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 stringent 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 articulate 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?

How should you use this interior design styles list?

This design glossary was created for three reasons:

1. Inform – Serve as a comprehensive repository of interior design style definitions
2. Inspire – Help people visualize how various rooms 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

Interior Design Styles – Abstract to Asian

Interior Design Styles – Baroque to Country

Interior Design Styles – Danish to Exploration

Interior Design Styles – Farmhouse to Italian

Interior Design Styles – Jacobean to Moroccan

Interior Design Styles – Nautical to Queen Anne

Interior Design Styles – Regal to Rustic

Interior Design Styles – Scandinavian to Tuscan

Interior Design Styles – Urban to Zen

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 and are 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 but our popularity lists gloss over them since they vary by geography.

What about 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 a greater focus on designing outdoor settings that enhance daily living and increase home value. 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 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.