Transform your space: Discover the popular Interior Design Styles

Feb 13, 20246 min read

Interior Design Styles: A Guide to Finding Your Perfect Design Style

"Discover the Art of Interior Design Styles with Us!"

Interior design is a fascinating art that can transform any space into a reflection of one's personality. With so many design styles, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to decide which one is right for you, especially if you are not sure what each design style is. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at some of the most popular interior design styles and their unique features.

At Little Steps Interiors, we offer interior design services tailored for nursery and child spaces to create spaces that inspire imagination, we can help you discover your perfect style and transform your space with the art of interior.

Let's get you started on your charming project by introducing you to some of the most popular interior design styles that have stood the test of time. From mid-century modern to Scandinavian, we will explore each style's unique characteristics and key design elements. Whether you prefer a cozy, rustic feel or a sleek, contemporary look, we have got you covered. So, let's dive in and discover the perfect design style for your space!

#1 Minimalist

Minimalist devotees live by the mantra 'less is more'. Minimalist interior design focuses on essential elements without excessive ornamentation, creating a sleek and simple architecture. It prioritizes a clutter-free space, clean lines, open plans, and a calming color palette that maximizes natural light. The materials used are often polished timber, concrete, tiles, granite, and metals, and textures are kept to a minimum.

#2 Modern

Modern design is characterized by sleek lines and focuses on simplicity, sophistication and high quality. Although minimalism is often associated with modern design, it is not a requirement. To achieve a modern look for your space, consider materials such as acrylic, lacquer, and natural elements. Modern design emphasizes practicality and functionality while still being visually stunning.

#3 Vintage

Vintage interior design styles are characterized by a nostalgic look and feel. The style is reminiscent of the past and is often influenced by the 1920s to the 1960s. Vintage spaces feature furniture and accessories from bygone eras, pastel colors, floral prints, and distressed finishes.

#4 Transitional

Transitional interior design style is a blend of traditional and modern design elements. It seeks to combine the best of both worlds by taking the classic elegance of traditional design and combining it with the sleek simplicity of modern design. This style focuses on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere by using a neutral color palette and natural materials, a timeless and relaxed look that is both functional and stylish.

#5 Traditional

Traditional interior style is a classic, European design that avoids current trends and instead features dark timber, ornate furniture, and richly patterned fabrics. The look is often ornamental, with decorative touches like curtains, drapes, and ruffles, and lush fabrics like velvet, silk, and brocade. Art is typically pre-20th century, rugs are oriental, and old-world treasures like blue and white china, vintage books, maps, and crystal decanters are common. The style evokes warmth, cosiness, and a sense of history..

#6 Mid-Century Modern

During the 20th century, the design theory 'form follows function' gained popularity with the Mid-Century Modern movement. Architects and designers incorporated lightweight materials, mass-produced plastics, and prefabrication to create affordable furniture and lighting. The style was characterized by sculptural, organic shapes using materials like plywood, plastic, fiberglass, and steel rods, simple fabrication, saturated colors, and natural light.

#7 Contemporary

Contemporary design is often misinterpreted as modern design, but they are two different concepts. While modern design is characterized by clean lines, contemporary design is characterized by current design trends. This means that contemporary design combines modern aesthetics with present-day style, resulting in a constantly evolving look. Generally, there is no specific feature that defines a piece of contemporary furniture, as it depends on what's currently in style.

#8 Scandinavian

Scandinavian design, also referred to as Scandi, emerged from a 1950's design movement and is inspired by homes from the Nordic countries like Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The concept focused on simple, clean, and affordable designs that were inspired by nature and the northern climate. Warm minimalism is at the core of this style, which combines beauty, simplicity, and functionality. At its heart, Scandinavian style is all about functionality without sacrificing grace and beauty. It's an epitome of minimalism, with a focus on neutrals such as greys, whites, and muted tones like dusty pinks and pale blues.

#9 Bohemian

Bohemian Style has been very popular making it an incredibly evolving style of late. The design style is known for mixing cultures, styles, and eras. There are no hard and fast rules, and the style is characterized by colorful and personality-filled palettes, as well as natural materials such as cane, wicker, and timber, colorful fabrics, and macrame and weaving. It creates a relaxed and carefree vibe.

#10 Hamptons

Hamptons design draws inspiration from The Hamptons on Long Island, New York, with light, bright, and whitewashed interiors, linen furnishings, and nautical accents. The Australian take on this style is beach/coastal style, characterized by monochromatic colour schemes with a predominance of white paired with blues and neutrals, laid-back interiors, free-flowing living areas, and water views. Coastal style exudes an inherent ease.

#11 Hollywood Glam

Hollywood glam style, which emerged during the 1930s – a time known as the "Golden Age" – is a celebration of opulence. With its focus on high-end fabrics, luxurious details, and upscale finishes, this style is sure to bring a touch of glamour into your everyday life. A signature element of this style is bold jewel tones accompanied by golden or brass accents. Hollywood glam style combines Art Deco themes with contemporary trends, resulting in a sophisticated and charming look reminiscent of the 1930s.

#12 Industrial

The Industrial Interior Style draws inspiration from the warehouses and factories of the Industrial Revolution in the 1700s, with raw finishes like exposed brick, untreated wood, and metal. It often features visible ceiling beams, metal or exposed light fixtures, and steel window frames. Furniture is functional and non-decorative, and the design favours a warm, earthy and neutral palette with domiance on grey & black creating a raw and edgy feel. The trend pairs well with sculptures and architecture artwork.

#13 Global / Eclectic

Eclectic style is a free-for-all mix of furniture, accessories and textiles from all over the world. While this approach allows for endless possibilities, it can be challenging to integrate disparate elements in a way that doesn't feel overwhelming. To avoid chaos, repetition is key. So be careful not to overdo it, as there needs to be a sense of cohesion and design intent to prevent the look from becoming too chaotic.

#14 French Provincial

Drawing inspiration from aristocratic French country farmhouses, French provincial style is a unique design approach that combines rustic charm with luxurious elements. During the French Revolution, wealthy homeowners' luxurious finds were stolen and embellished farmhouses, giving rise to this style. French Provincial style is characterized by earthy tones, extensive use of timbe, brick or stonework, fresh flowers, and cozy textures. The odd chandelier or gilt vase adds a touch of elegance. Overall, it's a sophisticated and timeless look that emphasizes impeccable craftsmanship and quiet elegance.

#15 Natural Organic

With the growing importance of sustainability, it's essential to consider renewable, natural materials for your home furnishings. Not only is it a pleasing aesthetic choice, but it's also an eco-friendly one. Natural Organic style draws inspiration from Minimalism, Mid-Century Modern, and Boho design styles. The goal is to create a raw and refined space that delicately layers organic elements, shapes, and colors against a backdrop of modern and sophisticated simplicity.

Style Quiz

What's your interior design style? With so many different styles available, each with its own unique look and feel, it can be challenging to find the right one for your space or to put your style in words. Don't worry - we have a Style Quiz to help you with just that. Take our Style Quiz and discover your design style straight away.