A close examination of the defining individual elements of a space reveal the singular threads of style that run through each category of interior design, from contemporary to eclectic. Contemporary comes with clean lines, while traditional design carries depth and texture. Farmhouse interiors differ greatly from industrial design, although both make use of raw materials. Bohemian and eclectic styles are also widely different, despite sharing similarities. And a glamorous space is at once playful and sophisticated.

Contemporary

Defined by clean lines and a simple aesthetic, contemporary design is fresh, dynamic, of-the-moment, and, often, monochromatic. The ever-popular all-white kitchens are entirely contemporary, as are light-filled open floor plans. This design style continues to evolve while maintaining celebrated characteristics — think minimalism, sleek surfaces, linear architecture, and neutral color palettes, too. While minimalism can feel stark, it can also be peaceful and focused due to its simplicity and by creating sculpture in the mundane.

Contemporary design with modern finishes
Contemporary design is boldly reimagined with the incorporation of modern finishings in this kitchen, with its white-and-grey color scheme, open shelving, and mid-century-inspired elements.
Image: Reid Rolls Photography
A striking space that showcases contemporary design
Modern and contemporary designs share many of the same ingredients of design. This bathroom showcases a modern approach, while utilizing contemporary components.
Image: Nick McGinn

Traditional

Timeless and elegant, traditional design is, generally, the most familiar style. Crafted with an emphasis on livability and sophistication, traditional spaces incorporate texture, depth, and boldness — without being stuffy nor boring. Hallmarks of traditional design hail from the 18th and 19th centuries with heavy European influence. This design style embraces antiques, built-in cabinets and molding, plush fabrics, and art.

Traditional, contemporary, traditional and more — design styles you need to know
Bringing traditional design style into the modern day, this space wisely mixes materials and textures. The result is a sophisticated space outfitted in timeless elegance.
Image: Andrea Behrends
Interior Design Styles Explained
Wallpaper has recently seen a resurgence (more on that later), and it remains a staple in traditional design. Here, every element works together to create a fresh, classic design.
Image: Andrea Behrends
Interior Design Styles Explained
Built-in cabinets paired with all-white surroundings illustrate a modern approach to traditional design.
Image: Andrea Behrends

Transitional

A dominating trend in interior design style is the combination of contemporary and traditional styles. Traditional spaces can air on the side of formal, so modern pieces are incorporated to soften the space. In transitional design, the lines are blurry, and the rules aren’t clear — which makes it fun. Modern embellishments and traditional bones work together to create a cohesive look.

Transitional design decoded
Impactful contemporary art is an easy way to modernize a space and infuse personality and pops of purple play well against the neutral color palette. The design is contemporary while also traditional.
Image: Andrea Behrends
Clean lines and minimalist finishes in a picture-perfect kitchen
Clean lines and minimalist finishes blend with notes of traditional design, resulting in a contemporary kitchen that can stand the test of time.
Image: Andrea Behrends

Farmhouse

Known for salvaged materials, rustic undertones, and reclaimed wood, farmhouses are warm, charming, and jam-packed with character. Farmhouse style remains a dominating décor trend, but today, designers take a refined approach to the well-worn design style.

What is your design style?
Exposed brick walls, warm wood floors, and a slider barn door evoke a farmhouse vibe in this hallway designed to accommodate a spot for the dogs to dine and a farmhouse sink for flower arranging.
Image: Andrea Behrends

Glamorous

A style reserved for the discerning homeowner, glamorous design is at once fashionable and luxurious. Splurge-worthy and statement-making art, materials, and furniture make up a glamorous space — whether it be the living room, bedroom, or dining area.

A glamorous space to call your own
Materials rich in texture and color introduce a touch of glamour to this otherwise industrial space.
Image: Andrea Behrends
a bathroom that screams glamor
A combination of black and grey introduces drama to any space, such as this bathroom. High-end finishes and luxe materials scream glamor.
Image: Andrea Behrends

Bohemian

Layered touches of color and texture come together unexpectedly in Bohemian design. The California cool, laid-back style celebrates creativity and incorporates a mix of materials, art, and color. Teals, pinks, and royal blues are colors commonly associated with this design style.

What is your design style?
The easiest expression of style is through art. For example, in this bohemian design, each piece was thoughtfully chosen as a representation of the homeowner’s style.
Image: Nick McGinn
Bohemian design reimagined
A space that combines various design styles, this bathroom falls under the category of bohemian thanks to the teal chandelier that hangs above the vanity.

Industrial

An uptick in renovation of old warehouses has resulted in an uptick in industrial design, predominantly in restaurants — but the elements of industrial design feel right at home in residential spaces, as well. Organic materials are at the heart of industrial design, which highlights raw ingredients, such as exposed brick, steel, and wood.

What is your design style?
Showcasing every element of industrial design imaginable, this space is at once sleek and rustic.
Image: Andrea Behrends

Eclectic

Eclectic design style, by its nature, is difficult to define. One-of-a-kind elements come together to create one-of-a-kind designs that express the stylistic preferences of the homeowner. Sometimes chaotic and always unique, you’ll recognize an eclectic design when you see it.

Understanding eclectic design
A combination of styles come together with artful elements in this eclectic space with modern tendencies.
Image: Reid Rolls
Pops of green bring this corner to life
A favorite corner in the Beth Haley showroom, this space undoubtedly showcases eclectic design that celebrates our favorite color: green.
Image: Leila Grossman

Ultimately, the most important thing is to find the style that works for you. What is your design style?

——––

Discover more of our blog posts here. We cover everything from color to coffee table books to functional design.