12 Popular Interior Design Styles Explained
 
 

Some people have a certain style in mind and know exactly what they want, while others need a little more direction. If you’re looking for design inspiration or styles, you’ve come to the right place!

Interior design is about the process of enhancing the interior of a building to achieve an aesthetically pleasing environment. Interior design is all about how we experience spaces and how they’ve become an essential part of our daily lives. 

Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” - Rachel Zoe

 Our team at Cesario & Co is here to show you the different interior design style trends, to help you pick the right items from our Mississauga showroom, depending on your preferred style.

 

1. Contemporary

Contemporary styles are defined by simplicity, clean lines and sleek surfaces. It also consists of minimal elements, neutral and off-white colours and crisp furniture. 

Contemporary styles are calming and serene. This style focuses on balance, architectural elements, and decorative details. Contemporary spaces are subtly sophisticated and timeless through luxurious simplicity. Contemporary styles can consist of classic wood floors, a rug with simple patterns like geometric shapes, a use of metal, stone or glass fixtures or decor, and  structural elements that stand out such as exposed brick walls, moldings or wall detailing. 

 Lighting also plays a vital role in contemporary design through, simple source lighting, tall lamps or accent lighting that make a space stand out. Another important detail of contemporary design is to include artwork that adds a pop of colour to any room, this can be any kind of artwork from abstract to lifelike paintings. 

 
Rainbow Onyx  Bathroom  / Source: Artistic Tile

Rainbow Onyx Bathroom / Source: Artistic Tile

 

2. Modern

Modern design is all about simplicity which includes furniture and decor made from natural materials and neutral or earthy colours. Modernism is often confused with contemporary style due to certain similarities, but they are in fact two different styles. 

Modern style is centred around pieces of decor and furniture that have both functionality and beauty in mind. Modernism commonly uses luxurious finishes like marble and terrazzo in a bathroom or kitchen. Modern textures and materials blend together to create a flow in a space and are often focused on line, movement, and shape. 

Modern furniture and decor consists of similar shapes and lines to allow movement in a space. Modern styles also consist of bringing in a lot of natural light from large windows and the feeling of openness rather than a space that’s closed off. Modern styles can have a mix of different elements such as industrial and natural components which blend well together to create a stylish space.

 
Photo by Julia Robbs / Source: Elle Decor

Photo by Julia Robbs / Source: Elle Decor

 

3. Minimalist

The Minimalist style is pure simplicity. This style is for people who like clean spaces that have extremely simple decor and furniture. Minimalist homes are free of excessive accessories, and consist of sleek and simple architecture and a neutral colour palette. This style is open and spacious, including simple elements and finishes. 

 Minimalism uses pieces of furniture or decor for functionality or aesthetic purposes and artwork like abstract or modern paintings and sculptures go well with this style.

 
Photo by Land Faculty / Source: Instagram

Photo by Land Faculty / Source: Instagram

 

4. Industrial

Industrial style is often used in interior spaces such as lofts, warehouses or urban and industrial areas. Industrial designs involve the use of raw finishes like exposed brick, exposed ceilings and beams, wood, metal and steel, exposed light fixtures and concrete flooring. Industrial spaces use a few different colour schemes like neutrals, monochromes, blacks and greys. This style goes well with simple photography or abstract art. 

 The use of furniture in this style is for function and uses less decor since the raw materials make up most of the space. Industrial styles also consist of recycled materials and use iron or steel.

 
Photo by Samuel Heath / Source: Instagram

Photo by Samuel Heath / Source: Instagram

 

5. Bohemian

Bohemian style, also known as ‘Boho’ or ‘Boho Chic’ is known to be a very popular style these days. This style is for free spirited people, and revolves around uniqueness. Boho is all about using natural and organic elements to create a light clean look. Some of the materials used for this style are bamboo, light coloured woods and simple textiles. Colour palettes often consist of neutral colours, but mostly off-whites. 

 The Boho style uses vintage furniture and cushions with patterned rugs and colourful decorative items and furs. Bohemian style is known to mix styles from different cultures and eras and tend to use many decorative pieces that are old.

A bohemian space can include materials like velvets, linens, leathers and much more. Greenery and flowers must not be forgotten, boho style always includes natural elements such as plants and flowers throughout the room which will be sure to give the space an airy and natural feel.

 
Photo by LiLi Cement Tiles / Source: Instagram

Photo by LiLi Cement Tiles / Source: Instagram

 

6. Scandinavian

Scandinavian is a style that is minimalist and uncluttered, yet bold and sleek. This style is functional and simple, it uses greenery, clean lines and simple finishes. Scandinavian homes use a lot of natural light and mostly white walls with accents of blacks, greys and blues. Although this style mostly follows a neutral colour palette, adding playful and bold colours and patterns throughout a space is also common. 

The furniture is known to be sleek and sculptural, with lighter coloured woods as well as natural textures like wool, fur, and rattan. This style creates a cozy and warm vibe.

 
Photo by Interior Design Ideas / Source: Interior Design Ideas

Photo by Interior Design Ideas / Source: Interior Design Ideas

 

7. Traditional

The Traditional style is a very classic look that includes European decor and beautiful cultural details. Traditional style takes past styles to create future elegant designs in homes. This includes the use of dark woods, patterned fabrics, warm colours like browns and beiges, decorative drapes and curtains, detailed rugs, vintage decor and accessories. This style is warm and comforting with a touch of cosiness.

 
Photo by Devon&Devon / Source: Devon&Devon

Photo by Devon&Devon / Source: Devon&Devon

 

8. Transitional

As the name suggests, Transitional styles are a ‘transition’ between two interior design styles:, classical traditional and contemporary modern. As mentioned previously, traditional is more of an older style whereas contemporary modern is more of a newer style,  these two styles blend together to create a transitional styled space. 

Transitional style focuses on comfort, it uses curved lines and larger pieces of furniture. This style uses a neutral and monochromatic colour palette on walls, ceilings, and flooring. Warm colours like tan, brown, and taupe are favoured. This makes the space feel cozy and balanced.

 
Designed by Gracious Living Home / Photography by Corrie Lynn Photo / Source: Instagram

Designed by Gracious Living Home / Photography by Corrie Lynn Photo / Source: Instagram

 

9. Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern is a style that is simple and functional while using organic and natural elements. This style uses geometric shapes and clean lines, with detailed architecture and large windows to allow lots of natural light into the space. Mid-Century Modern uses warm and earthy tones on walls and furniture as well as hues of orange, brown, green, and yellow. This style is clean and minimal, yet soft and calming.

 
Photo by One Kind Design / Source: One Kind Design

Photo by One Kind Design / Source: One Kind Design

 

10. Rustic

Rustic style is an authentic interior style that is largely different from the rest. Rustic design is simple and includes a blend of a few other styles such as farmhouse, country, or cabin style. Rustic style homes are usually decorated with vintage accessories, greenery, and raw materials such as timber, stone, natural fabrics, cottons, and linens. Rustic style uses natural and earthy tones which bring warmth to the space. This style is timeless, natural, and beautiful.

 
“Bringing the Barn Inside” / Photo by Walker Zanger / Source: Walker Zanger

“Bringing the Barn Inside” / Photo by Walker Zanger / Source: Walker Zanger

 

11. Art Deco

 The Art Deco style is inspired by French art from the 1920’s. This style explores symmetry and curved lines. This fancy style uses floral patterns and distinct finishes like chrome, gloss, brass, metallic throughout the space. Art Deco interiors use ambience lighting, geometric shapes and sleek furniture. Art Deco includes different styles of artwork, from paintings to photography or sculptures. This style is playful, elegant and rich in art.

 
Photo by Bert and May / Source: Instagram

Photo by Bert and May / Source: Instagram

 

12. Eclectic

Eclectic style takes from other interior design styles to combine and create new designs. Eclectic is an interesting style as it can include bright colours, bold patterns, lines and shapes and iconic pieces of decor. Eclectic is filled with layered textures and a rich colour scheme, it is balanced, but consists of many materials. Eclectic style brings joy and excitement to any interior.

 
Modern Victorian Style Furniture / Source: Style by Emily Henderson

Modern Victorian Style Furniture / Source: Style by Emily Henderson

 
 

“A house is much more than a mere shelter - it should lift us emotionally and spiritually.” - John Saldino

 There are so many wonderful interior design styles to explore, and that’s why our team at Cesario & Co is here to assist you every step of the way.  Request an appointment with Cesario & Co today.