by A house breathes and feels like the people living in it. Thus to decorate a home as per your individual taste is not an easy task, the interior designer or architect needs to understand the needs, likes and personalities of the people residing, to make sure, the house becomes them.
But many people are confused about the type of interior design they want. It is because of the choices they now have. There are so many types of interior design concepts available in the market, you may find it hard to differentiate them. However each design has its own feature when it comes to color tones used, type of furniture, flooring, ceiling, textile, accessories and even the window frames.
To guide you better we have chosen the top 10 interior design styles that are currently trending in the market
If someone is looking for more space, modern/contemporary/minimalist are the choices. But for people who loves a lot of colors then mediterranean/mid-century modern/shabbychic is the go to option.
1. Modern interior design styles
Clean, Crisp, Spacious. If you are someone looking for an evergreen design, then this is for you.
Originated in the 19th century beginning and came to prominence in the late 1920s, this style have stayed in relevance throughout the years. It paved way for most of the design styles like contemporary, minimalism and industrial. This design uses a sense of simplicity in every element, including furniture.
Modern interior design combines mainly with open plan lay out, wherein you should have an open living, dining and kitchen. It helps to avoid unnecessary structures and bring beauty to the home.
2. Contemporary interior design styles
And if you are someone who likes to go with the current trend, then contemporary is the one.
Contemporary takes a lot of features from modern, minimalist and other global styles which are prevalent. You cannot classify contemporary design on one style since its more fluid and adapts to the recent design trends.
How can you distinguish contemporary from modern design?
The line and space is the most visible factor in contemporary designs. Contemporary designs give more importance to lines in design details for ceilings, windows etc. Space is another factor that makes this design more attractive there are lots of spaces between walls, between furniture thus making it look more lavish. It is more minimalistic in approach but not completely minimalist, which is explained later in this article.
3. Traditional interior design styles
If you are a fan of classics, then this is your perfect choice.
Everything about this design reminds us about an era that is long gone. Traditional interior design mixes the modern with colors, style and furniture of the 18th and 19th century. It does give a rich and vibrant feel. Because of the familiarity in design it appeals to all ages at all times.
There is no room for any kind of minimalist furniture, accessories in traditional designs. Even the paintings and the textiles used should take you back to the 18th or 19th century.
4. Industrial interior design styles
If you loves things rugged, this design is for you.
People are following this trend for quite some time now, and I’m sure you might have also seen this kind of interiors in restaurants and office spaces. This design is mostly about being authentic. As you can see, the bare walls, high ceilings everything is part of it. Even the furniture and lighting is usually made from wood, metal or scrap materials.
Its about creating a raw, unfinished looks for your home with utilitarian objects and is not shy of showing the building materials used in its construction, like exposed pipes and ducts.
5. Minimalist interior design styles
Minimalist design is all about being simple in design and not doing anything extravagant. If you are a modern art lover or who loves minimalism, this is the design that suits you more than you will ever know.
Art plays a huge role in making this rather simple design standout with its vibrant colors
People who use minimalist design does’t necessarily spend less even if the design looks simple. For the minimalist design to look elegant you need to invest in quality fixtures, like designer light fixtures, contemporary gas fires and high grade storage units without cluttering the space.
This design needs lots of space and a good view to make it more attractive.
 6. Mediterranean design styles
What comes to mind when you think about Italy and Spain? Romance, right?
This design is for the romantics, who love the sun and the sea. It creates a cheerful atmosphere with bold, simple and convenient design. The colors used in this design is mainly originated from the shades of Sun and Sea. Simple furniture are usually made from wood, wrought iron, glass and stone. Wallpapers are not used in its design also Ceramic floor tiles and mosaic is used for cladding, this design is completely different to contemporary, modern and minimalist.
7. Mid-Century modern design styles
Mid-Century modern design came into being post WWII during the 1980s. It came in with practicality, with a touch of Scandinavian design concepts. It’s a casual lounge type design, making it peppy with different tones.
This design mainly focuses on comfort, and it also gives more freedom in terms of designing compared to minimalistic or traditional design approach. The materials used to decorate is practical, durable and easy to source at any price. If you are someone who is looking to create a retro tinged peppy kind of atmosphere focusing on comfort, this is the best option.
8. Eclectic design styles
Are you someone who is looking for a mix of many worlds? Need a combination of design elements from different styles/eras! Then you are at the right place.
Harmony is the word to use for eclectic designs, if done right, it will be a marvel. But if you don’t, it will be a mess.
There are lot of elements and more crowded space in eclectic designs than a modern/contemporary/minimalist style. It has more colors tones too which makes it difficult and challenging to design. You need an expert to work on your space if you plan to go with eclectic.
9. Beach style/Coastal design styles
Wish you had a beach resort? Go for the coastal design for interiors.
It will make your home look cool with vibrant pops of yellow, coral and turquoise. The coastal design helps you have a home which relaxes and refreshes you with its light colors. This design too promotes open plan living and dining to make it more spacious and airy. Likewise it is suggested to have large windows to let in the sunlight, thus more natural light.
10. Shabby Chic design styles
Conceptualized in Britain during the 18th century and came into prominence in 1980s, this style has stood the test of time. Choosing this design will not make you regret.
Adding distressed or vintage furniture to your interiors will give it the “shabby chic” beauty. Another feature of this design is open shelf or mantelpiece with collectibles and accessories. Artwork and Chandelier too helps make the look perfect.
This design like mediterranean, mid-century modern and coastal gives you more relaxing and casual interiors.
We will be explaining each of these interior styles and further in detail in coming articles. This article is aimed to give you a first time impression on the prominent type of interior designs in the market.
Thanks for reading, please comment your suggestions below.
Useful guide for common people with no idea about interiors, or how can a house be transformed into a home.
Thank you. N K Balakrishnan