Interior Design Styles 101: The Ultimate Guide To Decorating Styles in 2025

Do you really understand the differences between interior design styles? Maybe you want to refresh your home’s appeal but can’t decide which direction to take? There’s a style for every preference, and we’re here to help you nail the look. Here’s all you need to know about the top 20 decorating styles for 2025!

Interior Design Styles

The list of interior design styles is ever-evolving, fluctuating between trendy fads and classics that have stood the test of time. Some of them feature distinctive furniture, décor, lighting, and accessories that mark that signature look. Others blur the lines between specific aesthetics that often mix the old with the new.

Finding your personal interior designer who “knows it all” is now easier than ever with all the online interior design services. But even these experts need to know what attracts you. So, to begin with—have you noticed connections between inspiration images and design elements that typically catch your eye? Identifying those is the first step toward narrowing down your favorite interior design styles!

20 Most Popular Interior Design Styles

Transitional Interior Design Style

Let’s start with one of the most popular styles in the design world today. Transitional design is what we like to call the happy medium of interior design styles. This is a perfect solution for anyone who finds traditional design too stuffy, while the contemporary approach falls too far out of their comfort zone. Or those who want to modernise their home but keep and integrate some precious family heirlooms at the same time.

Interior design styles can combine different aesthetics. Try our Free Interior Design Style Quiz to pinpoint your personal style even if it has no name!

Transitional interior design style blends traditional elegance with contemporary lines, calmer patterns, and cleaner layouts. In addition, transitional interiors keep accessories to a minimum, allowing furniture and textiles to do the talking.

Perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing aspect of the transitional design style is its flexibility. You can mix masculine and feminine vibes, modern curved furniture with ornate elements, even finishes like rattan and lacquer. It’s the combination of seemingly unmatchable elements that creates an interesting, welcoming home design.

Pro Tip: If you choose Transitional Interior Design as your direction, curate area rugs, throw pillows, and blankets as accessories.

Traditional Interior Design Style

One could easily recognize traditional interior design by its adherence to historical references, symmetry, rich color palettes, and classic shapes. It draws inspiration mainly from 18th and 19th-century European interior design styles known for a harmonious, elegant atmosphere. Architectural elements such as crown molding and wainscoting are an integral part of the aesthetics, well-matched with antique furniture pieces.

Another staple of a traditional interior is abundant textiles in different patterns. In contrast to modern or minimalist designs, traditional interiors thrive on ornamentation. Silk, velvet, and damask are commonly used, embellished either with florals, stripes, or plaids. These are combined with dark laquered woods, which also boast intricate carvings.

Traditional style rooms are arranged in symmetrical layouts to highlight balance and proportion.​ Layered lighting schemes include chandeliers, sconces, and table lamps. Finally, accessories like framed artwork, decorative pillows, and classic rugs contribute to the stately feel of the space.​

Pro tip: When selecting pieces for Traditional Interior Design, prioritize quality and craftsmanship.

Modern Interior Design Style

And now we get to the top interior design styles conundrum, so let’s clear up that difference between modern and contemporary once and for all. In spite of their number of similarities, modern design refers to a specific time period while contemporary design is ever-evolving. Modern interior design came on the radar in the early to mid-20th century; contemporary is more like “now.” It could be modern, but it doesn’t have to be.

Our current definition of modern refers to the mix of Scandinavian, mid-century modern, and post-modern interior design styles. For example, furniture mainly has clean lines with smooth, sleek surfaces. Metal, chrome, and glass are favorite choices among modern designers.

In addition, with modern interiors, décor is kept minimal. This style ditched the knick-knacks in favour of art and an occasional statement accessory as the main decorative elements. That’s why you’ll commonly find bold, colorful accents in a mostly neutral space today. While modern interiors tend to veer toward minimalism, a common mistake is confusing it with blankness. The trick is to mute the materials, not the mood.

Pro Tip: In Modern Interior Design, choose one material—walnut, brushed steel, travertine—and let it repeat in unexpected ways.

Eclectic Interior Design Style

Misunderstandings are also common when it comes to the eclectic interior design style. You’ll know you’re in an eclectic space when your eye keeps catching on things that shouldn’t work together, but somehow do. A baroque mirror over a concrete console; indigo batik pillows thrown across a leather Togo sofa; Turkish kilims under Danish chairs. But here’s the specificity: every object must be curated. The style fails when it turns into an accumulation.

Despite its reputation as a kind of aesthetic free-for-all, an eclectic interior is anything but haphazard. Where modernist design smooths everything into coherence, eclectic rooms leave the seams exposed and stack aesthetics with a point. Think this way: the reason a Victorian armchair doesn’t clash with a Bauhaus light fixture is that this style thrives on contradictions deliberately left unresolved.

If you wish to try setting up an eclectic interior, start with a neutral color palette and use a select few accents to bring in the worldly vibe. Florals can go with geometrics, but you’ll need a color code to connect them. Also, nothing must necessarily match, but everything should relate.

Pro Tip: Use large pieces to ground your Eclectic Interior Design and small ones to throw it off balance.

Contemporary Interior Design Style

When you look at interior design styles throughout history, contemporary interior design is the one that is always evolving. In the same way, contemporary design style will also continue to change over the course of the twenty-first century. That’s because “contemporary” refers to “here and now,” in other words, anything of the present moment. This design fashion borrows from various time periods but always adapts them to the current trends and technology.

Despite the flexibility, contemporary interior design is mostly sleek and simple. It can use different features like detailed moldings on walls and windows, and combine them with an open layout of streamlined furniture. And speaking of those, typical contemporary furniture design shows exposed legs and clean lines that lend a light and airy feel. 

It’s common to see metal and glass here, used for their light-reflecting properties. But organic materials do not fall behind in contemporary interior design styles. In fact, they go hand in hand with trendy neutral color palettes, curvy forms, and textured fabrics. With the rise of quiet luxury as an “it” approach, you could almost say that contemporary organic is a perfect luxury modern interior.

Pro Tip: Curate! Less is more, even in Contemporary Interior Design.

Minimalist Interior Design Style

Modern and minimalist designs have a lot of the same qualities. Both love uncomplicated forms, clean lines, and simple finishes. However, the minimalist decorating style is thoroughly concentrated on the principle that less is more. Unlike other similar interior design styles, minimalist design embraces an empty space and turns it into a meaningful, livable concept.

While most minimalist interiors have a neutral color scheme, primary colors can also be used (often as an accent, though). Patterns are nowhere to be found, so texture is a necessity. Because of the less is more philosophy, functional furniture is the most essential design element. Smart storage is another—a staple of minimalist interior design.

For this reason, furniture often conceals storage. A coffee table that lifts up to reveal a hidden repository for daily knick-knacks is just one of the many creative solutions that minimal interiors use.

Pro Tip: Negative space counts as a key element in your Minimalist Style Design.

Mid-Century Modern Interior Design Style

Here comes one classic that seems to stay relevant no matter the decade. Mid-century interiors started in the 1950s and ’60s in post-war America. During this time, the design industry was trying to break out of its traditional barriers and dive into the modern era. Stamping this style’s timeless quality are so many popular mid-century modern furniture pieces—still as relevant as ever and beloved in our homes. Yes, we talk versions of iconic furniture such as the Eames lounger, the egg chair, or the wishbone chair.

Mid-century modern homes have a breezy and seamless flow. They reflect the same period’s architecture, which always encouraged indoor-outdoor living. Sliding doors and picture windows were left bare to emphasize the connection to nature. Rich and luxurious woods such as teak, rosewood, and walnut were regularly used—a perfect backdrop for accents of mustard yellow, chartreuse, or avocado often used for a pop of color.

The mid-century revival we’re seeing in today’s design industry makes this popular interior design style more achievable than ever. Mid-century modern interior design styles of today strike a delicate balance between form and function, combining timeless elegance with forward-thinking innovation.

Pro Tip: Mid-Century Modern Furniture‘s enduring appeal and adaptability make it a go-to approach for those seeking to add some retro flair to their contemporary homes.

Bohemian Interior Design Style

Similarly to the mid-century style, bohemian interiors are continuing to gain popularity decades after their introduction. And with so many retailers jumping on the boho train, there is no better time than now to explore your bohemian side.

In a nutshell, bohemian design is a free-spirited aesthetic. It mixes different cultures and artistic expressions into an eclectic approach that dares to tread outside the lines. Also, contemporary laid-back boho atmosphere places a strong emphasis on nature. It is, however, not uncommon to find bold patterns and bright colors that defined original bohemian style rooms.

When we compare different interior design styles, boho belongs to those few where order isn’t necessary. You walk into a home that boasts a bohemian design style, and immediately feel immersed in another culture. Trinkets are displayed from travels, and the whole vibe usually feels very nomadic. The addition of animal hides, metallic accents, and rich wood sometimes helps modernize this vibe.

Pro Tip: Use things in unconventional ways, like hanging a vintage rug or carved wood on the wall for a fresh take on artwork.

Modern Farmhouse Interior Design Style

Our list of house décor styles wouldn’t be complete without modern farmhouse interior design. Joanna Gaines has earned the title as farmhouse queen, but even she is blending her farmhouse style into a more modern, and collected space. Modern farmhouse interiors have many characteristics of what we know as traditional farmhouse design. On the other hand, things become more simplified and clean without losing their character. 

Shiplap isn’t going anywhere and we still want to see barn doors galore. Modern updates like wide plank floors, open concept living, and sleek lighting are a few common identifiers of the modern farmhouse decorating style. Farmhouse interiors are also known for mixing metals. From gold to black to nickel, contrast is your friend. 

In addition, we love that this unique design style takes its connection to nature seriously. It’s essential to have raw wood elements and greenery that can be found in every room. Consequently, color palettes in modern farmhouse interiors are always on the neutral side. When you want to add that extra pop of color it’s important to pull from nature. For example, try adding deep navy, sage green, or burnt orange.

Click here and master all things Modern Farmhouse Interior Design here.

Shabby Chic Interior Design Style

The shabby chic interior design style originated in the 18^th century and transformed into the vintage-loving style it is today. Vintage furniture has always been at the core of shabby chic interior design. In fact, it was common for individuals to pass down furniture from one generation to the next. Then, each generation would put their own unique touch on it. Similar to its design sister, French country, shabby chic design has a very soft and feminine feel.

In this feminine design style, shabby chic furniture is often painted or distressed. The pale color palettes with floral patterns pair perfectly with whitewashed floors and walls. Our designers love the distressed and rustic vibe and how it is often contrasted with glamorous accents like crystal chandeliers. Shabby chic interiors capture an elegant and cozy feeling in a home.

Find out what it takes to get the ultimate Shabby Chic Interior Design here.

Coastal Interior Design Style

You don’t have to live by the beach to appreciate the coastal interior design style. Not to be confused with nautical décor, the coastal decorating style is in another league of its own. A coastal space makes a note of its natural environment. This can be seen through the color palette down to the materials used for furniture and accessories. 

Neutrals like whites are paired with beige to mimic the sand. Additionally, pops of blues to resemble the surf and sunny summer skies. Furthermore, coastal style homes should always feel bright and breezy. The intention is to feel like there is nothing between the indoors and outdoors. Because of this window treatments are kept to a minimum. A light sheer fabric blowing in the wind is sure to get the coastal vibe across.

You won’t find anchors and seashells scattered everywhere for this interior design style. Instead, you’ll find blue glass vases, striped wallpaper, or abstract paintings that get the coastal feeling across. When it comes to identifying furniture in coastal interiors they have a very comfortable lived in feel. Painted and distressed furniture paired with wicker or jute makes for a match made in heaven. Because connecting to nature is so important with the coastal interior design style the addition of indoor plants is a must-have.

Hollywood Glam Interior Design Style

Next on the list of decorating styles for 2025 is Hollywood glam. This chic style has been most popular in California since the mid-twentieth century, dating all the way back to Hollywood’s golden age in the 1930s. Hollywood glam interiors are made up of a mix of art deco and mid-century modern. This is an interior design style that is here to be seen. 

High contrast color combinations were the popular choice for color schemes. Popular combinations are not only hot pink and green, but also black and white. In addition, over the top chandeliers paired with high gloss or mirrored furniture is also a common combination. The contrast gives off a certain high-glamour luxurious vibe. This design style is sexy and sophisticated at the same time.

These interiors have an undeniable luxuriousness. They are made to be seen and are perfect for hosting glamorous soirees. For this reason, it’s not unusual to see foyers or entrance living rooms fully embracing an air of elevated hospitality.  It’s one of the types of interior design that focuses on the homeowner as much as its guests. 

Southwestern Interior Design Style

The southwestern style as we know it today is not the same as it was when it first became noticeable in the design world. And it will continue evolving as the years pass by. Southwestern interiors gather their inspiration from the soft lines of adobe houses, Spanish textiles, ironwork and nature. 

Color pallets have various colors found in the American desert. Rust, terracotta, and cactus green, are a few favorites amongst designers. Whereas furniture is more on the heavy side, often adorning thick legs and bulky finishes. Additionally, texture is southwestern interior design’s best friend. Leather and suede are the most common upholstery material.

Different types of Southwest interior design styles are also popping up in more homes. It’s not uncommon to see Southwestern elements in a modern setting or combined with boho elements in a rustic cabin. 

Rustic Interior Design Style

When looking at rustic interior design it can be defined with a few basic signs. There will always be natural materials, industrial touches, and farmhouse charm all around. The rustic design style was originally born from inspirations of the Romantic movement. It focuses on the simplicity and effortless beauty of nature. For rustic interiors, it’s common to see living room design ideas focused around a central statement fireplace.

The use of wood is softened by adding cowhides and sheepskin to create a cozy feeling. Fabrics don’t have loud patterns and texture is everything. Unexpected additions like an industrial pendant light add to the sophistication of what we know as rustic interior design.

Click here for our essential guide for the perfect modern Rustic Interior Design.

Industrial Interior Design Style

While one may argue that industrial interior design is trendy, it does have a past. When western European factories closed down at the end of the second industrial revolution it left many large vacant buildings behind. Population increase caused people to start converting industrial areas into residential neighborhoods.

The industrial interior design style loves the art of exposed pipes and beams. Materials like brick and concrete are a great way to give the space a lot of character. You won’t hear the words “soft” or “intimate” used when describing this unique interior design style. Its masculine tendencies are tamed with the use of ample texture. Moreover, oversized artwork and cozy textiles are perfect additions. Furniture is often raw or unfinished and paired with antiques.

Click here to add Industrial Interior Design Style to your home decor with Decorilla’s ultimate guide.

French Country Interior Design Style

Similar to many other interior design styles, French country interior design is a sophisticated blend of a few different style favorites. Shabby chic, farmhouse, and traditional all play a role in this design style. It starts with timeless antique furniture pieces. For example, a Louis VI chair updated with a modern print. Likewise, juxtapositions are found everywhere in this blended feminine neutral design style.

To achieve an authentic French country design style, natural materials like stone, wood, and wrought iron are commonly used. Exposed beams, distressed finishes, and raw textures add character to the space, showcasing the beauty of imperfections. Additionally, soft, muted colors dominate the palette, with shades of beige, cream, sage green, and lavender creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

Whether it’s the gentle patina of weathered furniture or the flickering glow of candlelight, French country interiors have a magical way of evoking a sense of nostalgia and serenity. It’s a design style that captures the essence of a romantic countryside retreat, inviting you to immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere.

Scandinavian Interior Design Style

Scandinavian design is one of the easier interior design types to recognize. Think light, airy, and organic. Woods are almost always an ashy color in Scandinavian interiors. Nordic spaces give off a relaxing and inviting vibe. Key features include white walls, large mirrors, and cozy textiles. Furthermore, no Scandinavian space is complete without using the Danish concept of hygge. Layered fabrics, glass furniture, clean lines, and textures certainly create the perfect cozy look.

Another notable aspect of Scandinavian design is the attention to detail and craftsmanship. The furniture and decor often feature clean lines, minimalist forms, and functional designs. Quality craftsmanship is highly valued, and pieces are often built to last, combining both aesthetics and functionality. Scandinavian interiors also prioritize open spaces, allowing for a sense of flow and a feeling of freedom within the environment.

Furthermore, Scandinavian design embraces a concept called “lagom,” which embodies the idea of finding balance and moderation. It emphasizes the importance of creating a harmonious living environment that is not excessive or overly extravagant. This philosophy extends to the choice of furniture, decor, and even the arrangement of objects in the space. Click here to check out our designers’ best tips to achieve your dream Scandinavian Interior Design.

Mediterranean Interior Design Style

Next, we look at another culturally rich interior design style, Mediterranean design. This decorating style started in countries north of the Mediterranean Sea. Spain, Greece, and Italy are still the main source of inspiration today. In like fashion to the typical architecture of those countries, it’s common to find arches, columns and interior balconies in Mediterranean homes. Furniture for this design style also reveals rich wood tones with ornate features.

One distinct feature of this style is the use of vibrant and earthy colors. The color palette often includes shades of terracotta, ochre, deep blues, and sandy neutrals, reflecting the hues of the Mediterranean landscape. These colors create a sense of warmth and a connection to the natural surroundings.

In addition to arches and columns, another architectural element commonly found in Mediterranean interiors is the use of decorative tiles and mosaics. Intricately patterned ceramic or terracotta tiles can be seen on floors, walls, and even staircases, adding a touch of traditional charm and visual interest.

Art Deco Interior Design Style

This iconic early twentieth-century design style originated in France and then made its way to the US from the 1910s to the 1940s. The industrial revolution heavily inspired the art deco design style, so metal was a popular material of choice during this time. It’s easy to identify pieces from the art deco style because it typically has pointed edges and jagged corners. Oversized furniture was common from armories to sofas. Today, our favorite place to go for art deco design inspiration has to be Florida. Miami Beach is a great place to see the art deco interior design style embraced.

In addition to metal, glass was another prominent material used in Art Deco interiors. Mirrored surfaces and glass accents added a sense of elegance and reflected the era’s fascination with modernity and technology. Elaborate glass chandeliers and light fixtures became popular focal points in Art Deco spaces.

One distinguishing feature of Art Deco interiors is the use of exotic and luxurious materials. Lacquered finishes, exotic woods, and materials like shagreen or animal prints were commonly incorporated into furniture and decor. The style embraced a sense of opulence, using rich colors such as deep blues, golds, and silvers. These sumptuous hues and the use of plush textiles like velvet and silk contribute to the lavish atmosphere of Art Deco interiors.

Asian Zen Interior Design Style

Ever heard of feng shui? You can bet you’ll find that philosophy utilized in our last pick for types of house décor styles. Asian Zen interiors are originally rooted from contemporary design. They focus on sleek lines, interesting shapes, and a relaxing atmosphere. As a result, references to nature are essential in creating the ultimate zen space.

Asian interiors are often asymmetrical and use circles more often than squares. Curtain walls or door panels are common to separate a larger space and give a sense of privacy. The color palette is drawn strictly from nature in order to keep the serene and calm vibes.

Click here to learn more about Decorilla’s favorite Feng Shui Interior Design tips.

Top Interior Design Types Per Room

Choosing an interior design style that reflects your personality can be an overwhelming thought. That’s why we asked our Decorilla designers to narrow it down to their top 3 favorite picks for living room ideas and bedroom ideas.

Interior Design Styles: Living Room Top Picks

• Transitional Living Interior Design – if you’re looking for a sophisticated blend of old and new then transitional interior design is a great pick for you. Check out this Transitional Living Room Before & After transformation for some serious inspiration.
• Modern Farmhouse Living Room Interior Design – farmhouse interiors with a modern twist are a perfect choice especially if you have an open concept great room. For even more Modern Farmhouse inspiration see Decorilla’s top picks for interior designers with style like Joanna Gains.
• Eclectic Living Room Interior Design – this style is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a culturally rich living room with elements from various different interior design types incorporated. Check out how this Decorilla online interior designer transformed a new build home in this Eclectic Home Interior Design Before & After.

Interior Design Styles: Bedroom Top Picks

• Asian Zen Bedroom Interior Design – create an oasis and connect to nature with this relaxing bedroom style. Find our essential checklist for your Bedroom design here to help you get started.
• Contemporary Bedroom Interior Design – uncomplicated forms and clean lines are great to keep the bedroom a simple and sophisticated space. Check out this Contemporary Bedroom Before & After to see how a few key furniture pieces can change a space.
• Scandinavian Bedroom Interior Design Style – the Danish concept of hygge is what every bedroom certainly needs to make it the ultimate cozy space. Find our designers best tips on how to Hygge Your Home Decor here.

Add Your Favorite Decorating Style into Your Home

This list of interior design styles defined for 2025 is nothing short of inspiring. Not sure how to get started with incorporating them in your own home? Then schedule a Free Interior Design Consultation and get help from a Decorilla design pro today!