Interior Design Styles: 13 Most Popular Types Explained

When it comes to interior design, the options are nearly endless, but there are several key interior design styles that consistently remain popular for their unique aesthetics and practical appeal. Here’s a breakdown of the 13 most popular types of interior design styles, as explained by SJ Interior Designs:

1. Modern Style

Key Features: Clean lines, minimalism, open spaces, and functional design.

• Colour Palette: Neutral tones such as greys, whites, and blacks, with occasional pops of colour.
• Materials: Glass, steel, and chrome are commonly used for their sleek appearance.
• Furniture: Simple and unadorned, with a focus on function. Think low-profile sofas, angular chairs, and minimalist décor.
• Vibe: Modern design is all about simplicity, functionality, and a sleek, polished look. It celebrates the beauty of form and function coming together in perfect harmony.

2. Contemporary Style

Key Features: A constantly evolving style that reflects what’s currently popular.

• Colour Palette: Neutral shades with vibrant accent colours.
• Materials: Wood, metal, and glass in varied textures.
• Furniture: Versatile and adaptable, with smooth surfaces and bold accents. Curved and angular pieces mix together for a dynamic effect.
• Vibe: Contemporary design focuses on fluidity and updating with the latest trends. It’s often seen as a mix of modern and traditional elements but always incorporates current trends in the industry.

3. Minimalist Style

Key Features: Less is more—this style is all about simplicity and functionality.

• Colour Palette: Monochromatic or very limited colour schemes (think whites, blacks, and greys).
• Materials: Smooth, sleek surfaces such as glass, metal, and stone.
• Furniture: Functional and streamlined, with no excess or unnecessary decoration. Every item has a purpose.
• Vibe: Clean, uncluttered, and spacious—the goal is to create a sense of calm and openness by eliminating anything non-essential.

4. Industrial Style

Key Features: Raw materials, exposed elements, and a focus on the utilitarian.

• Colour Palette: Neutral tones, mostly greys, blacks, and browns, with metallic accents.
• Materials: Exposed brick, steel, wood, and concrete are often used to achieve an unfinished, rugged look.
• Furniture: Furniture tends to have a vintage, reclaimed, or factory-style feel, often with a weathered or rustic appearance.
• Vibe: Industrial style draws inspiration from old warehouses or factories, offering a raw, edgy aesthetic with a focus on open spaces and functional furniture.

5. Traditional Style

Key Features: Classic, timeless design with a focus on comfort, elegance, and symmetry.

• Colour Palette: Warm, rich colours like deep reds, greens, and browns. The use of wood tones is common.
• Materials: High-quality wood, leather, and luxurious fabrics like silk or velvet.
• Furniture: Ornate and grandiose furniture, such as upholstered armchairs, wooden dining tables, and decorative antiques.
• Vibe: Traditional style focuses on creating a gracious, comfortable, and elegant environment through the use of classic design elements and balanced proportions.

6. Transitional Style

Key Features: A fusion of traditional and modern elements.

• Colour Palette: Neutral and soft colours with pops of deeper tones or bold accents.
• Materials: A mix of wood, metal, and upholstered fabrics to bridge the gap between old and new.
• Furniture: Softer lines than traditional design but with more structure than modern pieces. Furniture is often sleek but still comfortable.
• Vibe: Transitional style blends comfort and elegance with modern simplicity. It’s perfect for those who like the idea of classic style but want to incorporate contemporary touches.

7. Bohemian Style (Boho)

Key Features: Eclectic, free-spirited, and full of personality.

• Colour Palette: Rich, earthy tones, with vibrant pops of reds, oranges, and gold. Layered colours are key.
• Materials: Natural fibres like rattan, bamboo, linen, and leather.
• Furniture: Furniture is often mismatched but carefully chosen to create a layered, comforting, and stylish look. Think fabrics like kilims, tapestries, and vintage pieces.
• Vibe: The Boho style is laid-back, artistic, and embraces the concept of freedom and individuality. Eclectic décor and rich textures create a cozy, lived-in feel.

8. Scandinavian Style

Key Features: Clean, simple design with an emphasis on functionality and natural beauty.

• Colour Palette: Light, neutral tones—whites, light grays, and natural wood finishes.
• Materials: Light woods, wool, linen, and leather.
• Furniture: Simple, streamlined, and practical. Scandinavian furniture tends to focus on ergonomic design and quality craftsmanship.
• Vibe: This style emphasises minimalism, functionality, and nature, creating spaces that are bright, open, and welcoming.

9. Art Deco Style

Key Features: Bold, luxurious, and glamorous.

• Colour Palette: Rich tones such as gold, black, deep blues, and greens with glossy finishes.
• Materials: Shiny metals, lacquer, marble, and glass.
• Furniture: Angular, geometric shapes paired with luxurious materials like mirrored surfaces and gold accents.
• Vibe: Art Deco is synonymous with luxury, glamour, and opulence. Think about bold patterns, rich textures, and a 20th-century retro flair.

10. Farmhouse Style

Key Features: Cozy, rustic, and full of charm.

• Colour Palette: Soft, neutral shades like whites, beiges, and muted greens.
• Materials: Wood, shiplap, wrought iron, and vintage elements.
• Furniture: Distressed, vintage-inspired, and often oversized furniture pieces.
• Vibe: The farmhouse style brings the feeling of comfort and nostalgia, offering a space where you can feel relaxed and at home. It often incorporates country-inspired décor with a modern twist.

11. Mid-Century Modern

Key Features: Clean lines, functional form, and a combination of natural and man-made materials.

• Colour Palette: Bold pops of colour (like mustard yellow, teal, or olive green) against neutral bases.
• Materials: Wood, metal, and plastic—often in sleek, natural finishes.
• Furniture: Sleek, functional, and minimalist. Low-profile sofas, wooden tables, and iconic chairs like the Eames lounge chair.
• Vibe: Mid-century modern style embodies simplicity, function, and a retro feel, with a focus on bringing beauty into everyday life.

12. Coastal Style

Key Features: Light, airy, and inspired by beach or seaside living.

• Colour Palette: Soft blues, whites, sands, and coral hues.
• Materials: Natural textures like woven wicker, driftwood, and linen.
• Furniture: Relaxed, comfortable, and often whitewashed. Furniture has a light, open feel to evoke beachside relaxation.
• Vibe: Coastal interiors are all about freshness, serenity, and the feeling of being near the ocean—bright, open, and relaxing.

13. Eclectic Style

Key Features: A mash-up of various styles and periods that blend together harmoniously.

• Colour Palette: No fixed colour scheme; typically a mix of bold and subtle tones.
• Materials: Everything from vintage finds to contemporary elements—materials vary widely.
• Furniture: Mismatched, but carefully curated to create balance and interest. Think bohemian flair combined with industrial pieces and mid-century modern.
• Vibe: Eclectic design is all about personality and individuality. It encourages mixing and matching personal collections, art, and furniture to create an authentic, **lived in.