People tend to ask interior design students “what’s your favourite interior styles” like all the time. Truthfully I don’t have one favourite style and I’m not sure that I will ever strictly stick to one. There’s so much to appreciate about the various styles that exist. Not to mention what you can do with them and how you can make them your own.
Do I like some more than others? Of course I do. Are there some styles that I may even dislike? Maybe a little. But for the most part there are a lot of styles that I love.
Below is a list of my favourite interior styles for the home in no particular order.
1. Modern
Modern design first began in the early 1900’s and is a representation of the machine age. During this time the general population were offered a less expensive solution through the effectiveness of machine made goods. While pre-industrial interiors had a tendency of being highly detailed and hand crafted, modern was the exact opposite. It’s known for it’s simplicity and clean lines. Similarly, it emphasizes horizontal and vertical lines with very little curves.
Typical characteristics found in modern interiors include:
- clean lines
- simplistic interiors
- exposed concrete or wood beams
- natural daylight
- untreated windows
- natural materials
- neutral tones
- minimal decor
2. Contemporary
Modern design and contemporary design are often mistaken for one another. Recently, I felt I had a good understanding of modern design but still didn’t understand how contemporary design separated itself.
Contemporary design is always changing as it represents the trends and styles of the here and now. While modern design has relatively the same characteristics since it first began.
Typical characteristic found in contemporary interiors include:
- trends and styles of today
- metal
- stone
- glass
- clean lines and curves
- decorative pillows and rugs
3. Traditional
I love traditional because it feels so home-like. Unlike modern design, traditional has much more details and intricacies within. People often think that traditional interiors are too predictable but I think there’s a coziness and familiarity there that you don’t always get with modern design.
Typical characteristics found in traditional interiors include:
- wood floor patterns
- built-in cabinetry
- detailed moldings and panels
- elaborate tiles
- detailed hand-crafted wood furniture
- claw-foot and tufted furniture
- framed art
4. Industrial
I remember one of the first times I saw this interior style I was pretty young. It was in the movie “Billboard Dad” with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen of all films. Their warehouse apartment was like nothing I had seen before and it was so compelling to me that I never forgot it.
Industrial design tends to work with the original building materials that most would try to hide. Think exposed concrete, brick and open ceilings. It’s also common to see people reusing old pipes to make shelves, tables, etc.
Typical characteristics found in industrial interiors include:
- exposed concrete
- exposed brick
- open ceilings displaying pipes and ducts
- metal light fixtures
- metal and wood furnishings
Art Deco
Art deco originated in the roaring 20’s and when I think of the the style “The Great Gatsby” comes to mind. It was a representation of modernism in a new and luxurious way. The style made it’s way through fashion, art, jewelry, industrial design, graphic design, architecture and interior design.
It was a reflection of modern technology and fashion at the time.
Typical characteristics found in art deco interiors include:
- lacquer finishes
- geometrical designs
- interesting shapes and forms
- costly materials
- vibrant colours
Scandinavian
Scandinavian design is yet another type of style similar to modern design and it’s definitely up their on my favourite interior styles list. It became popular in the 1950’s. I love this style for the earthy elements adding warmth and coziness to the design. The spaces are also focused on emitting a bright and airy feel.
Typical characteristics found in Scandinavian interiors include:
- bright and airy spaces
- earthy tones
- nature inspired
- clean lines
- simplistic
Modern Farmhouse
Modern farmhouse is a mixture between classic farmhouse and modern design. It tends to have cleaner lines than the classic farmhouse look and less of the rustic elements. These two styles blend together to create a space that has both qualities of a comfortable farm-like home and simplistic, clean interiors.
Typical characteristics found in modern farmhouse interiors include:
- distressed wood
- white and airy
- some rustic materials
- industrial pieces
- iron or metal
- barn style elements such as barn lights or barn doors
Coastal
When I think coastal design, I think of beachy. These interiors are peaceful and calm with neutral colour palettes and hints of blues. The spaces are bright and crisp containing natural elements and lots of light. Sometime they can have very little blues and contain more whites or neutral colour palettes.
Typical characteristics found in coastal interiors include:
- neutrals
- blues
- beachy decor (seashells, sea glass, sailboats, etc)
- natural elements
- bright and airy