Inspiration: An Easy List of Interior Design Styles

Interior design is a practical approach to organising living spaces, combining aesthetics with functionality to create environments that are both beautiful and livable. It’s about making the most of the available space, utilising design elements to serve practical needs while reflecting contemporary trends.

From the minimalist elegance of Scandinavian design to the functional ruggedness of Industrial chic, this guide outlines a list of key interior styles that are both prevalent and enduring, providing a blueprint to help you navigate the vast array of design options and craft a space that’s not only trendy but also truly accommodating to your daily life.

Our list of home decor styles attempts to cut through the jargon and help you to channel your own interior design vibe. While not complete – there are thousands of home decor style names and a full interior styles list is almost endless – here is our curated list of some of the most popular interior design styles that are often used today.

Like the concept of style itself, the list of home decor styles is constantly evolving and the most popular interior design styles today may be different in a year from now, but this list of the most classic styles rarely goes out of fashion.

Indeed you’ll find industrial farmhouse style, or mid-century style with Scandinavian influences, and any mix ‘n’ match, such is the fluidity of design. But in this interior styles list, we’re sticking to some of the most well-known interior design styles. For this article, we’re going to focus on the following high-profile interior design styles:

• Scandinavian Interior Design
• Farmhouse Interior Design
• Mid-Century Modern Interior Design
• Industrial Interior Design
• Art Deco Interior Design

You can also explore a full list of generally utilised interior design styles below.

Scandinavian interior design is popular on most decor styles list articles. It emphasises a harmonious blend of functionality and simplicity. Characterised by minimalism, clean lines, and a predominantly neutral palette of white, grey, and muted tones, this style often incorporates natural elements such as wood, leather, and wool. Cosy textiles and warm accents keep interiors comfortable during colder months.

The result is a serene and uncluttered space that resonates with both elegance and practicality, embodying the Nordic cultural ethos of lagom, which translates as ‘not too much, not too little, just enough.’

No list of interior design styles is complete without talking about farmhouse interior design. Similar in style to the cottagecore aesthetic, the farmhouse style draws inspiration from the rustic charm of rural life. This style effortlessly blends comfort with function, characterised by natural textures, weathered finishes, and a mix of old and new elements including exposed beams and vintage furniture.

The palette is usually dominated by warm neutrals, accented with hints of earthy colours. Accessories often have a handmade or salvaged feel, and spaces can feature focal points like wooden tables or dressers, evoking a sense of nostalgia and an inviting, lived-in ambiance.

Mid-century modern interior design grew in popularity after World War II. It celebrates the marriage of form and function with a nod to the optimistic spirit of the era. Characterised by clean lines, organic curves, and a juxtaposition of different materials, this style prioritises simplicity and uncluttered spaces. Iconic furniture such as G-Plan, one of the most famous mid-century home decor style names, boasts both elegance and ergonomic design.

The colour palette leans towards muted and earthy tones but occasionally integrates vibrant pops of colour. Open floor plans and minimal ornamentation underscore the style’s devotion to bringing the outside in and fostering a seamless connection between interiors and nature, resulting in timeless spaces that epitomise sophistication without excess.

This entry on our interior styles list became popular as European factories closed down and populations increased, causing communities to transform industrial areas into residential spaces. Industrial design draws its inspiration from the raw, unfinished aesthetics of warehouses and urban lofts, celebrating the bare bones of architecture and the beauty of the unrefined. The industrial aesthetic became increasingly popular in the late 2000s and 2010s. It takes cues from old factories and industrial spaces, often converted into lofts and other living spaces.

Distinctive features of this style include exposed brick, metal beams and ductwork. The colour palette leans heavily on monochromatic and neutral tones, punctuated by metallic accents and oversized artwork. Furnishings are often minimalistic and rugged, with an emphasis on reclaimed or salvaged items. The incorporation of utilitarian objects, vintage fixtures, and concrete or wood flooring lends the space a functional, workshop-like feel, with each element exuding a raw, edgy charm that pays homage to the style’s industrial roots.

Art Deco interior design blossomed in the 1920s and 1930s and it’s a celebration of opulence, geometry, and modernity. Emblematic of the Roaring Twenties and the jazz age’s exuberance, this style is characterised by rich colours, bold geometric shapes, and lavish ornamentation. High-contrast colour combinations, often featuring gold and silver, are paired with symmetrical patterns and angular motifs. Furnishings are both luxurious and streamlined, often adorned with intricate details and mirrored finishes.

Ornate chandeliers, inlaid wood, and layered textures contribute to the sumptuousness of the design. In the list of home decor styles, Art Deco may not be the easiest to emulate but while grandiose, it retains a sense of order and symmetry, encapsulating an era’s confidence, optimism, and penchant for the theatrical and luxurious.

While we’ve focused on some of the most popular interior design styles, for those seeking to cast a wider net, below is a more comprehensive list of generally used interior design styles, including those previously mentioned:

• Scandinavian Interior Design
• Farmhouse Interior Design
• Mid-Century Modern Interior Design
• Industrial Interior Design
• Art Deco Interior Design
• Modern Interior Design
• Contemporary Interior Design
• Traditional Interior Design
• Shabby Chic Interior Design
• Bohemian Interior Design
• Rustic Interior Design
• Hollywood Regency Interior Design
• Coastal/Hamptons Interior Design
• Eclectic Interior Design
• Minimalist Interior Design
• Transitional Interior Design
• French Country Interior Design
• Baroque Interior Design
• Rococo Interior Design
• Victorian Interior Design
• Art Nouveau Interior Design
• Bauhaus Interior Design
• Japanese Zen Interior Design
• Japandi Interior Design
• Tuscan Interior Design
• Colonial Interior Design
• Mediterranean Interior Design
• Gothic Interior Design
• Southwestern Interior Design

Whether you’re drawn to the minimalistic charm of Scandinavian design or the opulent grandeur of Art Deco, your space is a reflection of who you are. Our list of interior design styles merely brushes the edges of the myriad different options, both distinct and subtly nuanced, and each one offers endless possibilities to tailor your spaces to reflect your personal stories, your individual style and aspirations.