14 Most Popular Interior Design Trends, Explained
If you asked me what the design style in my house is, I'd probably tell you an eclectic mix of mid-century modern and traditional that keeps minimalism in mind. But the truth is, I just put together pieces I love and the finished look reflects these design trends the most.
Other people may go all-out with the modern farmhouse or glam, while others know what they like but don't know what to call it. You may not know what your style is, but you know that you prefer certain looks over others.
If you're looking for a run-down on what defines the most popular design trends, you're in the right place. See if you can identify your home's style in one (or more) of these 14 popular looks.
1. Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern showcases the sleek, streamlined silhouettes, tapered legs, and low-profile furniture popular in the middle of the 20th century. The style reflects the design aesthetics that flourished during the post-war 1940s into the homes of the 1960s.
Other distinctive components include bold colors, geometric shapes, and minimal accessories. It was also the era of the space age (or Atomic Age). Therefore, you’ll find plenty of items that boast galactic inspirations, like the famous Sputnik light fixture.
2. Bohemian
Boho design evokes a sense of free-spirited whimsy. Its stand-out features are handmade items, especially macrame masterpieces, and an eclectic vibe that gives the impression of a more carefree approach to design.
The Bohemian interior design style started in 19th-century France. It was primarily thanks to artists, nomads, and similar free spirits who prized a more creative, adventurous view of life.
Originally, the style used a mix of bold colors and neutral tones. Today, you can also find a more subdued take on the Boho design, with soft, natural colors used throughout a space.
3. Japandi
A more recent design trend, Japandi, has actually been around for over 150 years. It’s a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian styles that evolved from Danish travelers visiting Japan in search of new design inspiration.
The calming vibe of this style is due to the less-is-more approach to interior design. Japandi style uses organic materials and textures, neutral tones, and lots of natural light.
The focus is on a more minimalist approach and choosing quality craftsmanship that doesn’t need to be perfect. This preference for natural-made, imperfect items is why this style goes hand-in-hand with Wabi-Sabi design.
4. Industrial
When you think about industrial design, you likely picture exposed pipes, lots of metal, brick walls, and concrete floors.
However, over the years, there have been variations to the design, such as rustic industrial, which mixes in natural materials to this well-loved design. For example, exposed wood beams, metal accessories, concrete countertops, and cowhide rugs.
5. Modern Farmhouse
The farmhouse aesthetic was everywhere in the early 2000s, taking a page from the playbook of authentic country farmhouses. Remember all of the shiplap and open shelving that took over Instagram? That's the style we're talking about here.
Chip and Joanna Gaines became the go-to for everything design. People filled their homes with reclaimed wood, barn doors, vintage finds, and exposed beams.
A modern twist on the farmhouse style introduced a lot of white and neutral tones, natural materials, and black fixtures. You’ll also find lots of textures, layering, and bringing the outdoors in when you see this look in action.
6. Minimalism
At its heart, minimalism celebrates living with less and keeping things simple. Many people picture it as all black and white, everything: one table, one chair, a bed, and a toothbrush.
In the 1990s and 2000s, many people gravitated toward this extreme. Design influencers told people to declutter their homes to the bare essentials and pare down closets to 10 pieces of clothing.
However, over the years, there’s been a new approach to minimalism. At its core, it still focuses on less is more, but it also encourages individualism, comfort, and choosing what you love.
7. Scandinavian
The Scandinavian design style is among one of the most popular and enduring interior design trends, gaining momentum in the 20th century. You may picture a house filled with IKEA furniture and decor, but there’s more to it than that.
Scandinavian style has a simple beauty about it, prizing natural materials and a neutral color palette. The trend features lots of clean lines, light woods, and a nod to minimalism. The overall effect combines form and function in a way that creates a calm, comfortable space.
8. Art Deco
Art Deco made its debut in Paris around 1910, later becoming popular in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s. The New York Public Library’s “Art Deco: Research Guide” points out that the style reflected the opulence and progressiveness occurring between World War I and World War II.
The style highlights bold jewel colors like dark greens, purples, and blues with metallic pops of bronze, silver, and gold. Softer pastels and creamy neutrals help balance rooms out, and geometric shapes, sharp angles, and intricate artistic details reign.
9. Contemporary
Sometimes people get mixed up when it comes to contemporary design. They picture this ultra-modern, futuristic look with lots of metals, interesting shapes, and bright colors. Maybe they’re thinking of the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World.
On the other hand, maybe they think contemporary design is the same as modern design. But these scenarios aren't the truth. Modern design refers to mid-century styles popular in the 1950s, '60s, and '70s.
Contemporary design pulls together various things on trend now, which means it changes. However, the style does typically include a few telltale signs, like track lighting, clean lines, minimal fussiness, open floor plans, and organic elements.
10. Rustic
This design style is all about giving off a casual, comfortable, weathered vibe. It focuses on natural beauty, a rugged ambiance, and coziness.
It’s inspired by settlers in 19th-century America who channeled their resourcefulness into comfortable rustic interiors. When you step into a rustic space, you'll find distressed furniture, organic materials, wood and leather furniture, and stone fireplaces.
11. Organic Modern
Take the clean lines and simplicity of minimalism, the aesthetics of mid-century modern, and mix them with the warmth and natural elements of Scandinavian. When you do, you come close to organic modern design.
This style softens modern design with cozy textiles, organic shapes, and plenty of greenery. Designer Nick Lewis offers some great suggestions on how to incorporate organic modern into your home.
Try bringing in lots of earth tones, natural materials, and layers of texture. If you crave a space that’s comfortable, relaxing, welcoming, and stylish, this is a good design trend for you.
12. Glam
Glam design is synonymous with glitz, extravagance, opulence, and abundance. Glam style is often found in tandem with Art Deco-inspired spaces or rooms sporting a similar Hollywood Regency style.
Crystal chandeliers, mirrored furniture, metallic accessories, plush fabrics, and glass surfaces are the hallmarks of this style. Depending on your preference, you could opt for pastels and neutrals or deep, moody jewel tones.
Rein in the shimmer a bit and keep things more refined, or embrace a more-is-more mindset with excessive elegance. In a nutshell, if you adore drama, glamour, and luxury, you’d feel at home with this trend.
13. Traditional
Interiors from 18th and 19th-century Europe inspire this timeless style and take a more classic approach to design. Dark woods, antique furniture, plaids, stripes, and florals are all common components of traditional design.
In many cases, traditional spaces give off a more formal sensibility. However, modern interpretations of the style keep the look from becoming stuffy.
Instead, the style focuses on curating interesting pieces that tell a story. It's about creating a space that's comfortable and stylish yet seems like it’s always been there.
14. Post-Modern and Maximalism
This style borrows elements from a bunch of other design trends and throws them all together in different ways. Postmodernism flourished in the 1970s and 1980s in response to the more minimalistic approach found in mid-century modern spaces.
It’s a fun and funky style that welcomes maximalism, bold choices, and off-the-cuff pieces, like the famous butt stool. Post-modern design emphasizes form over function, encouraging people to take risks and have fun with their interiors.
