Once you face the need for change in the interior, buying a new apartment or a house the first difficulty that you might face is deciding what is your favorite style. At some point knowing some of the popular interior design styles and choosing your favorite will ease your decision-making process with designers and architects.

Of course, there are some styles we all have heard of, but what are their characteristics and how to distinguish between them? There are various styles and in most cases, practitioners blend different elements from several decorating styles together, but it’s important to identify the core aspects of each one. Below are the 10 most popular interior design styles and in the upcoming articles, we will provide more information on each of them.

1. Mid-Century Modern

The mid-1900s produced some of the most iconic pieces in modern design.  There’s a retro nostalgia present in Mid-Century Modern Design, and also some elements of minimalism. Functionality was the main theme for Mid-century design.  It is characterized by refined lines, minimalist silhouettes, pared-down forms,  natural or organic shapes and simple fabrications. From Saarinen, Niemeyer, Eames, Noguchi, Jacobsen, and beyond, the mid-century modern masters defined creative ways to use new materials like molded plastic, plywood, and aluminum in industrial design. Its pieces are highly versatile and can complement a myriad of design styles. It easily complements any interior and also helps with seamless transition from interior to exterior.

2. Industrial

This is a look that hearkens back to the turn-of-the-century industrial era. It emphasizes the liberal use of exposed steel with distressed wooden elements, frequently complemented by exposed brick walls. The modern variant commonly includes copper-tone accents. In terms of general feel, industrial decor is often rustic and mature. There’s a sense of unfinished rawness in many of the elements, and it’s not uncommon to see exposed brick, ductwork and wood. An iconic home with an industrial design theme would be a renovated loft from a former industrial building. Think high ceilings, old timber and dangling metal light fixtures with sparse functional furniture. There may possibly be one or two pieces of abstract art or photography to add a dash of color to an otherwise neutral color scheme derived from the primary materials of wood and metals. It's noteworthy, that industrial decor ranges from modern rustic with cleaner lines to rugged vintage with elaborate ornamentations.

3. Scandinavian

An off-shoot of the mid-century modern movement, Scandinavian design introduced a popular minimalist look to the interior architecture field that lasts to this day. Featuring gentle contours, playful accent colors, and a balance of engineered and organic materials, Scandinavian furniture is simple, contemporary, and functional. Many Scandinavian designs employ Bauhaus principles and is characterized by fluid lines, focus on object proportions, and populist appeal. A great majority of Scandinavian interiors use white with gray tones as the foundation colors. 

4. Nautical

Ideal for the seaside residence. Warm, relaxing, and positive. Nautical decor (also referred to as coastal or cottage decor) reflects the New England beach house spirit. This interior design style is based on white or sand colored foundation, with blue as the primary accent color. Material-wise, nautical decor incorporates unfinished wood in its tables or chairs, combined with chic linen upholstery for your lounge seats and sofas. Your options for decorative accents are many: seashells in clear jars, jute ropes, rowing oars, sailboats, navigational maps, and more! 

5. Farmhouse

Farmhouse decor is a modern approach to cabin-inspired interior design. Mostly transitional in nature with some traditional elements mixed in, farmhouse aesthetic should transport your imagination to French Provence. Source some dried lavender bunches and other greeneries – careful arrangement of vases and planters will really stylize your home. Farmhouse furniture are characterized by distressed wood and upholstered linen. Color-wise, it is similar to nautical decor with mostly white and beige base colors. Orthodox rules dictate that accent colors should be something similar to turquoise or light yellow, but I find it better to introduce some brighter colors for some pop and definition. 

6. Bohemian

Bohemian decor captures the carefree and adventurous spirit of the avant-garde lifestyle. It features the creative application of rich patterns and vibrant colors, especially those with red or purple tones. The key is to carefully present a purposefully “messy” look. Layer on textiles (throws, pillows, rugs, tapestry) for a warm ambiance. When furnishing, look for pieces that possess ethnic or nomadic vibes. Moroccan, Southwestern, or tribal-inspired designs are currently trending. Composition-wise, boho-chic loves textiles, wood, animal hide, and metallic accents. 

7. Urban Modern

The urban interior design stems from the modern designer lofts in the major cities. Taking cues from its cosmopolitan environment, urban modern is a fusion of various opposing and complementary traits. Minimalist modern, glamorous chic, ethnic heirlooms, and edgy experimental designs all collide in a distinctively 21st-century setting. Larger furniture (sofas, beds, etc.) tends to be uniformly sleek with low-profile. Feel free to bring home trailblazing modern furniture designs. Decorative accents (pillows, mirrors, end tables, etc.) in urban decor often demands artistic and creative expression – add some elegant geometric designs or vintage items with traditional embellishment. 

8. Shabby Chic

Shabby chic decor emphasizes vintage elements to recreate the antique flea market look. The furniture are characterized by their aged appearance, with distressed wood composition covered in sanded milk paint to show signs of wear and tear. Decorative accents for shabby chic decor should be soft and opulent, often with an affected feel, in order to bring the overall interior design to a contemporary standard. Generously introduce linen textiles for added style. Though orthodox shabby chic colors are white, ecru and pastel, don’t be afraid to apply some vibrant colors. 

9. French Country

Warm, earthy colors are indicative of a French Country design style, as are worn and ornamental wooden furnishing. The style has an overarching farmhouse inspiration. French Country design may include soft and warm tones of red, yellow or gold and natural materials like stone and brick. French Country design can include collections of ornate porcelain dishes and heavy linens and bed coverings. 

10. Hollywood Glam/Regency

Also referred to as Hollywood Regency, Hollywood Glam is a design style that tends to be luxurious, over-the-top and opulent. It’s a dramatic design style, perfect for a homeowner who enjoys making a statement. This design style can incorporate some features of Victorian design, including plush, velvet furnishings, tufting and antiques. The color palettes are particularly bold—think purples, reds and turquoise. 

Hope this belief description of 10 different interior design styles will be helpful upon deciding and getting you started with your home design ideas. Don't forget that its best to bridge different styles together.