5 Popular Interior Design Styles Explained
There is nothing more beautiful than a home expertly designed in the right interior design style for you. When you combine the perfect blend of textures, colors, and patterns with carefully selected furniture and home décor pieces, the result is stunning. Every day in your home becomes a joy as each element highlights and celebrates who you are.
But, with so many options available, how do you know which interior design style is right for you? Often it isn’t until you see photos from magazines or online that you start to get an idea of what type of style you’re really drawn to – and still there are so many decisions to make before your perfectly designed home can come to life!
A great interior designer will guide you through the process every step of the way. However, it’s still a good idea to learn more about the various styles available. To help you find the perfect style for your home, this article discusses the main features and aspects of five popular interior design styles. Read through it and take note of which elements excite or intrigue you. Then when you’re out shopping or working with a professional interior designer, you’ll be able to talk about what you love and what you don’t love with confidence.
Farmhouse Style
Think casual, warm, natural, and bright for this popular design style. Weathered finishes, cozy upholstery, and exposed wood beams combine with neutral, light color palettes to achieve this look. Kitchens often feature islands with apron sinks and white cabinetry with black hardware.
Farmhouse has grown to be a favorite design style – and with good reason! Its spacious quality and cheery-yet-mature feel makes it a style that is easy to live with.
Signature Elements of the Farmhouse Interior Design Style
- Kitchen Islands
- Apron sinks
- Open shelves
- Hand-made tiles
- Multiple countertop options in the same space
- Black hardware
- Wood floors, trim, and moulding
- Distressed finishes
- Antique Doors
- Ship-lap walls
- Exposed wood beams
- Vintage furniture
- Comfy upholstery
- Light and dark contrasting elements
Contemporary Style
This is a clean, tailored look that lends itself to a sleeker and more streamlined feel rather than a casual one. Neutral tone-on-tone color palettes with shades of brown, fawn, cream, eggshell, and white are dotted with colorful decor accents around the space such as bright paintings or vases. Think sophisticated, refined, and upscale.
Contemporary design is up-to-date and changes along with the trends. Quite often a designer label is used, such as Vern Yip’s fabric collection shown on the custom bedding in the photo above.
Signature Elements of the Contemporary Interior Design Style
- Tailored upholstery
- Clean lines mixed with bold geometric patterns
- Neutral color palette
- Pops of color
- Smooth surfaces
- Maple and/or birch wood
- Glass
- Metals such as stainless steel, nickel, and chrome
- Natural, textured fabrics such as cotton and linen
- Statement lighting
Country Cottage Style
This style is similar to the Farmhouse style, but is more feminine, soft, and cute. It also boasts more detailing in the trim and moulding of the space. Botanical color palettes are a favorite of this style, with bright colors like fuchsia and sunny yellow mixing with shades of apricot, dusty rose, and sage.
This is an airy, joyful design style that feels fresh and un-fussy. Classic patterns, weathered furniture and décor, and breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen come together to create an innocent, breezy space where you can find peace and relaxation.
Signature Elements of the Country Cottage Interior Design Style
- Exterior cedar shingles
- Black iron accents
- Distressed pieces
- Cozy textiles like linen and cotton
- Gingham, ticking stripe, and floral patterns
- Airy spaces
- Wide-plank wood flooring
- Neutral and pastel color palettes
- Exposed wood beams
- Painted wood wall treatments
- White trim and moulding details
French Country Style
Refinement and coziness come together to create a luxurious but comfortable French Country design style. Sometimes powdery, elegant pastels and antique white finishes are used to bring simple, easy color to each room. Other times bright, joyful reds and yellows are used tastefully to add pops of color that are pleasing to the eye.
Relaxed lines and dreamy silhouettes are balanced with strong details such as high sheen finishes, brass accents, and iron decorations. This is a great design choice for those looking for a more European take on the Country Cottage or Farmhouse interior design styles.
Signature Elements of the French Country Interior Design Style
- Warm colors
- Antique white finishes
- Cozy-meets-refined feel
- Patinas
- Fabric linen, cotton, and velvet
- Patterns such as ticking, checks, and florals
- Tassel trim
- Large, dramatic dining room table
- Wood flooring
- Copper or brass accents
- Elaborate mirrors
- Chandeliers
- Stone and marble
Eclectic Style
Multiple styles come together in this comfortably chic interior design look. A careful blend of modern and antique pieces brings present and past together to give a lived-in-yet-polished feel to each space. Your personality will be featured heavily, as there is plenty of room to play with and blend styles.
Luxe, gilded pieces are at home with slim-lined contemporary elements – when chosen with a keen eye. The vibrancy of your personality will be reflected in the art, colors, and shapes chosen for each space – all placed together with purpose and expert-level precision.
Signature Elements of the Eclectic Interior Design Style
- Antiques paired with contemporary silhouettes
- Vibrant accessory collections (art gallery walls, china, etc.)
- Mixed patterns
- Mix-and-match pieces
- Bold statements
- Bright colors
- Multiple styles working together
- Personal tastes heavily represented through décor pieces
- Simple, elegant window treatments
- Pieces that stand alone, yet work together
Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style | Right at Home Interiors | Placerville, CA
Keely at Right at Home Interiors in Placerville, CA is an expert interior designer ready to help you bring your dream home to life – no matter what style you love. She also creates stunning custom window treatments, and designs masterful bedding, pillows, and other soft goods to accentuate your style. With her help, you will achieve a beautiful look for your home that brings you joy every single day. Contact her today to get started. Virtual design is available!