Your Guide to 20+ Popular Interior Design Styles

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the interior design options out there, you’re not alone. With so many styles to choose from, it can be tricky to figure out where to start or which one best suits your taste. Understanding the key characteristics of these styles can make it easier to pinpoint what truly resonates with you.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 20+ popular interior design styles, helping you discover which one could transform your space into something that feels uniquely you.

Art Deco Interior

Art Deco became a symbol of luxury in the 1920s and 1930s, known for its glamour, bold geometric shapes, and opulent materials. This style combined modern technology with luxurious decor, offering a sense of both sophistication and extravagance.

A mood board showcasing the Art Deco style, featuring bold geometric patterns, rich colors, and luxurious materials.

A luxurious living room with gold and brown accents, featuring velvet sofas, a geometric rug, and an ornate mirror.

Key Features

Geometric Shapes: Prominent triangles, zigzags, and fan motifs.
Luxurious Materials: Polished metals such as gold, chrome, and mirrored surfaces.
Rich Colors: Deep jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and ruby, paired with black, white, and metallic accents.
Statement Decor: Eye-catching lighting fixtures like chandeliers and sculptural art pieces inspired by modernism.

Bohemian (Boho) Interior

Bohemian style (short: Boho style) embraces a free-spirited, eclectic aesthetic that’s all about mixing vibrant colors, textures, and patterns. Originating from a lifestyle that values creativity, individuality, and non-conformity, this style is perfect for those who love a lived-in, personalised space.

A mood board showcasing a bohemian interior design style, featuring earthy tones, natural materials, and eclectic patterns.

A cozy living room with eclectic decor, featuring a white sofa, colorful pillows, and a large patterned rug.

Key Features

Bold Colors: Deep reds, oranges, and purples mixed with earthy neutrals.
Layered Textures: Velvet, linen, and wool in throw pillows and blankets.
Eclectic Patterns: A mix of floral, tribal, and geometric designs.
Natural Materials: Wood, rattan, wicker, and lots of plants.

Coastal Interior

Coastal style brings the fresh, relaxed feel of the beach into the home. It’s light, airy, and calm, focusing on soothing colors and natural materials. Inspired by the ocean and seaside, this style is perfect for creating a tranquil, open space.

A bright and airy coastal living room with white walls, light blue accents, and comfortable seating.

Key Features

Soft Colors: Light blues, whites, and sandy neutrals that mimic the beach.
Natural Materials: Wood, rattan, and linen for a relaxed, organic feel.
Light & Airy: Large windows, light fabrics, and minimal clutter to let in natural light.
Beach-Inspired Decor: Accessories like seashells, driftwood, and nautical elements.

RELATED: Coastal boho bedroom ideas

Contemporary Interior

Contemporary style reflects the design trends of today, focusing on simplicity, functionality, and clean lines. It’s all about creating open, airy spaces with a modern yet timeless feel, without too many ornate details.

A modern and minimalist living room with a neutral color palette, featuring a white sofa, a round armchair, and a large TV.

Key Features

Neutral Tones: Shades of grey, black, white, and beige, creating a calm and balanced space.
Minimalistic Furniture: Simple, functional pieces with clean lines and no unnecessary decoration.
Open Spaces: Uncluttered, airy rooms with an emphasis on light and space.
Modern Materials: Use of glass, metal, and smooth, sleek finishes.

Cottagecore Interior

Cottagecore interior design draws inspiration from the simple, rustic life, creating a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. It’s all about embracing nature, comfort, and charm, with a focus on vintage items and natural materials.

A cozy and feminine living room with a floral wallpaper, a patterned sofa, and a collection of vintage-inspired decor.

Key Features

Soft Pastels: Light colors like blush pink, soft greens, and creams.
Vintage Decor: Antique or vintage furniture, often with a rustic finish.
Natural Materials: Wood, linen, and wicker for an earthy, homemade feel.
Floral & Rustic Patterns: Floral prints, gingham, and lace for a whimsical touch.

Eclectic Interior

Eclectic interior design is all about mixing and matching different styles, colors, and textures to create a space that feels uniquely yours. It combines elements from various time periods and cultures, resulting in a bold, creative atmosphere.

A vibrant and eclectic living room with colorful rugs, tapestries, and artwork.

Key Features

Mix of Styles: A blend of furniture and decor from different eras and influences.
Bold Patterns & Colors: Vibrant patterns like stripes, florals, and geometric shapes, often in contrasting colors.
Personalized Decor: Unique, often mismatched items that reflect the owner’s personality and travels.
Layered Textures: A variety of materials, such as velvet, leather, wood, and metal, layered together for visual interest.

Farmhouse Interior

Farmhouse interior design focuses on creating a warm, inviting atmosphere with a touch of rustic charm. It combines old-world country elements with modern comforts, emphasizing practicality and simplicity.

A cozy dining room with a wooden table, mismatched chairs, and a woven rug.

💡Pro Tip: While Cottagecore shares similarities with Farmhouse interior design, it’s not the same. Cottagecore is a whimsical, nature-inspired style focused on romantic rural living, while farmhouse is a more practical, rustic design that emphasises comfort and functionality in rural life.

Key Features

Reclaimed Wood: Natural, weathered wood used in furniture and decor for a rustic feel.
Neutral & Warm Tones: Soft whites, beiges, and earthy colors for a relaxed, cozy environment.
Vintage & Rustic Decor: Antique furniture, mason jars, and country-style accessories.
Comfortable & Functional Furniture: Simple, durable furniture that’s perfect for everyday living.

French Interior

French style interior design combines elegance with a relaxed, rustic charm. Whether it’s the luxurious French provincial look or the more modern Parisian chic, French interiors are known for their sophistication, timeless appeal, and attention to detail.

A mood board showcasing French Country style interior design, featuring a neutral color palette, antique furniture, and vintage textiles.

A chic Parisian living room with a grand fireplace, ornate mirror, and a crystal chandelier, featuring a neutral color palette with pops of pink in the seating.

Key Features

Soft, Neutral Colors: A palette of whites, creams, grays, and pastels, creating a refined, calming atmosphere.
Ornate & Antique Furniture: Vintage or antique pieces with intricate carvings and elegant finishes.
Luxurious Fabrics: Use of materials like velvet, linen, and silk for a sense of opulence.
Refined Details: Decorative touches like mirrors, chandeliers, and artwork, giving the space an air of sophistication.

Gothic Interior

Gothic interior design embraces a dark, dramatic aesthetic, often inspired by medieval architecture and the mysterious, romantic atmosphere of Gothic literature. It’s bold, theatrical, and filled with rich textures and intricate details.

A dramatic and opulent Gothic living room with dark walls, velvet curtains, and ornate furniture.

Key Features

Dark Colors: Deep tones like black, rich burgundy, and midnight blue for a moody atmosphere.
Ornate Details: Intricate carvings, elaborate furniture, and vintage accessories that add a touch of luxury.
Heavy Fabrics: Velvet, brocade, and leather for a rich, opulent feel.
Gothic Motifs: Elements like candle chandeliers, arches, and medieval-style decor.

Industrial Interior

Industrial interior design is inspired by the raw, unfinished look of warehouses and factories. It embraces open spaces, exposed structural elements, and a mix of modern and vintage furniture, creating an edgy, utilitarian aesthetic.

A spacious and industrial loft living room with exposed brick walls, large windows, and a minimalist aesthetic.

Key Features

Exposed Materials: Raw elements like brick, concrete, steel, and wood are left uncovered for an industrial look.
Open Layouts: Spacious, open-concept rooms with minimal partitions and a sense of airiness.
Vintage & Reclaimed Furniture: Old, repurposed items like factory-style furniture and reclaimed wood pieces.
Metal & Steel Accents: Use of metal fixtures, pipes, and steel elements in decor and furniture.

Japandi Interior

Japandi interior design merges the simplicity of Scandinavian design with the elegance and tranquility of Japanese interiors. The result is a minimalist style focused on natural materials, clean lines, and a sense of calm, perfect for creating a peaceful, functional home.

A minimalist and serene living room with a neutral color palette, featuring a wooden sofa, a low coffee table, and a large potted plant.

Key Features

Natural Materials: Wood, bamboo, and stone are used for a warm, earthy feel.
Minimalist Design: Clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and simple furniture with functional, practical design.
Neutral Color Palette: Soft tones like beige, gray, and white create a calming atmosphere.
Balance of Functionality & Aesthetics: Every piece of furniture or decor serves both a practical and aesthetic purpose.

Maximalist Interior

Maximalist interior design is all about embracing excess and personality. Unlike minimalism, which focuses on simplicity, maximalism encourages layering colors, textures, and patterns for a bold, dynamic look that reflects individuality and creativity.

A vibrant and eclectic living room with a bold color palette, ornate details, and a mix of patterns and textures.

Key Features

Bold Colors & Patterns: Bright, contrasting colors and a mix of patterns are used throughout the space.
Eclectic Decor: An abundance of decor items, from vintage finds to modern pieces, combined in a cohesive, yet varied way.
Layered Textures: A mix of fabrics like velvet, leather, and silk, creating a rich, tactile environment.
Statement Pieces: Eye-catching furniture or accessories that add drama and showcase personal style.

Mid-Century Modern Interior

Mid-century modern interior design is characterized by clean lines, functional furniture, and a focus on simplicity. Popular in the 1940s to 1960s, this style blends form and function, making it both stylish and practical.

A mid-century modern living room with a neutral color palette, featuring a bright orange sofa, wooden furniture, and a collection of artwork.

Key Features

Clean Lines & Simple Shapes: Furniture with straight lines, organic shapes, and minimal ornamentation.
Wooden Furniture: Teak and walnut wood are common, offering a natural, warm aesthetic.
Bold Color Accents: Bright, bold colors like mustard yellow, teal, and orange are used in decor, often paired with neutral tones.
Functional Design: Furniture and decor that are both stylish and practical, with an emphasis on usability.

Minimalist Interior

Minimalist interior design is all about simplicity, focusing on the essentials. It’s a clean, clutter-free approach that uses neutral colors, sleek furniture, and open spaces to create a serene, functional living environment.

A minimalist and serene living room with a neutral color palette, featuring a white sofa, two armchairs, a wooden coffee table, and a small potted tree.

Key Features

Neutral Color Palette: Soft tones like white, gray, beige, and black create a calming atmosphere.
Functional Furniture: Simple, streamlined furniture with an emphasis on practicality.
Clutter-Free Spaces: A focus on open spaces with minimal decor and accessories.
Clean Lines & Simple Shapes: Furniture and decor feature straight lines, geometric shapes, and a lack of unnecessary ornamentation.

Nautical Interior

Nautical interior design evokes the spirit of the sea, bringing in coastal colors, textures, and accessories to create a relaxing, beachy atmosphere. Inspired by maritime life, it combines a fresh palette with natural materials and marine motifs.

A nautical themed living room with blue and white striped decor, rope accents, and nautical symbols.

💡Pro Tip: Coastal and Nautical interiors may sound similar, but they’re quite different. Coastal design feels breezy and natural, inspired by the beach, with light colors and natural materials. On the other hand, nautical design is bold and thematic, resembling a ship with strong colors, stripes, and maritime-inspired decor.

Key Features

Coastal Color Palette: Blues, whites, and sandy beige tones mimic the colors of the ocean and beach.
Natural Materials: Wood, wicker, and linen are common, creating a light, breezy feel.
Marine-Inspired Decor: Nautical elements like anchors, ropes, and ship wheels add character.
Stripes & Patterns: Striped patterns, especially in navy blue and white, are a hallmark of the style.

Rococo Interior

Rococo interior design is known for its opulence and elegance, characterized by ornate decorations, intricate patterns, and soft pastel colors. Emerging in the 18th century, it brings a sense of romance and luxury to any space, with a focus on beauty and craftsmanship.

A luxurious and feminine living room with a pink color palette, ornate details, and crystal chandeliers.

Key Features

Intricate Details: Ornate furniture with scrolling curves, floral motifs, and gilded finishes.
Soft Pastel Colors: Light, delicate hues like pale pink, mint green, and cream dominate the palette.
Luxurious Materials: Velvet, silk, and fine woods are used to create a lavish look.
Elaborate Patterns: Floral and asymmetrical designs are common in both furniture and decor.

Rustic Interior

Rustic interior design embraces natural materials and earthy colors, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Inspired by the countryside and outdoor living, it focuses on simplicity, comfort, and a connection to nature.

A rustic living room with exposed wooden beams, stone walls, and leather furniture.

Key Features

Natural Materials: Wood, stone, leather, and metal are prominent, giving the space a raw, organic feel.
Earthy Colors: Shades of brown, beige, grey, and deep greens evoke the natural world.
Exposed Elements: Wooden beams, stone walls, and open shelving add character and warmth.
Simple, Functional Decor: Furniture and accessories are sturdy and practical, with a focus on craftsmanship.

Shabby Chic Interior

Shabby chic interior design is all about creating a relaxed, vintage-inspired space with a mix of worn, distressed furniture and soft, romantic colors. The style combines elegance with a lived-in feel, focusing on comfort, nostalgia, and feminine charm.

A feminine and romantic living room with a soft pink color palette, floral patterns, and vintage furniture.

Key Features

Soft, Light Colors: Pastels like pale pink, mint green, and light blue are common, creating a soft, serene environment.
Distressed Furniture: Vintage or antique furniture with a worn or weathered finish adds character and charm.
Floral Patterns: Floral prints are frequently used in textiles, wallpaper, and accessories.
Romantic Details: Lace, ruffles, and shabby accessories add a touch of femininity and nostalgia.

Scandinavian Interior

Scandinavian interior design is known for its simplicity, functionality, and connection to nature. Originating from the Nordic countries, it features clean lines, neutral colors, and a focus on creating warm, inviting spaces with minimalist decor.

A bright and airy living room with a minimalist aesthetic, featuring a white sofa, a round coffee table, and large windows.

Key Features

Neutral Color Palette: Soft tones like white, grey, and beige create a calm, serene atmosphere.
Natural Materials: Light wood, linen, and wool add warmth and texture to the space.
Minimalist Furniture: Simple, functional furniture with clean lines and a focus on practicality.
Cozy Accents: Throw blankets, rugs, and soft lighting help create a welcoming, homely environment.

Traditional Interior

Traditional interior design is rooted in classic European decor, featuring timeless, elegant furniture and a sense of refinement. It’s all about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere with rich colors, fine details, and a sense of history.

A traditional living room with a dark color palette, ornate details, and a collection of artwork and sculptures.

Key Features

Rich, Warm Colors: Deep hues like burgundy, navy, and gold create a cosy, luxurious feel.
Classic Furniture: Pieces with traditional shapes, like tufted sofas and wingback chairs, are common.
Symmetry: A balanced, orderly arrangement of furniture and decor gives the space a harmonious feel.
Ornate Details: Crown moulding, wainscoting, and antique-inspired accessories add sophistication.

Victorian Interior

Victorian interior design is known for its opulence, attention to detail, and historical influence. Originating in the 19th century, this style features ornate furniture, rich colors, and luxurious materials, creating a refined and lavish atmosphere.

A grand and opulent living room with ornate details, a crystal chandelier, and a rich color palette.

Key Features

Rich, Dark Colors: Deep shades like burgundy, emerald green, and gold dominate the color palette.
Ornate Furniture: Elaborate furniture with carved wood, velvet upholstery, and intricate detailing.
Luxurious Fabrics: Heavy fabrics like velvet, brocade, and damask are used for curtains, upholstery, and cushions.
Intricate Details: Decorative mouldings, floral patterns, and antique accessories give the space a sense of grandeur.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to settle on just one style for your home. Mixing two can create a unique and personalized space. For example, pairing industrial and rustic styles can bring together the sleekness of metal with the warmth of wood, creating a cozy yet modern atmosphere. Or, combining mid-century modern with boho elements can result in a stylish and laid-back space full of character.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect blend that works for you!