Interior design styles. Fourteen looks, and how to get each one.
Fourteen interior design styles in plain words, from Japandi to Art Deco: what each one is, its colours and materials, and how to get the look at home.
Take the style quizFour sliders, under a minute.
From the quietest room to the fullest
MinimalistKeeping only what you need.
ScandinavianThe simple style of the Nordic countries.
JapandiJapanese and Scandinavian design, mixed.
Wabi-sabiA Japanese idea: beauty in worn, imperfect things.
Organic modernModern design, softened with natural materials.
CoastalThe seaside, brought indoors.
TransitionalThe middle ground of classic and modern.
FarmhouseThe comfortable style of country homes.
TraditionalClassic European design, as in older homes.
Mid-century modernThe style of the 1950s and 60s.
IndustrialOld factories, made into homes.
Art DecoThe glamorous style of the 1920s and 30s.
BohoA relaxed style of things collected over time.
MaximalistMore is more.Not sure which is yours?Take the style quiz →The 14 styles, side by side
Four things tell most styles apart: how old the furniture looks, how dark the wood is, how much colour the room carries and how much is on show.
| Style | Era | Wood | Colour | On show |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimalist | New | Pale and plain | White and neutral | Only what is needed |
| Scandinavian | Modern, with 1950s classics | Pale | White, with soft pastels | Little |
| Japandi | New, clean-lined | Pale and dark together | Muted earth tones | Almost nothing |
| Wabi-sabi | Old, worn by time | Weathered, mid to dark | Muted earth and stone | A few imperfect things |
| Organic modern | New | Pale to mid | Warm neutrals | Little |
| Coastal | Fresh, with a few old sea pieces | Pale or washed | Blues on white | A few things |
| Transitional | Between classic and modern | Mid-toned | Warm neutrals, one accent | Some, not many |
| Farmhouse | Old, with heirlooms | Worn, mid-toned | Cream, sage and wheat | Everyday things and finds |
| Traditional | Classic, antique | Dark, polished | Rich but muted | Collections and paintings |
| Mid-century modern | 1950s and 60s | Warm, mid to dark | A few confident colours | A few good pieces |
| Industrial | Old factory, new home | Dark, rough | Grey, black and rust | The structure itself |
| Art Deco | 1920s and 30s | Dark and glossy | Black, gold and jewel tones | A few statement pieces |
| Boho | Old and new, mixed | Natural, untreated | Earthy, with bright accents | Lots: finds and plants |
| Maximalist | Every era at once | Dark, or painted | Bold and saturated | Everything you love |