So what is a design style?

An interior design style refers to the dominant aesthetic and visual qualities of a space. An interior design style is characterized by certain recurring elements, principles, colour schemes, materials, architectural details, and decorating approaches. For example, the industrial style prizes exposed pipes and brick, metal accents, and concrete floors. The Scandinavian style values simplicity, minimalism, light woods, and neutral hues.

There are many distinct interior design styles to suit different tastes. Determining your preferred interior design theme and decorating style is an important first step in creating a cohesive space.

Let us now explore 16 interior design styles

luxury interior

What is Luxury Interior Design?

Luxury interior design incorporates upscale, high-quality materials like marble and hardwoods along with fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. It aims to create a visually impressive, comfortable environment through features like crown molding, chandeliers, leather furnishings, fine art, and ornate architectural details.


Minimalist Interior

What Characterizes Minimalist Style?

A minimalist interior style focuses on clean lines, open space, visual simplicity and functionality. Geometric furnishings, monochromatic color palettes, expansive windows, and an absence of clutter and decorative items.


Industrial Interior Design

How Would You Describe Industrial style?

Industrial interior design embraces raw, utilitarian elements. Exposed brick, ductwork, concrete and metal juxtaposed with softer touches through wood, greenery and vintage-style furnishings for eclectic, urban chic interiors.


Scandinavian Interior

What Defines Scandinavian Design?

Scandinavian style values simplicity, minimalism, functionality, and natural elements. Light wood tones, neutral hues, woven textiles, abundance of light, and organic shapes within the decor. The overall aesthetic is clean, airy, and uncomplicated.


Boho Interior Design

What are the Key Features of Bohemian Interior Design?

Bohemian or “boho” style embraces vibrant colors, rich patterns and textures, antique rugs, macrame wall hangings, and an overall global traveller aesthetic. Eclectic furnishings, indoor greenery, flowers, and gallery walls create a relaxed, lived-in look.


Nautical style

What is Coastal or Nautical Interior Design All About?

Coastal interior design evokes seaside living through colors like navy blue, white, and aqua paired with weathered wood tones, netting, anchors, shells, and references to the waterfront within the decor. The overall effect is casual, breezy, and beachy.


Traditional Interior Design Style

What is Classic or Traditional Interior Design Style?

The classic interior design employs formal, elegant furniture like wingback chairs and clawfoot tubs along with ornate rugs, chandeliers, crown molding, and other fine architectural details for a refined, opulent aesthetic.


Eclectic Interior Design

What Defines Eclectic Interior Design?

Eclectic interior design freely mixes and matches styles, eras, and global influences within a space for a bold, imaginative look. Rooms feature a lively blend of patterns, textures, colors, furnishings, and art for an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink aesthetic.


Rustic Interior Design style

How Would You Describe Rustic Interior Design?

Rustic interior design embraces earthy, organic textures and materials like wood, stone, leather, and wrought iron. Design elements like exposed beams, reclaimed wood furniture, animal hides, and neutral colors evoke a sense of cozy simplicity reminiscent of the countryside.


Contemporary interior design style

What Characterizes Contemporary / Modern Interior Design?

Contemporary and modern design prizes sleek, streamlined furniture, clean lines, smooth surfaces, pops of color, geometric patterns, and an overall simple, uncluttered aesthetic for spaces with a stylish, up-to-date look.


Vintage Interior Design

What are the Hallmarks of Vintage Interior Design?

Vintage interior design mixes old and new by incorporating gently distressed antique furnishings and decorative pieces alongside contemporary elements for an eclectic, curated look rich with nostalgia.


Art Deco Interior Design

How Would You Describe Art Deco Interior Design?

Art Deco design is characterized by bold geometric patterns, rich colors, decadent materials like velvet and marble, metallic accents, and distinctive architectural details like sunburst mirrors for interiors with a glamorous, sleek aesthetic.


Japanese Interior Design

What are the Key Features of Japanese Interior Design?

Japanese interior design values simplicity, clean lines, order, and serenity through design elements like sliding screens, woven tatami mats, organic materials, and corralling clutter out of sight for tranquil, zen-like spaces.


Retro Interior Design style

What is the Essence of Retro Interior Design?

Retro interior design playfully references past decades like the 50s, 60s and 70s through kitschy furnishings, bright colors and patterns, plastic or metal geometric furniture, and pop culture artwork for fun, lively interiors.


Biophilic Interior Design

What is Biophilic Interior Design?

Biophilic design aims to connect people to nature indoors by incorporating elements like sunlight, greenery, natural materials and views or references to the outdoors to create calming, health-centred spaces.


What is Aesthetic in Interior Design?

Aesthetic in interior design refers to the overall look, style and visual character of a space based on the decorative choices made related to color, lighting, furnishings, textures, patterns and architectural details.

What is the Newest Style of Interior Design?

Some emerging new interior design styles include Japandi (mixed Japanese and Scandinavian influences), modern farmhouse, and biophilic design which connects interiors and nature. Many designers also cite eclecticism as a major ongoing trend.

What Interior Style is Trending and Popular Now?

Current popular interior design styles include industrial, modern contemporary, bohemian, and minimalism. Mixing styles in new ways is also on trend – like rustic elements in modern spaces or Scandinavian-inspired warmth in industrial rooms.

How Do I Know My Design Style?

Determining your interior design style often means looking at different rooms and aesthetics to see what you’re visually drawn to. Take note of patterns, colors, textures and features that appeal to you. This clues you into your personal style.

How Do I Choose an Interior Design Theme?

Choosing a unifying interior design theme involves thinking about your aesthetic tastes, lifestyle, hobbies, location, and home architecture. Look for a style that resonates with your personality. Additionally, ensure your choice aligns with practical space considerations.

Margaret

Margaret is a qualified architect and interior designer and the creative director of Inventive Interiors. She brings a holistic and modern approach to your design. Her wealth of diverse experience includes everything from small apartments, through hotels and restaurants to some of the most luxurious homes of exquisitely designed space worldwide.