With so many design styles to choose from, we've compiled an interior design styles list to help you sharpen your understanding of home aesthetics. Keep reading to explore different decorating styles and gather inspiration for your aesthetic!

Modern & Contemporary
Mid-Century Modern
Traditional
Transitional
Coastal
Boho
Farmhouse
French Country
Rustic
Glam
Industrial

Modern & Contemporary

(Shop this image: curved blue sofas, mirrored coffee tables, white bouclé chairs, and abstract-shaped rugs.)

Modern and contemporary interior design styles are often referred to interchangeably or grouped together because they have a lot of the same design principles and decorative elements. Modern interior design includes furnishings, decor, and design principles that gained popularity from the early 1900s to the 1970s. The goal of modern design is to juxtapose traditional style by aiming to be more practical and uncluttered. Think functional furnishings and room layouts, clean lines and airy silhouettes, cool abstract shapes, and relaxed color palettes that come together to create a fresh yet inviting vibe. This decorating style also encompasses a wide range of other interior design aesthetics, including minimalism, mid-century modern, Scandinavian, or post-modern design.

Contemporary interior design builds off of traditional modern style and dates from the 1970s to the present. It takes the clean-lined, abstract vibes of modern design and adds more fluid curves, bold colors, and decorative elements that are considered "of-the-moment" or "on trend". Contemporary style often incorporates art deco influences and futuristic style for a fun and energized space. Learn more about contemporary interiors in our guide on What Is Contemporary Style?

Review Modern vs. Contemporary: What Is the Difference? or compare their design elements below to determine which one matches your aesthetic.

Modern Design Elements:

• Color Palettes: Neutral, earthy, monochromatic.
• Furniture: Clean-lined, sleek, and functional.
• Decor: Clean-lined, neutral, abstract, and nature-inspired – but manipulated.
• Materials: Human-made plywood, concrete, fiberglass, or acrylic paired with steel, natural stone, solid wood, bamboo, or leather.
• Patterns: Geometric, abstract, retro, or graphic grid patterns.

Contemporary Design Elements:

• Color Palettes: Neutral, neutral with pops of color, or bold complementary color pairings.
• Furniture: Curved- or abstract-shaped furniture balanced with clean-lined pieces.
• Decor: Futuristic, abstract, multicolored, or textured.
• Materials: Human-made concrete, fiberglass, or acrylic paired with steel, natural stone, solid wood, bamboo, or leather.
• Patterns: Geometric, abstract, or fluid curves.

Mid-Century Modern

(Shop this image: white shag rugs, green mid-century modern sofas, mid-century modern coffee tables, and retro accent chairs.)

Mid-century modern interior design rose in popularity between the 1950s and the 1970s. It includes a variety of retro elements, including sputnik chandeliers, shag rugs, sunburst or chevron patterns, velvet or corduroy furniture upholstery, abstract wood forms, and clean-lined, open/airy silhouettes. This home decorating style is also known for blending natural and human-made materials to create ultra-durable and practical furnishings that can also be manipulated to achieve abstract shapes. A classic example is combining acrylic and solid wood in the design of mid-century modern chairs. Here's more on this captivating style:

Key Design Elements:

• Color Palettes: Rich browns or beige, olive or sage green, rusty shades of orange, burgundy red, mustard yellow, teal blue, any shade of gray, and brass or silver metallics.
• Furniture: Furnishings with splayed, flared, or tapered legs, square-back sofas, subtle curved silhouettes, and abstract or openwork frames.
• Decor: Retro-inspired pieces like sunburst mirrors, sputnik chandeliers, shag rugs, and objects made of wood, acrylic, or metal.
• Materials: Solid wood (oak, mahogany, teak, rosewood), manufactured wood (plywood, fiberboard, vinyl), metals (steel, aluminum), leather (real or faux), plastic (acrylic, fiberglass), natural glass, upholstery (velvet, corduroy, wool, polyester) or cement/concrete.
• Patterns: Sunburst, chevron, half-moons, abstract shapes, or geometric prints.

Tip!

In need of some inspo? We've got you covered:
Mid-Century Modern Design
25 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Ideas
19 Decorating Tips for Mid-Century Modern Bedrooms
21 Mid-Century Modern Bathroom Ideas to Reimagine Your Space

Traditional

(Shop this image: traditional L-shaped sectionals, crystal chandeliers, traditional wall mirrors, and wood coffee tables.)

Traditional interior design is steeped in vintage charm and ornate detail. This decorating style takes classic design elements from the 1700s/1800s and brings them into the modern home. From purposefully-distressed area rugs to ornately framed mirrors to furnishings with spacious armrests and decorative embellishments, traditional design aims to fill your home with the comforts of the past. For an updated look that still has all the hallmarks of traditional style, we suggest taking a look at modern traditional interior design or skipping to the next section on transitional style. Learn more about what defines traditional style below:

Key Design Elements:

• Color Palettes: Beige or cream, dark-toned wood/rich brown, taupe, gray, gold (usually incorporated through metallic details), deep red, navy blue, or medium-toned blues and greens.
• Furniture: Rolled arms, turned legs, button-tufted detailing, nailhead trim, or dark wood frames.
• Decor: Wainscoting, crown molding, decorative busts, ornate chandeliers, vintage-inspired paintings, or elaborate window coverings.
• Materials: Solid wood (cherry, mahogany, walnut), antique brass or bronze metals, genuine leather or fabric upholstery (velvet, wool, linen, silk), crystal, or marble.
• Patterns: Stripe or plaid details, Oriental-inspired prints, vintage-like designs (toile or damask), or floral and botanical motifs.

Transitional

(Shop this image: gray sofas, rattan drum coffee tables, ivory geometric rugs, and gold side tables.)

Transitional interior design brings elements of modern and traditional style into one cohesive aesthetic. This type of decorating style usually includes "updating" traditional spaces by relaxing the color palette, upgrading traditional furniture to reflect clean-lined, modern design, and decluttering interiors with a lot of ornate embellishments, patterns, or decor to create the perfect balance of sleek and cozy elements.

Key Design Elements:

• Color Palettes: Neutral or monochromatic palettes that feature beige, tan, light gray, taupe, black, white/ivory, gold metallics, rich brown, and pops of color (used sparingly).
• Furniture: Traditional silhouettes with modernized features (chesterfield or tufted sofas with tapered legs) or traditional furniture with light/neutral upholstery colors (ivory, beige, white).
• Decor: Minimal yet intentional decor that features a blend of modern and traditional style (abstract artwork beside a vintage oil painting), modernized chandeliers, or textural throw pillows.
• Materials: Light- or medium-toned wood, rattan, genuine leather or suede, bouclé, cotton, or chenille.
• Patterns: Minimal patterns that can translate to modern or traditional spaces like stripes/clean lines or subtle curves, along with organic textures (embroidered pillows, wicker, carved wood, or nubby upholstery).

Coastal

(Shop this image: white sofa chaise sectionals, brown leather barrel chairs, coastal coffee tables, and electric stoves.)

Coastal interior design exudes relaxation with a fusion of laid-back beachy colors, organic textures, and seaside decor. Think light and bright with a splash of blue, cozy rattan accents, and a collection of seashells as a table centerpiece. Coastal style also encompasses nautical and tropical interior design styles, with nautical interiors focused on sailing/fishing, and tropical interiors focused on breezy island-living.

Key Design Elements:

• Color Palettes: White, ivory/cream, beige, tan, any shade of blue (especially seafoam, aqua, and ocean-inspired tones), soft grays, pastel or butter yellow, or coral orange.
• Furniture: Whitewashed wood, weathered pieces, slipcovered sofas or furnishings with breathable upholstery (like linen or cotton), and breezy openwork frames.
• Decor: Decorative seashells, starfish, corals or driftwood, oceanscape artwork, shiplap wall panels, and coastal-inspired light fixtures.
• Materials: Rattan, bamboo, whitewashed or light-toned woods (pine, ash, oak), jute or sisal, linen, cotton, and glass (extra points if it has a blue or aqua tone).
• Patterns: Nautical stripes, wicker weaves, sea life motifs (fish, seahorses, starfish, corals), or nautical motifs (anchors, rope, lighthouses).

Tip!

In love with coastal style? Check out these additional styles and room ideas:
What Is the Coastal Cowgirl Aesthetic & How to Style This Trend at Home
13 Ways to Achieve Coastal Granddaughter Style in Your Home
15 Simple Ways to Style Modern Coastal Design
13 Coastal Living Room Ideas for a Seaside Aesthetic

Boho

(Shop this image: boho area rugs, drum coffee tables, blue velvet sofas, and blue velvet accent chairs.)

Boho interior design is a carefree decorating style that blends bold texture and color with natural materials for fun and relaxed space. Boho style puts an emphasis on Persian- or Oriental-inspired prints, rich jewel tones, breezy natural materials and plantlife, and layered textures or patterns. It leans towards eclectic style, because it encourages the inclusion of different design styles and the incorporation of thrifted or travel-inspired pieces.

Key Design Elements:

• Color Palettes: Jewel tones (saturated hues like sapphire blue, teal or turquoise, olive green, mustard yellow, ruby red, amethyst purple, bold orange, or magenta pink) in combination with earthy shades of brown, beige, tan, or terracotta.
• Furniture: Woven rattan tables, low-profile silhouettes, hand-painted pieces, or mid-century modern–inspired sofas.
• Decor: Macrame wall hangings or tapestries, houseplants, embroidered throw pillows, travel trinkets, woven baskets, beaded light fixtures, and candles or incense.
• Materials: Rattan, bamboo, light-toned wood, jute and sisal, velvet, wool, muslin, or cotton.
• Patterns: Persian- or Oriental-inspired patterns, wicker weaves, and botanical or floral prints.

Tip!

Explore these guides to learn how to style boho spaces:
Chic Bohemian Living Room Ideas to Inspire Good Vibes
18 Free-Spirited Boho Bedroom Ideas

Farmhouse

(Shop this image: white slipcover sofas, wood trestle coffee tables, cream-patterned area rugs, wagon wheel chandeliers, and farmhouse-style throw pillows.)

Farmhouse style is inspired by quaint countryside cottages and farmhouse interiors. It encourages slow-living through the use of relaxed neutral palettes, pastel hues, natural materials, and nature-inspired decor. The result is a homey, inviting space to entertain and enjoy life's simple pleasures. Modern farmhouse style keeps the comforts of traditional farmhouse interiors and adds modern touches to bring it up-to-date.

Key Design Elements:

• Color Palettes: Light neutrals like white, cream, tan, and beige paired with relaxing shades of sage green, light blue, and other pastel shades. Farmhouse color palettes also use medium-toned wood and black metallic accents to add depth.
• Furniture: Slipcovered sofas or seating with rolled/recessed arms, trestle-style tables, rocking chairs, or wingback armchairs.
• Decor: Weathered wood pieces, countryside artwork, wagon wheel chandeliers, dried wheat or grasses, apron sinks, exposed wood beams, pottery, or barn doors.
• Materials: Reclaimed/weathered wood, light- or medium-toned wood, linen, cotton, wool, leather, or wrought iron.
• Patterns: Plaid or gingham or floral and botanical patterns.

Tip!

Learn more about how to emulate farmhouse style with the help of these guides:
12 Farmhouse Kitchens That Are Seriously Stunning (With Photos!)
20 Gorgeous Farmhouse Bedroom Ideas to Copy

French Country

(Shop this image: arched-top mirrors, French-country glass coffee tables, blue French-country accent chairs, and French-country sofas.)

French-country style seeks to transport you to a rustic French villa – a different kind of countryside escape! This decor style adds an air of elegance to relaxed neutral palettes with decadent furnishings, ornate wall moldings, and charming decorative accents. Check out these 20 Chic & Easy French-Country Decorating Ideas and review the key design elements below to learn how to incorporate this style.

Key Design Elements:

• Color Palettes: Light neutrals including beige, cream, white, or soft gray paired with pastel blues, pinks, yellows, or greens, and gold metallic accents.
• Furniture: Queen Anne or King Louis chairs, sofas with recessed arms, decorative trunks, wood and upholstered bed frames, and painted or whitewashed furnishings.
• Decor: Whitewashed wood pieces, wainscoting/crown molding, faux bird cages, decorative busts or finials, ornate mirrors, elaborate flower arrangements, vintage-inspired decor, and candelabra chandeliers.
• Materials: Whitewashed or light wood, wrought iron, antique brass or oil-rubbed bronze, and cotton, linen, or wool upholstery fabric.
• Patterns: Floral or botanical prints, damask or toile patterns, and layered stripes.

Rustic

(Shop this image: faux stone wall paneling, cowhide rugs, white sofas, wagon wheel chandeliers, and log storage.)

Rustic interior design encompasses a wide range of rugged interior aesthetics – from Southwestern desert ranches to secluded mountain cabins. This design style has a lot of the same elements of farmhouse style, but it plays up the inclusion of texture and raw natural elements for the ultimate cozy retreat.

Key Design Elements:

• Color Palettes: Rich browns, beige, tan, gray, black, cream, rusty shades of orange or red, terracotta, medium-or gray-toned blues, or sage green.
• Furniture: Raw or weathered wood furnishings, distressed leather armchairs, wood and metal pieces, or furniture with chunky wood frames.
• Decor: Handmade or repurposed items, antlers or taxidermy pieces (real or faux), faux fur blankets or pillows, industrial-style light fixtures, stone accent walls, and fireside log storage.
• Materials: Stone or brick, weathered/raw wood, canvas, burlap, cowhide or sheepskin (real or faux), wool, cotton, leather, or jute.
• Patterns: Southwestern prints, woven textiles, plaid patterns, or mountain lodge–inspired motifs.

Tip!

Here are some rustic room ideas to get started with this style:
Cabin Interior Design 101: Your Guide to Rustic & Cozy Interiors
16 Modern Rustic Living Room Ideas
Rustic Dining Room Ideas: 15 Ways to Style a Rustic Dining Space

Glam

(Shop this image: white and gold wallpaper, black velvet sectionals, white glam accent chairs, silver coffee tables, and gold drum chandeliers.)

The glam aesthetic brings luxury and comfort to any space through the use of shimmering metallic details, luxe fabrics, and art deco–inspired prints. This interior decorating style can be playful, elegant, or both with the right mixture of elements that we break down below:

Key Design Elements:

• Color Palettes: Gold, silver, gray, black, white, and saturated jewel tones like sapphire, emerald, magenta, amethyst, ruby, or citrine.
• Furniture: Furnishings with mirrored accents, chesterfield-inspired sofas, velvet-upholstered headboards, or seating with velvet or fur upholstery and metallic frames.
• Decor: Crystal chandeliers/light fixtures, glistening metallic sculptures, faux fur or animal print throws, and glitter-framed mirrors.
• Materials: Polished metals, velvet, faux fur, silk, glass, lacquer, or crystal.
• Patterns: Art deco–inspired geometric patterns, quatrefoil motifs, damask designs, or animal prints.

Tip!

Check out these guides for more glam inspo:
A Comprehensive Guide to Dazzling Glam Room Ideas
Hollywood Regency Style: Your Guide to This Glam Design
How to Decorate With Jewel Tones for a Glam Space

Industrial

(Shop this image: modular gray sectionals, wagon wheel chandeliers, industrial coffee tables, decorative globes, and yellow throw pillows.)

Industrial interior design is modeled after factories or industrial buildings turned into upscale living spaces. This is a popular design style for city apartments or lofts because it incorporates exposed brick walls, wood or metal beams, and distressed wood or concrete flooring as part of the aesthetic.

Key Design Elements:

• Color Palettes: Steel or charcoal grays, rich browns, black, rusted orange, mustard yellow, and white.
• Furniture: Reclaimed wood and metal pieces, clean-lined leather sofas or headboards, and furniture with pipework or iron detailing.
• Decor: City blueprints, wrought iron light fixtures, globes, decorative pipework, or industrial-style sculptures.
• Materials: Brick, reclaimed wood, leather, canvas, concrete, galvanized steel, iron, denim, or burlap.
• Patterns: Faux brick, rusted or marbleized prints, blueprint designs, or geometric motifs.

Tip!

Redefine your interiors with these industrial style ideas:
9 Ways to Channel the Industrial Boho Design Trend at Home
Industrial Decor Ideas for Every Room in the House

Now that you've had a chance to learn about the types of interior design, take our Decorating Style Quiz: Which Decor Scheme Is for You? to see which aesthetic is right for you!

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