Ultimate list of interior design styles

Ultimate list of interior design styles, definitions & photos

Ultimate list of interior design styles

What is interior design?

Interior design is defined as, “the art or process of designing the interior decoration of a room or building.” While a “process” may include a set of rules or stringent guidelines, the concept of “art” is much more fluid and subjective. Consequently, perceptions of design style can be confusing without a common frame of reference. If a client cannot clearly articulate his or her vision for decorating a residential or commercial space, it presents a great challenge for an interior designer. This glossary was created to inform, inspire and empower.

Purpose of this home decorating styles glossary

• Inform – Serve as a comprehensive repository of style definitions
• Inspire – Help clients visualize how various rooms and styles can be blended to create a personalized decor theme
• Empower – Make it easier for designers and clients to effectively communicate ideas

What are the most popular interior design styles?

We started with 100 of the most popular interior design styles and we’ll add more to the list over time. Each style is explained through a topline description, identification of specific features, examples of signature furniture and lighting pieces, and a photo depicting certain aspects of the home decor style. Feel free to use this list of common design styles as a starting point for your decorating project, and let us know how we can improve it. This resource, like style itself, is always evolving.

Much like expressionist abstract art, abstract home design focuses on unique architectural elements, such as asymmetrical doorways and home furnishings. It’s similar to modern or contemporary design in that it utilizes clean lines, though abstract style also incorporates chaotic aspects to offer a fresh and unique perspective. This type of interior design lends itself to bold colors, such as yellows, blues and oranges. Black is used as a contrasting element to create a striking statement. Tables, chairs and sofas have clean lines, but much like the entirety of the abstract style, these furniture pieces are asymmetrical. Lighting also features simple lines and borrows from a modern aesthetic. You might see a geometric diamond-shaped pendant that casts abstract lighting throughout the interior.

This early American style combines characteristics from traditional and rustic home design, while incorporating historically inspired elements. The aesthetic draws on styles and trends from the 1600s to the 1800s, and often contains subdued muted colors, and vintage finishes like oil-rubbed bronze. Fabrics and wallpaper feature a toile design, which was popular during the colonial era. Furniture is handmade and inspired by the early American frontier. Each table and chair goes through a custom-made process in which intricate carvings and design elements like flourishes are imprinted. Woods typically used to construct furniture includes maple, elm, hickory and cherry. Brass knobs and handles are added to cabinets, drawers and armoires for an added touch of sophistication. Handcrafted brass and copper lanterns, chandeliers and wall sconces give an old world feel to American Colonial interiors.

source: decor interiors