Figuring out what your design style is can be SO helpful when it comes to designing and decorating your home. It gives you direction and cohesiveness from room to room. Keep in mind that it is common to like a couple different styles. No one wants to be put in a box with just one style anyway! Am I right? Below I have listed 14 different, and most popular design styles along with elements of each one.
Not sure what your design style is? At the bottom of the page you can sign up to receive 5 steps to finding your design style!
Traditional
- Calm, orderly space
- Focuses on symmetry
- Dark woods, neutral tones with pops of. dark, rich jewel tones
- Regal influence furniture (heavy and bit ornate)
- Crown molding, columns
- Drapery and valances
- Bold patterns in forms of damask, plaid and paisley
- Lots of upholstery
Transitional
- Mix of modern and traditional elements
- Features painted out molding, open floor plans, shaker cabinet doors, tall ceilings
- Colors are minimal and soothing
- Furniture is large and comfy with clean lines
- Minimal
- Fabrics bring interest through texture
- Symmetry
- Balance achieved by layering metals, glass and natural materials such as wood and rattan.
*Think Studio McGee
French Country
- Overall feeling of warmth
- Distressed features
- Exposed beams
- Rustic details
- Grand lighting
- Vintage pieces
- Colorful textiles and jute rugs
- Subtle contrast
- Ornate and intricate details
- Detailed window treatments
- Gold accents
- Upholstered chairs
Boheminan
- Mixing and layering bold color and pattern (earthy and jewel tones)
- Textiles feel worn – fringe, crochet, macrame, burlap
- Second hand or vintage furniture (low profile)
- “More is more” mentally, or slightly cluttered feel
- Metallics and mirrors
- Lots of plants
Mid-century Modern
- Classic, understated look
- Clean lines, simplicity and sumptuous silhouettes
- Uncluttered and minimal fuss
- Vast range of color, including colors from neutrals to bold, pops of colors
- Hairpin legs, wood and plastic furniture
- Lots of windows (emphasis on the outdoors)
- Geometric shapes
- Functionality is paramount
Eclectic
- Anything-can-go way of styling, pulling from different design styles and periods
- Generally neutral background with colored and textured accents
- Unexpected use of materials or items
- Uniqueness in art and furnishings
- Has a slightly cluttered feel
- Old mixed with new
- Combination of finishes and textures
- Common use of wallpaper
Modern Farmhouse
- Reclaimed wood
- Barndoor details
- Big, comfortable furniture
- Architectural salvage
- Wrought iron accents
- Pine furniture
- Vintage accessories
- Shiplap
- Neutral color palettes with either warm or cool tones, layered with natural wood tones.
- Mixed woods and metals
- Industrial lighting
Industrial
- Use of rough materials; such as, iron, contrete, rustic wood and exposed brick
- Large windows and high ceilings
- Takes inspiration from a lofty look of warehouses or factories
- Neutral hues and colors (gray, black and white)
- Simplistic and minimal
- Use of mainly squared lines and blocky shapes
- Lighting made of metal and often consists of a combination of pendants and lamps
- Exposed pipes, beams and ducts
- Open layout
Shabby Chic
- Has femininity and rustic elements
- Worn or distressed looking furnitures
- Comfy fabrics with feminine, floral patterns and prints
- Soft hues (white, cream and beige along with pastel colors)
- Vintage accessories
- Victorian lighting
- China cabinets or open shelving
- Balance between ornate and cluttered feel
Coastal
- Natural elements and textures (wicker, rattan, weathered woods, sheer fabrics)
- Lots of light (has an open and airy feel with a sense of no boundary between the indoors and outdoors.)
- Crisp, white interior with neutral accent colors, such as, warmer beige, light blues, greys and greens.
- Casual, comfortable and easy feel
- Slipcovered furniture
- Open floor plan
- Minimalist vibe
Rustic
- Emphasizes use of natural materials with lots of wood and stone
- Design is simple, natural and has an earthy feel.
- Raw materials, such as, reclaimed and unfinished woods and stones
- Furniture generally has a simple design and shape yet feels cozy, easy and comfortable.
- Heavy wood furniture
- Color palette is heavily neutral with some pops of warm, earthy tones of greens, browns and grays.
- Materials and furniture have a “roughed up” look to them
- Raw fabrics such as burlap, jute or animal hide
- Warm and inviting
Contemporary
- Clean lines and smooth surfaces without intricate details
- Neutral shades – blacks, whites, tans and grays make up the bulk of the room
- Minimal furnishings
- Open spaces with lots of natural light
- Glass and metallic surfaces
- Use of metals such as stainless steel, nickel and chrome
- Function over form
Scandinavian
- Favors white walls with bright pops of color
- Comfort and function
- Art and textiles have botanical and natural features
- Simple lines
- Open spaces with minimal clutter
- Includes lots of wood (typically light woods, like beech, ash and pine)
- Decor is kept to a minimum with more bare walls and empty spaces
- Maximize natural light without the use of heavy window coverings
*Think IKEA
Hollywood Glam
- All about drama and glitz and incorporating elements that feel luxurious
- Big and bold statement pieces
- Lots of details with patterns, textures and finishes
- Metallic finishes
- Tufted furniture
- Gold or brass furniture
- Faux fur or velvet accent furniture
- Dramatic lighting
