What’s My Design Style? Here’s How To Figure It Out!
What’s my design style? Take a look at the properties of the 12 most well known types of interior design styles to help you figure out which style describes yours.
With the holidays fast approaching, many of us are striving to give our homes a refresh. That can be a bit difficult if you aren’t sure what direction you want to go with your interior decor.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked myself, what’s my design style? Do you know yours? If you’re like me and most other people, you have an idea of what you do and don’t like, but really can’t put a name to it.
Why should I care about identifying what my style is? Well…there are a number of reasons why it’s important to know:
- Your home should be a reflection of you and your likes. Knowing your design style can help you hone in on just what that is.
- Knowing your design style gives you a jumping off point when designing and decorating your spaces. If you have no clue what you’re drawn to, it can make it difficult to figure out where to even begin.
- Knowing your design style helps keep you focused when decorating your home. It’s easy to get swayed by the latest trend, but giving in to that temptation can easily pull you off your decorating track and leave you unhappy with your results.
- Knowing your design style is like a muscle – the more you use it that knowledge, the stronger it becomes. Becoming intimately familiar with your design style will help you to immediately recognize what you do and don’t like and can save you time and money.
With all that being said, let’s take a look at the most well known styles and the characteristics of each. Be aware that you’ll likely find some overlap and won’t be 100% one style or the other, but go with the style that has the most characteristics that you’re drawn to, but also feel free to totally mix things up.
As you review this list, try to put your current decor out of your mind, since it may not be a reflection of your true design style!
FARMHOUSE, MODERN FARMHOUSE & COTTAGE
The farmhouse design style is known for its warmth and simplicity. In my mind, there are different types of farmhouse style though – traditional farmhouse, modern farmhouse and cottage. All three styles have deep roots seated in centuries of history and are focused on practical, dependable and available materials. Many of their core elements are found in today’s versions.
Characteristics of farmhouse, modern farmhouse and cottage styles are:
- neutral colors
- warm hardwood floors
- planked walls
- porches with rockers
- freestanding kitchen furniture
- open shelving
- vintage or antique furniture and accents
- painted furniture.
- Modern farmhouse has many of the above characteristics, but strikes a balance between pastoral and refined. It emphasizes comfortable living with more contemporary sensibilities. Think rustic, yet refined.
- Cottage style has all of the similarities of farmhouse style, but is further characterized with textural elements such as baskets, beadboard walls, natural fiber rugs and is generally more colorful.
TRADITIONAL & UPDATED TRADITIONAL
Traditional is one of the oldest, most common types of design styles. It’s rooted in heritage. You will often find pieces that have changed very little (or none at all) since they were first created.
Characteristics of traditional and updated traditional style are:
- strives for harmony and order
- symmetry is a big deal
- matching furnishings
- a color palette of warm tones
- furniture is heavier and can be a bit ornate
- accessories are grand
- fabrics can be heavy and ornate
- Updated traditional style incorporates many of the elements of purely traditional design, but the updated version incorporates fabrics, furnishings and accents that are brighter and more streamlined.
TRANSITIONAL
Transitional is the marriage of both contemporary and traditional styles made by blending pieces from both styles together. Think old world traditional mixed with more contemporary chrome and glass.
HGTV
Characteristics of transitional style are:
- furniture lines are a mix of curves and straight lines, balancing both feminine and masculine attributes
- a lack of the ornamentation found in traditional styled furnishings and accessories
- relies on a neutral foundation of cream, beige and gray
- furniture scale is ample, but not overly so
- accessories are carefully selected and kept to a minimum
- wood finishes are warm, but are also mixed with natural and high-gloss pieces
- fabrics vary from sophisticated plush materials to tone-on-tone or small scale prints
MODERN/CONTEMPORARY/MINIMALIST
Many people feel that modern, contemporary or minimalist styles can be cold and stark. In reality, when done well, it can be very warm and inviting without being fussy.
Characteristics of modern, contemporary and minimalist design styles are:
- the focus is on clean, crisp lines in furnishings, art and accessories – no extra embellishments
- a simple color palette usually in shades of neutrals
- environmentally friendly materials
- less is more.
- Modern style is strictly based in the here and now styles that started in the 20th century. Contemporary style is more fluid and is less adherent to a specific time period, but represents a sense of currency.
- The minimalist design style takes modern and simplifies it even more and is defined by a sense of functionality and ultra clean lines.
BOHO & ECLECTIC
With BOHO style, you can toss out all the rules. It has become very popular in the last few years, although its roots date back much further to 19th century Paris. It’s exotic, playful, very layered and is intended to embrace the unconventional.
Characteristics of BOHO style are:
- it’s more about creating an atmosphere that you enjoy than it is about following a certain style
- colors typically include a variety of jewel tones
- chrome, brass, gold and silver are popular finishes
- colors are mixed and matched to show off your personality
- vintage treasures, quirky flea market finds and souvenirs are usually prevalent
- there is no such thing as too much.
- Eclectic design style should be called the slightly more refine cousin of BOHO. There are many similarities as far as the colorful and layered aesthetic, but the pieces are typically less organic and are more styled.
- Eclectic rooms may be filled with iconic pieces from just about every style.
INDUSTRIAL
Industrial style is pretty much exactly what its name states. It takes it cues from old factories and industrial facilities and typically leans toward a more masculine than feminine vibe.
MAISONS DU MONDE
Characteristics of industrial design style are:
- weathered wood
- exposed brick
- exposed pipes
- natural color palette
- no plush fabrics
- no-frills and no-fuss furniture and accessories
- includes salvaged and recycled materials
- furnishings have a simple design in natural finishes and neutral colors
- combinations of wood and metal are common
COASTAL
Coastal design style is all about a casual, beachy atmosphere – a style that you’ll typically find in homes located on the east coast.
Characteristics of coastal design style are:
- white-washed woods
- varying shades of blue and gray
- plenty of white
- natural elements
- natural fiber rugs
- light filled interiors
- clutter free surfaces to help create a light and breezy atmosphere
- stripes on pillows or furnishings
MID-CENTURY MODERN
The mid-century modern style can be one of the most relatable styles for many people as its roots lie in pieces designed in the ’50’s, 60’s and 70’s. These are styles that have withstood the test of time, yet still remain fresh and modern.
Characteristics of mid-century modern style are:
- a retro-tinged, fresh and poppy vibe
- natural elements such as wood beams or exposed wood panels
- abstract prints and patterns free of cultural references
- unpretentious with a casual lounge-ready vibe
- moody color hues
- furnishings have clean lines with no fuss or formality
- plastic, acrylic and Formica is common on furnishings
- hairpin legs
- low streamlined seating
- no cluttered surfaces
GLAM
The glam design style is typically very high-end and polished with minimal, but impactful touches that give it that elevated look. This style is all about amplifying the shine of its accents.
Characteristics of glam design style are:
- modern furniture lines
- luxurious fabrics, such as velvet, faux fur and silk
- neutral and/or jewel tones
- typically has a more maximalist vibe
- lighting may be over-scaled or dramatic
- use of crystal in light fixtures
- shiny, reflective surfaces
- draperies pooling on the floor
- emphasis is on glamour and luxury
Now that you’ve reviewed the most common characteristics of these styles, what will you say when asked, “what’s my design style”? No matter what your answer, the bottom line is that it’s your home and should be a reflection of you!
I guess I am transitional. A mix of Traditional, farmhouse, rustic.
Great Info! thanks
This was very helpful! I must be a blend of Cottage and Traditional. Enjoy your posts very much. Keep up the good work!
I love reading these types of posts, I’m still trying to figure out my style! I didn’t see the category of “hodgepodge “ which more than likely describes my efforts, but all kidding aside, I find it hard to identify my style. A lot of what I like is no longer “ in style” but I try hard to stick to some of the classics when possible. I notice that some very high end homes featured in the media could give a fig about trends and wouldn’t think of getting rid of oriental rugs or classic mahogany furniture. I think that it’s important that a house is furnished with a nod to the exterior which is sometimes difficult. Our house built in 1960 is classified as a mid century modern with a hip roof and a cantilevered Design, yet I can’t bring myself to incorporate that vibe inside. So I try to keep lines of large furniture pieces streamlined even though I really like the look of country French furnishings. I’m sure a designer would have a field day with my traditional, contemporary, French farmhouse decor in our lake house! I did find it surprising that you did not include either French country or provincial furnishings in your post since it is a rather popular choice right now. Even Joanna Gaines has jumped on the bandwagon!
Honestly, I didn’t even think to include French country, but I should have!
After being married 37 years; three kids, and 3 grandkids, I’m still trying to find my style! My style has evolved so many, many times in 37 years. From those first lean years of hand-me-downs, to making sure it will clean easily–ie: KIDS! To being “empty-nesters” and finally, finally, getting the desired look I’ve wanted. I always kept the folder with torn out magazine pictures, sketches and notes. All through the years I’ve always leaned toward the Farmhouse/Cottage look. It may not have always had a name, but I always knew what I liked.
It took me forever too! I used to have notebooks filled with pages torn from magazines and I spent way to much time and money trying to keep up with the current trends instead of just following my heart. I’m glad you finally realized what you love!
My home is transitional infused with items from nature and vintage sales. I still love my comfy red sofa which is definitely not anything I see on magazine pages 🙂
Our style is traditional. more specifically Colonial. We’ve always been drawn to Early American things and Dark Cherry Queen Ann furniture of the Federal era. we live by the ocean and our home’s architecture is Island Colonial so it has references of a strong British Colonial accent. high contrast of dark woods with whites and creams in the soft furnishing. Lots of blue and white, green accents in pottery or pillows during warm months and black, gray, caramel and rust in cooler months. Shells, driftwood, woven grasses, brass and sterling silver. Our upstairs rooms are kitschy and fun for the grandchildren. Our granddaughter’s room/my sewing room & office, is vintage cottage in yellows, green and lavender with many quilts, rag rugs and inherited treasures from the generations of our grandmothers. Our grandson’s/guest room is all things vintage “Summer Camp” in browns, blacks, beiges, grays & orangey reds with more antique/vintage pieces. The upstairs den is quintessential early American country. My laundry room is full of days gone when we were raising our family, generations of baby shoes in displays, antique blue ball jars, rag rugs, vintage cross-stitch pieces, even the Raggedy Ann and Andy cafe curtains from our daughter’s nursery. She is in her 50s now. The public rooms tend toward comfortable English formality and the private spaces are very personal. I love to play house!
Great article! It appears I’m traditional with a touch of BoHo.
Traditional – raised in the Deep South. Boho – love of thrift stores estate and yard sales. Who knew??