In this blog, we explore all the different interior design styles along with their key characteristics and themes. There is a wide variety of styles from formal to casual as well as 21st century and retro-inspired. Learn more about English country, modern French, Mediterranean, coastal chic, bohemian, contemporary, art deco design styles, and more!
The style you choose will depend on the project brief you are undertaking and the personality of the client or yourself as the designer. Get inspired and discover new ideas to transform your home décor. Can you imagine any of these interior design styles in your home? Which interior design style is your favorite?
Formal interior design styles radiate sophistication and elegance. They’re often characterized by timeless beauty and a sense of opulence. Here are some of the most prominent formal interior design styles:
Traditional interior design is one of the most well-known styles when it comes to defining different interior design types. The furniture tends to be elaborate and intricately crafted, typically made from dark wood. Traditional design is influenced by French and English art from the 18th and 19th centuries. This explains why materials often include luxurious fabrics for interior design like silk, velvet, and fine wood.
(Credit: Ray Fitout & Interiors)
The color scheme leans towards deep and warm tones, such as burgundy, navy, and gold. You’ll commonly find elegant patterns like damask, florals, and paisley in this style. Furthermore, crystal chandeliers are a popular way for traditional homes to add a touch of glam.
Traditional home design is greatly influenced by European décor. Most traditional homes have a very neutral color palette with pops of color brought in with oil paintings or floral arrangements. If you don’t like “matchy-matchy,” traditional might not be for you.
English Country interior design styles embrace a charming blend of antiques and cozy, comfortable furniture pieces. The materials used often feature floral and plaid fabrics, along with aged wood for a warm, rustic feel. The interior color design scheme in this style draws inspiration from nature, incorporating soft and muted hues.
(Credit: Ray Fitout & Interiors)
You’ll frequently encounter delightful patterns like checks, plaid, florals, and stripes, adding to the inviting ambiance. Window coverings are typically light and airy, with flowy curtains that allow natural light to filter in. For flooring, the choice is usually between hardwood or stone, often displayed with floral or nature-themed rugs, evoking a sense of countryside elegance.
In the realm of Modern French interior design styles, you’ll find furniture characterized by sleek lines and an air of elegant sophistication, often complemented with a vintage touch for added charm. The materials of choice include linen, wrought iron, marble, and glass, creating a blend of softness and refinement.
(Credit: Ray Fitout & Interiors)
The color scheme in this style leans towards pastels and neutrals, with occasional pops of color to infuse vibrancy. Delicate patterns like toile, chinoiserie, and intricate florals grace the decor, adding a touch of French romanticism. Window coverings are light and airy, typically adorned with drapes that allow natural light to filter through. The flooring is typically polished stone or wood, which serves as a polished base for the whole design.
Next, we look at another culturally rich interior design style, Mediterranean interior design. This style is characterized by rustic and natural furniture with the addition of wrought iron elements, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This decorating style started in countries north of the Mediterranean Sea. Spain, Greece, and Italy are still the main source of inspiration today.
The extensive use of materials like terracotta, mosaic tiles, and textured fabrics lends a distinct Mediterranean charm to the space. The color scheme often revolves around earthy tones such as blues, greens, and ochre, echoing the colors of the coastal landscape.
(Credit: Ray Fitout & Interiors)
Geometric tiles, mosaic patterns, and bold prints embellish the decor, adding a touch of artistic flair. Window coverings are typically like sheer curtains or wooden blinds, allowing ample natural light to fill the space. When it comes to flooring, the choice typically falls on tiled or stone floors, maintaining a cool and refreshing underfoot experience.
Casual interior design styles are more relaxed and inviting, often reflecting a laid-back lifestyle. Here are some of the most popular casual interior design styles:
Coastal Chic Interior Design Style includes the essence of seaside living with defining furniture that includes light, weathered wood pieces paired with slip-covered upholstery. Common materials such as wicker, rattan, and natural fibers capture the coastal spirit.
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The color scheme embraces soft blues, pristine whites, and sandy beige tones, mirroring the ocean and the beach. Nautical stripes, seashell motifs, and beachy patterns in the decor evoke a serene coastal ambiance.
The windows are covered with light, airy curtains or woven shades that enable the sea breeze to flow through, and the flooring is made of hardwood or light-colored tiles that are reminiscent of sun-drenched sandy shores.
This style embraces simplicity and functionality with its defining furniture, featuring clean lines and a minimalistic approach, allowing for a clutter-free and practical living space. Common materials like light woods, wool, and leather create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
(Credit: Ray Fitout & Interiors)
The color scheme revolves around a palette of white, gray, and natural wood tones, evoking a sense of airiness and a connection to nature. Patterns are kept simple, with subtle geometric designs and textures to add visual interest.
Window coverings are often sheer or removed altogether to maximize natural light. The flooring typically consists of light hardwood or pale-colored rugs, contributing to the bright and inviting ambiance of this popular design style.
This style radiates the charm of Dubai with heavy, dark wood furniture and iron accents, creating a robust and rustic atmosphere. Common materials like terracotta, stone, and leather contribute to the earthy and warm feel, while a color palette of deep red, ochre, and olive green brings the Tuscan landscape indoors.
(Credit: Ray Fitout & Interiors)
The decor boasts rustic motifs, intricate scrolls, and the use of tiles, celebrating the region’s rich history. Window coverings are typically rich, textured curtains or heavy drapes that enhance the style’s timeless elegance, and underfoot, you’ll find tiled or stone floors adorned with area rugs.
This style embraces eclectic and colorful furniture that encourages a vibrant mix of patterns, resulting in a playful and free-spirited space. Natural fibers, wood, and textiles create a sense of comfort and coziness. The color scheme is a delightful mix of vibrant and varied hues, often featuring jewel tones.
(Credit: Ray Fitout & Interiors)
The decor is adorned with an eclectic mix of global patterns, florals, and paisleys, creating a visual tapestry of cultures. Window coverings include sheer or beaded curtains or sometimes no coverings at all, allowing for an abundance of natural light. Flooring options include natural, layered rugs, or wood floors with vibrant accents, reflecting the style’s unconventional and lively spirit.
This style epitomizes the simplicity of rural living with defining furniture designed from rustic, reclaimed wood featuring distressed finishes, delivering a sense of nostalgia and comfort. Common materials such as cotton, burlap, and galvanized metal add a touch of authenticity.
(Credit: Ray Fitout & Interiors)
The color scheme revolves around white, gray, and soft pastels, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. Decor elements often feature simple, neutral, and striped patterns. Window coverings are typically straightforward, with simple curtains, blinds, or shutters to allow in natural light. Flooring is characterized by wide-plank wood floors, often paired with natural fiber rugs, imparting a sense of coziness and authenticity.
This style captures the rugged spirit of the American West, with furniture made from leather, cowhide, and wood adorned with rustic elements, creating a warm and inviting space. Common materials include leather, denim, and cowhide, offering durability and character.
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The color scheme reflects earthy tones, rich browns, and vibrant turquoise, mirroring the natural landscape. The decor incorporates Western motifs, plaids, and Southwestern designs, celebrating the heritage of the region.
Window coverings are often leather curtains, simple blinds, or sometimes left untreated to showcase the scenery. Flooring typically features hardwood or stone floors adorned with Native American-inspired rugs, bringing a touch of cultural richness and history into the design.
In the 21st century, interior design has evolved to meet contemporary lifestyles. Here are some of the popular 21st-century interior design styles:
When it comes to interior design styles, contemporary interior design is the one that is always evolving. The modern design style will most certainly evolve throughout the twenty-first century. The term “contemporary” refers to anything that is currently in use. This one-of-a-kind interior design style incorporates elements from numerous time periods to create an environment that will last a lifetime.
(Credit: Ray Fitout & Interiors)
Contemporary interior design is a sleek and simple space. It uses different features like detailed moldings on walls and windows and open layouts to create an interesting and distinct space. Typical contemporary furniture shows exposed legs and clean lines to give a light and airy feel. It’s common to see materials like metal and glass used because of their light-reflecting properties.
This look is the ultimate mix of house décor styles. In addition, neutral color palettes are the most common for contemporary design with textured fabrics to create interest. Thus, creating the perfect luxury modern interior.
This interior design style artfully blends traditional and modern elements in its defining furniture. You’ll find a harmonious mix of pieces that bridge the gap between old and new. Common materials include wood, glass, and metal, offering a balanced combination of warmth and sophistication.
(Credit: Ray Fitout & Interiors)
The color scheme is a mix of neutral and warm tones, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Patterns in this style are subtle and understated, ensuring that the design doesn’t overpower the space.
Window coverings range from simple blinds to sheers or classic drapes, offering flexibility. The flooring typically comprises hardwood with strategically placed area rugs, emphasizing comfort and style.
Urban Modern Interior Design Style is characterized by sleek, city-inspired furniture featuring clean lines and contemporary aesthetics. Common materials include concrete, glass, and metal, encouraging an urban, industrial vibe.
(Credit: Ray Fitout & Interiors)
The color scheme leans towards neutrals but is punctuated by bold and vibrant accents, injecting life and energy into the space. Patterns often draw inspiration from industrial and urban elements, manifesting in geometric designs.
Window coverings are kept minimal, with simple blinds or exposed windows adding to the modern, urban feel. Flooring options may include polished concrete, dark wood, or metal floors, underscoring the city’s sophisticated and dynamic ambiance.
Next, we have a classic that seems to stay relevant no matter the decade. Mid-century interiors started in the 1950s and ’60s in post-war America. During this time the design industry was trying to break out of its traditional barriers and dive into the modern era. This style features iconic, sleek, and highly functional mid-century furniture pieces. It incorporates common materials like wood, metal, and plastic, capturing the essence of the mid-20th century design era.
(Credit: Ray Fitout & Interiors)
The color scheme is characterized by bold, bright colors alongside natural wood tones, creating a lively yet warm atmosphere. You’ll find abstract, geometric, and atomic motifs in patterns, adding a touch of artistic flair. Window coverings in this style are kept minimal with either simple curtains or blinds. The flooring is typically hardwood or adorned with patterned carpets, contributing to the overall retro-inspired aesthetic.
This style revels in raw, unfinished materials and a minimalist design approach. It commonly employs materials like steel, brick, and reclaimed wood, lending an edgy and rugged quality to the space. The color scheme embraces industrial neutrality, with shades like gray, black, and rust dominating the palette. Patterns are minimal or distressed, reflecting an urban, worn-in charm.
(Credit: Ray Fitout & Interiors)
Window coverings are either kept to a minimum or left exposed to highlight the architectural elements. Flooring choices often include concrete, distressed hardwood, or vintage tiles, enhancing the industrial, factory-inspired look.
This style exudes a glamorous and luxurious vibe with streamlined furniture designs. Common materials include lacquer, glass, and exotic woods, contributing to the opulence. The color scheme is marked by bold and striking colors, often accented by gold and black, creating a sumptuous and luxurious atmosphere. Geometric, bold, and luxurious patterns define the decor.
(Credit: Ray Fitout & Interiors)
Window coverings can be luxurious drapes, sheer curtains, or Art Deco-inspired blinds, adding a touch of elegance. The flooring typically features shiny hardwood, marble, or inlaid parquet, radiating a lavish, vintage charm.
Zen interiors are originally rooted in contemporary design. This style embodies minimalism, natural elements, and functionality in its furniture. It commonly utilizes materials like bamboo, stone, and natural fibers, encouraging a calm and serene environment.
(Credit: Ray Fitout & Interiors)
The color scheme features neutral, calming tones such as white, beige, and soft greens, promoting a sense of tranquility. Patterns are minimal or non-existent, emphasizing simplicity and serenity.
Window coverings can be simple blinds, Japanese shoji screens, or none at all, allowing an abundance of natural light. Flooring often consists of bamboo, stone, or tatami mats, grounding the space in a harmonious and uncluttered aesthetic.
Now that you have a better understanding of the defining characteristics, materials, color schemes, patterns, window coverings, and flooring for each main interior design style, you can start to explore your interior design style personality and learn how to mix different styles with confidence.
Interior designers offer a fascinating blend of styles, from traditional opulence to contemporary innovation, and interior design companies are well-equipped to create dream spaces that suit your tastes. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of formal styles or the relaxed charm of casual interiors, interior designers can help you transform your living or working space into a masterpiece.
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