Interior Design Styles 101: The Ultimate Guide to Decorating Styles for New Homes
Finding your personal interior design style is the first step toward creating a home you truly love. This guide will help you explore, define, and bring that style to life.
What are Interior Design Styles?
Interior design styles are visual expressions of personality, culture, and function within a space. From color palettes to furniture silhouettes, these styles influence how a room looks, feels, and serves your lifestyle. Identifying your style can make decorating more cohesive and enjoyable.
How to Choose Your Interior Design Style?
Choosing a design style doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by asking yourself:
- What colors and textures do you naturally gravitate toward?
- How do you want your space to feel—calm, creative, cozy, or sleek?
- What inspires you—nature, travel, nostalgia, or technology?
Use Pinterest, mood boards, or style quizzes to clarify your preferences. You can also explore each room’s function to guide your choices.
Popular Interior Design Styles Explained
Modern
Modern design is sleek, clean, and rooted in early 20th-century architecture. It emphasizes function over form, using neutral color palettes, open spaces, and natural materials like wood and leather. Furniture often has sharp edges, polished surfaces, and minimal ornamentation.
Contemporary
Often confused with modern, contemporary style is more fluid and reflects current design trends. It blends curved lines, mixed materials, and often includes eco-friendly elements. You’ll find open layouts, large windows, and a neutral base with pops of color.
Scandinavian
Scandi style is all about simplicity, comfort, and functionality. It features light wood, white walls, cozy textiles, and decluttered living. The style is both warm and airy, with a focus on well-being and minimal design that never feels cold.
Mid-Century Modern
This retro style from the 1950s–60s is characterized by organic curves, clean lines, and tapered furniture legs. Popular materials include teak, walnut, and molded plastic. Mid-century modern creates a stylish, timeless feel that pairs well with both bold and muted tones.
Industrial
Industrial design draws from factory and warehouse aesthetics. It embraces raw materials like exposed brick, metal, and reclaimed wood. Furniture often features simple forms and durable materials. This style is perfect for lofts or anyone who loves a rugged, urban vibe.
Farmhouse
A cozy, rustic look that blends country charm with modern touches. Think wood beams, distressed finishes, shiplap walls, and neutral color schemes. It’s warm and inviting, often using vintage or antique pieces mixed with modern comfort.
Bohemian
Boho style is eclectic and personal, with a love for bold colors, global patterns, layered textiles, and lots of plants. It’s a free-spirited aesthetic that values creativity, comfort, and curated chaos. No two bohemian rooms look exactly the same.
Traditional
Rooted in classic European design, traditional style features rich colors, ornate detailing, and elegant furnishings. You’ll see symmetrical arrangements, carved wood, and refined fabrics like velvet or damask. It’s timeless and sophisticated, offering a formal yet welcoming feel.
Minimalist
Minimalist interiors embrace the “less is more” philosophy. They focus on clean lines, neutral tones, and clutter-free living. Every item has a purpose, and furniture is simple and functional. The goal is to create calm, airy spaces that feel serene and intentional.
Coastal
Inspired by the beach, coastal interiors use soft blues, whites, and sandy neutrals to create a breezy, laid-back vibe. Natural materials like rattan, linen, and driftwood are common, along with lots of light and open space. It’s perfect for evoking a summer state of mind year-round.
Japandi
A beautiful fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian comfort. Japandi interiors are calm, clean, and crafted. They blend neutral palettes, natural materials, and functional simplicity. The result is a balanced, thoughtful space that feels both warm and refined.
Interior Design Styles by Room
Living Room: Cozy vs. Clean-Lined
Your living room sets the tone for your home. Cozy styles like farmhouse or boho use plush textiles, warm lighting, and layered furniture. Clean-lined styles like modern or Scandinavian offer a minimal, uncluttered look. Choose based on whether you want a welcoming lounge space or a sleek, serene retreat.
Bedroom: Calming Styles for Sleep
Bedrooms should feel restful and personal. Japandi, minimalist, and Scandinavian styles offer a calming aesthetic with natural textures and muted colors. For warmth, try bohemian or traditional with layered bedding, soft lighting, and statement headboards to create a sleep sanctuary.
Kitchen: Functional Meets Aesthetic
The kitchen is the heart of the home and needs to balance style with efficiency. Industrial and modern kitchens use clean cabinetry, open shelving, and hard surfaces for a sleek, functional look. Farmhouse kitchens add warmth with vintage hardware, wood finishes, and classic charm.
Home Office: Inspiring and Focused
Design your home office to boost creativity and productivity. Mid-century modern desks, minimalist layouts, and good lighting help reduce distractions. Add Scandinavian or Japandi elements for a peaceful, clutter-free work environment that supports long hours and deep focus.
Tips for Mixing Interior Design Styles
- Use a consistent color palette to unify the look.
- Blend textures (like metal and wood) rather than clashing patterns.
- Choose a dominant style and introduce other elements as accents.
- Keep proportions and materials balanced across rooms.
Mixing styles creates visual interest and reflects your personality—just be sure each piece has purpose and harmony.
How to Buy the Interior Design Styles Furniture?
At Wlive Home, shopping by style is effortless. Whether you lean toward minimalist, Scandinavian, or modern farmhouse, Wlive offers functional furniture designed to match your aesthetic without breaking the bank.
From lift-top coffee tables that blend seamlessly into a modern living room to fabric dressers ideal for minimalist bedrooms, every piece is made with quality and usability in mind. The brand prioritizes compact, multi-functional designs—perfect for apartments, small homes, and busy lifestyles.
With affordable prices (most items under $200) and fast shipping, Wlive makes it easy to furnish your space with confidence and clarity. Browse by room or by function to find pieces that fit your personal style and layout.
FAQs About Interior Design Styles
What’s the difference between modern and contemporary?
Modern style is rooted in the early-to-mid 20th century with defined rules, while contemporary style is fluid and reflects current design trends.
Can I mix more than two styles in one home?
Yes! Just make sure there’s a unifying color palette or design theme to maintain cohesion.
How do I update my existing home to reflect a new style?
Start with easy swaps like rugs, lighting, and accent furniture. Gradually add larger pieces to shift the room’s overall look.
Conclusion
Your interior style should reflect your life, not just a trend. Explore your aesthetic, mix thoughtfully, and shop smart at Wlive Home to bring your vision to life.
