Most Popular Interior Design Styles

There are so many interior design styles to choose from. Some of my clients are very clear on their design style, and the direction they want their projects to go. However, there's a lot more people who don't know their style, or may think they like something but are still overwhelmed with the choices when they decide to do renovate or redecorate their space. Like art, all design styles originated from a time in history, and we’ve adopted these styles into our spaces because they feel familiar and comfortable to us.

What interior design style are you? I've created this helpful guide to help you understand and learn more about the many interior design styles!

Mid-Century

Mid-Century interiors usually go hand in hand with Mid-Century architecture. This style is a revival of an ideal period, new modern post WWII. Interiors with long clean lines, minimal structure, geometric shapes, soft organic curves, and pops of bright colors. The spaces are wide open with minimalist influences. Common materials used are wood, metals and plastic.

Modern

Modern interiors materialized from the decorative arts in the 19th century and the art deco movement, later reaching its peak during the 1950’s. This style is simple, less is more. Interiors with streamline furniture, sleek and horizontal lines. Spacious and open floor plans with neutral color palettes. Large windows with very simple window treatments, or none at all.

Contemporary

Contemporary interiors are designed from current resources. Trendy and stylish pieces, reflecting choices and innovations from today. Architectural elements such as wood, brick and metal are exposed and part of the design. Furniture is simple and with modern influences.

Coastal

Coastal interiors are open, airy, inviting, and elegant. Interiors tend to mimic the ocean, with clean white and neutral walls, with tendency for beachy color palettes like blues and light tans. The interiors are styled with pottery, terracotta, nautical, natural décor accents, and lots of plushy furniture. Exposed wood beams, tiles, and plants are part of the environment.

Traditional

Traditional interiors tend to be more ornate in style. Spaces are elegant and inviting with moldings and mill work throughout the space. Windows are dressed with ornate window treatments and cornice boxes. Furniture is mostly dark and classic with intricate and ornate designs, in mahogany or cherry woods. Fabrics in the space are solid in classic colors, accented with stripes or floral patterns.

Transitional

Transitional interiors are a blend of traditional and contemporary designs. Transitional styles mix clean lines with curves without the ornateness from Traditional styles. Less use of color in the space, with mostly neutral color palettes. Mixing together the old with the new, feminine and masculine.

Minimalist

Minimalist interiors attract simplicity, less is better. The idea of eliminating all unnecessary objects. Clean lines and open spaces, and neutral color palette.

Bohemian or Global