14 Most Popular Interior Design Styles in 2024

In contemporary times, the availability of interior materials, different renovation contractors and interior design services is bigger than ever. However, not many people are aware of the different styles when they go for a home interior change. One of the most significant challenges for interior designers is to educate the customers to want and to be unique even in their own homes. 

In order to achieve this, the clients must have a basic understanding of vocabulary to describe and define their personal ideas and visions for the desired interior design look. For this reason, a great starting point for every interior design project is to learn a bit about some of the most popular interior design styles and the differences between them.

1. Modern

If you’re looking for a home interior that is clean, with crisp lines and a simplistic color palette, you might as well be looking for the broadly-used term “modern”. It’s usually described as sleek as it emphasizes the sense of simplicity in all interior elements, including furniture.

2. Contemporary

Contrary to popular belief, contemporary is quite different than the modern in terms of interior design. So, what makes the contemporary style distinguishable and original is the fluidity and the ability to represent currency with less adherence to one particular style. Basically, this is for the moment, “here and now”, giving the homeowner the freedom to incorporate various details from other styles.

3. Minimalist

When it comes to minimalism, to some people it’s never enough. There will always be people who won’t be satisfied with the modern style’s simplicity. For this reason, the minimalist concept takes the notions of modern design and simplifies them further. Basically, color palettes are neutral and airy while the furnishings are simple and streamlined. The idea is to focus on the functionality rather than excessive flamboyant.

4. Industrial

As the name suggests, the industrial interior appearance clearly draws inspiration from a warehouse or an urban loft. The idea behind this interior design lies in the unfinished rawness – in most cases expressed with exposed brick, ductwork or wood. High ceilings, old timber and dangling metal light fixtures with sparse functional furniture are typical for the industrial style.

5. Mid-century Modern

Obviously, this style is a throwback to the 1950s and 60s. It represents the retro nostalgia combined with some elements of minimalism. As for mid-century interior designs, functionality was the main theme, this employs pared-down forms, natural or organic shapes, and simple fabrications.

6. Scandinavian

Throughout recent years, the Scandinavian interior design style has grown in popularity by and large. Simply put, this appearance pays homage to the simplicity of the Nordic life. Along with the common idea of functionality, this style offers a little sculptural influence. It also incorporates natural elements like form-pressed wood, bright plastics and enameled aluminum, steel, and wide plank flooring. Learn more ways to bring Scandinavian Interior Design into your home with this article. However, the main idea of this design style is to rely on natural lighting in spacious rooms with little to no accessories and functional furniture. 

7. Traditional

On the other hand, there are still people that prefer the good old classic look of the home. The traditional design offers all the classic details, sumptuous furnishings and lots of accessories. This includes featured dark-colored finished wood, various color palettes and a bunch of textures and curved lines. The main feature of this style is the depth, layering, and dimensionality it offers.

8. Transitional

Yet another popular one, the transitional design borrows from both traditional and modern designs in order to facilitate a mix between the two. In other words, this appearance may incorporate modern materials like steel and glass with plush furnishings while sticking to relatively neutral color palettes. As a result, you’ll get a calming and relaxing space that’s balanced – stylish and sleek and warm and inviting at the same time.

9. French Country

If you’re a fan of the warm and earthy colors with all the worn and ornamental wooden furnishing that reminds you of the good old European country lifestyle, then you might as well be thinking of French Country design style. The dominant colors here are all soft and warm tones of red, yellow or gold while the usual materials are stone and brick but there’s an abundance of ornate porcelain dishes and heavy linens and bed coverings as additional decoration.

10. Rustic

Surprisingly, this design draws inspiration from the natural world and it employs the use of raw and often unfinished elements like wood and stone. However, the style is distinguishable from the Industrial one by the closeness to the natural world and the outdoors rather than the warehouse vibes that the latter brings in. Nowadays, there are many looks that integrate rustic design features along with more modern furnishings and accessories.

11. Bohemian

Arguably, this is one of the most popular styles among those who are into home design and fashion. As the name suggests, this style represents a carefree lifestyle with its vintage furniture and light fixtures, globally-inspired textiles and rugs, displays of collections and other items that come from various sources. As a general rule of thumb, the Bohemian style incorporates the “laissez-faire” attitude where anything goes as long as you love it. This style makes your apartment an excellent place for discussions and deep conversation. It allows for a quick grab of a book or the crackling of the vinyl player. Arrange your apartment in this design to take that little travel back into different times. Visit here to find the perfect companion for your Bohemian love cave.

12. Shabby Chic

Well, when talking about interior design, we can’t help but honor at least one that’s dedicated to women’s taste. Shabby Chic is basically a vintage-inspired style that’s focused on the femininity, softness, and delicacy. This includes furnishings that are often either distressed or at least appear to be that way. The paints tend to have antique-looking finishes while the color palettes range from white and creamy to various pastels. 

13. Hollywood Glam

To those who like to live in luxury, Hollywood Glam is quite over-the-top and opulent. With this interior design style, you’ll definitely make a statement as it incorporates elements from the Victorian era – plush, velvet furnishings, tufting, and various antiques. The color palettes are usually bold and autocratic – purple, red and turquoise. 

14. Coastal/Hamptons

Last but not least, the Hamptons style hails from the iconic US beachside area. Talking about beaches, this style’s color palette includes all light and airy colors with neutral shades, usually paired with blues and greens. The furnishings are often white or beige. To comply with the colors, the accessories are often inspired by the sea while the elements may be made of wood.

Final Thoughts

All in all, if you’re looking for a way to solidify your personal design ideas, you first need to get a grasp of the design fundamentals and styles. From then on, you’ll be able to personalize your home interior and conjure up a wide range of inspirational and creative visions of your future home and provide a framework to build your personal aesthetic. If you’re interested in creating a unique home interior design, Swiss Interior is one of the top interior design firms in Singapore. There you’ll be able to find everything you need to know about the abovementioned styles.