Popular Interior Design Styles: 40 Ideas to Transform Your Home

Home decorating styles are ever-evolving. Some classic types of interior designs, like mid-century modern, traditional, and art deco, are timeless. But other home decor styles come and go as trends change.

If you’re unsure of what styles of home decorating you like, use these interior design explanations to pinpoint what you love and what you don’t. Each type of home style decoration has a different look and suits different lifestyles.

Interior Design Styles Grapchic

Interior Design Styles, Explained

Here’s a look at 40 top interior design styles, their origins, and what makes each different.


1. Art Deco

Art deco

Art Deco originated in Paris in the early 1900s and is one of the first international styles, making a splash across the globe. It focuses on quality craftsmanship and luxe details. 

Common characteristics of art deco interior design include:

  • Bold colors
  • The use of steel, gold, and mirrored decor
  • Geometric shapes
  • Streamlined furniture
  • Fabrics such as velvet, leather, shark skin, and zebra skin

Art Deco captures the glamor of the 1920s. You can still find this interior design style in many buildings and homes worldwide.


2. Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau
Reddit

Art Nouveau was popular in Europe and the United States from 1890 to 1910. It’s an architectural and interior design style known for its floral motifs, arches and curves, and stained glass windows. 

Common characteristics of art nouveau interior design:

  • Lots of arched and curved elements
  • Stained glass
  • Feminine shapes
  • Embellishments, often plant-shaped
  • The use of mosaics

Art Nouveau is a sophisticated design that can be hard to recreate. Decor elements of this style are elaborate, with an aristocratic feel.


3. Arts and Crafts

Interior Design Styles Grapchic
period-homes

The Arts and Crafts movement started during the Industrial age and is a famous architecture and interior design style. At its origin, it was a revolt against mass manufacturing and a return to quality craftsmanship.

Common characteristics of arts and crafts interior design:

  • Built-in bookcases, furniture, and shelving
  • Dark-stained wood
  • Earth-toned decor and walls
  • Hardwood floors
  • Fireplaces as focal points

Arts and crafts interiors incorporate natural materials and nature-inspired motifs.


4. Bauhaus

Bauhaus

Bauhaus style originated in 1919 and spread to the United States in the 1930s. Bauhaus interior design is a minimalist style where form follows function. 

Common characteristics of Bauhaus interior design:

  • Industrial materials like glass, concrete, metal, and brick
  • Lack of clutter and decoration
  • Purposeful, simple furniture
  • Geometric forms
  • Neutral and subdued colors

Decor and furniture in Bauhaus interior design are intentional, each item serving a purpose.


5. Bohemian

Bohemian inteior design style

The Bohemian style originated in France with the arrival of travelers from Bohemia after the French Revolution. The style encourages creativity and an abandonment of traditional design rules.

Common characteristics of Bohemian interior design:

  • Mix of patterns
  • Use of textures
  • Rattan, wicker, and plush furniture
  • Carefree use of colors
  • Layering

Rather than specific guidelines, Bohemian style is all about mixing the pieces you love to create a one-of-a-kind space.


6. Craftsman

Craftsman
stylebyemilyhenderson

Craftsman-style homes are a part of the more prominent arts and crafts movement, dating back to the early 1900s. If you live in a craftsman-style home and want to keep it true to its roots, focus on natural elements.

Common characteristics of craftsman interior design:

  • Wood ceiling beams
  • Hardwood floors
  • Earth-tone walls 
  • Stone fireplaces
  • Dark-stained wood trim

Even if you don’t have a traditional Craftsman-style home, you can enjoy the warmth of these interiors by incorporating the above elements.


7. Contemporary

Contemporary furniture

Contemporary designs date back to the 1970s. But, rather than encompassing a strict set of rules, this style is ever-evolving, working in current trends.

Common characteristics of contemporary interior design:

  • Simple, elegant furniture
  • Statement art
  • Cleans lines
  • Gravitation toward minimalism
  • Use of technology

While many confuse contemporary design for modern design, they are two distinct styles. Contemporary design means “current” and fluctuates with trends, while modern design doesn’t.


8. Coastal

Coastal modern decor
@Perla Lichi LLC

While coastal design originated in luxury homes along the Hamptons and other oceanside locations, it’s now a national style, focusing on natural, seaside elements. There are many takes on coastal design, but all incorporate some of the same features.

Common characteristics of coastal interior design:

  • Natural woods, jute, and wicker
  • Calming, nature-inspired color palettes
  • Use of botanicals
  • A mix of textures creates a relaxing atmosphere
  • Layered patterns

Coastal interior design is different from nautical, which incorporates ship and sea-inspired decor.


9. Southwestern

Southwestern
Chandler Prewitt

Southwestern is an age-old design style influenced by indigenous history, Spanish settlers, and cowboys. It encourages the use of organic materials native to the southwestern United States.

Common characteristics of Southwestern interior design:

  • Distressed furniture
  • Knotty pine or ceramic floors
  • Hand-made textiles
  • Pops of warm nature-inspired colors
  • White walls

There are many spins on Southwestern style, but overall this design feels warm, organic, and welcoming.


10. Desert

Desert inspired decor
newdarlings

Desert style comes from the Southwestern states, popular during the Spanish Colonial Revival period. Today, many who love this style have put a modern twist on it.

Common characteristics of desert interior design:

  • Distressed or rustic wooden ceiling beams
  • Muted walls with pops of sunset-inspired colors
  • Organic, local materials
  • Southwestern-style rugs
  • Leather furniture

Modern desert style incorporates these characteristics but focuses on clean lines and uncluttered spaces.


11. Farmhouse

Farmhouse decor

Over the past decade, farmhouse style has ranked near the top for the most popular interior design style, but its roots go back to the early American settlers. The original farmhouse style featured simple decor and elements such as wide plank flooring, paneled walls, and vintage furniture. Today, the farmhouse style looks a bit different.

Common characteristics of farmhouse interior design style:

  • Neutral color palettes
  • Practical furniture
  • Use of wicker, rattan, and wood accents
  • Industrial light fixtures
  • Large, wooden kitchen tables

Many modern farmhouse-style homes also feature shiplap all over the walls or as an accent.


12. Hollywood Regency

Hollywood Regency

The Hollywood Regency interior design originated in 1930s California. The style encompasses Hollywood glamor made famous by movie sets. It’s also known as “glam” style.

Characteristics of Hollywood Regency interior design style:

  • Maximalist decor with layers of pattern, texture, and color
  • An emphasis on luxury
  • High-gloss walls and furniture
  • Smaller scale and slim furniture pieces
  • Fur, silk, and velvet upholstery

Hollywood regency fell out of favor in the 1950s as mid-century modern came into fashion.


13. Industrial

Industrial style

While industrial-style interior design dates back to the 1970s, it gained momentum in the early 2000s. Industrial style draws inspiration from 19th and 20th-century factories. 

Common characteristics of Industrial interior design:

  • Exposed pipes and ductwork
  • Exposed brick
  • Concrete floors
  • Large windows
  • Metal finishes

Industrial style often features streamlined, modern furniture. Many other design styles incorporate industrial-style chairs and lighting into their designs.


14. Neo-Industrial

neo industrial decor

Neo-industrial interior design is a subset of industrial designs with a newer, modern spin. Most neo-industrial designs have roots in minimalism but “neo,” meaning new, means this style can take on many shapes.

Characteristics of neo-industrial interior design:

  • Use of industrial-style metal lighting
  • Uncluttered spaces
  • Geometric forms
  • Mix of materials
  • A mix of industrial and other interior design styles

You’ll most often see neo-industrial designs combined with mid-century modern furniture. But it’s a hard-to-define style.


15. Maximalism

Maximalist interior designe

Maximalism is the opposite of minimalism. Rather than paring down items, maximalism encourages using and mixing colors, patterns, and textures. One of the first instances of its use was the Hollywood Regency style of the 1930s.

Common characteristics of maximalism interior design:

  • Bold color choices
  • Mixing of patterns
  • Layered textures
  • Eye-catching decor pieces
  • Statement lighting

There are no rules on what type of furniture or rugs to use. Instead, this interior design style encourages creativity, freedom, and visual interest.


16. Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern style originated in the 1940s, drawing influence from the “form follows function” Bauhaus interior design. During this period, mass manufacturing was strong, helping mid-century modern spread across the country.

Common characteristics of mid-century modern interior design:

  • Simple furniture with clean lines
  • Uncluttered, minimalist aesthetic
  • Neutral colors with bright accents
  • Geometric shapes
  • Glass doors or large windows connect the inside to the outside

While mid-century modern peaked from the 1940s to 1960s, it never completely faded out of style.


17. Minimalism

Minimalism decor

Minimalism is a design style focused on function, sparse decor, and uncluttered spaces. As an interior design style, it began in the early 20th century as architects incorporated materials like steel, glass, and concrete into their designs.

Common characteristics of minimalist interior design:

  • Streamlined furniture
  • Lack of decoration and ornamentation
  • A focus on function
  • Use of steel, wood, glass, and concrete
  • Monochromatic color palettes

Many modern interpretations of minimalist interior design focus on uncluttered spaces but bring in more color and textiles.


18. Modern

modern interior design style

Modern interior design stems from German and Scandinavian influences, growing popular in the United States in the 1920s. Modern interior design shares similarities with minimalism, mid-century modern, and Bauhaus.

Common characteristics of modern interior design:

  • Low-to-the-ground furniture
  • Minimal decor
  • Muted or monochromatic color palettes
  • Materials such as leather, concrete, glass, and steel
  • Straight lines

Modern-style homes often feature open floor plans, large windows, and symmetrical elements.


19. Rustic

Rustic credenza furniture

Today’s rustic style draws inspo from early settlers who built homes with surrounding materials. These houses boasted raw wood and worn-in furniture, allowing the natural beauty of these elements to take center stage.

Common characteristics of rustic interior design:

  • Use of natural, local materials like wood and stone
  • Organic shapes
  • Muted earth-toned color palettes
  • Iron, pewter, copper, and brass finishes
  • Wood floors

The key to achieving a rustic style is to use natural elements in their organic form rather than trying to make them perfect. 


20. Scandinavian

Scandinavian design

Scandinavian design originated in Nordic countries and made its way to the United States in the 1930s. The simplified decor of Scandinavian interior design had a resurgence in the US in the early 2000s and is still going strong.

Common characteristics of Scandinavian interior design:

  • Neutral color palette with whites, grays, and tans
  • Streamlined, modern furniture
  • Wooden accents
  • Use of plants as decor
  • Uncluttered spaces

Scandinavian interior design is celebrated for its practical yet calming aesthetic. 


21. Traditional

traditional decor
Architecturaldigest

Traditional interior design dates back to the 18th century when architectural styles like Georgian and NeoClassical took hold. Traditional design focuses on balance, timeless pieces, and classic elements that don’t fade in and out of style.

Common characteristics of traditional interior design:

  • Antique and upholstered furniture
  • Wood accents
  • Warm or neutral color palettes
  • Ceiling medallions
  • Art

Traditional interior design also centers on symmetry in almost every aspect of decorating and arranging furniture.


22. Mediterranean

Mediterranean

Mediterranean interior design draws inspiration from countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain that border the Mediterranean sea. The Mediterranean style is about capturing the relaxed atmosphere of these areas.

Common characteristics of Mediterranean interior design:

  • Exposed ceiling beams
  • Hardwood or tile floors
  • Natural finishes such as wood, wrought iron, clay, rattan, and linen
  • Light or white walls with pops of color for accents
  • Arched windows and doors

Mediterranean style is family-focused, often featuring lots of seating and a large dining table.


23. Baroque

Baroque

Baroque is an ornate style originating in Europe in the 17th century. It incorporates visual arts in its interior design and is one of the first “global designs” celebrated and used by those with wealth and power worldwide.

Common characteristics of Baroque interior design:

  • Highly decorated and ornate
  • A vast display of visual arts includes sculptures, paintings, tapestries, and mirrors
  • Painted ceilings often depict a scene
  • Molding and wall panels
  • Crystal chandeliers

Because Baroque interior design is so extravagant, it’s hard to imitate.


24. English Countryside

english countryside decor
houseandgarden

English Countryside interior design draws inspiration from generation-old English country homes. The style is traditional but welcoming.

Common characteristics of English Countryside interior design:

  • Green or wallpaper walls
  • Exposed wood ceiling rafters
  • Bookshelves packed to the brim with reading material
  • Layered accessories 
  • Rolled arm sofas and chairs

English Countryside homes have a collected look that’s anything but minimal. Antique furniture and slip-covered sofas are prevalent in these designs.


25. Eclectic

Eclectic

Eclectic interior design originated as a design style in 19th-century Paris. It blends several styles rather than focusing on one. Many times, though, people pick one overarching design, such as “glam eclectic” or “boho eclectic.” 

Common characteristics of eclectic interior design:

  • A blend of decor styles
  • A mix of prints, patterns, and colors
  • Layered pieces
  • Cohesion between the elements in the room
  • A balance of modern and vintage

While there are no rules to achieving an eclectic style, there’s still a big focus on ensuring all pieces work together.


26. Transitional

Transitional

Transitional interior design is a blend of modern and traditional. It’s one of the most popular design styles. It originated in 1950s America when certain designers grew tired of modern and mid-century looks and wanted to add softness to the otherwise stark designs.

Common characteristics of transitional style:

  • Neutral color palette
  • A blend of modern and traditional furniture
  • Minimal decor
  • Focal points in each room
  • Pops of color through accessories or upholstery

If you’ve ever browsed Pinterest or Instagram and could not determine the style of a room, but it looked a little traditional, chances are it was transitional.


27. Country

Interior Design Styles Grapchic
thedesignfiles

Country interior design refers to styles from rural areas and is representative of the simple life. Country interior design is similar to farmhouse but more relaxed. There are many subsets to this style, each with different design rules.

Common characteristics of American country interior design:

  • Neutral color palette
  • Focus on natural materials
  • Wood or wood-look floors
  • Rustic furnishings
  • Collections as decor (plates, tractors, milk bottles)

There are many interpretations of country home decor, but this style has a laid-back, come-as-you-are aesthetic.


28. French Country

French Country

French Country interior design originated in 17th century France as a style to suit the middle class. French Country style incorporates less elegant furniture for the period, lending to its rustic look.

Common characteristics of French Country interior design:

  • Warm color palette
  • Rustic, distressed furniture
  • Upholstered furniture
  • Soft patterns
  • A mix of a rustic and formal decor

French Country is a popular interior design style worldwide, celebrated for its mix of formal and rustic.


29. Asian

asian inspired decor

Asian interior design originates in Asia with influences from Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, China, and India. Asian interior design is a vast category known as oriental interior design.

Characteristics of Asian interior design:

  • Uncluttered and clean
  • Minimal decor
  • Nature-inspired color palettes
  • Nature-inspired decor, such as water features and plants
  • Focus on visual balance

Some Asian interior designs also incorporate Feng Shui to bring the correct energies into the space.


30. Japandi

japandi decor
@norda.shop

Japandia interior design combines Scandinavian style and the Japanese design aesthetic. It’s focused on Scandinavia’s hygge and Japan’s wabi-sabi to create a functional but comfortable space.

Common characteristics of Japandi interior design:

  • Neutral, muted color palette
  • Minimal decor 
  • Simple furnishings
  • Bamboo, rattan, and wood furnishings
  • A mix of Scandinavian and Japanese pieces

The blend of styles in Japandi creates a room that, while minimal, is still full of texture and visual interest.


31. Shabby Chic

Shabby Chic

Shabby Chic interior design is a romantic style featuring worn-in and antique furnishings. It originated in Great Britain and made its way to the United States, peaking in popularity during the 1980s-1990s.

Common characteristics of Shabby Chic interior design:

  • Distressed furniture with chipping paint
  • Antique furniture
  • Linen and cotton fabrics
  • Neutral backdrops, sometimes with bright accents
  • Tufting, skirting, and nailheads on furniture

Many other design styles resemble shabby chic, including French Country and cottagecore.


32. Cottagecore

Rattan baskets for Cottagecore

Cottage core is a new interior design style less than a decade old. Cottagecore was made famous by teenagers and younger adults sharing photos of the old English countryside aesthetic on the internet. It was first dubbed “Cottagecore” in 2018 by a Tumblr user.

Common characteristics of cottagecore interior design:

  • Use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick
  • Use of cotton and linen
  • Rustic or antique, worn-in furniture
  • The muted, warm color palette
  • Fireplace focal point in the main room

The concept behind the cottagecore movement is a return to nature and comfortable, sustainable living.


33. Retro

Vintage style

Retro interior design is a mixture of modern and vintage elements, often from the 1950s, 60s, or 70s. Retro interior designs can take on many looks, from bright and edgy to soft and muted.

Characteristics of retro interior design:

  • Uncommon furniture 
  • Use of fabrics such as velvet and leather
  • Mid-century modern light fixtures
  • Pops of color
  • Nostalgic decor pieces

When designing a retro room, you can mix and match from different eras to create visual interest and a space you love.


34. Grandmillennial

Grandmillennial
@stacyzaringoldberg

Grandmillennial is a newer interior design style, viewed as a revolt against the popular modern and minimalist movements. It’s a balance between preppy and traditional, with an ode to “grandma style.”

Common characteristics of grandmillennial interior design:

  • Chintz fabric
  • Blue and white color schemes
  • Wicker furniture
  • Floral wallpaper
  • Soft, curved furniture

Grand Millennial is meant to evoke a sense of familiarity and comfort. 


35. Memphis

Memphis interior design
By Dennis Zanone

Memphis interior design originated in Italy in the 1980s. The aesthetic combines retro, art deco, and pop art, for a recognizable, bright style. While critics disliked the style when it debuted, Memphis interior design has enjoyed a revival over the past decade.

Common characteristics of Memphis interior design:

  • Bright colors
  • Geometric forms
  • A mix of bold, contrasting patterns
  • Black and white stripes
  • Clashing colors

Memphis is a bold, eccentric style that is fun and busy.


36. Naturalist

Naturalist decor
© Monika Sathe Photography

Naturalist interior design revolves around bringing nature indoors. Nature-inspired homes can take on many looks depending on location.

Characteristics of naturalist interior design:

  • Nature-inspired color palettes
  • Use of local materials
  • Lots of plants
  • Large windows 
  • Wood or stone floors

A naturalist mountain home might feature a calming, monochromatic color palette, while a naturalist home in the forest will look different.


37. Nautical

nautical interior design

Nautical interior design is influenced by the sea. Nautical decor was most popular in the 1980s but is still common in some beach-side homes and vacation houses. Nautical interior design is much different than coastal design.

Common characteristics of nautical design:

  • Blue, white, and red color scheme
  • Seashell, boat, and anchor decor
  • Large use of stripes
  • Shiplap
  • Wicker and linen furniture

Nautical decor is beachy but less sophisticated than coastal decor.


38. Vintage

Vintage interior design

Vintage interior design refers to design pieces more than 40 years old. Most often, vintage interior design is a combination of new and old.

Common characteristics of vintage interior design:

  • A mix of new with old
  • Quality antique pieces
  • Pieces from many periods
  • Layered textiles
  • A mix of fabrics

There are no rules to vintage interior design other than using a wide array of vintage furniture and fixtures.


39. Scandifornian

Scandifornian style

Scandifornian is a newer interior design style coined by interior designer Natalie Myers. Scandifornian style marries the minimal Scandinavian style with a warm California design aesthetic.

Common characteristics of Scandifornian:

  • Neutral color palette
  • Open floor plan
  • Natural materials such as wood and stone
  • Uncluttered surfaces
  • Light and bright accents

Scandifornian style aims to make a space feel open, airy, and bright.


40. Parisian

Parisian decor accents

Parisian interior design is a modern French style. Parisian-style apartments originated in the 19th century when architect and city planner, Haussman, rebuilt much of Paris. Haussman-style apartments are still beloved for their design.

Common characteristics of Parisian interior design:

  • Wood floor in a herringbone or chevron pattern
  • Fireplaces with marble mantels
  • Ceiling medallions
  • White walls
  • Jewel toned accents

In many Parisian-style interiors, the decor is sparse – with dwellers using personal items rather than purchasing decor.