Understanding Different Interior Design Styles — What’s Your Aesthetic?

The key styles of interior design endure the test of time — each presenting its utterly distinctive flavor, finish and experience.  There are, of course, so many styles to explore, but here we focus on seven major concepts that are popular in today’s design landscape. 

Mid-Century Modern

The mid-1900s — primarily the 1950s and 60s broke traditional design conventions and produced some of the most iconic pieces in modern design. Characterized by organic shapes, minimalist silhouettes, easy-to-use contemporary furniture, unique configurations and fabrications, and a colour palette that floats towards orange, yellow, green and brown; mid-century modern is a functional and “fuss-free” design style with definite staying power.

Contemporary

Contemporary interior style is a different type of modern that’s completely of the moment but constantly evolving. Today, contemporary interiors feature clean unadorned spaces, open floor plans, the use of natural light, textured and natural fabrics, and furniture pieces that tend to show exposed legs to create a feeling of space.

Coastal

Coastal interiors (also dubbed as nautical or cottage décor) is centered around the cliché of seaside accessories, nautical motifs, chic linen upholstery and distressed woodwork; often reflecting the Hamptons beach house spirit.

Today, the best coastal interiors are subtle and unassuming; adopting a more contemporary approach with common features of soothing color palettes, natural materials in varied textures, white plush upholstery and elegant decorative accents.

Minimalist

Influenced by the simplicity of Japanese design, minimalist is ultimately defined by its simple form, streamlined furnishings and ultra-clean lines. It thrives on the principle that less is more: simple, refined, with a sense of functionality. The key here is to keep interiors stripped down to their essential elements — seamless doors, uncomplicated soft furnishings, careful furniture arrangements and neutral color palettes that don’t detract from its core simplicity.

Scandinavian

An off-shoot of the mid-century modern movement, Scandi interiors are proving enduringly popular across the globe. This timeless interior style embraces the Danish concept of hygge, which pays homage to the simplicity and overall feeling of comfort.

Scandinavian style places the importance of functionality, easy living and a penchant for all things natural. It highlights organic shapes, tonal textural plays, lightly finished wood tones and all-white colour palettes with gray undertones.

Industrial

Industrial interior style is all about raw, exposed materials and stylishly undone aesthetics, often drawing its inspiration from urban loft living. It emphasizes liberal use of utilitarian objects, antique or light fixtures with metal finishes, a blend of grays, neutrals and rustic colors, stripped back floorboards and pared back furniture silhouettes to create a truly authentic look.

Eclectic

Eclectic interiors showcase contrasting ideas from a range of different time periods, styles and trends. Its design language is all about high-energy, spell binding finds and intriguing furnishings. Think bold color palettes with a few grounding neutrals, and a blend of varied textures and patterns that marry old and new, brought together to create a unique, diverse and playful mix.

Final thoughts

Interior design comes in a range of formats and formulas, and in reality, professional designers blend different elements from several decorating styles together to accomplish a desired finish. Understanding key features of each design concept can help you gravitate towards an aesthetic that perfectly transform your home into a stylish haven of your dreams.