Interior Design Styles from A to Z

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 strict guidelines, the concept of “art” is much more fluid and subjective. Perceptions of design style can be confusing without a common frame of reference. If a client cannot clearly explain his or her vision for decorating a residential or commercial space, it’s challenging for an interior designer. Plus, what do you Google when you want to shop online?

Does cultural & historic context matter?

Context absolutely matters. Interior design styles are shaped by the history and culture of the places they come from. They often grow out of local traditions, materials and values. They indicate how people in a region have lived and what they find beautiful. For example, Japanese minimalism is inspired by Zen beliefs. French Provincial style, on the other hand, reflects the charm of the European countryside. Knowing the cultural and regional background of a style helps us better understand and appreciate it. It explains why some styles feel more meaningful or familiar in certain areas or communities.

What are current trends for new aesthetics?

Today’s interior design often blends different styles to create unique, personalized spaces. This mix of old and new, classic and modern, is known as transitional or eclectic design. These styles are popular because they offer flexibility – letting people combine pieces they love from different eras or cultures. By naming these mixed styles, it is easier to describe and understand designs that don’t fit into one category.

How should you use this style list?

This design glossary was created for three reasons:

1. Inform – Serve as a comprehensive resource of style definitions
2. Inspire – Help people visualize how various rooms, outdoor spaces and styles blend to create a personalized decor theme
3. Empower – Make it easier for people to effectively communicate ideas

Each style includes an image and topline description that identifies key features, signature items and any renowned designers. Since there is no universal categorization that groups similar styles, we’ve simply broken them out alphabetically into different sections.

Guide Sections

Abstract to Asian – Iconic Artistic Styles

Baroque to Country – Refined & Relaxed Aesthetics

Danish to Exploration – Design Flavor from the U.K.

Farmhouse to Italian – Weathered Pastoral Looks

Jacobean to Moroccan – Mixed Bag of Decor

Nautical to Queen Anne – Euro Furnishing Themes

Regal to Rustic – Fanciful Home Stylings

Scandinavian to Tuscan – Popular Interior Designs

Urban to Zen – Ornate Decor Ideas

What are the most popular design looks?

Interior designers and home enthusiasts typically blend styles and color palettes so there is a subtle transition from space to space. Some aesthetics are visually striking and difficult to complement. Consequently, they’re often short-lived obsessions. Others are more utilitarian and show signs of the manufacturing and materials common to the place and time they arose.

Current trends in decorating tend to favor statement pieces from iconic eras and overall themes that represent families of design styles with nuanced flavors. Broad generic styles like traditional, contemporary and minimalist are included in the overall guide. However, our popularity lists gloss over them since they vary by geography.

What are trending outdoor design styles?

Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly important to achieving a balance between physical and mental health – thank you endorphins, Vitamin D and serotonin! This has led to greater focus on designing outdoor settings that enhance daily living and increase home value. Luxury patio furniture collections now rival the finest indoor sets in quality and appearance. Interior design principles can be applied to exterior spaces to ensure seamless transitions.

However, not all aesthetics are created equal when facing Mother Nature. The top outdoor decor styles utilize durable materials and designs, which can withstand heavy usage and exposure to the elements. Many favored indoor aesthetics are too delicate to survive the environment or would require constant care to last more than one season.

An evolving design resource

Initially, this comprehensive glossary listed 100 of the most popular interior design styles. Readers recommended new or omitted styles, so we expanded the listings. It will continue to grow over time and we welcome your suggestions. Feel free to use this list of common design motifs 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.

Design professionals contributions welcome

Interior and exterior designers and decorators are encouraged to share your thoughts and experiences. We’re particularly interested in outdoor installations and why certain styles were chosen and how they fit with the surroundings. We’re happy to share any photos from your projects and will interview you for our ongoing “Ask the Experts” series if you’re interested.