Popular Design Styles

The world of design is vast and it can be difficult to pin down which style best represents you. Today, I’ll be talking about the most popular design styles in the hopes that it will help you on your quest to narrow it down.

In this article, I’ll be covering: Traditional, Shabby Chic, Coastal, Art Deco, Hollywood Regency (1940-1960’s), Boho (Bohemian), Mid-Century Modern, Industrial, Modern Farmhouse, Contemporary, Modern and Glam. So without further ado, let’s get into it!

Art Deco

Art Deco was made popular in the 1920’s during the Jazz age. This style is all about sleek, geometric designs, bold colors (gold, red, green, blue, black) used in tandem with neutrals (cream or beige) and opulence. If you tend to gravitate toward more modern furnishings or things with flair, this may be the style for you.

Glam

This style, despite its name, is all about refinement. Glam takes key items and turns them into the backbone of your living space. Often these key items are high-end and they’re meant to elevate the look and feel of your home. It’s not uncommon to find suede, velvet or leather incorporated into this style.

Hollywood Regency

If there’s any way to describe Hollywood Regency, it’s this: Art Deco and Glam combined. Hollywood Regency was made popular from the 40’s to the 60’s before having a resurgence in the 90’s. This style is all about glamour and flair using crystal, glass and high shine finishes.

Boho

Bohemian (or more commonly known as Boho) is a style that focuses on layered patterns with bold colors and organic materials like bamboo and rattan. This style exudes calm and playful and it can be accented with lush greenery, crystals, and vintage furnishings.

Traditional

This style has been around for a very long time and it’s one of the most popular design styles. Traditional focuses on incorporating pieces of furniture with structure and careful symmetry. Typically, it’s a style that features mid-tones (those colors between light and dark) and patterns that range from stripes to plaid to florals.

Shabby Chic

Shabby Chic was made popular in the mid 80’s and is a beautiful blend of farmhouse and traditional. Distressed painted wood, soft colors, select ornate furnishings and floral prints are the backbone of this style as well as mixing and matching. It’s timeless, classic and exudes comfort.

Modern Farmhouse

One of the most popular styles right now is Modern Farmhouse. This style is rustic, yet refined and aims to make warmth, comfort and practicality a priority. Oftentimes, this is a style that incorporates salvaged pieces into the decor and contrasting colors like black and white. These are often accented with patterns like plaid, florals, stripes or simple solids.

Mid-Century Modern

This is, by far, the most popular design style to date and for good reason. Mid-Century takes the best from the 50’s and 60’s and ensures that your home will always look fresh and classic. It focuses on simple silhouettes (which we often see in Modern design), subtle textures, organic shapes and functionality. Typically, those who’re looking for a mid-century modern feel tend to incorporate warm woods, neutral colors with pops of color and purposeful detailing.

Industrial

This style is best suited for airy and open spaces but it can certainly be achieved in small areas as well. Industrial design is largely focused on reclaimed wood and unfinished metals, neutral colors and leather. It’s a very urban-inspired style with a minimalist edge. Thrifted, vintage objects with pops of color can instantly soften up any space with this style.

Modern & Contemporary

WHAT ARE THEY?

At their core, both modern and contemporary styles are minimalist. Both styles cater to the idea of neutral colors, simplicity, and openness. Natural materials are an essential part and so it’s not uncommon to see the use of wood, glass and metal incorporated into the designs. Furniture that features exposed legs are also quite popular for both styles.

WHAT IS MODERN?

Modern is all about simple form and function. It was developed in the early to mid-twentieth century and it reflects both the industrial revolution and the 1950’s. Modern design is characterized by warm, earthy palettes, natural materials, and crisp lines.

WHAT IS CONTEMPORARY?

Contemporary pays its respects to the “here and now” of the design world. It’s ever-changing and constantly evolving. It blends qualities from modernism, minimalism, and art deco without catering to one in particular. From contemporary style you’ll see materials like steel combined with natural textures like hemp, curved lines and starker, more striking color palettes.

Coastal

The last style I’ll cover in this article is Coastal. For those who enjoy the sand and sun, this style might be for you. Coastal is all about vibrant neutrals coming together in harmony. It’s a relaxed, yet elegant style which can feature material such as glass, rattan or reclaimed wood. Light blue, green, and white-washed elements make up this look and it’s typically one that you’ll find along the East Coast. 

I hope you enjoyed this look into the most popular design styles! There are many more out there so I’m sure you’ll find the one that speaks most to you. Thank you for reading!

* This article was written for my client, True North Remodeling RI.