There are countless interior design styles out there, and furniture and décor companies use the same terms all the time, but many people don’t really know what they mean. One of the most exciting things about designing and decorating your home is finding out which home design styles appeal most to you. Explore the most popular interior design styles so you can find out your favorites.
Minimalist
Minimalist interior design is exactly what it sounds like. It means having the bare minimum and focusing on wide-open spaces, plenty of room for activities, and bright, neutral colors. This style is all about minimizing distractions. Below are a few elements unique to the minimalist style:
- Neutral, non-distracting colors and the absence of patterns
- Simple, plain furniture
- Minimal décor that allows the room to speak for itself
- Using only the necessary furnishings to cut down on clutter
- Extreme organization
Contemporary
Contemporary design is often conflated with modern, but there are blaring distinctions between the two. Contemporary design focuses on items with interesting curvatures, intricate yet minimal décor, and intermixing of colors to add ambiance to rooms. Here are a few examples of characteristic elements of contemporary interior design.
- Curved lines in furniture
- Prominent arms on chairs and couches
- Patterns and colors intermixed in a thoughtful way throughout a room or home
- A minimal yet distinguished amount of décor
- Mirrored and reflective objects
Art Deco
Art Deco is a style born in the roaring 20s. It emphasizes bold, intricate designs that highlight excitement and decadence. Art deco furnishings tend to be complexly carved or designed. These are the types of pieces in which you notice something new every time you see them, regardless of how many times you’ve seen them before. Check out some telltale elements of an art deco interior design.
- Handmade pieces
- Antique furnishings
- Multicolored, regal inspired décor
- Bold colors, gems, and mirrored elements
Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern is a term that’s used all the time, but its actual definition can get foggy. This style employs a nostalgic aesthetic that dates back to the 50s and 60s. It’s a wonderful blend of minimalism, modern, and contemporary designs. Functionality is vital to this style, and there are a lot of simple elements that create this look, including:
- Egg-shaped chairs
- Tall, angled wooden furniture legs
- Bright colors
- Monochromatism
- Natural or organic-looking shapes
Chic
Chic is a style that draws influences from both glam and traditional styles. It’s a bold and comfortable mixture that highlights bright neutral colors with the juxtaposition of dark, metallic hues. Here are a few things to include in a room for a chic look.
- Shag
- Gold accents
- Dark walls
- Light, fluffy furniture
- Metallic hues and hardware
Modern
Modern interior design favors aesthetics over function and aims for a chic yet minimalist look. A truly modern home is filled with crisp, clean lines and a simple and neutral color base. It focuses on simple pleasures and destroys the idea of clutter.
- Sleek, identifiable lines
- Structured shapes
- Black, white, gray, and other colder, neutral colors
- Minimal décor
- No clutter
- Simple yet timely lighting fixtures
Scandinavian
Scandinavian is a similar design concept to minimalism, with a few twists. Scandinavian style furnishings are created as a simplistic piece of artwork. This style places importance on functionality and style. Scandinavian décor stems from a sculptural appearance through its use of interesting and unique line patterns. This style shows off the intricacies found in simplicity.
- All-white color palettes
- Natural elements such as wood, bright plastic, and steel
- Minimal pops of color
- Plenty of art
- Fur inspired rugs, pillows, and throws
French Country
French country interior design is all about warm and welcoming vibes. Intricate designs, elaborate décor, and fall tones are all critical pieces to the French country puzzle. Furnishing should be ornamental and should draw strong inspiration from farmhouse styles. Think fine china on display, thick, woolen blankets in a hand-woven basket, and layers of blankets and decorative pillows on bedspreads.
- Large, traditional décor
- Lots of elaborate details
- Warm tones, such as reds, oranges, browns, and beiges
- Heavy furniture
Bohemian
Bohemian is a home interior décor style, as well as a clothing style and way of life. For home interiors, the bohemian style represents a carefree lifestyle with an emphasis on following your heart. This is shown through travel-themed décor with maps, textiles, and plenty of global influences. Many of the best bohemian items are found at flea markets, international shops, and second-hand stores.
- Tons of comfy seating, such as floor pillows and eclectic chairs
- Macrame, rattan, and other earthy materials
- Bold patterns
- Mismatched items
- A home full of eclectic items that make the owner happy
Rustic
Raw, unfinished, and natural are the keywords for a rustic home design. This style of interior design blurs the line between indoors and outdoors. Think older architecture and natural, antique or wooden and stone elements and furnishings. The more natural and raw the furniture, the better for this home design style.
- Exposed wood beams
- Reclaimed wood
- Vaulted ceilings
- Unfinished stone or wooden furniture
- Logs, twigs, and handwoven baskets.
Glam
Glam is a style that emphasizes bold, over the top, and glittery elements of home décor. There is no such thing as “too much” when it comes to this glamourous style. Bold, old-Hollywood opulence is a staple of this style. Incorporating gold, sparkles, fur, and mirrored elements help transform a space from bland to glam.
- Plenty of statement pieces in each room
- Victorian-style furniture
- Velvet, tufting, antiques, fur, and mirrored items
- Bright, romantic tones (pink, burgundy, turquoise, purple)
Shabby Chic
Shabby chic is an amusing blend of bohemian and chic. It features a distinctly feminine feel with the freedom of patterns or colors of the bohemian style. Lighter and more neutral base colors are desirable, while pastels and plenty of wall décor are must-haves for this interior design type.
- Plenty of natural lighting
- Wall hangings
- Natural elements and tones
- Delicate décor
- Vintage-inspired furnishings
There are tons of other popular interior design styles that can be explained. Do more research and get a well-rounded idea of your preferences. Remember: you don’t have to pick just one design style for your home. You can mix and match styles to create your own. Knowing the different popular design styles and what they mean can help you identify which influences you’d like your home to exhibit. It can also help you describe what you’re looking for to store clerks and interior designers. Be sure to check out our extensive collection of custom slipcovers to help make any piece of furniture fit in with your preferred style. We have slipcovers for any application, including sectional sofa covers designed specifically for your sofa. 