The 3 Most Popular Interior Design Styles

If you're decorating your home or looking for ways to improve your living space, you may wonder whether an eclectic, bohemian look is the way to go. And if not, what are the most popular interior design styles?

The answer is that there's no foolproof way of determining which style is best — just like fashion and other industries, people differ in their preferences.

However, these three interior design styles have proved to be the most popular in recent years: minimalist (which includes a mixture of elements from different periods), modern (which features upscale design elements), and traditional-style living (which emphasizes classically designed furniture).

We'll discuss each of these in depth.

Minimalist Interior Design

Minimalism can be described as an individual version of a style. Unlike fashion, which is extremely personal and subjective, minimalism often involves one or two major principles: crisp, white finishes; clear lines; and an emphasis on function over form.

Minimalist styles differ from most others in that they prioritize functionality over decoration (for example, they might feature open shelving instead of knick-knacks). Functionality is also emphasized in minimalist design: it's more likely that items will have one purpose than multifunctional items that do more than one thing (like a microwave oven).

Minimalism is also different from other interior styles because it's done in contrast to the rest of the room: the furniture is intended to be simple and essential, not ornate.

Minimalist style: What to look for

Open shelving, can make a room feel brighter and more spacious.

Simple Furniture, a minimalist interior design is usually characterized by simple, plain furniture in black or white with a few accents of color here and there.

Neutral colors, black, white, beige, off-white, gray, and light gray work well.

Accents of color, you can add accent colors to a minimalist home by using them in accessories such as pillows, throws and throw blankets, wall treatments, wallpaper, or paint splatters when painting a room, the same color as the furniture.

Clear lines, clear, simple stripes will define space. Walls and floors should not be cluttered with furniture and objects to keep the space uncluttered and open.

Functionality as a priority, the minimalist design features only the essentials- functional furniture that serves a purpose (rather than being decorative), such as a dresser that can be used for storing clothes or towels. Because minimalism focuses on functionality, it helps you to declutter your home even further.

Clean lines, use surfaces with no frills or extras (like the details you find in more ornate styles) to make your minimalist room more open, clean and bright.

Open space, minimalist design often uses open space with few barriers, letting in as much light as possible.

Breezy windows and doors, keep windows and doors clear of clutter to let in lots of light.

Modern Interior Design

Modern design is characterized by a sleek look and simple shapes that give the room an upscale feel. Although modern design can be characterized as a style, minimalist design has the same characteristics: sleek, simple furniture and a streamlined look.

The difference is that minimalism focuses on simplicity and function; modern design focuses on sleek and contemporary surfaces and details. Modern design can be characterized by its modern furniture, while minimalism uses contemporary styles.

You can always visit a decorating firm for more information about modern interior design.

Modern interior design: What to look for

Clean lines, lines should only be used for defining a room's boundaries, not for decoration or styling purposes (for example, if you have one painted stark white wall, line it with nothing but the shade of white).

White and crisp colors, white is an essential feature of both minimalist and modern design styles.

Decoration, while minimalist design often sports a "less is more" philosophy, modern design can be characterized by decorative accents and details — from clothing that features bold prints to artwork designed to catch the eye.

Upscale furniture, modern furniture uses smooth, glossy finishes and clean lines to add a little style and flair (and a little contrast) to otherwise simple rooms.

Clean, uncluttered surfaces, while minimalist design emphasizes functionality and cleanliness, modern style leans towards "cleaner is better." Go easy on the knick-knacks- choose furnishings with fewer details — or no details — instead of adding decorative items all over the room.

Solid surfaces, modern furniture and accessories tend to be solid or smooth so that it doesn't distract from the other objects in the room.

Super sleek and very clean, think sleek, minimalist minimalism.

Traditional Interior Design

The traditional style is characterized by antique-looking furniture, decorative accessories, stained wood floors and handmade items. The conventional style aims to make a room feel comfortable, inviting, and memorable.

However, it's also meant to look classically beautiful simultaneously (elements like vintage-looking pictures or lace curtains can help achieve this goal).

Traditional interior design: What to look for

Beautifully adorned rooms, traditional style often employs antique-looking furniture and accessories to make the space feel more elegant and grander. Decorative items like antiques and vintage-looking furniture also help to add a sense of history and culture to the room.

Rustic or industrial elements, traditional interior design often uses materials like wood, tiles, or stone and accessories like candles that have a rustic, earthy feel.

Elements of nature, again, classic elements such as wood, iron wrought, or glass can be used in your home.

Unique and beautiful accessories, traditional designs often use custom-made items like furniture or other decorations with unique, sophisticated touches you can't find in most mass-produced items.

Earth tones and wooden accents, elements of nature and natural materials can be incorporated with earth tones, wooden accents, or fabrics that look like burlap.

Heartwarming decorative accessories, think of candle holders, vases with flowers, or artwork with a lot of character. The traditional design also uses memorabilia like family pictures to enhance the home's personality and add to its history.

Family heirlooms or antique pieces, family heirlooms are often cherished because they represent something passed down through several generations. These special objects can bring a great deal of history and nostalgia to a traditional home.

In conclusion, there are many different styles and elements to consider when designing your home. Most stylists' goals are to make your house a special place that reflects your personality, but you also want to consider which style will be functional for you and your family in the long term.

Because all architectural design styles will have certain elements in common, it's up to you to decide how much — or how little — of a particular element you want in your home.