What are the most popular interior design styles? In i.Poise, we’ve made a list to help you make up your mind as there are in fact hundreds of them! We’ve collected the most popular ones and made them into a list for you.
By definition, interior design is the art or the science to improve a space to create a more practical, beautiful and healthier place. Today we’re going to talk about tendencies in interior design and we’re going to also explore the creativity freedom.
Kitsch style
This style was invented not long ago, it’s a new category that you might want to take in consideration if you are interested in tendencies and in what is “in” nowadays. The definition is actually when the bad taste becomes the main character and the reason of the elections. Contrast, irreconcilable styles and non-matching colours are its main characteristics.
Put a gold cornice on a blue ceiling, bathtubs with palm tree tiles style mixed with oriental. This kind of design makes the place become a bright and exotic place. The repetition of classic motives and ornaments is constant in this kind of style. It’s a mixture of the old and new styles, the dream and the real life. Remember going to the shop to look for a determined type of furniture? Those times are gone!
Industrial Style
This style is inspired in a warehouse, a factory or an urban loft. To find the key to show a good industrial look, we have to show with proud the construction materials that the other styles are trying to hide (such as pipes, bricks, cables..)
The main goal is to create a raw feel of the elements, trying to show that the place hasn’t been finished yet. High ceilings, old wood or metallic pendant lights are needed too. If you want to add a bit of colour you can always hang an abstract painting with neutral or primary colours.
Modern Style
The word “modern” is one of the most misused terms in interior design. It is often confused with the contemporary style, when actually the modern style is the one that was initiated in the beginning of the 20th century. This style carried on growing up its fame during the first half of the century and the variations of it are considered post-modern. Its roots lie within the German architecture with some hints of the Scandinavian one and it actually meant to be a simple style without decoration or ornaments. The furniture mainly uses natural materials such as wood, neutral colours or creamy and eliminates the unnecessary items.
One of the beliefs behind this movement is that “the shape always follows the use”. Put in different words, the design of its furniture must be a reflection of its main goal. If an object does not have a purpose, then it must be removed.
Contemporary Style
In interior design, if you like to be updated in the styles that are “in”, you’re probably a contemporary design follower. Houses nowadays are cosy, comfortable, bright and don’t have too much furniture. Essentially, contemporary interior design is defined by its simplicity, sophistication and the deliberated use of some textures with clean lines. Interior designers tend to show the space instead of showing the furniture. They should also be focusing on the colours, in the space and the form; the interiors that are elegant and fresh.
The most obvious and important elements are the small details, high ceilings and geometric forms. Furniture should be strong, but simple and organised at the same time, not curves neither decoration.
Minimal Style
This style has left its mark many years ago and it has never truly disappeared since. It was a very important at the beginning of the 90s and it was the perfect way to create a very warm space full of hues that always will be “in”. The main mantra of the minimalist home style is simplicity.
This style is actually more than it looks like. It’s a space where you can think clearly. Some people consider it cold, however it is more than that, it is touching a great elegance.
Nordic Style
Nordic design is one of the more popular styles. It celebrates the simplicity showed in Nordic countries in North Europe. They love what is trendy but in the same time they like to live in comfortable and cosy places. This concept has been misused many times, just to make up your minds it can be sum up to: white walls, wood floorings and modern furniture.
There’s some other characteristics such as neutral colours and very bright interiors. North countries barely get the sunlight, there comes the need of creating big and illuminated spaces.
Eclectic Style
Eclectic design could be intimidating to start with, even unapproachable. This style puts several existing ones together, avoiding the connection within the space. There is a mix between colours, textures and styles absolutely different apparently, however it uses some key elements to unify them all.
It is about pretending to create a “controlled” chaos, a visually complex space. The main goal is to create a unique space, that is not similar to anything you have ever seen before. To sum up, is something to do with the harmony mixing different styles.
Romantic Style
Opposite to what people believe, romantic style is not all about flower wallpaper and frills. It’s not just about pink. The romantic look is about versatility. It is about appeal to the senses creating a homely, warm and timeless space. It is a use of delicate forms inspired by country side houses in France.
Its essence is based on the Neoclassic French style and the timeless traditional interiors. This kind of space rekindles the senses, therefore fresh flowers and aromatic candles are also a characteristic.
Art Deco Style
Art Deco is one of the most iconic styles in the 20th century. It’s a symbol of glamour and sophistication defined in the 20s and started in France. It was a revolutionary period far from austerity and heavy decoration from the Victorian period.
The main characteristics of Art Deco Style is a tendency to create geometric lines, monochrome interiors and some industrial revolution references. References also to Africa, Russia and Egypt are key.
Retro Style
This style involves several decades of styles. It’s many times described as mixed styles and objects influenced by trendy styles from the past, using mainly second-hand objects.
Retro concept is used commonly to talk about the interior styling of 50s, 60s and 70s. Its decoration and furniture are normally fun, playful and with bright colours.
Rustic Style
This style, commonly mistaken for the industrial style, but unlike it, is about the design and the natural beauty. It involves textures inspired in the nature, simple and sand colours, and an organic warmth without pretensions. Rustic style interiors connect us with the past. People that love this style wants to bring nature to the interiors. If you have an old house, is important to maintain its character and the original architecture.
This style’s look its based in the textures, fabrics and carpets. You can use neutral colours for the furniture and use leader on the sofas for instance.
Vintage Style
This style it’s slightly more complicated than the rest. Some, understand vintage design as the recreation of the feel of elegance, which is linked to houses of the past. On the other hand, some people just try to recreate their grandparents’ houses. Antiques are the main character of any vintage style. No matter the period we’re trying to recreate, those are the key pieces we always need to take into consideration.
However, even though antiques are wonderful to give personality to the interior, it’s not realistic to assume that those are the only pieces we need to build up in the space. It even can make it look like an antique more than vintage. Therefore, best vintage designs are the ones inspired in the tradition, using pieces or complements inspired in those years (not necessarily made back then).
Oriental/Asian Style
Oriental style decoration is becoming very trendy in contemporary spaces everywhere. It’s something about their serenity, relaxing forms and its poise that makes it a perfect match with the modern homes.
Oriental style interiors are normally translated as calm and quiet. Most of us live very intense lives in urban places. This kind of style helps very much in disconnecting from all that hecticness once at home. It’s like finally taking a breath that never-ending race.
The harmony makes this style something inimitable. Its balance is summed up in one word: zen. This sub-style also incorporates natural materials and neutral and relaxing colours with simple and clean lines.
Classic Style
Classic design is a refined style, rich in details that include the furniture’s structure, the lighting, the interior architecture, etc. Even nowadays this style keeps developing, growing and changing. It’s actually becoming more and more popular recently. This style can be for any person of any age, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s just for older.
Mid-Century/Country Style
Its popularity is based on many factors. Its lines are mainly clean, organic curves and love for natural materials. It’s quite uncertain when it started, however it’s sure its popular period was from the 30s to 60s.
Mid-century main characteristics are the classic and humble look, functionality is a priority, and to explore different materials, traditional, and non-traditional ones.
Country style mostly consists of re-purposed objects and natural materials. It offers a cosy and warm environment akin to country living. Exposed beams and barn doors are paired with neutral tones in the furniture and decor.
Together, we can create beautiful spaces! If you need help designing and choosing the style that suits you better, contact our interior design team today at +65 63451730 today, or drop us an email at info@ipoisedesign.com. In i.Poise ,we are more than happy to guide you through this journey of bringing your dream home and design style to life!
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Written by:
Laura Garcia
Interior Architect