Styles
Scandinavian Interior Design: Light, Calm and Functional
Scandinavian design comes from Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, where long, dark winters made light, warmth and function essential. The style is not about a particular look,...
Styles
Interior design styles explained: Scandinavian, minimalist, modern, farmhouse, boho, contemporary, traditional and Japandi, with practical guidance for each.
Interior design styles are not rules, they are starting points. Each style has a palette, a set of materials, and a way of thinking about a room, and the guides in this section explain each one in plain terms, with practical guidance for using it in a real home. You will find Scandinavian design, minimalist decor, modern design, farmhouse, boho, contemporary, traditional and Japandi, each with its own guide. The guides explain what the style is, where it comes from, which colours and materials define it, and how to apply it without turning your home into a themed set. They also explain the differences that confuse people, such as modern versus contemporary, and Scandinavian versus Japandi, so you can choose with confidence. Every style guide includes the mistakes to avoid, because the difference between a style that works and a style that feels like a costume is usually a matter of restraint: one or two signature elements, mixed with pieces you already own, rather than a room bought in one day.
Use the style guides to find the style that suits how you live, not just how you want the room to look. A home with children suits a different style from a home for one person. A small flat suits a different style from a large house. Read the guide for the style you are drawn to, then read the guide for the style that is closest to it, and choose the one that fits your life. The best style for your home is the one you can live with, tidy easily, and enjoy every day.
Guides in Styles
Styles
Minimalist Home Decor: Less, But Better
Minimalism is often misunderstood. It is not about empty rooms, white walls and no personality. It is about removing what is unnecessary so that what remains can be appreciated. A...
Styles
Modern Interior Design Guide: Clean Lines, Warm Comfort
Modern design is one of the most misunderstood styles, because people use the word modern to mean new, fashionable or contemporary. In design, modern has a specific meaning: it...
Styles
Farmhouse Decor Ideas: Rustic Charm Without the Clichés
Farmhouse style is popular because it feels warm, welcoming and unpretentious. It is the style of a home that is lived in, with a big table, comfortable chairs and a kitchen that...
Styles
Boho Home Decor: Layered, Relaxed and Personal
Bohemian, or boho, decor is the style of a home that has been collected over time, with objects from travels, markets and friends. It is relaxed, personal and full of texture, and...
Styles
Contemporary Interior Design: Current, Clean and Flexible
Contemporary design is often confused with modern design, but it is not the same. Modern design is a historical style. Contemporary design is whatever is current, and it changes...
Styles
Traditional Interior Design: Classic, Elegant and Timeless
Traditional design has been popular for centuries, because it is based on classic proportions, quality materials and comfortable furniture. It is the style of a home that feels...
Styles
Japandi Interior Design: Japanese Calm Meets Scandinavian Light
Japandi is a blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design, two styles that share a love of simplicity, natural materials and calm. Japanese design brings minimalism, low furniture...
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose an interior design style?
Choose the style that suits how you live, not just how you want the room to look. Read the guide for the style you are drawn to, and the guide for the closest style, and pick the one that fits your life.
What is the difference between modern and contemporary design?
Modern is a historical style from roughly 1900 to 1960. Contemporary is what is current now and changes with fashion.
Can I mix interior design styles?
Yes. Keep one style as the base and add touches of a second style in textiles and objects. Avoid mixing three or more styles in one room.
What is the easiest style for a small home?
Scandinavian and Japandi suit small homes well, because they use light colours, slim furniture and uncluttered surfaces.