{"id":30525,"date":"2023-12-26T18:07:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-26T18:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.essentialhome.eu\/inspirations\/?p=30525"},"modified":"2023-12-22T12:17:40","modified_gmt":"2023-12-22T12:17:40","slug":"17-essential-design-styles-everyone-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.essentialhome.eu\/inspirations\/trends\/design\/17-essential-design-styles-everyone-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"17 Essential Design Styles Everyone Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to interior design, in recent years we haven\u2019t crafted homes to be perfect representations of a specific style. In fact, it\u2019s very usual to mix and match styles to suit our spaces and personal taste. That said, you can\u2019t pull from the huge variety of design styles<\/a><\/strong> at your fingertips without knowing what they are.\u00a0Check out this useful guide to the 17 essential design styles<\/span><\/em><\/strong> everyone should know about!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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SEE ALSO: <\/strong> These Home Paint Colors Will Make Any Small Space Feel Way Bigger<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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01. Modern<\/h3>\n\n\n
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AMBERPIERCEDESIGNS\u00a0\/ INSTAGRAM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Modern d\u00e9cor may be one of the broadest and most adaptable essential design styles. Elements of this style can be found in many others, including midcentury<\/a><\/strong>, Scandinavian, art deco and transitional. Still, modern design has a few basic elements that define it. Modern spaces are typically streamlined, with crisp lines and edges. They\u2019re often understated and use color palettes of either complementary hues or shades of gray, black, and white. Both natural materials and metals have a space in modern d\u00e9cor<\/a><\/em><\/strong>, depending on how they\u2019re applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

02. Midcentury Modern<\/h3>\n\n\n
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PHOTO:\u00a0TESSA NEUSTADT\u00a0\/ DESIGN:\u00a0MEL BURSTIN\u00a0VIA EMILY HENDERSON<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Furniture channeling this style<\/a><\/em><\/strong> tends to be low to the ground and compact, and the overall look features futuristic tendencies\u00a0and solid colors. This style prizes functionality, is hyper adaptable, and plays well with elements of other styles, which allows midcentury modern<\/a><\/strong> features to be incorporated easily into nearly any space.\u00a0Midcentury modern design is set apart from modern design by its broader use of color (particularly pastel pinks, earth tones, and primary colors) and softer, more rounded silhouettes.<\/p>\n\n\n

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03. Art Deco<\/h3>\n\n\n
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DESIGN: DOROTHEE MEILICHZON, PHOTO:KAREL BALAS & PAUL BOWYER\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Popularized in the 1920s, \u201930s, and \u201940s, this essential design style is characterized by geometric patterns, symmetry, bold colors<\/a><\/strong>, and metallic finishes. Though often pared down a bit to appeal to modern sensibilities, Art Deco<\/a><\/em><\/strong> feels retro, playful, and visually interesting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

04. Transitional<\/h3>\n\n\n
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REENA SOTROPA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Transitional style is a blend of traditional and modern or contemporary design<\/a><\/strong> elements.\u00a0\u00a0It capitalizes on the beauty and familiarity of traditional design\u2014using traditional layouts, materials, or silhouettes\u2014and then incorporates modern features to keep spaces feeling fresh and casual.\u00a0Think a classic, mantled fireplace balanced out by a contemporary curved sofa<\/a><\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0While it\u2019s technically a balance of the two styles, transitional style can lean more traditional or modern, depending on the space and the owners\u2019 tastes.<\/p>\n\n\n

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05. Minimalist<\/h3>\n\n\n
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ALYSSA ROSENHECK ; DESIGN: JENNIFER ROBIN INTERIORS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

While the style is technically rooted in the 1960s art movement of the same name, modern takes on minimalist style are all about simplicity, neutral color palettes<\/a><\/em><\/strong>, and straight, clean lines. Minimalist design spurns clutter and excessive tchotchkes and prioritizes functionality. Minimalist homes<\/a><\/strong> are not infrequently all-white, though plenty of minimalist spaces now include the careful inclusion of color and natural finishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

06. Wabi-Sabi<\/h3>\n\n\n
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DESIGN:\u00a0SHANTY WIJAYA, ALLPRACE HOMES, PHOTO: JENNA PEFFLEY, STYLING: KIRSTEN BLAZEK\/@A1000XBETTER<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of the same name, this design style<\/a><\/strong> is more about an attitude or overall approach than specific d\u00e9cor features. It celebrates slow living, the beauty of nature, and imperfect but aesthetically pleasing items. Spaces following the wabi-sabi approach are uncluttered, soothing, and unassuming, with clean lines, natural materials<\/a><\/em><\/strong>, and restrained color schemes.<\/p>\n\n\n

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07. Scandinavian<\/h3>\n\n\n
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COURTESY OF FANTASTIC FRANK<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Scandinavian design is closely related to minimalist design<\/a><\/strong>, though it\u2019s set apart by plush textures and a dedication to coziness. Spaces decorated in this style are often layered and full of natural light. Color palettes<\/a><\/em><\/strong> tend to be monochromatic, with plenty of shades of black, white, and gray and wood textures to keep the atmosphere warm. <\/p>\n\n\n

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08. Maximalist<\/h3>\n\n\n
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MAX HUMPHREY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This style celebrates abundance, boldness, and the mixing of colors, patterns, and textures<\/a><\/strong>. Common maximalist features include busy wallpaper prints, bold floor coverings, full gallery walls, and displayed collections. Maximalism draws on many different design styles<\/a><\/em><\/strong>, but applies any design rules or features as loudly and boldly as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n

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09. Eclectic<\/h3>\n\n\n
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MICHELLE GAGE\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

With its mixing, matching, and layering mentality, eclectic design is very similar to maximalism\u2014except eclectic spaces typically balance out their signature blend of multiple design styles with neutral bases. Eclectic design<\/a><\/em><\/strong> celebrates that more is more\u2014and then tempers that mentality with neutral walls or unobtrusive flooring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Farmhouse<\/h3>\n\n\n
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AMY BARTLAM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Farmhouse design<\/a><\/em><\/strong> has an enduring charm and welcoming feel that\u2019s difficult to resist. It\u2019s often warmer, more modern, and more colorful than rustic design. It inspires nostalgia and is characterized most typically by open shelving, exposed beams, mixed finishes<\/a><\/strong>, natural woods, and, of course, shiplap accents. Industrial details, subway tile, neutral color schemes, and open floor plans are also popular elements of farmhouse design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Modern Rustic<\/h3>\n\n\n
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RIKKI SNYDER<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Modern rustic d\u00e9cor relies on raw and natural materials to create spaces that are spare without feeling cold. More subtle than the much-loved farmhouse style, modern rustic design<\/a><\/strong> melds distressed, textured, reclaimed, or refurbished surfaces and items with the clean and simple lines<\/a><\/em><\/strong> of modern design. Spaces decorated in this style will typically have neutral color palettes, original and\/or exposed architectural details, and a careful balance of rustic and modern features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Antique Farmhouse<\/h3>\n\n\n
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BESPOKE ONLY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Antique farmhouse d\u00e9cor <\/a><\/em><\/strong>is less polished than modern farmhouse design and more curated than rustic design. Antique farmhouse d\u00e9cor leans into genuine antiques and items with true signs of wear, rather than new pieces<\/a><\/strong> that are distressed or painted to look aged. This design style often features chipped paint, metals with well-earned patina, and worn-in upholstery. Upcycled or repurposed items such as crates, canvas bags, milk jugs, and the like are also popular in this style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. French Country<\/h3>\n\n\n
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DESIGN:\u00a0ALISON GIES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It has the same lived-in, antique-loving approach as rustic and farmhouse design, but French country\u2013inspired spaces <\/a><\/em><\/strong>have a faded opulence and subtle sophistication about them that perfectly channels the feel of an aged but lovingly maintained countryside chateau. Colors used in this style tend to be nature-inspired, timeless, and warm, and furnishings<\/a><\/strong> are often mismatched, restored, and full of character.<\/p>\n\n\n

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14. English Cottage<\/h3>\n\n\n
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CHERRY VINTAGE HOME<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Rustic, cozy, and homey, this style is relaxed and accessible. Common elements of this design style include wood and brick surfaces, pastels and other muted colors, lush greenery, and natural accents. As with farmhouse design, exposed beams, raw finishes, and wall paneling are popular in English cottage style<\/a><\/em><\/strong>, though this style leans more quaint and cozy, while farmhouse-inspired spaces tend to be larger and more open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Modern Coastal<\/h3>\n\n\n
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BECCA INTERIORS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

More high-end beach home<\/a><\/strong> than rustic seaside cottage, modern coastal d\u00e9cor leans heavily on elements of modern design to channel a relaxed, beachy attitude.\u00a0Spaces using modern coastal d\u00e9cor are often by the shore, sure, but they pay tribute to their location subtly, with touches such as seagrass rugs<\/a><\/em><\/strong>, upscale driftwood accents, and the like.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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16. Mediterranean<\/h3>\n\n\n
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DESIGN:\u00a0CORNER HOUSE CREATIVES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Mediterranean design<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0uses texture\u2014often in the form of plaster walls\u2014to channel a more rugged feel than modern or minimalist d\u00e9cor and uses archways, little to no wall adornment, and plenty of natural finishes and details to further set itself apart.<\/p>\n\n\n

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17. French<\/h3>\n\n\n
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TOM STRINGER<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

French d\u00e9cor<\/a><\/strong> is undeniably elegant. It tends to lean into opulence, though the popularity of vintage and antique accents in this style keeps it feeling refined, not flashy. Color schemes associated with this style are often muted, allowing large-scale focal points\u2014such as a dramatic, traditional four-poster bed, an eye-grabbing chandelier, or an oversized gilt mirror<\/a><\/em><\/strong>\u2014to shine.<\/p>\n\n\n

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READ MORE:<\/strong> Step inside A Soothing Los Angeles Home With A Beautiful Neutral Color Palette<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For more irreverent design ideas with a vintage twist, don\u2019t forget to follow Essential Home on\u00a0Pinterest<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>. Subscribe to our newsletters\u00a0here<\/a>!<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When it comes to interior design, in recent years we haven\u2019t crafted homes to be perfect representations of a specific style. In fact, it\u2019s very usual to mix and match…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":30569,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[54,1685,5174,1543,2294,5322,52,828],"class_list":["post-30525","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-design","tag-art-deco","tag-design-inspiration","tag-design-styles","tag-interior-design-inspiration","tag-interior-design-styles","tag-maximalist-design","tag-midcentury-modern-design","tag-minimalist-design"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.essentialhome.eu\/inspirations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30525"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.essentialhome.eu\/inspirations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.essentialhome.eu\/inspirations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.essentialhome.eu\/inspirations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.essentialhome.eu\/inspirations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30525"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/www.essentialhome.eu\/inspirations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30525\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33623,"href":"https:\/\/www.essentialhome.eu\/inspirations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30525\/revisions\/33623"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.essentialhome.eu\/inspirations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30569"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.essentialhome.eu\/inspirations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30525"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.essentialhome.eu\/inspirations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30525"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.essentialhome.eu\/inspirations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30525"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}