13 interior styles that everyone needs to know about, according to designers

The latest interior design trends never fail to inspire us, and just as fashion changes and precious time moves forward, how we like to decorate our homes is ever-evolving. Our finger is well and truly on the pulse. It is a vibrant and exciting world to keep up with, to say the least. And while we always say that trends should influence our homes, looking to iconic interior design styles for inspiration is a way to ensure you design a home that never dates.

'Over the years, interior design has seen the rise of numerous iconic styles, each with its own distinctive charm and influences,' shares interior designer, Jenni Lauri of Jenni Lauri Design Studio. But with so many interior design styles out there, which are the most iconic in the eyes of today's interior designers?

Iconic interior design trends

As much as we can traverse between different designs and trends, the most iconic interior design styles typically fall into two distinct aesthetic categories: modern and traditional. Within these concrete themes are more distilled sub-styles, all of which represent the mood and feel of a particular era. Jenni Lauri makes it clear that choosing a single favorite style is rare amongst designers and that it is quite the norm to blend looks. You'll find this even in the world's best homes:

'Our favorites are Scandinavian, Japandi, Wabi-Sabi, Boho, Mediterranean, Mid Century, Industrial, Rustic, Modernism, Contemporary, Eclectic, and Traditional. Each of these styles have unique characteristics and subcategories adding a touch of personality to every space.

'In today's interior design landscape, there's a vast array of styles and substyles to choose from, and it's become increasingly popular to mix and match elements from different areas to create unique and personalized spaces.' 

Let's dive into the details with help from the experts. Starting with the classics that we know and love and H&G, edging towards the more niche and emerging trends:

Jenni Lauri

Jenni Lauri is a Los Angeles-based interior designer known for her expertise in creating refined and elevated spaces. Her passion for interior design and architecture was sparked at a young age, influenced by her family's deep involvement in the construction and design industry. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Jenni has an impressive portfolio that includes luxury homes, apartments, office spaces, multi-family buildings, and large-scale developments. Her design philosophy revolves around embracing change while maintaining clean lines, elegance, and simplicity. Drawing inspiration from her Scandinavian and Finnish heritage, Jenni incorporates neutral palettes and cultural touches into her designs. With a UCLA Interior & Architecture extension certificate, she continuously enhances her skills and knowledge in the field to provide exceptional results that reflect her clients' unique personalities and preferences.

1. Traditional and heritage styles

Heritage interior design styles deserve a space in every home. Accenting a more modern scheme with unique vintage finds is easily done, or vice-versa, depending on your preferences and on the original style of your home. 

'Traditional, with its various substyles like Victorian, Georgian, and Colonial, is a testament to timeless design,' notes Lauri.

Victorian design will see spaces making a statement out of fireplaces, choosing grooved paneling such as wainscoting, beautiful sash windows, and charming doors. The style originated in the UK, as the name implies, at the time of Queen Victoria's reign and it offers the perfect opportunity to blend old with the new. This mid-Victorian home is a wonderful example of how to enhance traditional home features with modern additions.

'There are many creative ways to bring heritage style into your home,' adds Lauri. 'Mixing and matching vintage and contemporary pieces, making original features like fireplaces or wall paneling focal points, adding a gallery wall or antique lighting as a pop and restoring your favorite furniture items can all add character and personality to your space.'

Georgian interior design of the 18th century is more luxurious, with high ceilings and ornamental detail as defining design elements. Colonial style boasts richly toned woods, natural textures, and sophisticated tropical detail to exude a sense of travel, and adventure. 

These styles can overlap, and bring in contemporary accents too for a modern heritage style: a combination of British and Colonnial. Decorating with antiques is quite the art, be sure to find inspiration from the most exemplary of homes and with our expert interior design tips.

2. Farmhouse, country, and French decor

In a sense, no matter how big or small an interior design style may be, they can each be iconic as they pave the way for new modernist evolutions. Recent years saw the rise of Cottagecore, combining cottage home roots with modern elegance and clean lines. Still, the rustic charm of farmhouse decor will always have a place in the home,

Humble, nonetheless stylish, as done with a shaker-style where everything has an inherent purpose, without being overly showy. Rustic interiors, are still admired for their warmth and welcoming feel, much like the mismatched, full colorful suites of French country decor can charm household members and guests alike.

3. Modernism

Many of today's best interior designers take pride in finding inspiration from past great designers and eras they contributed to.  'It's hard to pick one but I would say Modernism is definitely our top favorite. Whether you're designing a residential space or a commercial environment,' says Lauri. 'Modernism's adaptability makes it a go-to style for us. Design that stands the test of time, clean and contemporary aesthetic, neutral color palette, and open spaces are key elements why we love this timeless era.'

In modern-day design, we take aspects of styles past, only to reinvent and refine them in more 'micro' trends. Minimalism gets warmed up in 'quiet luxury home decor' and mid-century modern can be expressed with a difference, via its sister heritage style: The Retro Revival aesthetic, for example.

'Contemporary and modern styles bring a clean and trendy vibe, while industrial exudes that raw and warehouse charm. Scandinavian style embraces the warmth and comfort of "hygge," and mid-century modern adds a touch of the organic and iconic. Rustic celebrates nature and the outdoors, while eclectic is all about the vibrant fusion of styles.'

4. Bauhaus

Within modernism you will find nods to the elaborate luxury of Art Deco while it seems that the 19th century Bauhaus movement is a particular favorite amongst designers: 'Bauhaus isn’t just an aesthetic to be admired, it’s a design ethos that continues to challenge and inspire our work, reminding us that beauty resides in the essence of functionality,' says Artem Kropovinsky, an interior design expert and founder of Arsight.

Bauhaus, with its roots in a German art school that aimed to propel fine design, the arts and craftsmanship. It was also said to be inspired by the likes of William Morris within the British Arts and Crafts movement some years before*.

Artem Kropovinsky

Based in New York, Artem Kropovinsky boasts extensive global design experience spanning a decade. With a commitment to sustainability and authenticity, Artem, alongside his dedicated team, undertakes projects both in the US and internationally, earning recognition through prestigious design awards. Artem is the founder of Arsight, an esteemed global design firm known for its expertise in residential and commercial interior design. 

5. Mid-century modern

Evolving from as early as 1945, through to the 1960s, Mid-century modern interiors interiors are simple, filled with distinctive craftsmanship, architectural furniture, and warm colors. It is distinctive and sought after, and we owe much of its contemporary and clean aesthetic to architects such as Le Corbusier and Richard Neutra.

6. California cool

That relaxed, laid-back West-coast aesthetic, effortlessly channeled by interior designers like Amber Lewis, with specific California decor trends enjoyed wholeheartedly even by H&G's very own Jennifer Ebert. 

Think coastal farmhouse style notes, and washed-out tones with elements of driftwood and textured fabrics to bring California Casual into your home. It makes quite the contrast to East Coast style interiors which are none-the-less impactful, but slightly bolder in finish.

7. Mediterranean and worldly styles

Mediterranean decor is relaxed, yet brimming with colorful patterned tiles, colors of sea and sky, kindly juxtaposed against soft plaster tones and light-washed finishes.

Exciting tile, bright paint colors, and bespoke furniture can bring a unique flair of this interior design style to a space. Take Kirsten Dunst's Spanifornia living room for inspiration. In keeping with vibrant tones, and sculpted detail, Mexican decor that transverses many different eras of design: from Pre-columbian to contemporary, is no less of an influential style to be invited into our homes. 

8. Bohemian design

A little shabby, in all the right ways, bohemian decor is inviting and unfussy, without looking unfinished. Colors are earthy, tonal, bright, and rich, textures are layered, a little loose and it can be interpreted in multiple ways and in most home spaces.

Bohemian decor comes straight out of 19th Century Paris with great influence from artists that led a more free-spirited lifestyle. It is both eclectic and romantic; while it can be bold and subtle. Jungalow founder Justina Blakeney's distinct patterns and powerful use of color define this style well. More recently, Tish Cyrus showed us how to do 'California boho chic' with her freshly painted entryway.

9. Maximalist and eclectic styles

Maximalism is loud but not arrogant, and when done well it will not be overwhelming but a harmonious burst of energy and delight. For these iconic interior styles, we can take inspiration from Kelly Wearstler's dramatic and luxurious approach to spaces that draws on nature, architecture, and fashion. It is one to be admired, edited, and loved even more over time.

10. Minimalism

Though minimalism has a sore reputation for being cold and uninviting, we can still pay homage to its roots for it has inspired many more modern micro trends of late. Minimalism can simply be applied to many different styles and interpreted how you would like it. 

11. Wabi-Sabi

The imperfect charm of Wabi-Sabi home design is emerging in our homes. It is not new but coming more into the spotlight recently. Internationally celebrated interior architect, designer and property developer, Shalini Misra, told H&G that Wabi Sabi is the most iconic interior design style everyone should know about, here is why:

'Wabi Sabi is not just a design style; it's a personal philosophy deeply embedded in Japanese culture. For me, incorporating Wabi Sabi into interiors isn't just about aesthetics—it's about creating a space that uplifts, meditates, and inspires in the midst of daily life. Wabi Sabi draws inspiration from Buddhist teachings, encouraging an appreciation for life's imperfections. In interior design, it's a celebration of the 'imperfect, incomplete, and transient,' crafting spaces that mirror the ever-changing beauty of life.'

Misra chooses authentic colors to create the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic: 'My go-to palette includes muted, earthy tones like brown, green, grey, beige, and terracotta—a reflection of the inimitable beauty of the natural world.' 

Shalini Misra

Internationally celebrated interior architect, designer and property developer, Shalini Misra, has been creating spaces since she founded her practice over 20 years ago. Shalini qualified architect at the Delhi School of Architecture and Planning (SPA) in India, and specialized in Urban Planning at the University of Columbia in New York, before studying Virtual Reality in Architecture at the Bartlett School of Architecture in London.

12. Japandi

The calming aesthetic of Japandi lends itself perfectly to modern and more traditional homes alike. Combining notes of Scandinavian design with pared-back elements of Japanese interiors, this iconic interior design style was particularly popular post-pandemic for its calming and orderly finish that honours craftsmanship and nods to slow living.

13. Scandinavian design

Scandinavian design is inherently architectural, thoughtful, and modern, all whilst being cozy and inspiring, it is no wonder that it is perhaps one of the most influential and iconic interior design styles around. Many homes happily embrace the concept of Hygge, especially at the onset of fall. Some may even be familiar with Friluftsliv...

Swedish Interior Designer, Christina Richardson shares her time between Nevada, South Carolina, and Sweden. Richardson highlights how there is much more to Scandinavian design than meets the eye:

'Scandinavian design is all about function, light and beauty. Sweden and Scandinavia were poor countries with very limited daylight during parts of the year and we had to make the most out of everything. We had to make our spaces feel warm, functional and light at the same time. I think that combination speaks to many people, especially in big cities were space and light is limited and functionality is on top of the agenda. 

'I think the Scandi style will continue to grow as we are getting more and more conscious about our environment with the conscious use of space and light and with high-quality, long-lasting furniture.

Christina Richardson

Christina Richardson is an American interior designer with deep roots in the northern part of Sweden.

With her intuitive eye for design, and the ability to architect her ideas into fruition, it’s no wonder her company, Christina Richardson Interiors, is in demand all over the U.S. and in Europe.  

Devon Wegman

Devon Grace Interiors is an award-winning full-service design and general contracting firm specializing in inspiring luxury residential and commercial projects. Based in Chicago and led by husband and wife duo Devon and Michael Wegman, DGI synthesizes architecture, construction, and design disciplines to create thoughtful spaces to live, work, and play. With a multidisciplinary background and years of experience working with some of the most prestigious architecture and design firms, Devon has honed her eye for contemporary, textural design

Interior design is ever-evolving and can even present itself differently from one country to the next, giving it a unique spin between borders but also connecting us. 

The most iconic interior design styles bring joy and life to spaces, impacting surroundings positively, and bringing endless hope for even more exciting design prospects to come. While we trust that your home is styled to near perfection, thanks to your inherent good taste, and a few interior design pointers from yours truly, there is no harm in seeing whether there are any iconic styles that might have passed you by. Designers block is a thing of the past...