I agree with you: being a design enthusiast is hard. Not only do you need to keep up with the latest trends and have an encyclopedic knowledge of all the colors of the year, but it’s also helpful to know the differences between all the major decorating styles.
Sounds easy, right? Not really. The truth is that understanding every single difference between different styles is easier said than done. After all, who really knows the difference between Scandinavian and minimalism? Traditional and transitional? To help you out, I’m breaking down some of the biggest interior design styles.
It’s worth noting that everyone’s definition may vary slightly. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But the explanations below should help you appreciate the many nuances of interior design and give you inspiration for choosing your personal taste.
Want to live in the lap of luxury? You will love Art Deco. Short for “Arts Décoratifs,” the style was in vogue from the 1920s to the 1930s and placed a heavy emphasis on all things glamorous: rich colors, metallics and, of course, the occasional animal print. But while Art Deco doesn’t shy away from being extra, it’s known for its bold, geometric shapes with sharp edges. So the next time you see a picture of the Chrysler Building — or even a cool mirror with the sun (they were huge back then) — you can thank Art Deco for creating these timeless wonders.
Although the word “bohemian” is often associated with a skilled and unconventional person, the style of interior design has become more popular. But when it comes to bringing the bohemian spirit into your home, ditch the rulebook and focus on creating a relaxing space that’s personal to you. Line your bed with throws from your local vintage shop. Pull Grandma’s accent chair out of storage. Create a soul shelf with all the trinkets you bought on a recent trip. It’s all about creating a cool space that’s full of personality.
Every bohemian space has to be different, but most of them tend to focus on worn textiles as well as vintage furniture and accessories.
The coast is all blue, white and anchor motifs (aka nautical). When I hear the word “coastal,” I can’t help but think of an oceanfront home Grace & Frankie. It’s inspired by natural elements, so while you might see a vase full of shells, a coffee table, or a soothing blue color palette, it also doesn’t have to be as literal as you think.
This one is frivolous; colorful spaces boldly mix and match different shades, be it pastel, bright tones or a combination of the two. Besides paint and furniture, even small decorations make a home full of color, such as bold gallery walls or patterned rugs. Depending on the design, this style of home decoration can also draw parallels with eclectic, glamorous or maximalist interiors.
Is it just me, or is practically every home considered “contemporary”? Well, that’s because there are a lot of them. Contemporary design style is constantly changing because it’s all about what’s in at the moment. For example, if pewter and metal hardware is on trend, it will likely be considered contemporary.
That said, there is more to the contemporary home than trends. Kita Marie Williams, interior designer and CEO of KMW Interiors, previously explained that contemporary style aims to create a modern space without unnecessary frills.
The cottage aesthetic (or “cottagecore”) initially exploded on social media early in the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to its cheerful, cozy, and country-inspired influences. This charming look focuses on soothing florals, vintage and antique elements or anything that looks straight out of a rustic English country home. It is often combined with shabby chic, but cottagecore looks more relaxed and natural.
Think Scandinavian style, but with a ton of soft, muted colors, and you get a Danish pastel. As the name implies, this Nordic-inspired trend showcases pretty bright pinks, blues, greens, yellows, lilacs and more. Expect fun, whimsical shapes too, like mushroom lamps and mirrors, plus subtle checkers or floral patterns.
Some say opposites attract, and no style supports that theory better than eclectic design. The style is associated with the fusion of two very different designs. Want to mix traditionalism with Scandinavian style? What about farmhouse minimalism? Eclecticism offers a blank slate to make all your wildest design dreams come true.
English country is a popular emerging aesthetic, and it’s like a moodier maximalist iteration of Cottagecore. It is usually characterized by darker, more muted colors and patterns, but still maintains an overall sense of comfort and living that looks straight out of a grand European home. The key is layering a mix of timeless prints and pieces, such as combining antique and modern furniture in the same room or playing with different prints inspired by nature. Oh, and the more books, the better.
No, the farmhouse isn’t just chicken-themed decorations and fruit basket pictures. Although the style of the country house certainly veers more towards traditionalism, it’s actually all about creating a warm, cozy space. Common features include light, airy spaces, wooden accents, exposed beams and comfortable couches. Translation? Pretty great definition by Chip and Joanna Gaines. While many farmhouse design enthusiasts have leaned on the rustic aesthetic, others are giving the style a makeover with modern touches.
You’ll recognize a glamorous space when you see it; think mirror or metallic finishes, marble accents, faux fur and velvet, to name just a few textbook motifs. Basically, any luxurious-looking material or texture falls under glam design. It’s opulent and sophisticated, but not overly so.
As they say, one person’s trash is another’s treasure. When industrial design was born in the 1700s, it was a purely utilitarian style that fitted out growing factories. While industrialist design occasionally evolved to keep up with new safety regulations, it wasn’t until the 60s and 70s that people started turning abandoned factories into lofts, restaurants and modern hotels.
Although industrialism features humble materials such as wood and brick, you can expect to find solid iron and steel as well. To play off masculine materials, many industrial homes have a cooler, neutral color palette. Is it in Dan Humphrey’s loft Gossip girl ring any bells?
Think more is more? Well, you’ll love maximalism. Far from modernism or Scandinavian style, maximalism dares design enthusiasts to be bold. Similar to bohemians, you have the autonomy to make your space as maximalist as you want. Start slowly with a controlled, symmetrical maximalist à la Wes Anderson, or channel your inner Austin Powers by choosing patterns, colors and textures.
Rising to prominence after World War II—along with tract homes—mid-century modern style is a cool, pared-down alternative to the ornate pieces of yesteryear. It’s been over 50 years since this first hit the design scene and it shows no signs of losing its luster anytime soon. In fact, its simple, boxy silhouette is almost more popular than ever before. If you want to learn more about mid-century modernism, here’s a crash course on the style’s most iconic pieces, plus where to shop the look.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but minimalism isn’t technically an interior design style. It’s easy to associate it with a neutral color palette, airy layout and sparse details, but the phrase simply represents making your home less, well, extra. So technically, you can have a coastal or bohemian home that is also minimalistic.
It is said that modernism and medieval modernism are not as different as you think. While modernism came before minimalism and contemporary design, most pieces that are considered modern — you know, simple shapes and muted hues — generally harken back to mid-century modern style.
Organic modern also goes hand-in-hand with minimalist and mid-century modern styles, but relies on more natural textures and materials, organic shapes, clean lines, usually a neutral color palette, and lots of plants. The main difference from modern design is that it often includes boho elements.
You don’t need a castle to channel Parisian interior design. Airy French-inspired interiors tend to strike a balance between luxurious and relaxed, with timeless, thoughtfully chosen decorations. Think antique gold mirrors, ornate lighting, picture frames and elegant French pleated curtains. For more Parisian style tips, check out how to make your space look very stylish also on the budget.
When it comes to channeling interiors reminiscent of the Regency era, between 1811 and 1820, lean towards luxurious four-poster beds, touches of chinoiserie, dramatic chandeliers, ornate seating and ethereal curtains or shades. Pastel shades – such as light pink, blue, green – are also hallmarks of this European-inspired style. For even more opulent Regencycore inspiration, consider the set design Bridgerton.
So farmhouse and rustic are exactly the same, right? Think again. Although the two styles share some similarities, many believe that rustic is a little rougher around the edges. Here, you’re sure to see rough, unfinished woods like alder and hickory, as well as chairs, fabrics, and other accessories. It’s like a farmhouse-style cousin.
If you say you have a minimalist home, you might think you have a Scandinavian home. Popular in the 1950s in the three Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, this style emphasizes a minimalist aesthetic, a clean color palette (perhaps with an occasional pop of color) and functionality above all else. Luckily, you can embrace the Scandinavian aesthetic on any continent, and design experts share how to nail the look.
Are you interested in the bohemian aesthetic, but don’t want to go all the way? Try shabby chic. By definition, the style hits on many of the same elements as bohemian (think: prints and distressed materials), but paired with more cohesive pieces. Go ahead, embrace shabby chic by mixing an old quilt with a chic mid-century side table.
Drawing from indigenous and Spanish cultures, Southwestern-inspired spaces rely on earthy palettes, desert motifs, and bold patterns. Most usually have all-white walls as well, so the decor can take center stage. The beauty of this design style is that small touches can also go a long way: think terracotta accents, textured pillows or colorful geometric rugs and blankets to get the look, no matter where you live.
Traditionalism might be the OG interior design style, but don’t write it off as “dusty” or “boring.” Although the style draws a lot of inspiration from the past with rich colors, beautiful prints and embellished details, there is plenty of room to add modern touches. At once elegant and comfortable, traditional homes often integrate pieces from different eras and places (think baroque chairs with beautiful chinoiserie vases) in a clean, composite way.
Torn between modernism and traditionalism? Well, thanks to the transitional style, you don’t have to choose. If you ask me, traditionalism is like the best of both worlds: it focuses on minimalist aesthetics and a muted color palette of grays, yellows and off-whites, but celebrates texture. As for the furniture? You can expect a combination of curved and straight line pieces.
What other design terms would you like us to define? Let us know in the comments below!