Knowing the popular interior design styles is key to decorating the space of your dreams. As a non-chef, I don’t think I would find it easy to make a Michelin-starred meal without following a recipe. Likewise, you would find it hard to create awe-worthy interiors without understanding the principles of popular design styles.

The interior design styles included in this list are trendy for a reason. They offer a great mix of functionality and feel. More importantly, you’ll be able to find a look that best matches your personality. So why not dive right in and find the inspiration you need to elevate your personal space?

These are the most popular interior designs you can incorporate into your home:

1. Minimalist
2. Modern
3. Traditional
4. Mid-century modern
5. Eclectic

1. Minimalist

   There are several misconceptions about minimalist design, such as the idea that it’s sterile and devoid of feeling. On the contrary, this reductive style brings out the beauty in simplicity with uncluttered spaces and clean lines. With minimalism, you ignore expendable objects and let the natural, functional elements of a space do the work. Think neutral colors, lots of light, and large, open rooms.

   I’m rather a fan of resolved and brilliantly-executed minimalist spaces. As it turns out, getting the style right is much more deliberate than many people think. The architecture of the room and the objects inside it, such as the chair and table, have to harmonize. There should be synchrony in terms of mass, lines, color, and shape.

2. Modern

   Modern interior design makes great use of clean lines, monochromatic tones, and abundant natural light, making it similar to the minimalist style. However, while minimalism emphasizes only using functional elements, modernism allows for a bit more spontaneity.

   One of the best ways to achieve a modern look is with an open floor plan, where furniture is used to separate the spaces instead of walls. Bright colors are shunned in favor of neutral colors like beige, white, black, and gray. Sleek, long furniture pieces that are situated close to the ground are another influential element of modern interior styles.

3. Traditional

   Inspired by 18th and 19th-century designs, the traditional interior design style incorporates classic art, antiques, and historical pieces. While other design styles make use of neutral and muted colors, the traditional style can be much more saturated. Think of arctic blue Chesterfield chairs and a bouquet of Damask roses as part of the decor.

   There’s more flexibility in terms of design options. Spaces can either be relaxed with timeworn pieces and florals or they can be more stunning with marble, metallics, and rich jewel tones. Some common elements include dark wood, regal furniture pieces, and high-end fabrics. There’s also an emphasis on the use of accessories like chandeliers, china, or noteworthy collections.

4. Mid-century Modern

   Influenced by popular designs from the ’50s and ’60s, the mid-century modern style embraces retro elements and a minimalist touch. It incorporates clean lines, muted tones, and vibrant colors.

   Usually built with rich materials like teak, oak, and rosewood, the furnishings emphasize functionality over form. What I enjoy most about midcentury modern is the playfulness of the style. There’s often an interesting mix of artificial structures and natural objects. Materials like vinyl, metal, and glass blend in nicely with houseplants and snug furniture.

5. Eclectic

   The eclectic interior design style is less bound by rules and popular design principles. It relies more on personal creative tastes, often mixing vintage pieces with modern objects. You can pair contrasting colors, borrow design elements from different styles, and utilize unusual items. Anything goes as long as it means something to you.

   Trying to incorporate several diverse components seems tricky, and truthfully, it is, but the key is to aim to find some sort of balance or common ground. In my experience, the best eclectic rooms come together when the features complement each other in some way. I find a neat trick for beginners is to start by mixing two design styles and adding a few standout pieces that bring out their personality.

How To Choose The Interior Design Style That Works Best For You

Even as an interior designer, I sometimes feel unsure of what pieces to add to a new room decor, so believe me when I say I know how overwhelming it can be to decorate your house for the first time. Choosing a superb interior design style that matches your personality is much easier said than done, but using the following tips always helps:

• Check your closet to find inspiration from the types of patterns and colors you love to wear.
• Scour the internet, watch movies, and visit visually interesting places, like the museum, to find themes that resonate with you.
• Store visual reminders (photos and screenshots) of design styles and accessories that you love.
• Experiment with a few aesthetics, and understand that it’s okay for the process to be gradual.