10 Top Interior Design Styles

A Guide to the Most Popular Interior Design Styles

By Interior Designer Tracy Svendsen | Published Sept. 30, 2020
Updated Nov. 12, 2023

Interior Design Styles: There are many different interior design styles, and choosing one that resonates with us as individuals can be challenging. As an interior designer, I appreciate design done well – regardless of whether it’s modern, coastal, glamorous, industrial, or farmhouse. The beauty is always in the details.

There are many different styles to choose from, each with its unique characteristics. From the eclectic and bohemian to modern and minimalist, there is a style for every taste and preference. 

Each style has distinct features and can be customized to fit your taste and lifestyle. Whether you prefer a cozy farmhouse vibe or a sleek and modern look, there is a design style that can help you create the home of your dreams.

Interior Design Styles
Image courtesy of Sean Anderson Design

1. ECLECTIC INTERIOR DESIGN

Eclectic interior design combines and matches design elements to create a unique and personalized look. It’s a style that doesn’t follow strict rules or guidelines but instead focuses on creating a space that reflects the individual’s personality and interests. 

The key to achieving an eclectic look is to blend different colors, patterns, textures, and styles in a harmonious and cohesive way. This style often features vintage and modern pieces, bold patterns, and unexpected accents.

Eclectic Interior Design | Jason Arnold Design
Image courtesy of Architectural Digest

2. MEDITERRANEAN DESIGN

Mediterranean interior design is inspired by the countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea, including Spain, Greece, and Italy. Warm colors, natural materials, and a relaxed, inviting atmosphere characterize this style. 

Mediterranean design often features rustic wood beams, wrought iron accents, and textured walls. The color palette includes earthy tones such as terracotta, warm yellows, and rich blues. 

Furniture is made of natural materials such as wood and stone, and textiles feature bold patterns and textures. With its inviting and cozy feel, Mediterranean design is perfect for creating a warm and welcoming home.

Mediterranean Interior Design
Image courtesy of Kristal Home Builders

3. MODERN GLAM DESIGN

Modern glam design features everything glamorous, from animal prints to sparkling chandeliers, classic furnishings, pretty pastels, global patterns, and alluring gold accents. It’s glam, fun, and slightly daring – these items are all spot-on for creating a space that’s ladylike with an edge.

Chic neutrals and brilliant metallics are the foundation of classic glam. It’s all about showcasing a distinct sense of self – an elegant interplay of the under and overstated. Furniture generally has sculptural lines with intricate detailing. 

Light-catching materials such as crystal, lacquer, and mirrors add sophistication, and dramatic lighting such as crystal-adorned chandeliers fill the space with elegant sparkle. This design is perfect for those drawn to marble, lacquered black and white, lucite, and gold or silver accents.

Mirrored accent furniture perfectly fits this design style and bygone influences that have traces of Old Hollywood and Art Deco. Glam design can include bold colors and daring prints.

Balance is the key to creating a successful design. Include eye-catching pieces, but incorporating too many can cause a room to feel overwhelming. You want to add enough glitz and glamour to show your personality, but at the same time, to keep it from becoming over-the-top.

Modern Glam Interior Design
Image courtesy of Atmosphere Design

4. COASTAL INTERIOR DESIGN

Coastal interior design is a style that is inspired by the beach, ocean, and other seaside elements. It’s a design style that aims to create a relaxed, casual atmosphere reflecting the coast’s natural beauty.

This style often features natural materials such as wood, rattan, linen and nautical-inspired decor like seashells, anchors, and ship wheels. The color palette is typically light and breezy, featuring shades of blue, green, and beige. 

Furniture is often white or natural wood, and fabrics are lightweight and airy. Coastal design is perfect for those who love the beach and want to bring a bit of that relaxed vibe into their homes.

Coastal Interior Design
Image courtesy of Architectural Digest

5. FARMHOUSE INTERIOR DESIGN

Farmhouse design is a style inspired by farmhouses’ rural, agricultural aesthetic. A warm and inviting atmosphere, rustic materials, and vintage accents characterize this style. 

Farmhouse design often features natural elements like wood, stone, and metal and neutral colors like beige, white, and gray. Furniture is made of reclaimed or distressed wood, and textiles are typically made of natural materials like linen and cotton. 

Decorative accents like mason jars, vintage signs, and old farming tools are standard in farmhouse design. This style is perfect for creating a cozy and welcoming home with a touch of rustic charm.

Farmhouse Interior Design
Image courtesy of Sean Anderson Design

5. COUNTRY COTTAGE DESIGN

Country cottage design is a style that is inspired by the cozy and charming cottages found in the countryside. It’s a design style that aims to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects the simplicity and comfort of country living. 

This style often features natural materials such as wood and stone and a soft palette featuring muted shades of green, blue, and yellow. Furniture is often painted in soft colors and has a vintage feel, while fabrics are comfortable and cozy, featuring floral patterns and gingham checks. 

Decorative accents like fresh flowers, wicker baskets, and antique dishes are common in country cottage design. This style creates a cozy, inviting home with rustic charm.

Country Cottage Interior Design
Image courtesy of Heidi Caillier

6. BOHEMIAN DESIGN

Bohemian interior design, also known as boho-chic, is a style that is characterized by its free-spirited, eclectic, and artistic nature. It’s a style that embraces a mix of patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique and personalized look. 

Bohemian design often features vintage and ethnic-inspired decor, such as embroidered textiles, macrame wall hangings, and colorful tapestries. The color palette is typically vibrant, featuring bold jewel tones like deep purples, rich oranges, and bright pinks. 

Furniture is often low-slung and comfortable, with many cushions and pillows for a relaxed feel. Natural materials like wood, wicker, and rattan are common in bohemian design. 

This style is perfect for those who love to travel, collect unique pieces, and express their creativity. It’s a design style that celebrates individuality and encourages a carefree and unconventional approach to decorating.

Bohemian Interior Design
Image courtesy of Real Homes

7. FRENCH COUNTRY DESIGN

The French countryside’s rustic charm inspires French Country design. This design style is about creating a warm, inviting, elegant, cozy space. It features natural materials like wood and stone and warm, earthy colors like rust, brick red, and olive green.

Furniture is often made of distressed wood and features intricate carvings and details. Textiles are typically natural, featuring patterns like stripes, checks, and florals. French Country Design is known for its attention to detail and use of antiques and vintage pieces.

This style is perfect for those who love the charm and character of the French countryside and want to bring that warmth and elegance into their homes. Whether you live in a rural farmhouse or a modern apartment, French Country design can add a touch of rustic charm and sophistication to any space.

French Country Interior Design
Image courtesy of Kara Childress

8. SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN

Scandinavian design is characterized by simplicity, functionality, and minimalism. It emerged in the 1950s in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, and it has become famous worldwide for its understated elegance. 

Scandinavian design is known for its use of natural materials like wood, leather, and wool, as well as its clean lines and neutral color palette. It often features a mix of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, resulting in timeless and functional pieces that are beautiful and practical. The style is perfect for those who appreciate a minimalist and uncluttered aesthetic.

Scandinavian Interior Design
Image courtesy of Emily Henderson Design

9. MID-CENTURY MODERN DESIGN

Mid-century modern design is a popular interior design style that emerged in the mid-20th century, roughly between the 1930s and the 1960s. This style is characterized by its clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and use of natural materials. 

It combines functionality with simplicity and focuses on form over ornamentation. Mid-century modern design often features furniture with sleek, organic shapes and bold colors. 

The color palette is typically muted, featuring shades of white, gray, and black, with pops of bright colors such as orange, yellow, and blue. This design style is perfect for those who appreciate simplicity, functionality, and modern aesthetics.

Mid-Century Modern Interior Design
Image courtesy of Luxe Source

10. TRADITIONAL DESIGN

Traditional design is a classic and timeless style that draws inspiration from the past and incorporates it into modern spaces. Elegant and sophisticated furnishings, rich colors, and ornate details characterize it. 

Traditional design often features comfortable and inviting furniture, such as wingback chairs and sofas with rolled arms. The color palette is typically warm and earthy, with deep red, navy blue, and forest green hues. 

Decorative accents such as chandeliers, mirrors, and artwork are often ornate and detailed. Traditional design is perfect for those who appreciate the warmth and elegance of the past and want to incorporate it into their modern living spaces.

Traditional-Style Interior Design | Augusta Hoffman Design
Image courtesy of Elle Decor

In conclusion, there are many different interior design styles, each with unique characteristics and features. Whether you prefer a cozy and rustic farmhouse vibe, a relaxed and beachy coastal feel, or a glamorous and modern look, there is a design style that can help you create the home of your dreams. By understanding the different design styles, you can make an informed decision and create a space that reflects your personality, taste, and lifestyle.

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