Your home tells a story. The furniture you choose, the colours you lean towards, even the way sunlight hits a wood floor can express who you are and how you want to live.
If you’ve ever wondered why some rooms feel calm and others feel energetic, the answer often lies in the design language of the space. The specific design theme or approach that shapes the look and feel of a room is called its interior style.
This guide breaks down the most popular types of interior design, explains how each one works and shows you how to bring your favourite look to life. Along the way you’ll find a quick reference list, answers to common questions and real world tips from Tony Meo Design.
Most popular interior design styles
If you want a quick overview before diving in, here is a concise interior design styles list that many trusted publishers and designers talk about.
- Traditional
- Transitional
- Mid century modern
- Modern
- Contemporary
- Minimalist
- Scandinavian
- Japandi
- Mediterranean
- Coastal
- Industrial
- Bohemian
- Eclectic
- Art Deco
- Hollywood Regency
Picking a style from this list helps create a cohesive and personal home look.
These categories appear in style roundups from expert sources and give you a reliable starting point for research and inspiration.
What are interior design styles?
Interior design styles are repeatable patterns of form, colour and material that create a recognisable look. A style shapes choices for furniture, textiles, lighting, scale and layout. It also guides how a room should feel, whether calm and pared back or layered and narrative. Understanding these frameworks helps you compare different interior decorating styles and adapt them to your home with confidence. Trusted sources define and illustrate these patterns so you can translate design language into real rooms. Mixing other interior design styles can create unique and layered spaces, so you can have even more personal and varied interiors.
Classic and timeless interior design styles
TraditionalTraditional
Traditional interiors draw from European influences with balanced layouts, tailored upholstery, refined wood tones and symmetry. Traditional style is all about timeless elegance, ornate furniture and historical influences to create a classic and sophisticated look.
These spaces often feature traditional elements like intricate woodwork, classic fixtures and luxurious textiles that highlight the enduring appeal of this style.
Antique elements like vintage or historical pieces are often incorporated to create an authentic and charming environment. Think camelback sofas, carved details and layered drapery that frames the architecture. Walls may have delicate prints or soothing solids and lighting adds warmth with shades and classic forms.
Style resources point to traditional as a safe bet for a home that feels gracious and timeless.
Use if you like a collected look, graceful lines and spaces that feel rooted in history.
Try this at home
- Pair a simple Persian style rug with rolled arm seating.
- Choose brass or antique bronze for lamps and cabinet pulls.
- Add crown molding to emphasize proportion and rhythm.
Transitional
Transitional design blends traditional comfort with modern silhouettes. The result is calm and approachable. You might see a track arm sofa beside a spindle chair, with soft textures and a quiet palette.
Many style roundups describe transitional as the bridge between yesterday and today which makes it popular for families who want timeless rooms without feeling formal.
Use if you like classic bones with modern ease.
Try this at home
- Mix a simple Parsons table with Windsor chairs.
- Keep patterns subtle and let texture do more of the work.
- Choose a light neutral on walls, then bring in wood tones for depth.
Mid century modern
Mid century modern loves clean lines, tapered legs, warm woods and iconic pieces that celebrate function with sculptural clarity. Colour can be playful or restrained and layouts tend to feel open and airy. Midcentury modern often features geometric shapes, bold colours and sculptural furniture as statement pieces. Editors and designers consistently include mid century modern in their lists because it works well in many homes and pairs beautifully with contemporary art.
Use if you like crisp lines and a vintage spirit that feels current.
Try this at home
- Anchor a living room with a walnut credenza.
- Add a globe pendant for soft diffusion of light.
- Keep the floor plan simple to highlight form and negative space.
Contemporary and modern interior design styles
These two are often mixed up. Modern refers to a historical movement that values simplicity, honesty of materials and functional clarity.
Both modern and contemporary styles often feature clean lines for a sleek, uncluttered look. Contemporary refers to what is current right now and evolves as tastes change. Design authorities explain this clearly and it’s useful when comparing different interior design styles.
Modern
Modern interiors focus on restraint, strong geometry and natural materials like wood, stone, glass and steel. Ornament is minimal. Colour palettes are neutral with thoughtful accents. Spaces feel calm, composed and purposeful. Many guides frame modern as a defined style with roots in early to mid twentieth century design.
Use if you want a serene backdrop that celebrates light and structure.
Try this at home
- Choose flat front cabinetry and slab style doors.
- Keep windows as open as privacy allows to invite daylight.
- Feature one statement chair or light to avoid visual clutter.
Contemporary
Contemporary interiors respond to the moment. The contemporary design style is an evolving, modern aesthetic characterized by sleek, simple lines, open layouts and a mix of natural and industrial materials.
They pull from multiple influences, play with curves and contrast and place value on sustainability and comfort. Materials may include natural fibers, recycled content or innovative composites.
Because the style changes over time it lets you refresh a room with a few mindful updates. Industry editors describe contemporary as an evolving category that balances current taste with livability.
Use if you like to stay current and appreciate a flexible approach.
Try this at home
- Add a sculptural lamp to soften straight lines.
- Mix matte finishes with gentle sheen for visual interest.
- Update textiles seasonally to keep the palette fresh.
Minimalist
Minimalist design removes the extra so every piece serves a purpose. Minimalist interior design is a style characterized by clean lines, functional furniture, limited colour palettes and the principle that less is more.
The look is spare and considered with light neutrals and open circulation. Many style lists position minimalism as a cousin to modern but it can feel warmer when you bring in texture and natural elements.
Use if you like calm, order and ease of maintenance.
Try this at home
- Edit accessories and display fewer pieces at once.
- Choose larger art rather than many small items.
- Let negative space become part of the composition.## Global influence styles
Scandinavian
Scandinavian interiors are all about light, function and contentment. Pale woods, soft textiles and simple shapes keep rooms bright and cozy.
Natural wood is a key element in Scandinavian style, used for furniture and accessories to bring warmth and simplicity. It’s perfect for small spaces as it maximizes light and storage without visual clutter. Design authorities always include Scandinavian design in their roundups for its balance of form and warmth.
Use if you like airy rooms and connection to nature.
Try this at home
- White walls with soft gray accents.
- Wool throw over linen sofa.
- Plants to bring life and colour into the room.
Japandi
Japandi is Scandinavian simplicity meets Japanese serenity. Expect natural materials, neutral palettes and craftsmanship. It’s calm and restorative.
Sculptural furniture can be a statement piece to enhance the minimalist and artistic feel of Japandi interiors. Two sources note the focus on quality, nature and minimalism which explains the style’s growing popularity with readers who want less visual noise and more intention.
Use if you love clean lines with soul.
Try this at home
- Light oak with charred wood accents.
- Low profiles for beds and seating.
- Textured ceramics and handwoven baskets for subtle detail.
Mediterranean
Mediterranean interiors shine with earth tones, plaster textures and arches. Wrought iron, terra cotta and stone add character. The palette often blends sunbaked neutrals with ocean inspired blues and greens. Style guides group Mediterranean with coastal and rustic elements that feel easy and relaxed. Indoor outdoor living is key to Mediterranean design, with large windows or doors that flow seamlessly from interior to patio or garden, encouraging a natural transition between indoors and out.
Use if you like warmth, natural textures and outdoor rooms.
Try this at home
- Limewash a feature wall to add movement and depth.
- Linen drapery with textured jute rugs.
- Arched mirrors to echo classic forms.
Artistic and eclectic interior design styles
BohemianBohemian style is free and layered. Bohemian interiors are a free-spirited, eclectic design style that combines different cultural influences, natural elements and vintage accessories to create a relaxed, nomadic and colourful aesthetic.
Vintage textiles, global patterns, plants and travel inspired finds create a collected feel. Colour stories can be soft and sandy or bold and saturated. Many style lists call boho a welcoming route to unique interior design because you can personalise it easily.
Use if you love storytelling and texture.
Try this at home
- Layer two rugs.
- Display art in casual groupings.
- Mix rattan, leather and cotton for a tactile mix.
Industrial
Industrial interiors are inspired by converted warehouses and urban lofts. Industrial style is a design aesthetic that celebrates raw materials like concrete, brick and steel and shows off exposed structures and masculine finishes.
Exposed brick, black framed windows and raw woods meet polished concrete and metal accents. This is a bold look that balances grit with refinement. Design authorities always feature industrial in their roundups for its strong identity and adaptable palette.
Use if you like contrast and bold structure.
Try this at home
- Factory style pendant over a dining table.
- Reclaimed wood as a console or bench.
- Leather seating with soft knit throws.
Eclectic
Eclectic spaces are all about the mix. The key is intention. When you group items by colour, era or motif the room feels curated rather than chaotic. Professional guides show that eclectic rooms work when there is a common thread such as a repeated colour or a shared finish on metals. Vintage furniture is often used in eclectic interiors to add historical value and authenticity.
Use if you collect art and like surprises.
Try this at home
- Repeat one accent color across pillows and art.
- Balance ornate shapes with simple forms.
- Let one large statement anchor the room.
Luxury and statement interior design styles
Art DecoArt Deco brings geometry, glamour and rich materials to the fore. Art deco interiors are a distinctive 20th-century design style characterised by geometric shapes, luxe materials and bold colours.
Art deco style is defined by its luxurious, geometric and opulent design aesthetic from the 1920s and 1930s in France. Picture inlaid woods, lacquer, patterned marquetry and jewel toned accents. Design editors continue to feature Art Deco for its ability to add drama and polish without chaos.
Use if you love bold pattern and refined finishes.
Try this at home
- Sunburst mirror above the mantel.
- Velvet on a single chair or bench.
- Focus the palette to avoid competition.
Hollywood Regency
Hollywood Regency is playful and luxurious with glossy finishes, mirrored surfaces and sculptural silhouettes. It’s confident colour and a touch of theatre.
You can scale it up for a glamorous lounge or dial it down for a quiet but elegant bedroom. The style appears in many lists of popular interior design styles because of its star quality.
Use if you want rooms that sparkle.
Try this at home
- Lacquered side table to catch the light.
- Greek key trim on pillows for a tailored look.
- Black and white with one pop of colour.
Coastal
Coastal interiors are light and breezy. Coastal style is a relaxed, airy aesthetic inspired by the sea, featuring natural materials and a soft color palette of sand and sea.
Whites and soft neutrals meet sky and sea hues. Natural fibres and open layouts invite relaxation. Guides note that coastal is less about theme and more about mood, which is why it works far from the beach.
Use if you want an easy, fresh home that lets you exhale.
Try this at home
- Slipcovered seating for casual comfort.
- Woven light fixtures for texture.
- Simple window treatments to protect the view.
Farmhouse and rustic interior design styles
FarmhouseFarmhouse
The farmhouse interior design style is loved for its lived-in feel that makes a house feel like home. This style interior draws from rural architecture and traditional farmhouses, comfort, practicality and nostalgia.
Key elements are natural materials like reclaimed wood, stone and brick that bring warmth and authenticity to any space. Modern farmhouse interiors feature shiplap walls, exposed beams and vintage or antique furniture that add character and history.
A neutral palette (whites, creams and soft grays) serves as a backdrop, while pops of bold color in accessories or textiles keep it fresh and lively. Layer in woven baskets, jute rugs and plush throw blankets for texture and consider industrial elements like metal lighting fixtures or hardware for a modern twist.
Whether you like the classic farmhouse look or the modern farmhouse, this style is timeless and relaxed and refined.
Rustic
Rustic interior design style celebrates the raw beauty of nature and the charm of imperfection. This style is all about bringing the outside in, with an emphasis on natural elements and organic textures.
Exposed wood beams, stone fireplaces and reclaimed wood furniture are hallmarks of rustic interiors, creating a cozy and grounded atmosphere. The palette often draws from earthy tones (warm browns, deep greens and muted reds) while bold patterns in textiles or rugs add visual interest and personality.
Ample natural light is essential in rustic spaces, highlighting the grain of wood and the texture of stone, while soft furnishings like suede cushions, wool throws and linen drapes add comfort and warmth. To enhance the rustic vibe, add vintage metal decor, potted plants and handcrafted accessories.
Whether your rustic interiors are intimate and cabin-like or spacious and lodge-inspired, this style is a welcoming retreat that feels both timeless and connected to the natural world.
Seven interior design styles
If you’re looking for the phrase seven types of interior design, a common starting point is traditional, transitional, modern, contemporary, Scandinavian, industrial and bohemian. This is not an exhaustive list as styles evolve, but these seven give you a solid foundation to work from and mix well with many others.
You’ll see them repeated across respected style roundups and practical guides.Modern rustic combines natural, distressed materials with modern elements for a cozy contemporary look. Modern organic is a style that’s all about natural materials, clean lines and a seamless connection to nature.
Color palette and decorating style: Setting the tone
The color palette and decorating style you choose are powerful tools to shape the mood and personality of your home. Each interior design style has its own approach to color and decor that can make or break a space.
For example, Scandinavian interior design style is all about clean lines and neutral color palette with pops of bold color to create a fresh airy feel. Traditional interior design style has rich, muted tones and intricate patterns that create a timeless elegance and formality.
If you’re into eclectic interior design style you might mix bright colors, bold patterns and various textures for a playful energetic vibe. When choosing a color palette consider the amount of natural light in the room and architectural features like moldings or exposed beams that can affect how colors are perceived.
A minimalist decorating style might focus on a restricted palette and plenty of negative space while a more maximalist or eclectic interior can have a mix of colors and styles.
Ultimately, your choice of color palettes and decorating style should reflect your personal style and the mood you want to create, whether that’s calm and serene, lively and creative or anything in between.
Interior design style and functionality: Beauty and use
Finding the balance between beauty and functionality is at the heart of good design.
Each interior design style approaches this balance differently and a good designer can help you find the right mix for your lifestyle. For example modern interiors have streamlined furniture, open layouts and clever storage solutions that prioritise ease of use and a clutter free environment.
Mid century modern design style is celebrated for its functional furniture with clean lines and sculptural forms that’s both comfortable and visually appealing. Farmhouse interiors focus on creating cozy welcoming spaces with plenty of natural materials and vintage touches so rooms are both practical and inviting.
When planning your home think about how each space will be used. Do you need durable surfaces for family gatherings or flexible seating for entertaining? By considering both the aesthetic and practical needs of your household you can choose design elements and materials that are as functional as they are beautiful.
Whether you like the simplicity of modern, the warmth of farmhouse or the timelessness of mid century modern balancing form and function means your home will be both stylish and livable for years to come.
How to find your interior design style
You don’t have to choose just one. Many successful homes blend two or three styles for a result that feels personal. Start with a quick audit. What colors make you feel at ease? Which materials do you reach for in clothing and accessories? Do you prefer curved shapes or straight lines?
Collect ten images you love and mark the common threads. Several outlets and designers recommend simple exercises like these because they reveal your taste without guesswork. If you like a playful approach, style quizzes can also help you find my interior decorating style and answer the question what is my interior design style with prompts and mood boards.
A three step method
- Define the mood. Calm, lively, cozy, formal or fresh.
- Choose two primary influences such as Scandinavian and coastal.
- Add one accent influence such as Art Deco for geometry or boho for texture.
Room by room tips
- Living room. Use a single large rug to define the seating zone, then build layers with pillows and throws.
- Bedroom. Keep the palette soft and vary textures to create depth without noise.
- Kitchen. Decide on a metal story, then repeat it in pulls, lighting and plumbing for unity.
- Bath. Let one surface be the hero and keep the rest quiet.
How to apply these styles at homePlan your palette
Start with two neutrals and two accents. One accent should be deeper than the other to create variation. This works whether you want colorful interior design styles or a monochrome scheme. Neutral palettes are the foundation of calm, balanced and timeless spaces.
Choose a focal point
Every room needs one moment that draws the eye. A vintage piece, a large artwork, a beautiful fireplace or a view can be the hero. Wall art is a key decorative element that adds to the overall aesthetic and boldness of a space. Recent design media coverage suggests feature fireplaces as a way to create visual impact while still serving daily life.
Balance form and function
Measure pathways and give furniture the space it needs. Coffee tables should sit at a comfortable distance from seating. Dining chairs should slide under the table without bumping. Contemporary guides stress comfort and livability alongside style which is a helpful lens when you shop or source.
Think about daylight and mood
Layer a room with ambient, task and accent lighting. Sheer panels soften sun glare without losing natural light. Mirrors increase reach and depth. Modern and Scandinavian rooms in particular benefit from clear daylight that animates natural materials.
Where we work
Tony Meo Design serves Fremont, Pleasanton and Redwood City areas with residential design services that balance beauty and function. We also work with cozy wine country bungalows in Paso Robles where texture and natural materials shine. Contact us if you want a plan that respects your taste and your daily routine, or if you would like help translating these types of home interior design styles into rooms that tell your story.
FAQ
What is the difference between modern and contemporary interior design
Modern is a defined historical style that favours function and clarity of form. Contemporary responds to the present and changes with trends. Both can feel clean and edited, yet contemporary often has curves and contrast, while modern leans on natural materials and strong geometry.
How do I determine my interior design style
Look for patterns in what you already love. Save images, note recurring colours and textures and identify two primary influences with one accent. If you want a quicker nudge try a style quiz and then verify with real rooms rather than stock photos.
How many types of interior design are there
There is no fixed number. Some guides present a list of seven to make the landscape easier to grasp, while others catalogue a few dozen or more. The variety reflects how styles evolve and blend over time.
Use categories as signposts rather than strict rules. Styles like farmhouse style interior are defined by the use of wood elements in furniture, wall paneling and decor to enhance the rustic ambiance.
Bringing it all together with Tony Meo
The most successful homes align design choices with the way you live. A family who hosts weekly dinners may choose transitional or Mediterranean for warmth and hospitality. A busy professional might opt for modern for clarity and ease. A collector might go eclectic with an Art Deco accent for structure.
Whether you live near the hills of Santa Barbara or in a downtown loft, the path is the same. Define the feeling you want, select a small set of influences and invest in the pieces that carry the room.
Let’s get started!
