Characteristics of 7 Popular Design Styles

In this post, I will provide characteristics of seven popular design styles to help you narrow down your dominant style. Then if you like elements of other styles, you will be able to envision how to include them to make your home unique to your family.

Every person is different, shaped by a combination of influential factors. There is no one exactly like you. Yet even in your uniqueness, you find people you have things in common with, characteristics you share. You're drawn to people you have more in common with. The saying "opposites attract" is not entirely accurate. Two completely opposite people

would not last in a relationship. There would be too much discord, no harmony. In actuality what people are looking for is someone to complement them. I'm not talking about flattery. Complement to enhance, add to, and fill in gaps. Or in the words of Jerry Maguire to Dorothy Boyd, "You complete me"!

What does any of this have to do with design styles? Your home is unique to you and your family. You should not try to copy someone else's home. Yet by narrowing down the foundational characteristics you're consistently drawn to, you can identify your dominant design style. If there are characteristics you like from other styles, choose what would complement your dominant style to personalize it for your home. Opposites compete whereas complements complete!

As an example, consider the following picture. You can see that this porch is in the rustic, farmhouse style. Sleek, modern design elements would compete with instead of complete this space. Yet some industrial elements can be introduced such as iron light fixtures, windows with black grills, and brick pavers for flooring.

The following are popular design styles that many other styles are derived from. It would be helpful if you kept track of the characteristics you like with each style, so you can decide which is your dominant style.

Traditional

Formal and Refined

Dark Woods

Jewel-Toned Colors

Ornate Patterns and Millwork

Mirrors and Paintings with Gilded Frames

Heavy Curtains

Crystal Chandeliers

Architectural Elements:

Crown Molding

Wide Base Molding

Chair-rail with Wallpaper above

Wide Wood Trim around Windows and Raised Paneled Doors

Box or Tray Ceilings

Symmetrical Built-In Bookcases

Wood Floors

Marble Floors

Marble Countertops

Mid-Century Modern

Minimal

Retro

Geometric Shapes as well as Straight Lines

Asymmetrical Elements

Vivid Colors

Mix of Metals, Glass, Plastic, and Wood

Sputnik and Globe Light Fixtures

Architectural Elements:

Wood (Skinny Slat) Accent Wall

Bright Colored Accent Wall

Geometric Wallpaper

Warm Wood (Skinny Plank) Floors

Retro Tile Floors

Flat-Panel Cabinets and Doors

Large Windows without Grids

Boho (Bohemian)

Free-Spirited and Relaxed (think gypsy!)

Combination of Elements from Various Cultures

Bold Colors, Patterns, and Textures (as Accents)

Exotic Collections from Travels

Mismatched

Layered Rugs, Blankets, Pillows

Floor Cushions

Plants and Pampas Grass

Macramé

Wicker Light Fixtures

Architectural Elements:

Bookcases to Display Collections

Light, Neutral Walls and Floors

Stucco-Textured Walls

Stucco Range Hood and Fireplace

Moroccan Wallpaper Accent Wall

Moroccan Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Modern Farmhouse

Cozy and Inviting

Simple Lines and Patterns

Light, Neutral Colors

Natural Materials (Cotton, Jute, Linen, Leather, Wood)

Architectural Salvage as Décor

Distressed Finishes

Vintage/Antique Pieces

Simple Metal or Wood Light Fixtures

Architectural Elements:

Shiplap

Board & Batten

Barn Doors

Shaker Style Cabinets

Wood Range Hood

Wide-Plank Wood Floors

Simple, Wide Baseboards and Trim around Windows and Doors

Wood Beams on Ceilings

Coastal

Light, Breezy, Tranquil

White-Washed, Blue, and Natural Tones

Natural Textiles

Nautical Décor Elements

Found Beach Treasures

Navy Blue Stripes on Textiles and Wallpaper

Wicker/Rattan Furniture

Clear Glass or Wood Light Fixtures

Sea Grass Rugs

Architectural Elements:

White Wood Paneling

White and Light Walls

Large Windows

Light Wood Floors

Blue Base Kitchen Cabinets or Blue Tile Backsplash

Can Lights for Additional Lighting

Industrial

Old-World, Masculine, Minimalist

Exposed Building Materials (Bricks, Pipes, Ducts)

Elements from Factories, Warehouses

Many Metals (Iron Pipes, Corrugated Panels, Furniture, etc.)

Neutral Colors

Dark Furniture

Reclaimed/Repurposed Items

Vintage Items (Within a Neutral color scheme)

Concrete Floors and Countertops

Iron Light Fixtures (Simple with Edison Bulbs)

Architectural Elements:

Large Windows with Black Grills

Brick Columns or Accent Wall

Metal Staircase

Open Floor Plan

High Ceilings

Metal Range Hood

Wood Shelves with Iron Pipe Brackets

Glam

(Glam is best used as a complement to another design style as it would be "too much" on its own. Adding it to Traditional design elevates this classic style while using it with MCM adds to the Retro vibe. The Glam elements used as well as the quantity will be determined by the dominant style.)

Luxe, Posh, Polished

Leather, Suede, Faux Fur, Satin, and Velvet Textiles

Muted Mix of Pastel Colors

Glistening Metallics (Especially Gold!)

Acrylic, Glass, Crystal, and Mirrored Accents

Tufted Upholstery

Gold and Crystal Chandeliers

Architectural Elements:

Marble Floors and Countertops

White Cabinets and Appliances with Gold Pulls and Knobs

Round Columns and Turned Legs on Kitchen Island

Custom Walk-In Master Closet with a Chandelier

Spa Bathroom with Bling!

A bathroom remodel we recently completed, before accessories!

Now that you've considered the basics of several different styles, do you find yourself drawn to one style more than the others? Are there elements from another style you like that could complement your dominant style? Don't be discouraged if you're still unsure. I like to recommend Pinterest for researching many photos of design styles. This gives you an opportunity to view how different people interpret the styles you're interested in. To read more, see our other blog post on design styles, "What's My Design Style?".

At Heart in Home, we want you to truly feel at home in your space. Making updates that will better reflect your family's personality and needs can contribute to the sense of belonging everyone craves. Contact us to discuss how we can help you achieve your dream home, one room at a time.