Interior Design Styles

There are over 100 interior design styles. Each has its own unique features, and some are very similar to each other and differ only in details. There are no strict rules for creating a design: it is a creative flight of fancy. But following a certain style helps you choose finishes, furniture, and decor that will harmoniously combine. Further, we will tell you about the general concepts of space design and the nuances of the most common interior styles. 

Introduction to interior styles

Interior (renovation) style is a set of unified elements and characteristic features that determine the general direction in the creation of design. In each style, there is an underlying idea, for example, to fill the space with light, to recreate the cozy rustic atmosphere of the French province, to demonstrate the luxury, grandeur, and importance of the homeowner. 

Some directions are mixed, forming new ones. This is a characteristic line of modern styles that combine classic and technological progress.

The main styles of interior design

Below are the main ideas of popular styles, which will help you create your very own original design projects and select materials for finishing and decor.

Minimalism

Key ideas: brevity, filling the space with light.

Minimalism is found in everything: in the elements of decor, in the color scheme, the amount of furniture. The room is left almost empty, bearing only the most necessary furniture. Forms are simple and geometrical.

As a finish, use wood, natural or artificial stone, chrome steel, glass, or, lightly, plastic.

Color palette: shades of white, light brown, gray, black. For contrast, use red, green, blue, orange, yellow.

Decor: rectangular and spherical vases, black-and-white photos, avant-garde paintings without frames, clocks, large indoor plants, and bonsai. 

Scandinavian style

Basic ideas: simplicity, plenty of air and light in the room.

To recreate the “spirit of Scandinavia”, turn to practical and comfortable furniture, plenty of lamps, floor lamps, and sconces.

Finishing materials like light wood and batten prevail. The walls can be painted or covered with textured plaster. 

Color scheme: cold shades of white, beige, gray. Minor bright flecks are allowed. 

Decor: wicker baskets, knitted plaids, metal figurines and frames, animal fur, wooden cutting boards.

Loft

The main idea is freedom of space, combination of industrial aesthetics with innovation.

The main features of the loft are very recognizable: high ceilings, walls without finishing (just brick or concrete), metal beams and profiles, brutal furniture made of pallets, steel mesh, aged wood. 

The main colors are black and brown, infrequently – terracotta. Bright colors are limited in use.

Decor: posters, graffiti, unusual clocks, small indoor plants.

Provence

The main idea is to recreate the charm and coziness of the French countryside.

Innovations and modern furniture are not welcomed in the Provence style. Use aged or antique tables, chairs, cabinets, and chests of drawers in white or light brown color.

The walls are painted a solid color or have wallpaper with a floral print. 

The color scheme: pink, beige, lilac, white, dim green.

Decor: napkins and pillows with plenty of ruffles, handmade compositions, fresh flowers (lavender in particular).

Baroque

Key idea: pathos and luxury, strict symmetry. 

Baroque is unimaginable without expensive materials like marble, ivory, precious woods, ornamental stones like malachite, onyx, jade. Furniture upholstery and textiles are made of silk, satin, velvet, or jacquard. The rooms are decorated with moldings, columns.

Color palette: base – gold, complement – burgundy, green, blue. 

Decor: vases, statuettes, tapestries, mirrors in carved frames, carved clocks, crystal lamps.

Boho

The main idea lies in motley, bright, and creative disorder. 

There is almost no free space in the room, it is filled with assorted furniture, statuettes, candles, magnets, souvenirs, collections of books, records, or other items. On the walls, one can find bright photos, paintings, carpets.

In Boho, chrome and glossy surfaces should be avoided.

Color solutions are absolutely diverse (from white and beige to acid colors). You can combine as many shades as you like.

Decor: carpets, vases, African masks, statuettes, any hand-made items, ceramics, macramé.

Classicism

Key idea: luxury and refinement.

In such interiors, there’s one main object, and the rest of the composition is built around it. Furniture, windows, doors, and decorative elements should be arranged symmetrically, or at least have symmetrical patterns. The rooms are decorated with moldings, the walls are draped with fabric or covered with fabric wallpaper. 

Color scheme consists of warm shades of cream, beige, yellow, green, amber. 

For decor, opt for massive chandeliers, candlesticks, paintings, porcelain figurines, vases.

Art Deco

The basic idea: modern glamor and luxury.

Art Deco is a mix of styles. There are both strict geometric shapes and plant patterns, ethnic ornaments and objects with graceful curved shapes. 

When decorating the space, one cannot use plastic or other cheap materials. It is allowed to choose bronze, leather, furs, and valuable wood. There should be a lot of shiny, varnished surfaces in the room.

Colors: brown, black, gold, pearlescent, beige, white, inclusions of blue, green, red are allowed.

Empire

Key ideas: majesty, monumentality, and pomp.

Interiors in the Empire style can’t go without military symbols. They are decorated with antique weapons, paintings depicting famous warriors, armor, and trophies. Furniture is massive, with smooth, symmetrical shapes, and ornate carving.

Color palette: gold & red or gold & white, flecks of blue can sometimes be added.

Decor: paintings, candelabras, moldings in the form of animal heads, bronze and stone sculptures.

Kitsch

The main idea is to combine the incongruous.

This style attracts attention with a mixture of different directions, bright colors, and an abundance of trinkets. He is considered to be a mockery of “correctness” and ordinariness.

For finishing, use simple and cheap materials: plasterboard, plastic, oilcloth, synthetic fabrics. 

Antique furniture can be paired with simple plastic chairs and elegant statuettes with cheap ornaments from the local flea market.

Color scheme: bright and diverse, there are no restrictions on color. 

Decor: figurines, souvenirs, plaids of acid colors, items with shiny embroidery, artworks, scented candles, vases.

American style

The key idea: respectability and adherence to family traditions.

American style is used to decorate country houses and cottages. It contains elements of colonial and classical direction, as well as country. An indispensable attribute is a wooden staircase and a fireplace. Bright examples of the style can be observed in the TV series “Friends”, “Beverly Hills Neighborhood”, “Santa Barbara”. 

Furniture is massive and large and has a simple shape. In such interiors, there is an abundance of soft sofas, poufs, armchairs. Characteristic of the style of antique or artificially aged things.

Color solutions: warm shades of beige, brown, green, earthy tones.

Decor: floor lamps with bronze and forged details, large statuettes, mirrors, clocks.

English style

The main idea: dignity and subtle luxury. 

The classic English style is perfectly embodied in the TV series about Sherlock Holmes. The interior features massive wooden furniture with carvings and bronze fittings, armchairs and sofas with carriage ties. Textiles are decorated with traditional plaid and paisley. 

Color palette: brown, honey, orange, yellow, cream, peach. 

Decor: portraits and paintings in carved frames, plaids, collections of old books, sculptures, large mirrors, antiques. 

Modern interior styles

Thanks to the rapid development of technology, designers have to keep up with the pace and generate new ideas for modern interior styles. They mix them with already established classics or invent something completely new and unusual. 

The most famous modern styles are:

• grunge;
• boho;
• bionic;
• fusion;
• loft;
• kitsch;
• techno;
• contemporary;
• cyberpunk;
• lounge;
• hi-tech;
• eco.

Classification of interior design styles

Styles in interior design by default fall into three large groups:

1. Classical or historical. Formed under the influence of historical eras and fashion trends of the past. Examples: rococo, baroque, empire, antique, Versailles, gothic, colonial.
2. Ethnic and National. It emerged from the cultural traditions and ethnic characteristics of different peoples around the world. Examples: rustic, Scandinavian, Alpine, Provence, Japanese, Mediterranean. 
3. New and modern. Dictated by the development of modern technology, characterized by bold experiments with colors, materials, and shapes. Examples: Bauhaus, manga, steampunk, eclecticism, boho, futurism, kitsch.

Types of interior design by purpose

According to the purpose, there are the following styles in the interior:

• residential buildings, whose purpose is to provide comfortable living for a person according to their tastes;
• for commercial facilities (offices, stores, malls, restaurants), designed to optimize the use of premises and attract customers. 

Regional interior design styles

Regional interior design trends are formed in certain parts of the world, countries, or even regions. They are characterized by traditional ornaments and decorations, special forms of furniture, elements indicating historical and territorial belonging. 

Examples of regional styles are:

• Oriental;
• Indian;
• African;
• country;
• Russian;
• Victorian (English). 

Choosing an interior style

Selection tips from the Prestige Renovation team:

1. For creative, extraordinary individuals or people with lots of hobbies, we recommend boho, kitsch, fusion, grunge.
2. Socialites and party people should pay tribute to fashion and always keep up with trends. Art deco, eclecticism, Instagram-ready urban glamor will suit their needs.
3. Conservatives will appreciate minimalism, classic style, hi-tech, and neoclassic.
4. Fans of pomp and antiquity will favor historical styles: rococo, baroque, Victorian, mannerism, Romanesque. 

When making a choice you need to take into account the budget, initial data and dimensions of housing, preferred color scheme, current items and furniture. 

Style and materials

Each trend is characterized by the use of certain materials:

• for industrial: concrete, glass, metal, raw wood;
• for historical: precious woods, expensive fabrics (velvet, silk, tapestries), natural leather, bronze, ornamental stones;
• for modern: chromed steel, synthetic fabrics, porcelain tile, acrylic glass, eco-leather;
• for ethnic: wood, natural rough fabrics (linen, cotton, sacking), stone.

Trends in interior design

Designers voice the following key trends of this year:

1. Eco-friendliness and naturalness. Lots of live plants, natural wood and stone, cotton fabrics, furniture made of straw and rattan – all of these are must haves this season. 
2. Soft minimalism. It welcomes the use of warm colors and heterogeneous textures, soft textiles (wool, corduroy, linen), and handmade products as decor.
3. Dopamine interior. An abundance of bright, uplifting details and pleasant-to-the-touch textured products (knitted plaids and poufs) – have peak popularity this season. 

Conclusion

Choosing the style of design of the room should be first and foremost based on your own taste preferences. It is always allowed to experiment, mix different directions, but just make sure that they harmonize with each other. 

Some inspiration can be found on the sites of professional publications. And if you can’t decide with finishes, decor, furniture or choose a particular style on your own, we encourage you to turn to our designers for help.