Interior Design Styles Explained
Foxy Interiors will go through each style of design while showing you examples to better understand it.
Have you ever found yourself asking the question what are the different types of interior design styles? Do you know the difference between traditional and transitional interior design? What about the difference between modern and minimalism interior design styles? Maybe you want to switch up your style but need guidance. Foxy Interiors' brief explanation of interior design styles plus simple instructions for how to get the look will help you find your inner interior stylist.
Art Deco
Colors – bright to muted to metallic
Details – 1925
Shiny, delicate, geometric
Get the Look – Use case goods and decorative objects with geometric shapes, candlesticks, sculptures, decanters, sconces, wallpapers
Arts and Crafts
Colors – muted, unstained wood
Details – 1910 to 1925
Simple, no exterior decoration
Get the Look – Use built-ins, custom cabinets, stained-glass windows
Asian Zen
Colors – shiny finishes
Details – elements from Japan, China, Vietnam and Thailand
Get the Look – Use natural fibers, bamboos; lacquer or hand painted ornamental designs; intersperse bright animals or mythical creatures.
Bohemian
Colors – multiple layers of vibrant color, pattern and texture
Details – collected worldwide treasures over time
Get the Look – Use rattan furniture, woven wall hangings, lush plants, vintage throws and pillows.
California Chic
Colors – pale blush, off-white Details – contrasting elements, velvet Get the Look – Use pale pottery for succulents and patterned pieces (similar to Southwest); weathered leather, organic neutrals, textured cozy elements |
Coastal
Colors – indigo, white, turquoise, gold, coral
Details – nautical or beach themed
Get the Look – Use bleached driftwood, whitewashed case goods, woven pendants, rattan, spiky greenery
Contemporary
Colors – gold, teal, neutrals with bold accents
Details – clean sleek lines
Get the Look – Use graphic elements in art work or accents, layer solids with abstract patterns
Country (Farmhouse)
Colors – muted neutrals, red, black, white, turquoise
Details – floral, checked, striped, vintage patterns
Get the Look – Use handmade items, shiplap, baskets, metal, pottery, antiques, up-cycled objects
Eclectic
Colors – everything goes but with a cohesive look
Details – layer color, pattern, texture and composition of old and new of your favorite things
Get the Look – Use contrasting elements and conversation pieces
French Country
Colors – blue, yellow, cream, brick red, sage green, lavender
Details – toile, stripes and florals; distressed woods, aged metals, Old World craftsmanship, carved intricate wood
Get the Look – Use white as a foundation and layer seasonal decor
Hollywood Regency
Colors – glitzy, ritzy and shiny; think glamorous
Details – mirrors, tassels, dangling crystals; textured walls; molding; lucite
Get the Look – Use high contrasting furniture, layer with textiles, embellish everything.
Industrial
Colors – grays, white, neutrals
Details – exposed pipes, duct work, brick, ceiling beams, rustic wood, metal and leather
Get the Look – Use Edison bulbs and fixtures with structural details (think curved light post), metals, open shelving
Japandi
Colors – cream, white, black, gray; think earthy, natural and muted
Details – incorporates both Japanese and Scandinavian design; cozy and simplistic
Get the Look – Use many textures, interesting objects, natural materials like wood, woven baskets, stone, metal and leather; connect indoor and outdoor spaces; add greenery
Mediterranean
Colors – cream, white, blues, greens, dark woods
Details – heavy ornate wood furniture, stone or wood walls, exposed beams
Get the Look – Use velvet, linens and florid patterns, dark wood furniture
Midcentury Modern
Colors – cream, white, pale orange, yellow, olive green, chocolate brown
Details – 1945 to 1965, glass walls, light woods, no window coverings, rounded edges on furniture
Get the Look – Use Scandinavian furniture, simple and functional pieces, black décor accents
Minimalism
Colors – white, black, gray
Details – 1990’s, no pattern, right angles, symmetrical, appears stark without decoration;
Get the Look – Use linear furniture with flat-pile upholstery, sheers or no window treatments; use only pieces that serve a function.
Modern
Colors – neutral, earth tones
Details – 1930s, polished surfaces, strong geometric shapes (right angles), asymmetry, clean lines, minimal, absence of decoration
Get the Look – Use only simple patterns, materials in metal, wood, and glass; sparingly add soft furnishings like rugs and throw pillows as accents
Moroccan
Colors – bright colorful jewel toned
Details – Islamic art based; heavily layered rugs and pillows with intricate patterned luxurious fabrics, colorful mosaics, metal lanterns, textured walls; ornately carved wood
Get the Look – Use many layers of complimentary brightly colored patterns; intricately ornate interiors
Scandinavian
Colors – neutral and pastel colors
Details – 1950 to 1970; originated in Norway, Sweden and Denmark; simple and functional
Get the Look – Use textural layers of fabrics, light woods with simple lines
Shabby Chic
Colors – muted floral prints, white, pastel prints
Details – early 1980s, think cottage, white painted furniture, white slipcovers, painted motifs, vintage décor
Get the Look – Use white, pale floral prints, white slipcovered furniture; up cycled case goods
Southwestern
Colors – caramel, cream, warm sun-washed colors (orange, yellow, green)
Details – a blend of Native American and Spanish influences; tile, exposed beams, handcrafted items, bright woven fabrics
Get the Look – Use leather, warm colored woods; keep distractions to a minimum with décor; use natural materials and crafts to decorate
Traditional
Colors – mid-tones, gold trimmed objects
Details – 19thCentury Neoclassic, French country, British Colonial revival; classic styling; symmetry; fabrics in patterns, solids, stripes, plaids, florals, chinoiserie
Get the Look – Use window treatments and wallpaper; ornate decorative objects
Transitional
Colors – neutral to pale
Details – 1950s; combines traditional and contemporary designs and balances historic pieces with updated silhouettes and materials (Rome to chrome); luxury and comfort
Get the Look – Use room elements that invoke pattern repeat in shapes, color, and design; combine old and new
Tropical
Colors – muted or vivid
Details – palm leaves, bright flowers, natural materials for wall coverings, printed fabrics or solids, bring the outside indoors
Get the Look – Use wicker, lacquered, or dark wood furniture; grasscloth wall coverings; use fabrics used outside for interiors; decorative objects replicate those found in the tropics (birds, lizards, palm trees)
Gallery