Let's dive into the world of interior design and explore seven popular design styles. Whether you're drawn to the rugged charm of industrial design or the serene simplicity of Scandinavian style, we'll uncover the key differences and help you discover which look resonates with you the most. With practical tips and insights, we navigate the possibilities and guide you in creating a space that reflects your unique taste and personality.

1. Modern 

 Modern design is characterised by sleek lines, minimal ornamentation, and a focus on function over form. Furniture typically features clean, geometric shapes and is crafted from materials such as metal, glass, polished wood, and innovative materials like plastic or moulded plywood. Couches embody a low-profile silhouette with clean lines and often boast a modular design for flexible arrangement. Upholstery tends to favour neutral tones like black, white, or grey, occasionally punctuated with bold colour accents.

Walls are typically adorned in a monochromatic colour scheme, with shades of white, grey, or black serving as a neutral backdrop, occasionally complemented by bold accent walls. Artwork in modern spaces leans towards the abstract or minimalist, featuring bold shapes, geometric patterns, and vibrant colours, with large-scale pieces used sparingly as focal points. Smaller prints or sculptures add accents without overwhelming the space.

Print 'Dahlia' 

Textured pillows and rugs contribute to the aesthetic with bold textures like faux fur, leather, or metallic accents, often with geometric or abstract patterns that complement furniture lines. Modern design principles prioritise simplicity, functionality, and innovation, resulting in efficient, uncluttered spaces that seamlessly integrate technology and emphasise natural light.

Summary of Modern Style: 

• Furniture Style:
• Sleek lines and minimal ornamentation define the furniture style, reflecting a strong focus on functionality.
• Common materials include metal, glass, polished wood, and innovative materials like acrylic or composite materials.
• Clean, geometric shapes remain prominent, emphasizing simplicity and sophistication in modern interior design.
• Couch Style:
• Low-profile silhouette with clean lines and geometric shapes.
• Often modular for flexibility in arrangement.
• Upholstery in neutral tones like black, white, or grey, with occasional bold colour accents.
• Wall Colour:
• Monochromatic colour scheme with white, grey, or black.
• Occasional use of bold accent walls in blue for visual interest.
• Artwork:
• Abstract or minimalist with bold shapes, geometric patterns, and vibrant colours.
• Large-scale pieces used sparingly as focal points.
• Smaller prints or sculptures for accents.
• Textured Pillows and Rugs:
• Bold textures like faux fur, leather, or metallic accents.
• Geometric or abstract patterns complementing furniture lines.
• Design Principles:
• Prioritizes simplicity, functionality, and innovation.
• Spaces are efficient, uncluttered, and open.
• Integration of technology with smart home features.
• Emphasis on natural light and seamless design.

Print 'Summer blue Karma' 

2. Contemporary 

In contemporary interior design, furniture styles vary, blending sleek modern pieces with eclectic or vintage-inspired items for a dynamic aesthetic. Couches often come in versatile colours like grey, beige, or navy, though bold choices such as jewel tones or patterned upholstery are not uncommon.

Walls are typically painted in neutral tones, but accent walls in bold colours or intricate wallpaper patterns can make a statement. Artwork ranges from abstract to figurative, allowing for personal expression through statement pieces or gallery walls.

Artwork 'Stay' acrylic on paper, Print 'Sapphire'. 

Textured pillows and rugs add depth and coziness, with a mix of plush velvet and natural fibers like wool or jute enhancing visual interest. Contemporary design embraces fluidity, blending elements from different eras and cultures while prioritizing functionality alongside creativity and personal style.

Summary of Contemporary style:

• Furniture Styles:
• Mix of styles, including sleek modern pieces and more eclectic or vintage-inspired items.
• Emphasis on comfort and functionality alongside aesthetics.
• Couch Colour Choices:
• Versatile options like grey, beige, or navy.
• Possibility for bold choices such as jewel tones or patterned upholstery.
• Wall Colour:
• Neutral tones like white, beige, or light grey.
• Potential for accent walls in bold colours or wallpaper with intricate patterns.
• Artwork:
• Diverse range, including abstract, figurative, or mixed media pieces.
• Opportunity for statement artworks or gallery walls showcasing personal taste.
• Textured Pillows and Rugs:
• Variation in textures, from plush velvet to natural fibers like wool or jute.
• Mix of patterns and colours to add visual interest and coziness.
• Design Principles:
• Fluidity in style, incorporating elements from different eras and cultures.
• Balancing functionality with personal expression and creativity.

3. Eclectic

  

Eclectic interior design celebrates the art of mixing and matching different styles, eras, and textures to create a unique and vibrant space. Couches in eclectic interiors can range from vintage velvet pieces to modern leather sofas, offering a diverse array of colours and patterns to suit individual tastes.

Walls serve as a canvas for creativity, often adorned with an eclectic mix of artwork, ranging from bold abstract paintings to quirky vintage posters or even unconventional wall sculptures. Textures and patterns collide in pillows and rugs, featuring a mix of luxurious fabrics like silk or velvet alongside ethnic prints or geometric designs. Eclectic design principles encourage freedom of expression, allowing homeowners to showcase their personality through a curated collection of furniture, accessories, and décor items. The result is a lively and eclectic space that tells a story and invites exploration, where unexpected combinations and playful pairings create visual interest and a sense of dynamic energy.

Summary of Eclectic design style: 

Furniture Styles:

• Embraces a mix of styles, eras, and materials for a unique aesthetic.
• Features a diverse range of furniture pieces, from vintage to modern, with an emphasis on individuality and character.

Couch Colour Choices:

• Varied selection of colours and fabrics, ranging from bold hues to subtle neutrals.
• Offers a combination of textures, such as velvet, leather, or patterned upholstery.

Wall Colour:

• Serves as a backdrop for eclectic artwork and décor.
• Often painted in neutral tones to allow other elements in the room to stand out.

Artwork:

• Showcases a diverse mix of artwork styles, including paintings, prints, and sculptures.
• Reflects the homeowner's personal taste and interests, with no strict rules on theme or medium.

Textured Pillows and Rugs:

• Features an eclectic mix of textures and patterns, from plush velvet to woven textiles.
• Offers an opportunity to layer colours and textures for visual interest and comfort.

Design Principles:

• Encourages creativity and self-expression through curated collections of décor items.
• Celebrates individuality and personal style, with no limitations on mixing and matching different elements.
• Embraces the unexpected and unconventional, creating a space that feels curated and lived-in.

 

4. Scandinavian

Scandinavian interior design embodies simplicity, functionality, and minimalism, characterized by clean lines, natural materials, and light-coloured woods like beech or birch in furniture. Couches typically feature neutral tones such as white, grey, or beige, fostering an airy and light-filled ambiance, with occasional soft pastel hues like light blue or blush pink for added warmth. Walls are often painted in crisp white or soft, muted tones to amplify natural light and create a sense of spaciousness, occasionally incorporating light wood panelling for texture.

Print, Pink 'back in time'

Artwork tends to focus on nature-inspired themes or simple, abstract compositions, kept minimal to maintain the clean, uncluttered aesthetic. Textured pillows and rugs emphasize natural materials like wool, linen, or cotton, with subtle geometric patterns adding visual interest.

Scandinavian design principles prioritize functionality and practicality while embracing elements of hygge, promoting comfort, coziness, and a sense of well-being. The style celebrates natural light and minimalist décor to cultivate a serene and harmonious living environment, inviting inhabitants to relax and unwind in understated elegance.

Summary of Scandinavian design: 

• Furniture Styles:
• Characterized by simplicity, functionality, and minimalism.
• Features clean lines, natural materials, and light-coloured woods like beech or birch.
• Couch Colour Choices:
• Neutral tones like white, grey, or beige, promoting a sense of airiness and light.
• Occasionally, soft pastel hues like light blue or blush pink are incorporated for a touch of warmth.
• Wall Colour:
• Often painted in crisp white or soft, muted tones to enhance natural light and create a sense of spaciousness.
• Occasionally, light wood panelling is used to add warmth and texture to the space.
• Artwork:
• Focuses on nature-inspired themes or simple, abstract compositions.
• Limited use of artwork to maintain the clean, uncluttered aesthetic of the space.
• Textured Pillows and Rugs:
• Emphasis on natural textures like wool, linen, or cotton for pillows and rugs.
• Simple geometric patterns or subtle textures add visual interest without overwhelming the space.
• Design Principles:
• Prioritizes functionality and practicality without sacrificing style.
• Incorporates elements of hygge, emphasizing comfort, coziness, and a sense of well-being.
• Embraces natural light and minimalist décor to create a serene and harmonious environment.

5. Industrial

Industrial style interior design embraces the rugged charm of raw, unfinished materials such as metal, wood, and exposed brick, crafting a utilitarian aesthetic with durability and functionality at its core. Couches often feature leather or distressed leather upholstery in rich, earthy tones like brown or black, while fabric options in neutral shades like grey or charcoal provide contrast. Walls typically boast exposed brick or concrete, evoking the atmosphere of an industrial warehouse, though dark, muted tones like charcoal grey or deep navy may also be used to enhance the industrial feel.

Print, 'Violet'

Artwork often includes painted pieces with an urban or gritty vibe, such as moody portraits or graffiti-style abstracts, adding an edgy and contemporary touch to the space. Pillows and rugs showcase rugged textures like distressed leather or burlap, often in dark, neutral colours with metallic accents for visual interest.

Industrial design principles celebrate the beauty of raw materials and unfinished surfaces, integrating vintage or salvaged pieces for character while balancing rough industrial elements with softer textures and furnishings to create a space that is both edgy and inviting.

 

Summary of Industrial design: 

• Furniture Styles:
• Characterized by raw, unfinished materials such as metal, wood, and exposed brick.
• Features utilitarian designs with a focus on durability and functionality.
• Couch Colour Choices:
• Often leather or distressed leather in rich, earthy tones like brown or black.
• Occasionally, fabric couches in neutral shades like grey or charcoal are used for contrast.
• Wall Colour:
• Typically features exposed brick or concrete walls to evoke an industrial warehouse aesthetic.
• Alternatively, walls may be painted in dark, muted tones like charcoal grey or deep navy to enhance the industrial feel.
• Artwork:
• Often industrial-themed artwork such as metal sculptures, vintage signs, or framed black-and-white photography.
• Industrial design elements like gears, pipes, or machinery may also be incorporated into wall décor.
• Textured Pillows and Rugs:
• Pillows and rugs feature rugged textures like distressed leather, burlap, or woven fabrics with industrial-inspired prints.
• Dark, neutral colours like black, brown, or grey dominate, with occasional pops of metallic accents for added interest.
• Design Principles:
• Emphasizes the beauty of raw, exposed materials and unfinished surfaces.
• Incorporates elements of vintage or salvaged industrial pieces for authenticity and character.
• Balances rough, industrial elements with softer textures and furnishings for warmth and comfort.

 

6. Mid - Century Modern

 

Mid-century style interior design showcases clean lines, organic forms, and functional simplicity, epitomized by iconic pieces from the mid-20th century such as Eames lounge chairs or Saarinen tulip tables. Couches often sport earthy tones like mustard yellow, olive green, or burnt orange, occasionally opting for muted neutrals like beige or grey. Walls are typically painted in light, natural tones to complement the furniture, though bold accent walls in vibrant colours like teal or deep blue may offer contrast.

Artwork tends to echo the design principles of the era, showcasing abstract or geometric motifs, with limited use to maintain focus on the furniture and architectural elements. Textured pillows and rugs feature simple patterns or solid colours, often in materials like wool or tweed for a tactile touch.

Emphasizing functionality and simplicity, mid-century design integrates indoor and outdoor spaces while striving for harmony between form and function, often incorporating natural materials like wood and stone to create timeless spaces with a nod to the past.

Summary of Mid-Century Modern: 

• Furniture Styles:
• Characterized by clean lines, organic forms, and functional simplicity.
• Features iconic pieces from the mid-20th century, such as Eames lounge chairs or Saarinen tulip tables.
• Couch Colour Choices:
• Earthy tones like mustard yellow, olive green, or burnt orange.
• Occasionally, muted neutrals like beige or grey are also seen.
• Wall Colour:
• Often painted in light, natural tones to complement the furniture.
• Occasionally, bold accent walls in vibrant colours like teal or deep blue are used to add contrast.
• Artwork:
• Typically showcases abstract or geometric motifs, echoing the design principles of the era.
• Limited use of artwork to maintain focus on the furniture and architectural elements.

Print, 'Brother Joseph'

• Textured Pillows and Rugs:
• Simple patterns or solid colours for pillows and rugs, avoiding overly busy designs.
• Materials like wool or tweed are common for a tactile touch.
• Design Principles:
• Emphasizes functionality and simplicity, with a focus on integrating indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Strives for harmony between form and function, often incorporating natural materials like wood and stone.

7. Maximalist 

 

Maximalist style interior design revels in boldness and extravagance, embracing an eclectic mix of patterns, textures, and colours to create a visually stimulating and dynamic space. Furniture pieces are often large and plush, with luxurious fabrics like velvet or silk, adorned with intricate detailing and vibrant hues. Couches in maximalist interiors serve as focal points, featuring rich jewel tones, intricate patterns, or opulent textures.

Acrylic painting on paper 'Sapphire', Print 'Rare'.

Walls serve as a canvas for maximalist expression, with bold wallpaper designs, vibrant paint colours, or even elaborate murals adding drama and personality to the space. Artwork in maximalist rooms is diverse and eclectic, ranging from large-scale paintings to gallery walls filled with an assortment of prints and photographs.

Textured pillows and rugs add layers of comfort and visual interest, with a mix of patterns, textures, and colours creating a sense of abundance and richness. Maximalist design principles embrace extravagance and opulence, encouraging fearless self-expression and creativity, resulting in a space that exudes personality and individuality at every turn.

Summary of Maximalist design: 

• Furniture Style:
• Large and plush pieces with luxurious fabrics like velvet or silk.
• Intricate detailing and vibrant hues contribute to the boldness and extravagance of the space.
• Couch Options:
• Serve as focal points with rich jewel tones, intricate patterns, or opulent textures.
• Embrace boldness and minimalism with their design and presence in the room.
• Wall Décor:
• Bold wallpaper designs, vibrant paint colours, or elaborate murals adorn the walls.
• Add drama and personality to the space.
• Artwork Variety:
• Diverse and eclectic, ranging from large-scale paintings to gallery walls filled with prints and photographs.
• Contribute to the visual stimulation and dynamic nature of the space.
• Textured Pillows and Rugs:
• Add layers of comfort and visual interest with a mix of patterns, textures, and colours.
• Contribute to the sense of abundance and richness characteristic of maximalist design.
• Design Principles:
• Embrace extravagance and opulence, encouraging fearless self-expression and creativity.
• Result in a space that exudes personality and individuality at every turn.

Print 'Night Shine'.