pillows and tapestries
Global, cultural influences in decor and accessories
Emphasis on individuality and personal expression
Incorporation of vintage and handmade items
Farmhouse
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If you're looking to create the ultimate country feel in your home, following the farmhouse design style will never fail to give you that rustic charm of rural farmhouses. Blending traditional elements with a touch of modernity, farmhouse style homes are some of the most warm inviting spaces you'll find.
To fully embrace the farmhouse style, putting your focus oin incorporating natural materials throughout your space is key. The colours and textures create the warmth that makes the farmhouse style so inviting, whilst keeping the nature-inspired feel of the farmlands indoors. Using wood, stone, wrought iron and even exposed brick are some of the best primary ways to use these materials, whilst materials like wool and leather are perfect for decorative pieces like cushions and blankets.
Keeping on the topic of decor pieces, using farmhouse inspired fixtures like bridge faucets, metal light fixtures and farmhouse sinks can capture the spirit of the design the best. Looking for farmhouse inspired antique pieces will also slot straight into your space, especially with a worn finish and expert craftmanship.
Conventions of the Farmhouse style:
Rustic and cozy atmosphere with distressed finishes
Neutral color palette with muted and earthy tones
Use of natural materials like wood, stone and wrought iron
Vintage or antique furniture and decor pieces
Incorporation of farmhouse-inspired accents like barn doors and farmhouse sinks
Eclectic
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The ecletic style is all about combining different elements from various design periods, capturing the different design cultures that shaped interior design as we know it. By combining all these different styles, you'll create one of the most visually interesting spaces, filled with your own personality.
One of the bets ways to showcase these different styles is through your furntire choices. Mixing and matching pieces from different periods can not only create the most eclectic space possible, but add so much visual interest and creativity into a space. Adding some unique cushions and/throws in various styles are perfect to top it off.
Due to there being so many different styles to choose from, eclectic spaces tend to include as many different decor pieces without things getting overbearing. Adding in vintage clocks, unique wall hangings and some personal momentos are perfect for completing your eclectic space.
Conventions of the Eclectic style:
Embrace the freedom to mix and match different design styles, combining traditional, modern, vintage and other elements
Use a bold, vibrant color palette to bring energy and visual interest to the space
Layer various patterns along with textures to create depth and visual intrigue
Incorporate eye-catching statement pieces that become focal points in the room
Display an eclectic mix of artwork, sculptures, and decorative accessories that reflect personal tastes and interests
Transitional
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The transitional style is the ideal way for you to blend traditional design features with the contemporary style, creating a timeless and balanced aesthetic. Combining the warmth and elegance of the traditional style with the simplicity of the contemporary style will provide you with the perfect opportunity to combine warmth with minimalism.
There are some aspects that both the design styles share, like applying a neutral colour palette to your space. Beiges, creams and taupes are the perfect colours to create a seamless transition between the two styles, allowing for furniture and decorative pieces to flourish together.
Focusing on using ambient lighting is another way to capture the essence of both styles, creating a cozy yet moody atmosphere. Using accent lighting can also be super effective in these spaces, especially if you have certain zones that are blocked off by main light sources.
Conventions of the Transitional style:
Blending of traditional and contemporary elements
Neutral color palette with a mix of warm and cool tones
Use of textured fabrics and subtle patterns
Balanced and harmonious furniture arrangements
Incorporation of both classic and modern accessories and decor
When it comes to finding the perfect interior design style for you, there's quite a few different things to consider. Whether you want a chilled, relaxing space or a home filled with colour and culture, we hope that you have all the information you need to settle on what style is for you.
If you like the sound of a few different styles, finding a balance between them using different zones and rooms in your home can lead to the most personal, reflective home for you to settle into. Don't be afraid to experiment!