As an interior designer, understanding a variety of design styles is essential for delivering exceptional results to your clients. Whether you’re fine-tuning your specialty or expanding your expertise to attract a broader range of clients, mastering the various styles allows you to create homes that feel both intentional and deeply personal.
This guide delves into 25 interior design styles, from timeless classics to emerging trends for 2025. Each style offers unique insights into how color, materials, and layouts can work together to craft cohesive, inspired spaces. As you explore these styles, think about how they align with your strengths, which ones challenge your creativity, and how they can elevate your projects.
Ready to refine your craft and expand your design vocabulary? Let’s dive into the top 25 interior design styles every designer should know.
Table of Contents
1: Traditional
Traditional style exudes timeless elegance with roots in 18th- and 19th-century European design. It creates an environment that’s warm, welcoming, and sophisticated, defined by rich colors, intricate woodwork, and classic furnishings. Upholstery and decor often feature luxurious materials like leather and velvet, complemented by damask, floral patterns, and ornate detailing on furniture, drapery, and accents.
Educational book to explore:
- Charm School: The Schumacher Guide to Traditional Decorating for Today
- Sister Parish: The Life of the Legendary American Interior Designer
- Charlotte Moss: A Flair for Living
2: Modern
Modern style embraces the mantra “less is more,” characterized by clean lines, open spaces, and neutral color palettes. Its minimalist approach emphasizes smooth surfaces and natural materials like stone, glass, wood, and leather, creating calming, uncluttered environments. Function is as vital as form, with furniture and fixtures thoughtfully selected to balance practicality with effortless style.
Educational book to explore:
- Joseph Dirand: Interior
- Soft Minimal: Norm Architects: A Sensory Approach to Architecture and Design
- The Meaningful Modern Home: Soulful Architecture and Interiors
3: Transitional
Transitional design bridges the gap between traditional and modern aesthetics, blending the best of both worlds. Its foundation lies in modern design’s natural materials and neutral color palettes, enhanced by traditional elements like classic furniture, ornate woodwork, and timeless light fixtures. The result is a balanced, minimalist look that feels both inviting and serene, offering warmth without overwhelming the space.
Educational book to explore:
- Jake Arnold: Redefining Comfort
- Thomas Pheasant: Simply Serene
- The New Classic Home: Modern Meets Traditional Style
4: Contemporary
Contemporary design shares similarities with modern style but distinguishes itself through bold, dynamic elements. Statement pieces, such as striking wall art or sculptural furniture, take center stage, often complemented by cutting-edge technology like smart home devices. Expansive windows blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, while neutral walls, natural materials, and a minimalist layout tie everything together for a fresh, current aesthetic.
Educational book to explore:
- Kelly Wearstler: Evocative Style: Evocative Style
- Alexa Hampton: Design, Style, and Influence
- Home: The Residential Architecture of D. Stanley Dixon
5: Scandinavian
The Scandinavian interior design style combines minimalism with innovative craftsmanship, comfort, and a deep connection to nature. It often features white walls, light-toned woods, and functional, streamlined furniture. A defining element of this style is hygge, a Danish concept of coziness and contentment. Hygge is brought to life through earthy tones and soft, tactile textures — think plush throws, thick rugs, and layered fabrics that invite relaxation. Don’t forget the candles!
Educational book to explore:
- The Nordic Home: Scandinavian Living, Interiors, and Design
- The Scandinavian Home: Interiors Inspired By Light
- Scandi Rustic: Creating a cozy & happy home
6: French Country
French Country design blends rustic charm with refined elegance. Walls are painted with muted tones, ranging from creams and beiges to pale yellows, blues, and greens. Antique furniture, characterized by intricate detailing and a distressed finish, anchors the aesthetic. Natural materials like wood, wrought iron, ceramic, and stone create an authentic, timeless feel while vintage decor, statement lighting, and retro kitchen appliances add a sense of history.
Educational book to explore:
- Provence Style: Decorating with French Country Flair
- Carolyn Westbrook: Vintage French Style: Homes and gardens inspired by a love of France
- Life in a French Country House: Entertaining for All Seasons
7: Cottagecore
The Cottagecore aesthetic celebrates the simplicity of rural living. Spaces feature antique furniture, delicate floral patterns, and a muted color palette of soft yellows, periwinkle blues, and sage greens. Charmingly nostalgic details, like cross-stitch artwork, vintage lighting, and retro kitchen appliances complete the cozy, lived-in ambiance that defines this style.
Educational book to explore:
- The Natural Cozy Cottage: 100 styling ideas to create a warm and welcoming home
- Nora Murphy’s Country House Style: Making your Home a Country House
- The Soulful Cottage: Creating a charming and personal home
8: Americana
This style draws inspiration from American heritage, celebrating the nation’s history and craftsmanship. The color palette prominently features red, white, and blue, often accented by stars and stripes. Antique furniture with visible wear adds authenticity, evoking the era of the country’s founding. Quilts, vintage signs, and mason jars complete the look, creating a warm and storied aesthetic.
Educational book to explore:
- Modern Americana
- New Americana: Interior Décor with an Artful Blend of Old and New
- Ralph Lauren A Way of Living: Home, Design, Inspiration
9: Mid-Century Modern
Mid-Century Modern is an iconic style that emerged after World War II, reflecting homeowners’ desire for fresh, forward-thinking design. It incorporates many elements of modern design, such as minimalism, clean lines, muted tones, and natural materials. What sets it apart is its emphasis on vintage furniture (crafted between 1945 and 1970), geometric shapes, and bold pops of saturated colors, including mustard, teal, and orange
Educational book to explore:
- Mid-Century Modern: Interiors, Furniture, Design Details
- Charles & Ray Eames: 1907-1978, 1912-1988: Pioneers of Mid-century Modernism
- Mid-Century Modern: High-End Furniture in Collectors’ Interiors
10: Modern Organic
Modern Organic is a sustainable and health-conscious evolution of modern style. It focuses on minimalism, open layouts, and natural materials. The look is completed with live plants, ample natural light, and organic textiles like cotton and linen. When possible, expansive windows showcasing views of nature further enhance the connection between indoors and out.
Educational book to explore:
- Inspired by Nature: Creating a personal and natural interior
- Live Natural: A Relaxed Approach to Creating Healthy Homes
- The Soft Minimalist Home: Calm, cosy decor for real lives and spaces
11: Rustic
Rustic style offers a rugged feel through the use of raw, natural materials like unfinished wood and stone. Earthy tones and textured fabrics like wool, burlap, and linen add layers of coziness. Handcrafted, countryside decor complements the aesthetic, while natural elements, like fresh greenery, woven baskets, or dried branches, infuse authenticity and character into the space.
Educational book to explore:
12: Farmhouse
The farmhouse style is warm and welcoming. It features countryside-inspired materials like white shiplap, raw wood, and repurposed antiques. The neutral color palette is occasionally interrupted by pops of blues and greens. Whether minimalistic or layered, the farmhouse style adapts to the homeowners’ preferences, creating a space that feels welcoming and lived-in.
Educational book to explore:
- City Farmhouse Style: Designs for a Modern Country Life
- Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave
- Home Stories: Design Ideas for Making a House a Home
13: Shabby Chic
Shabby Chic blends vintage elegance with a touch of wear-and-tear charm. Distressed antique furniture takes center stage, paired with muted wall colors, white-washed wood, and delicate floral patterns. Cozy fabrics, such as cotton and linen, add layers of comfort, while ruffles, lace, and textured elements bring softness and a romantic feel to the space.
Educational book to explore:
- Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Interiors: My rooms, treasures and trinkets
- Rachel Ashwell’s Painted Stories: Vintage, decorating, thoughts, and whimsy
- Home Stories: Design Ideas for Making a House a Home
14: Southern Traditional
Southern Traditional offers a mix between comfort and elegance, beginning with signature blue-painted porch ceilings and extending into beautifully curated interiors. Warm, inviting paint colors and abundant natural light define the aesthetic, with sheer curtains, strategically placed lamps, and statement overhead lighting. Furniture and decor strike a balance between modern and antique, often featuring cherished heirlooms passed down through generations. Defining characteristics include chinoiserie, porcelain vases, and hand-painted wallpaper.
Educational book to explore:
- Southern Interiors: A Celebration of Personal Style
- Veranda At Home in the South: Interior Design Reimagined
- Enduring Southern Homes
15: Mediterranean
The Mediterranean design style captures the breezy elegance of coastal living. Neutral-toned walls provide a soft backdrop for vibrant accents in red, blue, and yellow. Textured walls and exposed wood beams lend rustic charm, while hand-painted tiles, wrought iron decor, and lush greenery bring a sense of craftsmanship and connection to nature. Indoor-outdoor living is central to this style, blurring the lines between the home and its surroundings.
Educational book to explore:
- Palm Beach Style: The Architecture and Advocacy of John and Jane Volk
- The New Mediterranean: Homes and Interiors Under the Southern Sun
- Casa Bohemia: The Spanish-Style House
16: Bohemian
Bohemian style is an eclectic celebration of color, texture, and individuality. Neutral tones like beige and terracotta provide a grounding base, while deep blues, greens, and purples add bold pops of vibrancy. Natural materials—wood, wicker, rattan, jute, and stone—introduce texture and warmth. Mixed patterns and layered elements create a collected, lived-in look. Decor ranges from antique vases and mirrors to globally inspired artwork and sentimental, handcrafted pieces that tell a story.
Educational book to explore:
- The New Bohemians: Cool and Collected Homes
- Haute Bohemians
- A Life in Design: Celebrating 30 Years of Interiors
17: Coastal
Coastal design evokes the breezy charm of a beachfront retreat. Walls in white or beige are complemented by soft blues and greens, while natural wood, wicker, and airy linens add texture and lightness. Clean-lined furniture with loose cushions or slipcovers enhances the relaxed vibe. Decor staples include coral, seashells, ropes, and vintage beach-inspired accessories, creating a serene, nautical aesthetic.
Educational book to explore:
- Coastal Blues: Mrs. Howard’s Guide to Decorating with the Colors of the Sea and Sky
- Surf Shack: Laid-Back Living by the Water
- Beach Life: Home, Heart & the Sea
18: Minimalist
Minimalism embraces simplicity and functionality, emphasizing open spaces free from clutter. Neutral color palettes, clean lines, and abundant natural light are key elements of this style. Furniture is carefully curated for both utility and beauty, while sleek storage solutions, like woven baskets and custom closets, keep spaces tidy. The result is a calm, purposeful environment that reflects a minimalist lifestyle.
Educational book to explore:
- The Soft Minimalist Home: Calm, cosy decor for real lives and spaces
- Minimalista: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Better Home, Wardrobe, and Life
- LifeStyled: Your Guide to a More Organized & Intentional Life
19: Maximalist
Maximalist style embraces all things abundance, including bold color palettes, layered textures, and an eclectic mix of decor. Furniture, art, and accessories are chosen to make a statement, creating visually dynamic spaces filled with personality. Eclectic gallery walls, vibrant patterns, and curated collections are hallmarks of this style. While “more is more,” the look remains thoughtfully curated to avoid overwhelming the space.
Educational book to explore:
- Everything: The maximalist style guide to a curated design life by a global interiors icon
- More is More is More: Today’s Maximalist Interiors
- Behind the Blue Door
20: Glam
Glam design is all about luxury and sophistication, inspired by Hollywood’s golden era. Bold color palettes and geometric patterns set the stage for opulence, with materials like velvet, silk, leather, brass, gold, and silver elevating the space. Highlights include mirrored surfaces, tufted furniture, and striking statement lighting, creating an atmosphere of undeniable elegance.
Educational book to explore:
- Martyn Lawrence Bullard: Design and Decoration
- Modern Glam: Glamorous Home Inspiration
- Glamour: Making it Modern
21: Art Deco
Art Deco channels the grandeur of the 1920s and 1930s with bold jewel tones, geometric patterns, and luxurious materials. Velvet, marble, and polished exotic woods define the furniture, while frosted glass light fixtures and vertical design elements add drama and sophistication. This style captures the spirit of opulence and modernity in equal measure.
Educational book to explore:
- Art Deco: The Twentieth Century’s Iconic Decorative Style from Paris, London, and Brussels to New York, Sydney, and Santa Monica
- Interior Style: Art Deco
- American Art Deco: Architecture and Regionalism
22: 70’s Revival
The 70’s Revival style reintroduces the playful, bold, and organic style of the free-wheeling 1970’s. Moss greens, mustard yellows, and orange-browns dominate the color palette, while natural materials like wood and rattan bring a sense of tactile warmth. Hints of velvet, macramé, and shag, in addition to patterned wallpaper, low-slung furniture, and live plants complete the look.
Educational book to explore:
- Vivid: Style in Color
- Old Brand New: Colorful Homes for Maximal Living
- 70s House: A bold homage to the most daring decade in design
23: Eclectic
Eclectic interior design is unique and creative. It often includes a mix of new and old items and combines vibrant colors with neutral tones. Contrasting textures like sleek metal and unfinished wood add depth. Each piece is handpicked to reflect personal style, creating a visually dynamic space that feels cohesive without being cluttered.
Educational book to explore:
- The Maverick Soul
- The Life Eclectic: Highly Unique Interior Designs from Around the World
- Laura Gonzalez: Interiors
24: Grand Millennial
Grand Millennial blends timeless tradition with a modern twist. Walls in warm earth tones or soft pastels set the stage for heavy pattern play with florals, plaids, and toile. Dark wood heirloom furniture pairs seamlessly with updated pieces featuring clean lines. Vintage decor and handmade artwork complete the look, while updated light fixtures keep the style fresh and relevant.
Educational book to explore:
- The Perfectly Imperfect Home: How to Decorate and Live Well
- Return to Pretty: Giving New Life to Traditional Style
- Mario Buatta: Anatomy of a Decorator
25: Regency
Regency style brings the grandeur of the early 1900s into contemporary homes. Bold color palettes, ornate woodwork, and high ceilings establish the foundation for opulence. Lavish materials like velvet and brass, striped wall coverings, crystal chandeliers, and gilded mirrors infuse the space with timeless elegance and sophistication.
Educational book to explore:
- Regency Redux: High Style Interiors: Napoleonic, Classical Moderne, and Hollywood Regency
- Star Style: Interiors of Martyn Lawrence Bullard
- In the Pink: Dorothy Draper–America’s Most Fabulous Decorator
Frequently asked questions
2025 is the year to go bold. Whatever categories your preferences lean toward, you can expect to see vibrant colors, layered textures, and unique statement pieces. Individuality is the year’s defining trend. Homeowners are gravitating toward designs that reflect their personalities, incorporating heirlooms, joyful decor, and custom touches. Minimalist and modern styles are evolving to include personal color and character, blending simplicity with warmth.
Luxury homes often feature modern, contemporary, or transitional designs, with open layouts, high-end finishes, and custom statement pieces. In 2025, trends like Art Deco are adding visual intrigue to upscale spaces with opulent materials and bold patterns, providing an alternative to the clean lines of modern styles. Traditional, Grand Millennial, and Coastal are also great styles for luxury homes.
While any design style benefits from professional expertise, styles such as Cottagecore, Minimalist, Coastal, and Farmhouse tend to have simpler frameworks that homeowners may attempt to tackle on their own. These styles often rely on readily available materials and uncomplicated layouts. However, achieving a truly refined and cohesive result—especially with more layered styles like Maximalist or Grand Millennial—requires a trained eye to balance scale, texture, and narrative. Thoughtful sourcing and expert guidance can make all the difference in elevating these styles beyond a DIY look.
Here’s a guide to help you master mood boards for personal or professional projects.
If you’re just embarking on your interior design business adventure, be sure and check out this guide to learn more about how to get started.
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