Home Decor Design Styles


Whether you own or rent, decorating your place is one of the most exciting aspects. It can also be daunting if you have no clue your preferences or style type. From experience, I’ve tried and failed at many interior design styles over the years. After almost 15 years on my own, I think I have it slightly narrowed down to what I like to call traditional coastal cottage.

When I first got started on my home decor journey, I wish I would have taken a little more time to learn about the many different design styles. I’m pretty sure it would have saved a lot of money, time, and stress. Have you ever repainted your hallway four different times because you decided the color wasn’t right? I don’t recommend it.

So, let’s talk home decor styles. There are MANY, but I’ll take you through some of the most popular styles. Hopefully, you’ll get an idea of your individual style and find the ideal look for your space and you don’t find yourself making the same mistakes I’ve made along the way.

Some of the more popular home decor styles include:

  • Traditional
  • Modern
  • Eclectic
  • Minimalist
  • Farmhouse
  • Coastal
  • French Country
  • Contemporary
  • Bohemian
  • Transitional
  • Shabby Chic
  • Hollywood Glam

Traditional home decor embodies timeless elegance and classic charm. It embraces rich textures, ornate details, and a warm color palette. The furniture often features intricate carvings and curves, crafted from dark, polished woods. Fabrics like velvet, brocade, and damask adorn upholstered pieces, complemented by tassels and fringe. Traditional homes boast statement pieces such as chandeliers, antique mirrors, and grand fireplaces, creating a sense of opulence. Artwork and decorative accents showcase landscapes, portraits, and tapestries, evoking a sense of history. With attention to symmetry and balance, traditional home decor encapsulates a refined and sophisticated aesthetic that never goes out of style.

Modern home decor embraces simplicity, minimalism, and clean lines. It favors open spaces, natural light, and a neutral color palette with pops of bold hues. Furniture features sleek designs and smooth surfaces, often made from materials like metal, glass, and leather. The emphasis is on functionality, with multifunctional pieces and integrated storage solutions. Technology seamlessly integrates into the decor, with smart home features and minimalist entertainment systems. Artwork tends to be abstract or contemporary, and decorative accents are often geometric or asymmetrical. Modern home decor embraces a sense of openness, efficiency, and a forward-thinking aesthetic that exudes a contemporary charm.

Eclectic home decor is a vibrant fusion of various styles, eras, and cultural influences. It celebrates individuality, personal taste, and the art of mixing and matching. Eclectic spaces are filled with an array of patterns, colors, and textures, creating a visually stimulating environment. Furniture pieces from different periods coexist harmoniously, showcasing a blend of vintage, modern, and even global designs. Artwork, collectibles, and decorative items from diverse sources contribute to the eclectic charm. It’s a style that embraces creativity, allowing homeowners to curate a truly unique and expressive space that reflects their personality and showcases their eclectic tastes.

Minimalist home decor is characterized by its simplicity, clean lines, and clutter-free spaces. It focuses on essential elements and eliminates excess, creating a serene and calming atmosphere. Neutral color palettes such as whites, grays, and earth tones dominate the space, promoting a sense of tranquility. Furniture pieces are sleek, functional, and often multi-purpose, with a preference for natural materials like wood and leather. Minimalist decor emphasizes open spaces, ample natural light, and uncluttered surfaces. Artwork tends to be minimal or abstract, and decorative accents are kept to a minimum. It embraces the concept of “less is more” and encourages a mindful and purposeful approach to living.

Farmhouse home decor exudes a rustic and cozy charm reminiscent of country living. It embraces natural materials, weathered finishes, and a warm color palette. Furniture features sturdy, distressed wood pieces with a mix of vintage and modern influences. Farmhouse decor often includes elements such as barn doors, exposed beams, and shiplap walls, adding to its rustic appeal. Soft textiles like cotton, linen, and burlap are used for curtains, upholstery, and throw pillows. Decorative accents include galvanized metal, mason jars, and antique trinkets. Farmhouse home decor creates a welcoming and nostalgic ambiance, evoking a sense of comfort, simplicity, and the beauty of rural life.

Coastal home decor captures the essence of seaside living, embracing a light and breezy atmosphere. It draws inspiration from the ocean, beach, and coastal landscapes. The color palette revolves around soft blues, sandy neutrals, and crisp whites, reflecting the hues of the sea and sand. Furniture is often relaxed and comfortable, featuring natural materials like rattan, wicker, and light-colored woods. Fabrics include airy linens, cotton, and nautical stripes. Decorative elements such as seashells, driftwood, and coral motifs are incorporated into the design. Coastal home decor aims to create a serene and refreshing space that invites a sense of tranquility and relaxation.

French Country home decor exudes elegance and rustic charm inspired by the countryside of Provence. It combines elements of both French sophistication and farmhouse aesthetics. The color palette features soft pastels, earthy tones, and muted hues, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Furniture showcases intricate woodwork, curved lines, and distressed finishes. Upholstery is often floral, toile, or striped patterns, while textiles like linen and lace add a touch of luxury. Decorative accents include antique chandeliers, ornate mirrors, and ceramic pottery. French Country decor embraces a sense of effortless beauty, blending refined details with a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

Contemporary home decor embraces the sleek and clean lines of modern design while incorporating elements of the present time. It focuses on simplicity, functionality, and a sense of open space. Neutral color palettes dominate the interior, often complemented by bold pops of color or metallic accents. Furniture features minimalist designs with smooth surfaces and geometric shapes, often utilizing materials like glass, metal, and leather. Technology integration is common, with smart home systems and minimalist entertainment setups. Artwork tends to be abstract or contemporary, and decorative accents are carefully chosen to make a statement. Contemporary home decor embodies a fresh, current, and forward-thinking aesthetic.

Bohemian home decor is a vibrant and eclectic style that celebrates free-spiritedness and individuality. It embraces a mix of patterns, colors, and textures, creating a bohemian oasis. Rich jewel tones, earthy hues, and bold prints dominate the palette, adding a sense of warmth and energy. Furniture pieces are often low-lying and comfortable, with influences from various cultures and eras. Natural materials like rattan, macramé, and woven textiles are prominent. Decorative elements include tapestries, plants, dreamcatchers, and collected artifacts, showcasing a love for travel and cultural diversity. Bohemian home decor encourages self-expression and a laid-back, unconventional lifestyle that embraces creativity and artistic flair.

Transitional home decor strikes a perfect balance between traditional elegance and contemporary simplicity. It merges classic and modern elements to create a timeless and harmonious aesthetic. The color palette revolves around neutral tones, creating a serene backdrop for the space. Furniture combines clean lines with subtle curves, featuring comfortable pieces upholstered in versatile fabrics. Transitional decor emphasizes symmetry and balance, with well-curated arrangements and thoughtful use of accessories. It incorporates both traditional and modern materials, such as wood, metal, and glass. Artwork and decorative accents are carefully chosen, reflecting a blend of both traditional and contemporary styles. Transitional home decor offers a refined and versatile look that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Shabby Chic home decor embraces a charming and vintage-inspired aesthetic with a touch of rustic elegance. It celebrates the beauty of weathered and distressed surfaces, creating a romantic and lived-in atmosphere. Soft pastel colors like muted pinks, blues, and creams dominate the palette, creating a delicate and whimsical ambiance. Furniture is often vintage or repurposed, featuring ornate detailing and worn finishes. Floral patterns, lace, and ruffles adorn textiles, while decorative accents include vintage mirrors, distressed picture frames, and antique trinkets. Shabby Chic decor exudes a sense of nostalgia and femininity, evoking a cozy and enchanting space filled with timeless appeal.

Hollywood Glam home decor embodies opulence, glamour, and a sense of luxury inspired by the golden age of Hollywood. It embraces bold and dramatic elements to create a lavish and extravagant ambiance. The color palette often includes rich jewel tones like deep purples, velvety blacks, and shimmering golds. Furniture features plush upholstery, sleek lines, and metallic accents. Mirrored surfaces, crystal chandeliers, and glamorous lighting fixtures add to the allure. Artwork is often bold and dramatic, and decorative accents include mirrored trays, faux fur throws, and statement accessories. Hollywood Glam decor creates a captivating and indulgent space that exudes glamour, sophistication, and a touch of celebrity allure.

So, what’s your type? When it comes to the design and decor of your dwelling there really isn’t a wrong way to do it, but it is certainly fun to learn about different styles and find one that fits your likes and needs.