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15 Interior Design Styles Explained
Most people don't have one style. They have a mix they can't name. This guide gives each style a plain definition, the three things that give it away, and a simple way to figure out which ones are yours.
The short answer
The most popular interior design styles in American homes right now are modern, contemporary, transitional, modern farmhouse, mid-century modern, Scandinavian, Japandi, minimalist, coastal, bohemian, industrial and traditional.
To find yours: save 20 rooms you love, look for what repeats (colors, wood tone, shapes), and name the top two styles. Most great homes are a mix of two styles — one main, one accent.
Find your style in 3 steps
- Collect 20 rooms you love. Pinterest, Instagram, magazines — don't think, just save.
- Look for what repeats. Light or dark wood? Curves or straight lines? Lots of stuff or very little? Warm colors or cool?
- Match it to the list below, and pick a main style plus one accent style. That's your style.
The 15 interior design styles
| Style | In one line | Three tell-tale signs |
|---|---|---|
| Modern | Clean, simple design rooted in the early-to-mid 1900s | Straight lines, neutral colors, little decoration |
| Contemporary | Whatever is current right now | Curved shapes, mixed metals, of-the-moment colors |
| Transitional | The middle ground between traditional and modern | Classic shapes, neutral colors, simple details |
| Modern farmhouse | Rustic country, cleaned up | Shiplap, black metal, white walls, wood beams |
| Mid-century modern | 1950s–60s design | Tapered legs, walnut wood, mustard and teal |
| Scandinavian | Bright, cozy Nordic simplicity | Light wood, white walls, soft textiles |
| Japandi | Japanese calm meets Scandinavian comfort | Low furniture, warm neutrals, natural materials |
| Minimalist | Only what you need | Few objects, hidden storage, open floor |
| Coastal | Relaxed beach house | White and blue, linen, rattan and light wood |
| Bohemian | Collected, layered and free-spirited | Plants, patterned rugs, warm earthy colors |
| Industrial | Warehouse loft | Exposed brick, metal, concrete, Edison bulbs |
| Traditional | Classic European-inspired comfort | Dark wood, symmetry, rich fabrics and molding |
| Mediterranean | Sun-washed Spain, Italy and Greece | Terracotta, arches, plaster walls, iron |
| Art deco | 1920s glamour | Geometric patterns, brass, velvet, jewel tones |
| Maximalist / luxury | More is more, done on purpose | Bold color, pattern on pattern, statement pieces |
Styles people mix up
Modern vs. contemporary
Modern is a fixed style from the 20th century — it doesn't change. Contemporary means "of right now," so it keeps changing. Today, contemporary often means soft curves, warm neutrals and mixed metals; modern means straight lines and minimal decoration.
Transitional vs. traditional
Traditional has ornate details, dark wood and pattern. Transitional keeps the classic shapes but strips the decoration and uses calmer, lighter colors. It's the most common style in new American homes.
Japandi vs. Scandinavian
Both are calm and natural. Scandinavian is lighter and cozier; Japandi is lower, darker and more pared back. Full comparison: Japandi vs. Scandinavian.
Minimalist vs. modern
Modern is a look; minimalism is a rule — fewer things. You can have a minimalist traditional room or a cluttered modern one.
Farmhouse vs. modern farmhouse
Classic farmhouse leans rustic and vintage — distressed wood, antiques. Modern farmhouse keeps the warmth but adds crisp white walls, black metal and cleaner lines.
How to mix two styles
Almost nobody lives in a pure style, and rooms that are 100% one style can feel like a showroom. Use the 80/20 rule: 80% of the room in your main style, 20% in the accent.
- Keep one thing consistent. The same color palette or the same wood tone ties two styles together.
- Use the accent style in small pieces: a lamp, a rug, art, a single chair.
- Popular pairs: modern + farmhouse, Scandinavian + mid-century, coastal + transitional, minimalist + Japandi, bohemian + mid-century.
See your room in every style
Upload one photo of your room and see it in modern, Japandi, farmhouse, coastal and more — in seconds. Free, no signup.
✨ Try Styles on My Room — FreeThe fastest way to find your style
Mood boards help, but they show other people's rooms. The fastest way to know if you're "Japandi" or "Scandinavian" is to see both in your room. Upload a photo to DecorIn and flip through styles on your actual living room or bedroom — same walls, same windows. The one you can't stop looking at is your style. Then use a color palette to carry it through the house.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main interior design styles?
The most popular are modern, contemporary, transitional, traditional, modern farmhouse, mid-century modern, Scandinavian, Japandi, minimalist, coastal, bohemian and industrial. Mediterranean, art deco and maximalist are also common.
What is the difference between modern and contemporary design?
Modern design is a fixed style from the early-to-mid 1900s with straight lines and little decoration. Contemporary design means what's current now, so it keeps changing — today it often includes soft curves and warm neutrals.
How do I find my interior design style?
Save about 20 rooms you love, look for what repeats — colors, wood tones, shapes, amount of stuff — and match those traits to a main style and an accent style. Previewing styles on a photo of your own room also helps.
What is transitional style?
Transitional style blends traditional and modern: classic furniture shapes with simpler details and a calm, neutral color palette. It's one of the most common styles in American homes.
Can you mix interior design styles?
Yes. Use about 80% of your main style and 20% of an accent style, and keep one thing consistent, like the color palette or wood tone, so the room feels connected.