Interior Design Styles 101 Explained Simply

If you’ve ever stared at a beautifully curated living room on Pinterest or Instagram and thought, “What style even is that?”—you’re not alone. Before I started designing my own space, I remember walking through furniture stores like a lost tourist. Mid-century? Boho? Rustic? Everything looked stunning but nothing made sense. That’s why I dove deep into understanding interior design styles 101—and wow, what a difference it made.

Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or just obsessed with home decor like me, this guide will give you a beginner’s breakdown of modern interior design styles 101. And no, you don’t need a degree or an expensive interior designer to get it right—you just need the right info and a bit of creativity.

What Are the Different Interior Design Styles?

Let’s start at the root: What are interior design styles? Simply put, they’re frameworks that define the aesthetic, structure, color palette, materials, and vibe of a space. Think of them like fashion styles—but for your home. Some are timeless, others trendy. Some are elegant, others playful. And once you understand the basics, mixing and matching becomes a breeze.

So here’s a simple, easy interior design breakdown of the 7 types of interior design you’ll hear about the most:

1. Modern Interior Design Styles 101

Modern style is clean, structured, and all about simplicity. Think open floor plans, neutral tones, and furniture with sleek lines. Modern homes often feature glass, steel, and polished wood—minimalist, yet warm.

Personal Take: My first apartment was designed entirely in modern style. I didn’t have much space, but I used a lot of white and added black metal shelves. It made my tiny studio look twice as big and twice as expensive.

2. Classic Interior Design Styles

Classic style is all about symmetry, elegance, and balance. Inspired by 18th and 19th-century Europe, you’ll see lots of ornate furniture, rich fabrics, and antique accents.

Example: Think of a grand Parisian apartment with crown moldings, chandeliers, and velvet drapes.

Why Choose It? If you love timeless beauty and a bit of drama, classic is for you.

3. Contemporary Interior Design

Often confused with modern, contemporary is actually ever-evolving. It reflects what’s hot right now. While modern design is fixed to a specific era (mid-20th century), contemporary is more fluid.

Today’s elements? Open spaces, soft curves, eco-friendly materials, and tech integration.

Interior Style Terminology Tip: Modern = static, Contemporary = evolving.

4. Rustic Home Interior

This style brings the outside in. Raw wood, stone, warm earthy colors, and vintage pieces give that cozy log cabin feel—even if you’re in the city.

Example: A living room with a stone fireplace, exposed beams, and leather armchairs.

Rustic Doesn’t Mean Outdated: It’s gaining traction thanks to the modern farmhouse interior trends sweeping TikTok and HGTV.

5. Mid-Century Modern Aesthetics

One of the most popular interior design styles, mid-century modern dates back to the 1950s and 60s. It emphasizes functionality, organic forms, and bold colors.

You’ll See: Tapered legs on furniture, walnut wood, mustard yellows, and teal blues.

My Anecdote: My grandma’s old orange chair? A mid-century treasure I didn’t even realize was trendy—until I saw the same one on a $1000 designer site.

6. Scandinavian Decor Style

Scandinavian style is clean, simple, and oh-so-functional. Born in the Nordic countries, it uses muted tones, natural materials, and a “less is more” philosophy.

Think: White walls, light wood, cozy throws, and plenty of natural light.

Perfect for small spaces and fans of minimalist design ideas.

7. Eclectic Interior Design

This one’s for the rebels! Eclectic style breaks the rules by blending multiple influences. You might pair a Moroccan rug with a Victorian couch and a neon wall print.

How to Choose an Interior Design Style Like This? Go with your gut. It’s less about perfection and more about personality.

Pro Tip: To avoid chaos, maintain a cohesive color palette.

Bonus Styles Worth Knowing

Bohemian Interior Inspiration

Carefree and colorful, boho style embraces patterns, textures, and global influences. Tassels, rattan, floor cushions—you get the idea.

Industrial Design Look

Exposed brick, steel fixtures, reclaimed wood—it’s edgy, urban, and inspired by old warehouses. If you love raw, unfinished beauty, industrial is your vibe.

Compare Interior Design Styles: What’s Right for You?

When I was confused about my own style, I took an interior design style quiz—and while it wasn’t life-changing, it did steer me in the right direction. It helped me realize I liked mixing Scandinavian with rustic elements. No shame in experimenting!

You might love:

• Modern vs traditional interior design
• Clean lines vs cozy textures
• Cool tones vs warm earth shades

Mixing styles can create a personalized sanctuary that feels uniquely yours.

Learn Interior Design Styles Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Getting into interior decorating basics doesn’t have to mean binge-watching hours of design shows or buying $500 lamps. Start small:

• Redecorate a shelf with items in a specific style.
• Replace old curtains with a new color theme.
• Try peel-and-stick wallpaper for an accent wall.

Trust me, the joy of seeing your space evolve is addictive.

Interior Design Styles PDF: Your Handy Companion

Want a quick guide to refer to while shopping or redecorating? Many websites offer free interior design styles PDF downloads that outline each style with images, tips, and do’s/don’ts. I printed mine and stuck it inside my idea journal.

Final Thoughts: Interior Design Explained Simply

Interior design doesn’t need to be intimidating. It’s just storytelling—with furniture and color. Whether you’re drawn to the serenity of Scandinavian, the boldness of Bohemian, or the timeless appeal of classic styles, there’s room to make it your own.So go ahead, create your mood boards, explore popular home decor styles, and play around with colors and layouts. Your home should tell your story—and now, with this guide to interior design styles 101, you’ve got the vocabulary to start writing it.