Welcome to the home stretch of our three-part series in helping you define your interior design style. When you know what your style is, you are able to shop with confidence and also express what you are looking for making the search more fun and easier.
Rustic interior design style
When looking at rustic interior design, it can be defined with a few basic signs. There will always be natural materials, industrial touches and farmhouse charm all around. The rustic design style was originally born from inspirations of the Romantic movement. It focuses on the simplicity and effortless beauty of nature.
For rustic interiors, it’s common to see living room design ideas focused around a central statement fireplace. The use of wood is softened by adding cowhides and sheepskin to create a cozy feeling. Fabrics don’t have loud patterns, and texture is everything. Unexpected additions like an industrial pendant light add to the sophistication of what we know as rustic interior design.
Industrial interior design style
While one may argue that industrial interior design is trendy, it does have a past. When western European factories closed down at the end of the second industrial revolution, it left many large vacant buildings behind. Population increase caused people to start converting industrial areas into residential neighborhoods.
The industrial interior design style loves the art of exposed pipes and beams. Materials like brick and concrete are a great way to give the space a lot of character. You won’t hear the words “soft” or “intimate” used when describing this unique interior design style. Its masculine tendencies are tamed with the use of ample texture. Moreover, oversized artwork and cozy textiles are perfect additions. Furniture is often raw or unfinished and paired with antiques.
French country interior design style
Similar to many other interior design styles, French country interior design is a sophisticated blend of a few different style favorites. Shabby chic, farmhouse and traditional all play a role in this design style. It starts with timeless antique furniture pieces. For example, a Louis VI chair updated with a modern print. Likewise, juxtapositions are found everywhere in this blended feminine-neutral design style.
To achieve an authentic French country design style, natural materials like stone, wood and wrought iron are commonly used. Exposed beams, distressed finishes and raw textures add character to the space, showcasing the beauty of imperfections. Additionally, soft, muted colors dominate the palette, with shades of beige, cream, sage green and lavender, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Whether it’s the gentle patina of weathered furniture or the flickering glow of candlelight, French country interiors have a magical way of evoking a sense of nostalgia and serenity. It’s a design style that captures the essence of a romantic countryside retreat, inviting you to immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere.
Scandinavian interior design style
Scandinavian design is one of the easier interior design types to recognize. Think light, airy and organic. Woods are almost always an ashy color in Scandinavian interiors. Nordic spaces give off a relaxing and inviting vibe. Key features include white walls, large mirrors and cozy textiles. Furthermore, no Scandinavian space is complete without using the Danish concept of hygge.
Layered fabrics, glass furniture, clean lines and textures certainly create the perfect cozy look. Another notable aspect of Scandinavian design is the attention to detail and craftsmanship. The furniture and decor often feature clean lines, minimalist forms and functional designs.
Quality craftsmanship is highly valued, and pieces are often built to last, combining both aesthetics and functionality. Scandinavian interiors also prioritize open spaces, allowing for a sense of flow and a feeling of freedom within the environment.
Furthermore, Scandinavian design embraces a concept called lagom, which embodies the idea of finding balance and moderation. It emphasizes the importance of creating a harmonious living environment that is not excessive or overly extravagant. This philosophy extends to the choice of furniture, decor and even the arrangement of objects in the space.
Mediterranean interior design style
Next, we look at another culturally rich interior design style, Mediterranean design. This decorating style started in countries north of the Mediterranean Sea. Spain, Greece and Italy are still the main source of inspiration today. In like fashion to the typical architecture of those countries, it’s common to find arches, columns and interior balconies in Mediterranean homes. Furniture for this design style also reveals rich wood tones with ornate features.
One distinct feature of this style is the use of vibrant and earthy colors. The color palette often includes shades of terracotta, ochre, deep blues and sandy neutrals, reflecting the hues of the Mediterranean landscape. These colors create a sense of warmth and a connection to the natural surroundings.
In addition to arches and columns, another architectural element commonly found in Mediterranean interiors is the use of decorative tiles and mosaics. Intricately patterned ceramic or terracotta tiles can be seen on floors, walls and even staircases, adding a touch of traditional charm and visual interest.
Art Deco interior design style
This iconic early 20th century design style originated in France and then made its way to the U.S. from the 1910s to the 1940s. The industrial revolution heavily inspired the Art Deco design style, so metal was a popular material of choice during this time. It’s easy to identify pieces from the Art Deco style because it typically has pointed edges and jagged corners. Oversized furniture was common from armories to sofas.
Today, our favorite place to go for Art Deco design inspiration has to be Florida. Miami Beach is a great place to see the Art Deco interior design style embraced.
In addition to metal, glass was another prominent material used in Art Deco interiors. Mirrored surfaces and glass accents added a sense of elegance and reflected the era’s fascination with modernity and technology. Elaborate glass chandeliers and light fixtures became popular focal points in Art Deco spaces. One distinguishing feature of Art Deco interiors is the use of exotic and luxurious materials.
Lacquered finishes, exotic woods and materials like shagreen or animal prints were commonly incorporated into furniture and decor. The style embraced a sense of opulence, using rich colors such as deep blues, golds and silvers. These sumptuous hues and the use of plush textiles like velvet and silk contribute to the lavish atmosphere of Art Deco interiors.
Asian Zen interior design style
Ever heard of feng shui? You can bet you’ll find that philosophy utilized in our last pick for types of house décor styles. Asian Zen interiors are originally rooted from contemporary design. They focus on sleek lines, interesting shapes and a relaxing atmosphere. As a result, references to nature are essential in creating the ultimate Zen space.
Asian interiors are often asymmetrical and use circles more often than squares. Curtain walls or door panels are common to separate a larger space and give a sense of privacy. The color palette is drawn strictly from nature in order to keep the serene and calm vibes
Final Thoughts
I hope that you enjoyed the exploration of the top 21 styles in interior design. If you still find that defining your style is giving you problems, an experienced interior designer can help you. Create a vision board and pull pictures out of magazines that have items you like and that speak to you. The old adage stands true, a picture can tell you a thousand words.
Jeanette Gaskill is the lead designer for Coastal Cottage of Amelia, where she has worked for the past six years. She loves being able to work hand-in-hand with her customers to design the spaces they dream of. Gaskill knows that interior design is very personal.At Coastal Cottage of Amelia, our experienced designers offer personalized interior design services tailored to your unique style and preferences. Let us transform your space into a dream home that reflects your personality and tastes with our expert guidance and attention to detail.