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Design Styles Defined


Here are 10 of the most popular styles in interior design. Discover which one best fits your home:


1. Art Deco

Very popular in the 1920s and 1930s, this style was all about making a big statement. Bold geometric patterns with hard angles and symmetry is preferred, along with uses of gold, steel, and other exotic materials.


2. Asian

Inspired by design elements from Japan, China, Vietnam and Thailand. This look uses fiber elements, bamboo and colors taken from nature to create a serene, calm environment. Asymmetry is prevalent, same with statues and floral art. 


3. Coastal

This look is inspired by the ocean with a light and breezy feel. An emphasis on nautical or beach-themed accessories such as lighthouses and seashells. The color palette of navy and white with gold accents is a striking look for any home. 


4. Contemporary

Contemporary design often has clean, sleek lines and is marked by solid colors, predominantly neutrals with bold punches of color against basic backgrounds to compliment. Furniture makes a bold statement but at the same time is simple and uncluttered, without curves or decoration. Less is more! Graphic elements in artwork or as accents work well with this look. 


5. French Country

Think of Provence and the French countryside – lavender fields and bright sunshine. Designs often incorporate rustic, old-world, distressed woods, aged metals, and mixed patterns. Blue, sunny yellow, soft gold, cobalt blue, dark hunter green, and burnt rust are all common color combos. 


6. Mediterranean

Inspired by the countries of Spain, Greece and Italy, this look favors colors that echo the sea and sky but also include terra cotta, yellow and lavender. Mosaic tile designs embody the beauty of a Mediterranean interior. Furniture pieces are short with ornately turned legs and feet and hardware is heavy and often burnished. Walls are usually textured. 


7. Modern

Modern homes incorporate lots of natural materials like wood, leather, and linen and for furniture plywood, plastic, and polished metal are the standard. Despite the emphasis on minimalism and simplicity, modern spaces are filled with plenty of warm and natural neutral colors. It favors strong, straight lines, and uniformity. 


8. Traditional

Inspired by 18th and 19th century European décor. It’s a timeless style that exemplifies elegance and comfort and is perfect for those who love antiques, classic art pieces, symmetry and other design elements that are rich with history. Color palette is usually in the mid-tones and dark woods and fabrics are muted, usually simple florals, solids, stripes or plaids. 


9. Transitional

The transitional look bridges contemporary and traditional design. It uses a minimalist approach with carefully selected accessories, tan and vanilla color palette, and curved furniture with straight lines to balance both masculine and feminine attributes. The lack of color and ornamentation keeps focus on the simplicity and sophistication of the design. 


10. Tropical

A look inspired by beaches of Hawaii, French Polynesia or other tropical destinations. It involves the use of natural materials such as wicker, rattan, bamboo, and teak as well as prints featuring palm leaves and bright colored flowers. Muted color rugs or seagrass carpets cover the floors. 


Source: HGTV

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