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When it comes to interior design, there are countless unique styles to choose from. However, many of our clients struggle to define their personal style due to a lack of understanding or vocabulary, if you don't know what Japandi design is how can you tell someone you want it?!
This is where we come in. By identifying the main tenets of each interior design style, we can help you pinpoint the perfect style for your home. From modern to industrial to shabby chic, and everything in between, we've got you covered. Understanding these styles not only helps you define your personal style but also allows you to mix and match to create your own unique look. Plus, with trends constantly evolving, there's always something new to learn. So, keep reading to discover the most important design styles, including their key characteristics and insights from our favorite designers. Who knows, you might even come up with a style all your own!
Ultimately, the key to successful interior design is finding a style that reflects your personality and lifestyle and creating a space that makes you feel comfortable and happy.
A
1. Art Deco: This design style was popular in the 1920s and 1930s and is characterized by bold geometric shapes, rich colors, and intricate details. Art Deco interiors often feature luxurious materials such as marble, brass, and velvet. 2. African: African design draws inspiration from the diverse cultures and traditions of the African continent. It often features earthy tones, natural materials such as wood and woven textiles, and tribal-inspired patterns and artwork.
3. Asian: The Asian design style draws inspiration from various countries and cultures in Asia, such as Japan, China, and Thailand. It often features natural materials like bamboo, paper, and silk, as well as minimalist furniture and decor.
4. American Colonial: American Colonial design style has a traditional and timeless appeal, often featuring rich woods, intricate moldings, and a warm color palette. This style draws inspiration from the colonial era of American history, which spans from the 1600s to the mid-1800s.
5. Art Nouveau: Art Nouveau is a design style that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It features flowing lines, organic shapes, and a focus on nature and the natural world. Art Nouveau often incorporates motifs such as flowers, vines, and insects.
6. Antique: The antique design style draws inspiration from the past, featuring furniture and decor pieces that are often over 100 years old. This style values the unique character and history of each piece, and often incorporates vintage and rustic elements into the design.
7. Avant-Garde: The avant-garde design style is all about pushing boundaries and experimenting with new ideas. It often features bold colors, unusual materials, and unconventional shapes and forms. Avant-garde design is a popular choice for those who want to make a statement with their interior decor.
B
1. Baroque: This ornate and opulent design style originated in 17th-century Italy and is characterized by dramatic details such as intricate carvings, ornate moldings, and gilded finishes. Baroque interiors often feature rich, bold colors and luxurious materials such as silk and velvet. 2. Bohemian: This eclectic design style is all about mixing and matching different patterns, textures, and colors. Bohemian interiors often feature vintage or antique pieces, a variety of textiles such as tapestries and rugs, and a relaxed and casual atmosphere.
3. Bauhaus: This style originated in Germany and is known for its clean lines, functional design, and emphasis on simplicity. Bauhaus style often features industrial materials such as steel, glass, and concrete. It also incorporates bold geometric shapes and primary colors to create a striking and modern look.
4. Beachy: Beachy style is a popular design trend that's all about bringing the relaxed and casual atmosphere of the beach into your home. This style often features light and airy colors like white, blue, and sand, as well as natural materials like rattan, wicker, and driftwood.
C
1. Coastal: This design style draws inspiration from beach and seaside living, and often features a color palette of blues and greens, natural materials such as wicker and rattan, and a relaxed, casual feel. 2. Contemporary: This design style is characterized by its clean lines, neutral colors, and minimalistic approach. Contemporary interiors often feature sleek, modern furniture and minimalist decor.
3. Classic: Classic design is timeless and elegant, with a focus on symmetry, balance, and proportion. It often incorporates traditional furnishings, rich fabrics, and ornate details.
4. Cottage: This style features a cozy, charming, and relaxed atmosphere with a mix of vintage and modern elements. It often incorporates pastel colors, floral prints, and natural materials like wood and stone.
5. Craftsman: Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, this style emphasizes handcrafted, high-quality furniture and simple, functional design. It often incorporates natural materials like wood and stone and features exposed joinery and details.
6. Country: This style emphasizes a warm and cozy atmosphere with a mix of traditional and rustic elements. It often incorporates natural materials like wood, stone, and brick, and features a color palette of warm, earthy tones.
7. Chic: This style is characterized by a mix of elegant and sophisticated elements with a touch of glamor.
D
1. Danish: This design style hails from Denmark and is characterized by its functional and minimalist approach. Danish interiors often feature clean lines, neutral colors, and natural materials such as wood and leather. 2. Deco: Deco design draws inspiration from the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s and is characterized by its geometric shapes, bold colors, and luxurious finishes. Deco interiors often feature bold patterns and metallic accents.
3. Desert: The desert design style takes inspiration from the natural landscapes of the desert, including warm, earthy tones, natural textures like wood and stone, and a focus on natural light. It's a popular style for homes in arid climates like Arizona and New Mexico.
4. Dutch colonial: This design style originated in the 17th and 18th centuries and is characterized by its simplicity, symmetry, and use of brick or stone. It often includes elements like gambrel roofs, dormer windows, and large front porches.
5. Distressed: The distressed design style incorporates elements that look worn, aged, or weathered, giving a space a rustic, vintage feel. This style is often used in farmhouse or shabby chic interior design.
E
1. Eclectic: This design style is all about mixing and matching different styles, textures, and colors to create a unique and personalized look. Eclectic interiors often feature a mix of vintage and modern pieces, bold patterns, and unexpected accents. 2. English Country: This design style is inspired by the cozy and charming homes of the English countryside. English country interiors often feature floral patterns, traditional furnishings, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
3. Exotic: Exotic style is inspired by different cultures and places around the world. It's all about incorporating bold colors, intricate patterns, and exotic materials to create a vibrant and adventurous space.
4. Egyptian: Egyptian style is characterized by its ornate and decorative motifs, such as hieroglyphics, scarabs, and sphinxes. It's all about creating a grand and opulent atmosphere with rich colors and textures, such as gold, silver, and velvet.
5. European: European style is inspired by the different countries and cultures of Europe, such as France, Italy, and Spain. It's all about creating a luxurious and elegant atmosphere with ornate details, such as crystal chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and antique furniture.
F
1. French Provincial: This design style is inspired by the homes of rural France and is characterized by its rustic and charming aesthetic. French provincial interiors often feature natural materials such as stone and wood, muted colors, and traditional furnishings. 2. Farmhouse: This design style is all about creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere with a rustic and natural feel. Farmhouse interiors often feature shiplap walls, vintage accents, and natural materials such as wood and metal.
3. Feng Shui: This is an ancient Chinese practice that focuses on creating harmony and balance in the home through the arrangement of furniture and décor. Feng Shui design is all about creating a calm and peaceful environment, with a focus on natural elements and a flow of energy throughout the space.
4. Floridian: This style is all about bringing the beachy vibes of Florida into your home, with a focus on bright colors, bold patterns, and plenty of natural light. Floridian design is perfect for those who want a laid-back and relaxed feel in their home.
5. Futuristic: As the name suggests, this design style is all about creating a space that looks like it's from the future. Futuristic design often features sleek and modern materials, such as glass and steel, and bold shapes and colors. It's a popular choice for those who want to make a statement with their interior design.
G
1. Gothic: This design style originated in the Middle Ages and is characterized by its dark and dramatic aesthetic. Gothic interiors often feature ornate details such as arched doorways and windows, heavy drapes, and dark colors. 2. Glam: This design style is all about adding a touch of luxury and glamour to your home. Glam interiors often feature metallic accents, plush fabrics such as velvet and faux fur, and bold colors such as black and gold.
3. Global: Global style, also known as worldly or eclectic style, incorporates elements from different cultures and regions around the world. It combines textures, colors, and patterns to create a unique and vibrant space.
H
1. Hollywood Regency: This design style is inspired by the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood and is characterized by its luxurious and bold aesthetic. Hollywood Regency interiors often feature bright colors, metallic accents, and luxurious materials such as velvet and marble. 2. Hamptons: This design style is inspired by the homes in the exclusive beachside communities of the Hamptons in New York. t's all about creating a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere with a neutral color palette, natural materials like wood and linen, and plenty of natural light.
3. Hygge: Hygge (pronounced "hoo-ga") is a Danish word that describes a feeling of coziness and contentment. The design style emphasizes warmth, comfort, and simplicity with natural materials like wood and wool, neutral colors, and soft lighting.
4. Heritage: Heritage style is all about celebrating the past and preserving history. This style is characterized by traditional furniture, rich colors, and decorative details like molding and trim.
5. Hippie: The hippie style is a fun and colorful mix of patterns, textures, and bohemian-inspired decor. It's all about creating a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere with a mix of vintage and eclectic elements. This style features bold colors, lots of plants, and unique accessories.
I
1. Industrial: Industrial style draws inspiration from the urban environment and celebrates raw, unfinished materials like exposed brick, concrete, and metal. This style is perfect for loft apartments or converted warehouses.
2. Italianate: The Italianate style is inspired by the grandeur and elegance of Italian Renaissance architecture. It features ornate details like elaborate moldings, arches, and columns, and is often seen in grand historic homes.
J
1. Japanese: The Japanese style emphasizes simplicity, harmony, and nature. It's all about creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere with natural materials like bamboo, paper, and wood, and a minimalist approach to furnishings and decor.
2. Japandi: Japandi is a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design styles. It combines the minimalist aesthetic of Scandinavian design with the rustic warmth and simplicity of Japanese design to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
3. Jungle: Jungle style is all about bringing the outdoors inside. It features lush greenery, natural textures, and exotic prints. This style creates a tropical and vibrant atmosphere, with a lot of natural light and a mix of natural and artificial materials.
K
1. Kinfolk: The Kinfolk style draws inspiration from the lifestyle and ethos of Kinfolk magazine, which promotes a slower, simpler way of living. This style emphasizes natural materials, neutral colors, and a focus on the essential elements of a space.
2. Kintsugi: Kintsugi is a Japanese art form that involves repairing broken ceramics with gold, silver, or platinum. The resulting pieces are considered even more beautiful and valuable than before. This style celebrates imperfections and embraces the beauty of the imperfect, making it a unique and meaningful addition to any space.
3. Kawaii: Kawaii is a Japanese design style that translates to "cute" or "adorable". It features playful and whimsical elements such as pastel colors, cartoon characters, and cute accessories to create a fun and lighthearted space.
L
1. Lodge: The Lodge style is inspired by rustic cabins and cozy mountain retreats. It features natural materials like wood and stone, plaid and animal prints, and a warm, inviting color palette.
2. Luxury: This style is all about creating an opulent and glamorous space, with a focus on high-end materials, intricate detailing, and lavish decor.
3. Loft: Loft-style design takes inspiration from converted industrial spaces and emphasizes a mix of raw, industrial elements with modern finishes. Exposed brick, concrete, and metal features are often highlighted in this style.
4. Live Edge: Live edge design is all about showcasing the natural beauty of wood, often in the form of furniture with untrimmed edges that highlight the tree's unique shape and texture.
5. Lodge: Lodge-style design is inspired by rustic, mountainous environments and often incorporates natural elements like wood, stone, and leather. The look is cozy and warm, with a focus on comfort and relaxation.
6. Louis XV: The Louis XV style is named after the French king who reigned from 1715 to 1774. It's characterized by ornate details like curving lines, intricate carvings, and luxurious fabrics like silk and velvet. This style exudes opulence and sophistication.
M
1. Minimalist: Minimalist design is all about simplicity and functionality, with a focus on clean lines, neutral colors, and uncluttered spaces. This style often incorporates natural materials like wood and stone to create a serene and calming environment.
2. Modern: Modern design emphasizes sleek, clean lines and a minimalist approach to decor. This style often incorporates neutral colors, metallic accents, and a focus on functionality and simplicity.
3. Moroccan: Moroccan design is inspired by the rich cultural heritage of North Africa and incorporates bold colors, intricate patterns, and luxurious textures. This style often features mosaic tiles, intricately carved woodwork, and lanterns for a warm, exotic feel
4. Mid-century Modern Mid-century modern style is a design movement that originated in the 1950s and 60s. It features clean lines, geometric shapes, and a focus on functionality. This style is all about mixing vintage and modern elements to create a sleek and timeless look.
2. Mediterranean: Mediterranean style draws inspiration from the coastal regions of Spain, Italy, Greece, and Morocco. It features warm colors, rustic materials like wood and terra cotta, and intricate details like mosaic tiles and wrought iron accents.
N
1. Nautical: Nautical style draws inspiration from the sea and features a palette of blues, whites, and neutrals. It includes elements like ropes, anchors, and stripes, and can create a fresh and breezy atmosphere in any space.
2. Neo-classical: Neo-classical style draws inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman architecture and emphasizes symmetry, proportion, and classical motifs like columns and pediments. This style exudes elegance and refinement.
3. Nordic: A design style that originated in the Nordic countries and emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and the use of natural materials.
O
1. Organic: The Organic style emphasizes natural materials, earthy colors, and a connection to the natural world. It can include elements like live plants, wood furniture, and natural
2. Organic Modern: This design style combines the sleek lines and functionality of modern design with natural elements to create a harmonious and comfortable space. It emphasizes the use of sustainable and organic materials, such as bamboo, cork, and recycled glass, as well as the incorporation of natural light and plants.
3. Oriental: This design style is inspired by the cultures of East Asia, particularly China and Japan. It features elements such as bamboo, silk, paper lanterns, screens, and calligraphy. The color palette is often rich and vibrant, with red, gold, and black being prominent. Furniture is often low to the ground and simple in design, with clean lines and minimal ornamentation.
4. Opulent: This design style is characterized by luxury and extravagance, with a focus on ornate details, rich materials, and lavish decor. It often features bold patterns, metallic accents, and antique or vintage pieces. The color palette is typically rich and dramatic, with deep jewel tones and gold or silver accents.
5. Old Hollywood: This style is inspired by the glamour and sophistication of Hollywood's Golden Age in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. It features elements such as mirrored surfaces, metallic accents, plush fabrics, and art deco-inspired geometric shapes. The color palette is often bold and dramatic, with black, white, and shades of red being prominent. Furniture is often sleek and streamlined, with a focus on luxury and comfort.
P
1. Palm Springs: This style takes inspiration from the Mid-Century Modern architecture and design prevalent in the Palm Springs area of California in the 1940s-60s. It features clean lines, geometric patterns, bold colors, and a blend of indoor and outdoor living spaces. The style is characterized by sleek furniture, patterned textiles, and a mix of organic and industrial materials. 2. Postmodernism: Postmodern interior design takes a playful and eclectic approach to design, with a focus on breaking traditional rules and conventions. This style often incorporates bright colors, bold patterns, and unexpected materials and textures. It can feature a mix of vintage and contemporary furniture, as well as art and objects that challenge traditional notions of design. Postmodern interiors can be whimsical and fun, and are often a reflection of the designer's personality and sense of humor.
3. Parisian: This design style draws inspiration from the city of Paris, featuring elements such as ornate details, vintage accents, and a mix of traditional and modern pieces. It often features a neutral color palette with pops of pastel colors, such as pink or blue. Furniture is often elegant and luxurious, with a focus on comfort and functionality.
4. Pop Art: This design style emerged in the 1950s and features a bold and playful aesthetic. It often incorporates bright colors, graphic patterns, and bold typography. Furniture is often sculptural and geometric, with a focus on creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere.
Q
1. Queen Anne: This style is an architectural and interior design style that emerged in Britain during the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1714). It is characterized by its elegant, curvaceous forms, decorative flourishes, and attention to detail. In terms of interior design, Queen Anne style is known for its use of rich materials, such as mahogany and walnut, and its emphasis on ornamentation. The style is characterized by curved lines, shell motifs, and cabriole legs on furniture pieces such as chairs, tables, and cabinets. The Queen Anne style also features decorative elements such as carved wood details, ornate mirrors, and chandeliers with crystal drops.
2. Quirky: As the name suggests, this style is all about adding a touch of fun and playfulness to a space. It's characterized by bold colors, unusual patterns, and unexpected design elements. It's perfect for those who want to express their individuality and creativity through their home decor.
3. Quaint: This style is all about creating a charming and cozy atmosphere with a touch of vintage flair. Think floral patterns, pastel colors, and antique furniture.
R
1. Rustic: A design style that celebrates natural materials and textures, such as wood, stone, and brick. It often features earthy colors, such as brown and green, and emphasizes a cozy, comfortable atmosphere.
2. Retro: This design style is inspired by the aesthetics of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, and features bold colors, geometric patterns, and a playful aesthetic. Furniture often features a mix of organic and geometric shapes, with a focus on creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere.
3. Rococo: This design style emerged in the 18th century and is characterized by ornate details, curved lines, and a focus on luxury and opulence. Furniture is often upholstered in rich fabrics and features intricate carvings and details.
4. Renaissance: This design style is inspired by the art and architecture of the Renaissance period, and features elements such as frescoes, murals, and ornate detailing. Furniture often features rich materials such as velvet and brocade, with a focus on creating a luxurious and elegant atmosphere.
5. Regency: This design style emerged in the early 19th century and is characterized by a focus on symmetry, classical motifs, and a restrained color palette. Furniture often features delicate lines and ornate detailing, with a focus on creating a refined and elegant atmosphere.
6. Romantic: This design style is inspired by the aesthetics of the Romantic era, and features elements such as floral patterns, soft colors, and a focus on creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Furniture often features plush fabrics and ornate details, with a focus on comfort and relaxation.
7. Retro-futuristic: This design style is a combination of the retro aesthetic and futuristic elements, featuring bold colors, geometric shapes, and a sleek, futuristic aesthetic. Furniture often features a mix of organic and geometric shapes, with a focus on creating a bold and futuristic atmosphere.
S
1. Shabby Chic: A design style that incorporates vintage and distressed elements, such as painted furniture and floral prints. It emphasizes a feminine and romantic aesthetic.
2. Scandinavian: Scandinavian style is characterized by its simplicity, functionality, and minimalism. It's all about creating a cozy and warm atmosphere with neutral colors, natural materials, and plenty of natural light.
3. Southwestern: This design style is inspired by the aesthetics of the American Southwest, and features earthy colors such as terracotta, rust, and turquoise. It often incorporates natural materials such as wood, leather, and stone, with a focus on creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
4. Spanish: This design style is inspired by the aesthetics of traditional Spanish architecture, and features elements such as tilework, wrought iron, and stucco walls. It often incorporates warm colors such as terra cotta and mustard yellow, with a focus on creating a luxurious and inviting atmosphere.
5. Steam punk: This design style is inspired by the aesthetics of Victorian-era industrial design, and features elements such as exposed pipes, gears, and machinery. It often incorporates a mix of metallic and wood materials, with a focus on creating a unique and eclectic atmosphere.
6. Scandi-boho: This design style is a combination of the Scandinavian and bohemian aesthetics, featuring a mix of natural materials, minimalism, and eclectic decor. It often incorporates earthy colors, organic textures, and handmade elements, with a focus on creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
T
1. Traditional: A design style that emphasizes classic and timeless elements, such as symmetrical arrangements, neutral colors, and ornate details. It is often associated with a formal and elegant aesthetic.
2. Tropical: A design style that brings a touch of the tropics into the home. It often features bright colors, bold patterns, and natural materials, such as bamboo and rattan.
3. Tuscan: This design style is inspired by the aesthetics of the Italian countryside, featuring warm earthy colors, natural materials such as stone and wood, and a focus on creating a rustic and inviting atmosphere. Furniture often features curved lines and intricate detailing, with a focus on comfort and relaxation.
4. Transitional: This design style is a blend of traditional and contemporary elements, featuring a neutral color palette and a mix of textures and patterns. It often incorporates modern furniture and accessories, with a focus on creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
5. Tech: This design style is inspired by modern technology and features a clean and minimalist aesthetic. It often incorporates high-tech gadgets and smart home devices, with a focus on creating a futuristic and functional atmosphere.
6. Terrazzo: This design style is inspired by the terrazzo flooring material, featuring a mix of marble chips and concrete. It often incorporates bright and bold colors, with a focus on creating a playful and vibrant atmosphere.
7. Tribal: This design style is inspired by the aesthetics of indigenous cultures, featuring natural materials such as wood and leather, bright colors and patterns, and a focus on creating a unique and eclectic atmosphere. Furniture often features handmade elements and organic textures, with a focus on creating a cultural feel.
U
1. Urban: A design style that is influenced by the energy and style of city living. It often features exposed brick walls, industrial elements, and a mix of modern and vintage pieces.
2. Unconventional: A design style that is unique and unexpected. It often involves mixing different styles, patterns, and colors to create a one-of-a-kind space.
V
1. Vintage: A design style that incorporates elements from the past, such as antique furniture, vintage textiles, and retro decor. It often features a warm and cozy atmosphere.
2. Victorian: A design style that is inspired by the opulent and ornate design of the Victorian era. It features rich fabrics, such as velvet and silk, and intricate details, such as moldings and arches.
W
1. Western: A design style that is inspired by the rugged and natural elements of the American West. It often features leather, cowhide, and rustic wood elements.
2. Whimsical: A design style that is playful and imaginative. It often involves bright colors, unexpected patterns, and unconventional decor.
X
1. Xylophone: Ok, fine you got me! It's not a design style, however it's a fun word, right?!
Y
1. Youthful: A design style that is fresh and energetic. It often involves bright colors, bold patterns, and playful decor.
2. Yin Yang: A design style that is inspired by the Chinese philosophy of balancing opposites. It often involves creating a harmonious balance between contrasting elements, such as light and dark, soft and hard, and modern and traditional.
Z
1. Zen: A design style that emphasizes simplicity, minimalism, and tranquility. It often involves incorporating natural elements, such as plants and water, into the decor.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and that there are countless design styles that may not be included. Additionally, some styles may sit between other styles, such as Boho Chic, which has elements of both Coastal Chic and Boho Style. It's important to remember that these design styles are not mutually exclusive and can often be blended or combined to create a unique look. If you feel that I may have missed any other notable styles, please don't hesitate to reach out and share your suggestions with me. I would be more than happy to add them to the list.