Modern, traditional, and nautical—oh my! When it comes to interior design trends, there are a lot of different styles and buzzwords to know. And while some clients are particular about their likes and dislikes, others blend two (or more) to create a distinct style.
In this article, we’ll talk about some of the most common styles, as well as review where you’ll see them showcased when it comes to some of the main elements of a room: colors, textiles, and decor. The interior design styles we’ll cover are:
- Mid-century
- Nautical/coastal
- Scandinavian
- Traditional
- Modern/Contemporary
- Minimalist
- Industrial
Colors
The color palette of a room is often one of the first things you’ll notice. Simply put, colors can make or break the mood of a room! If you’re after a certain interior design style, here’s how colors come into play:
Mid-century
This style is known for distinctive color palettes, which can range from vibrant colors to light pastels. Think earthy brown and orange to highlight wood tones in the room, shades of pink and playful patterns, or even funky yellows and greens.
Nautical/Coastal
The colors of a nautical-influenced style are easy to spot: blues, whites, and sand-colored accents, all with a warm vibe.
Scandinavian
Fans of this style opt for color palettes filled with neutrals (white, off-white, grays), with perhaps a pop of a color from a specific decorative item or one piece of furniture. Blue is another popular option for a Scandinavian style.
Traditional
With this style, you’ll often see neutral walls to offset an otherwise-rich color palette and dark, finished wood. Florals, stripes, plaids, and other patterns may be prominent for accent walls and drapes.
Modern/Contemporary
A modern style is all about looking clean—no visual clutter in the way! You’ll see trends of neutral and airy color palettes here.
Minimalist
Similar to a modern style, minimalist style focuses on colors that fade to create a light and airy feel throughout the room. The focus is typically on lighter colors, like pale blues and greens, soft greys, or faded oranges.
Industrial
With an industrial style, your eye will be drawn to masculine neutrals and anything reminiscent of industrial architecture: white, black, grey, and browns.
Bohemian
Out of all the styles, bohemian has the most creative freedom when it comes to colors! If you like a rich color palette with bright and electric hues, you likely lean toward a bohemian style. You might also blend these with earthy, metallic, and jewel tones.
Textiles
When we talk about textiles, we’re referring to the textures found around the room, and in particular products that are woven or made from fabric: throw pillows, blankets, and curtains, as well as the upholstery on your furniture.
Mid-century
To capture this style, think back to your great-grandma’s living room—Turkish rugs, quilts, embroidered fabrics, and lace will likely accent the room.
Nautical/Coastal
Another easy one to spot is the textiles of a nautical style, which typically incorporate unfinished wood or linen upholstery.
Scandinavian
Hygge—which refers to the feeling you get when you’re in a cozy, warm space—will be in full-force with a Scandinavian style. Lean into warm and cozy textiles, like throw pillows and extra-soft blankets.
Traditional
Think ornate and almost regal textiles for a traditional style: silk and velvet may be prominent, in a variety of patterns.
Modern/Contemporary
This style is all about clean, crisp lines. You might notice textiles with two-tone patterns and geometric shapes.
Minimalist
Look for layered, tonal textiles to provide warmth to an otherwise simplistic room. And don’t be afraid to bring in a touch of the unexpected, like a textured blanket or a fuzzy pillow, as long as it’s not too aggressive.
Industrial
While an industrial vibe often focuses on walls and floors, the upholstery of your furniture can contribute to the look. You’ll see a lot of genuine leather and faux leather couches and chairs.
Bohemian
Similar to the color palette, you can have some fun here! Colorful, patterned textiles help create extra visual interest; you can also double textiles as decor with hanging tapestries, for a bold statement.
Decor
Your decor is another key place where you can make your space (and your style) pop. When we talk about decor, this refers to all of the finishing touches you select, including wall art, furniture, and accessories.
Mid-century
Accessories can go a long way in pulling together a mid-century-inspired room. Ideas include bold light fixtures, a nostalgic bar cart, or a retro-inspired table found at a flea market.
Nautical/Coastal
Imagine you’re at the beach and think about what you might see. Then, take it from there with your decor! Think seashells in a jar, ropes, and anything with sailboats.
Scandinavian
Decor is a great way to add small bursts of color to a Scandinavian-style space. Choose beautiful artwork to fill a bare wall, or a few houseplants to fill a corner. Storage options that double as decor (like a shelf or basket) are also popular with this style.
Traditional
A traditional style should emulate a timeline style with elegance and comfort. Look for antiques and classic art pieces, as well as lamps, mirrors, and framed prints inspired by 18th and 19th century European décor.
Modern/Contemporary
A modern style lends itself to an open floor plan, and you can lean into this further by selecting functional furniture and decor. Look for modular furniture or curved, organic shapes for a contemporary feel.
Minimalist
Less is more here! Any decor that you have should showcase your personality, without being overbearing. Consider a well-placed gallery wall or a beautiful piece of artwork.
Industrial
Industrial-style decor and accessories typically incorporate metals and wood, as well as salvaged and recycled materials. Examples include a vintage-style, metal-framed clock or a sturdy, stainless steel floor lamp.
Bohemian
Travel back to the 60s and 70s for the perfect bohemian decor. Think crystal chandeliers, metallic mirrors, and anything with tassels or beading. Hanging plants are a great way to add depth, as well.
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