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
Bohemian or Global interiors bring together the essence of cultures from around the world. Seeking authenticity and freedom from traditional interiors. This unconventional design style is known for fusing together textures, patterns and bold colors from different corners of the world. Furniture typically resembles a vintage look. Mixing high and low tickets item pieces. The interiors are created with the use of metals, naturals and plants throughout the space.
Industrial
Industrial interiors have a loft style feel with large windows, exposed pipes and ducts, raw architectural elements. Open layout, neutral color palette. Minimalist spaces with exposed man-made building materials.
Claudia Davis | Owner, Interior Designer | House and Harmony Design Studio
Claudia Davis is a native of San Diego, California, and longtime resident of the beautiful coastal community of Carlsbad. She created House and Harmony with the desire to make interior design services more accessible. She loves to create functional and stylish, practical and luxurious spaces.