2. INTRODUCTION
• There are various interior design styles and ideas for every taste.Sometimes
the most daunting task within the design process is figuring out how to
precisely articulate your style preferences to those involved with the project.
• This is especially true concerning communication between client and designer,
but also applies to things as simple as trips to the hardware store.
• Ultimately, the more accurately you can describe your vision, the more likely it
is that your vision will become a reality.
3. TYPES OF INTERIOR STYLES
• MODERN INTERIOR DESIGN
• MINIMALIST
• CONTEMPORARY
• SCANDINAVIAN
• BOHEMIAN
• MID-CENTURY MODERN
• ART DECO
• INDUSTRIAL
• SHABBYCHIC
• TRANSITIONAL
• FARMHOUSE
• TRADITIONALINTERIOR DESIGN
• FRENCH COUNTRY INTERIOR DESIGN
• RUSTIC INTERIORDESIGN
• MEDITERRANEANINTERIORDESIGN
• TROPICAL INTERIORDESIGN
• WESTERN/SOUTHWESTERN INTERIOR DESIGN
• VINTAGE INTERIOR DESIGN
• URBAN MODERN INTERIORDESIGN
• ECLECTIC INTERIOR DESIGN
• CONTEMPORARYDESIGN
• VICTORIAN STYLE
4. MODERN INTERIOR DESIGN
• Modern design is a fairly broad style,
including any space with clean lines and
simple color palette. Employing a sense of
simplicity in all areas of the space, modern
design often utilizes sleek furnishings and
avoids the use of distracting decor,creating
a more tranquil feel within a space.
5. MINIMALIST
• Minimalist design takes“modern” a step
further,consolidating the decorative elements
even more.The nature of this style of design is
simplistic and clean.In minimalist design,one
should expect to find a complete lack of
clutter and unnecessary decor,which can be
attributedto the focus on function and ample
storage.
• In the minimalist design style, people use not
more than two colors.The most used color
combinations are black and white or black and
gray. In the case of the minimalist design style,
people use only necessary items as decor.
• Some other characteristics of minimal design
include:Clean open and light-filled spaces,no
clutter,strategic use of materials for visual
interest.
6. CONTEMPORARY
• Contemporary design, while undeniably
similar to minimalist as of right now, is
technically different.This is because
contemporary technically means “here and
now”.Therefore,contemporary design is
always changing based on what trends are
popular. However,most times this is based
around modern or minimalist design
elements.
7. SCANDINAVIAN
• Scandinavian design is also similar to
modern/minimalist design. However,the
elements within this style are quite a bit
more specific. For example, this style
employs clean lines in most cases, but also
includes interesting variations in the lines
at times, using herringbone patterns or zig-
zags sparingly.
• This style also utilizes simple materials,
paying homage to simplicity by way of
unfinished wood, all-white color palettes,
and more.As for furnishings, scandinavian
design often includes pressed woods, and
brightly colored plastics. Sometimes metal
is used, but also sparingly.
8. BOHEMIAN
• The bohemian style is representative of a
traveler or nomad.When done correctly,it
should appear as if each decorative item in
the space came from another culture or
region of the world.
• Using this as a guide,try to aim for colorful
or vibrant decor as you are designing.This
style can vary greatly in the specifics,but one
thing you can count on is for the space to
have some asymmetry,and for things to be
mismatched throughout the space.
• In addition to mismatching decor,bohemian
style also utilizes a great variety of textiles
and a carefree feel.It isn’t uncommon to see
floor pillows,canopies,and a wide variety of
artwork in bohemian spaces.Layered
textures are also an important component.
Often described as a careful mess,this style
resembles adventure.
9. MID-CENTURY MODERN
• Mid-century modern is a very consistently
popular style,as it mixes modern and retro
elements in a classically aesthetic way.
• The furniture is often low to the floor,giving
the space a natural and relaxed feel.The use
of texture is varying by using stone,wood,
fabric,and sometimes even fur.
• One tell-tale feature of mid-century modern
design is the“Sunburst” decor,which often
comes in the form of a small mirror,and is
usually located on the centerpiece wall.
• In mid-century modern design,one can often
expect to see jewel toned colors like eggplant
purple,avocado green,mustardyellow,etc.
These colors are meant to contrast and add a
“funky” feel to the otherwise modern
structure of the space.The contrast between
these two factions within the style is what
makes mid-century modern design so
appealing.
10. ART DECO
• Art deco utilizes geometric shapes,
diamond tier wall patterns, curved
furniture,and integration of pastels with
lavished fabrics.
• This style overall is certainly reminiscent of
the 1920’s surge of artistic exploration in
interiors and exteriors alike. Art deco’s
origins lie within the painting styles
presented in the early 20th century,and
this space certainly represents that.As
realism was represented in artwork, art
deco flourished in its wake.
• A great example of art deco design is the
set and eraThe Great Gatsby takes place in.
This book/movie takes place during the
1920’s, and represents the lavish side of the
art-deco movement origin.
11. INDUSTRIAL
• Industrial design utilizes elements like
distressed brick walls, exposed metal
framework,concrete floors, and tall ceilings.
• Often times, industrial design is employed
in spaces that are…well…industrial. Old
factory buildings with towering ceilings,
lofts, and even old equipment which can be
repurposed as artwork or functional pieces
in the space.
• Colors are muted and simple without a lot
of saturated hues. Interesting textures like
leather,rustic surfaces, and knotted wood
left natural are also common in industrial
spaces.Add interesting wall decor,and take
advantage of tall ceilings with this style to
take it to the next level
12. SHABBY CHIC
• The Shabby Chic design style could be
otherwise described as flea market antique
or rustic cottage style.This style uses
mostly pastel color palettes, lace, distressed
painted furnishings and decor.
• Usually the painted elements in shabby chic
style are a milky white, or ivory.Patterns
are often subtle florals.With a romantic
feel, shabby chic typically gives a feeling of
femininity and ornate luxury.Try adding a
bold, but muted color to your design’s
palette for a more contemporary twist.
13. TRANSITIONAL
• Popular for its combination of elements
from both contemporary and traditional, this
design style is a happy medium for the
masses.
• This could mean a number of things, based
on what you want to see in your space.
Typically it means mixing modern structural
elements with traditional decor elements.
Try adding contemporary materials like
metal, glass, and finished wood with plush
and traditional textiles and decor to create a
transitional texture.
• As for the style’s color palette, most times it
remains mostly neutral, with light use of
color in the small decorative items/textiles.
14. FARMHOUSE
• Similar to transitional style,farmhouse design
combines a lot of contemporary elements
with rustic/traditional elements.The
difference here is mostly,where the
traditional elements are concerned,the decor
is even further on the rustic side.
• Depending on which side of the transitional
spectrum you’d like to be,you can adjust the
amount of rustic decor you use, and how
spaced out it is within the space.In addition,
you can change how consistent the rustic
elements are.
• For example,if all your rustic elements are
the same color of rustic wood,it can make
for a much more modern version of this
style.The alternative is also true in the sense
that you can vary your rustic elements,and
use more concentrated amounts of it to
create a more rustic version.
15. TRADITIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN
• While the word“traditional” spurs a variety of
images,the classic definition requires mention
of 18th and 19th century European influences.
• Timeless and elegant,this decorating style
relies upon symmetry and harmony and best
describes homes filled with antiques,rich,dark
wood trim (e.g., cherry,maple,mahogany and
walnut) and deep red,brown and green fabrics.
• Neutral walls are noticeable in traditional
interior design because they showcase plaids,
paisley,florals,damasks and stripes featured on
fabrics,drapes and wallpaper.
• Homeowners can choose from accents that
suggest Queen Anne or Chippendale styling
and if those pieces include touches of gold or
silver,the mood is set for those who love this
elegant,traditional look.
16. FRENCH COUNTRY INTERIOR DESIGN
• The first thing design experts at “House Beautiful”
magazine say about French Country design is that
it’s not to be confused with “French farmhouse.”
• Subtle differences are easy to spot.Inspired by
rural France and especially the area around
Provence,French Country can be a contradiction.
• It’s elegant and ornate but charming.Over-the-top
but still relaxed,this interior style relies upon blues
and whites,checks,stripes and toile patterns.
• Interior decorator Ariel Richardson describes
French Country as:“refined elegance that is humbled
by bringing in aspects of nature such as weathered and
white washed wood, and neutral color palettes.It’s also
playful,” she adds,referring to botanical themes in
art,fabric, wallpaper and accessories.French
Country environments tend to include wood-
beamed ceilings and planked wood floor to create
a lofty but casual vibe.
17. RUSTIC INTERIOR DESIGN
• If you spot exposed wood ceiling beams and
trendy barn doors hanging from thick metal
brackets,there’s a good chance you’ve
arrived at a room decorated in the rustic
style.
• Raw,natural elements like planked wood
walls,expansive amounts of glass to let the
outside in and a fireplace makes the perfect
addition.Rustic interiors rely upon white
walls that stand in contrast to dark wood
architectural features.
• Furnishings are earthy,too.Oversized wood
dining tables.Stone countertops that look
like they were just plucked from quarries.
• Unpainted stressedwoods add flavor and
textiles–especially burlap,canvas,wool and
linen–add charm.Yes,patterns are used,but
they’re likely to include cowhide,buffalo
plaids and mattress ticking.Homeowners
favoring this style crave interiors that
emulate lodges found in U.S. national parks.
18. MEDITERRANEAN INTERIOR DESIGN
• This exotic look isn’t for everyone,but if your idea
of heaven matches interiors found in homes along
the Mediterranean Sea coast,you can make this
happen.
• Furnishings chosen for these Greek,Italian and
Spanish abodes are a mix of formal and functional.
Look for short, ornate legs and feet beneath
couches and chairs and a preponderance of dark
woods that complement yellow,lavender,
terracotta and blue textiles and art.
• Apply layers of glaze and paint to achieve the
stucco look found on walls along the coast or
show a skilled house painter what you want and
let him worry about replicating them.
• If price is no object,lavish your home with
patterned,mosaic tiles and fill rooms with
architectural touches like carved,free-standing
screens,bronze urns and filigree light fixtures that
look as though you picked them up while visiting a
souk.
19. TROPICAL INTERIOR DESIGN
• People living near the equator furnish and decorate
their homes in light colors so rooms look cool and
inviting. Don’t hesitate to drape canopied beds with
diaphanous fabrics or mosquito netting.
• It’s a dramatic and practical touch if you leave your
windows open.Teak furnishings are perfect,as are
breezy upholstery fabrics awash in palm fronds,
plumeria, frangipani,bougainvillea,hibiscus and
banana leaves.One warning:too many patterns
displayed together could look cluttered.
• Cool terrazzo and cut-stone floors tie together a
tropical theme and you can’t add too many Arica
palms to your decorating scheme.
• Fill shelves with woven baskets and hang watercolors
featuring South Sea island art and books about far-
away places.Install ceiling fans throughout the house.
• A waterfall makes an idyllic architectural touch.
They’re easy to find. Some are freestanding while
others hang from the wall. Oh, and don’t forget the
hammock on your patio.
20. WESTERN/SOUTHWESTERN INTERIOR
DESIGN
• For kids who never outgrew being cowboys and
cowgirls, decorating a home that emulates the
wild, wild west is easy to do and you don’t have to
live in Phoenix or Dallas to pull this off.
• Start by creating the illusion of adobe walls using
textured mediums available at paint stores.
Exposed wood ceiling beams add to the look and
you wouldn’t be the first homeowner to
substitute roughly-hewn shutters for window
drapes.
• Your color scheme can be as eclectic as you like.
Include cobalt and turquoise blues, chili-pepper
reds and sage greens and browns suggestive of
desert landscapes.Need to ward off evil spirits?
Paint a wall Taos blue!
• Upholstery patterns should reflect Native
American influences that pervade this area of the
U.S. Primitively-styled wood, couches,chairs and
benches add plenty of authentic touches and once
you fill your space with Spanish folk art,pottery,
woven blankets and Kachina dolls, you’ll feel right
at home, no matter where your “ranch” house
happens to be located.
21. VINTAGE INTERIOR DESIGN
• Vintage décor revisits the past,so you pick the
period of time you’re most nostalgic about.
Decorators insist that rooms decorated in the
official vintage style must emulate the furnishings,
art and architectural style at a specified time
between 30 and 60 years in the past.
• Use low-key wall and furniture colors and seek out
old or artificially-aged furnishings. Items adorned
with cracks,chips and abrasions add to vintage
charm rather than detracting from it.
• Can you mix and match“eras” and still pull off a
vintage decorating scheme? It’s possible.Your goal
is to create a stylish,pulled-together environment
that’s neither cluttered nor overwhelmed with too
much kitsch.
• Rely upon textures,metal decorative elements and
low-key wallpaper patterns.Add potted plants,
family photos in ornate frames,ceramic vases and
flea market finds and enjoy stepping back in time
every time you come home.
22. URBAN MODERN INTERIOR DESIGN
• According to formally-trained interior designers,
the urban modern interior design movement can
be traced back to Japanese room style where
only “vital furnishings” were on display and
everything else was hidden to achieve a simple,
clean and uncluttered vibe.
• Timeless and neutral,urban modern furnishings
have uncomplicated silhouettes and no ornate
touches.This interior style requires lots of
natural light.
• This style is all about angular lines and geometric
forms plus the incorporation of sleek cabinets
throughout rooms that not only add
architectural interest but help keep things tidy.
Use brown,black,white and off-white plus
touches of red to liven things up.
• Can you add one dramatic focal point and still
identify your room as urban modern? That’s the
beauty of this style.Hang a panoramic mural that
grabs attention on one wall and as long as
everything else is sleek,modern and not fussy,
you’re good to go.
23. ECLECTIC INTERIOR DESIGN
• Do you use the phrase“anything goes” with regularity?
You’re a candidate for a home that ranges from eclectic
to downrightquirkybecause it’s all about your signature
style preferences.
• ApartmentTherapyeditors describe this movementas
one that mixes old with new,but it’s so much more than
that.You enjoy carte blanche,and every element is within
your control:textures,colors, time periods and trends.
Forget coordinated,unifying themes.They’re out of place
here and could make a room look chaotic.
• You call all of the shots.If a plush,formalVictorian chair
looks terrific next to a modern Lucite coffee table
perched on wroughtiron legs, match them up because
you don’t want anything to look “coordinated.”
• Stick a differentstyle of chair at every place at your
dining room table.Mix eras with confidence.And yes,you
can hang your kid’s artwork next to yourWoodstock
poster since “anything goes.”
• In conclusion,no matter what style you prefer,it is
possible to implementit into your home.All you need to
do is communicate your vision effectively for it to
become a reality! Happy designing!
24. CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
• Many people confuse Modern with
Contemporary designs but they are not
exactly the same. However,the differences
between these two are not much.
• Contemporary means“living at present” and
in Interior terms it refers to current styles
and design trends.
• This style is associated with curved lines,
neutral colors,and minimalism.The
Contemporary style is dating back to 1970’s
and borrows characteristics from various
other styles in interior decorating.
• For example,in this style you will see
elements inspired by modern,Art-Deco or
futuristic notes.
25. VICTORIAN STYLE
• This style is luxurious and expensive,but the
quality is also very high.It combines a lot of
accessories,different colors,and shapes,such
as flowers,plants,etc.
• TheVictorian design style is full of
decorations.In this design style, walls can be
covered with paintings and frames.
• The most preferred colors in this style are
red and green,but it is not limited to these
two colors.In this style, people use a lot of
colors and sometimes,it is too hard to
understand what colors can be well-
combined,that is why often designers come
to help to choose the best color palette.
• Nowadays,in Nevada for example,the most
popular design style isVictorian.
