A Guide to Every Interior Design Style

Like any other art form, interior design is a form of expression that allows us to share our loves and passions through intricate transformations of everyday spaces.

Here at Industville, we’ve seen our retro industrial lighting used in countless different designs over many years. If you’re looking to redesign your space but are unsure where to look for inspiration, this article showcases some of our favourite styles that are more than just the latest trend!

Abstract

Abstract art is essentialy the process of reducing something to its most basic form using simple shapes and lines. While simple on the surface, abstract art can have an incredible otherworldly quality full of emotion.

Abstract interiors, in many ways, are a more expressive form of minimalism. While abstract interiors are reduced to their most basic functions, they can also be full of colour, energy and individuality.

Read our blog on abstract energy.

Brooklyn Glass Dome Wall Light - 8 Inch, by Industville (Image supplied by @Where_Wil_lives)

Art Deco

Perhaps one of the most famous design styles of all time, art deco shot to fame in France in the early 1900s. The name is short for ‘arts décoratifs’, taken from a world arts fair in Paris in 1925.

Art deco is a style seen across many fields, including architecture, art and interior design. The design is said to have come from the experimental art styles popular in France at the time, such as cubism and fauvism, before being merged with otherworldly cultures to become the broad style we know today.

Art deco interior design used to be all about using luxurious materials and textures. However, it is so broad that many features get incorporated into art deco. Art deco spaces are primarily bold, often with touches of metal, and replace soft romanticism with stylish functionality.

Brooklyn Outdoor & Bathroom Globe Wall Light – Pewter, by Industville (Image supplied by Amelia Wilson Interiors Ltd)

Biophilia

Biophilic design is a relatively new term to many of us, but the style has been around for countless years under various names.

Biophilia is a scientific term relating to the natural affinity we all have for living things, particularly plants. It’s perhaps unsurprising that the name has been embraced by interior designers creating relaxing, natural spaces.

Biophilic interiors are any that place plants and similar natural features at the heart of their design. This style is slightly different to other rustic and natural designs in that the emphasis is put on green, living plants and not just raw materials like woods.

Read our blog on the biophilia interior design trend.

Brooklyn 5 Wire Pendant – Brass, by Industville (Image supplied by @allangateswestwing)

Cottagecore

Rustic interior design styles have always been popular. However, they seem to be gaining even more popularity recently, particularly with younger generations. Cottagecore is the latest development in this trend, although it offers a slight twist on similar styles.

Instead of being an interior design style, cottagecore is, at its heart, a lifestyle. Hobbies such as bread making, pottery and crafts form the heart of cottagecore, as people reject the modern, internet-centric world in favour of a more traditional and sustainable alternative.

As a new and emerging trend, cottagecore doesn’t have many guidelines to follow when styling your interior. Instead, it’s about creating the rural mindset through traditional, natural furniture and calm colour schemes.

Brooklyn Dome Pendant - 18 Inch – Pewter, by Industville (Image supplied by @RoomswithAView)

Eclectic Glamour

Eclectic glamour is perhaps one of the hardest to define interior design styles out there at the moment. However, it’s widely seen as a more luxurious version of mid-century modern.

Eclectic glamour takes mid-century modern interior design styles and replaces some of the functionality with an extra dash of luxury. Consider strong geometrics and luxurious deep colours with brass highlights.

Read our blog on the eclectic glamour trend.

Brooklyn Glass Funnel Pendant - 7 Inch, by Industville (Image supplied by Donna Ford)

Grandmillenial

Sometimes also referred to as ‘granny chic’, grandmillenial is about incorporating retro-classic features into a modern design.

Somewhat similar to cottagecore, this trend has been gaining momentum as people look to more classical pastimes like knitting and has now found popularity among all age groups.

Grandmillenial can be quite out there when it comes to interior design. If you consider a modern version of your grandmother’s house, with old floral prints paired with retro-chic furniture, you’re likely thinking of grandmillenial.

Discover our guide on styling grandmillenial in your home.

Brooklyn Outdoor & Bathroom Globe Flush Mount – Brass, by Industville (Image supplied by @thecheshirebathroomcompany)

Industrial

Of course, no style guide would be complete without mentioning our favourite look! Industrial interior design takes inspiration from minimalist, functional locations like factories to create a space full of timeless character and charm.

To master the industrial style, our number one tip would be to put natural materials at the forefront. Incorporate statement metal features and reduce everything else to its bare essentials to create a stunning industrial look.

Discover nine ways you can achieve the industrial look.

Sleek Edison Pendant - 1 Wire – Pewter, by Industvile (Image supplied by @mossley_hill_home)

Japandi

The Japandi style incorporates two minimalist aesthetics into a modern, earthly design: Japanese and Scandinavian. Japanese interior design is known for its balance and zen, while Scandinavian interiors are famous for their natural minimalism, making the two a perfect match!

There are many ways to pull off this style, but the main features are minimalist design and natural materials. You can opt for a statement piece to provide balance, but the main thing is creating a space that allows you to relax and unwind in simple bliss.

Learn more about Japandi interior design.

Brooklyn Dome Pendant - 8 Inch – Pewter, by Industville (Image supplied by in-toto Kitchens Loughton)

Maximalism

If minimalism is the angel of interior design, then maximalism is the enticing devil. This interior design trend rejects the subtle functionality of most modern trends in favour of loud, excessive styles that are bursting with character!

Maximalist interiors are not just a mix-and-match collection of trinkets and ornaments, however. By implementing clever designs and colours, you can create deep and energetic interiors that retain a sense of style and luxury.

Read our blog on the maximalism trend.

Brooklyn Glass Cone Pendant - 7 Inch, by Industville (Image supplied by @alittlehomeinyorkshire)

Mid-Century Modern

Another classic design style, mid-century modern, became popular in the 1980s but dates back to the 50s. As the name suggests, this style takes popular features from the 50s, 60s and 70s and incorporates them with modern trends.

Mid-century modern can be achieved by incorporating vintage furniture and decorations into a more modern, minimalist interior. Consider a monochrome design brought to life by a bold, vintage statement piece.

Discover our guide to mid-century modern interiors.

Sleek Large Edison Pendant - 1 Wire – Brass, by Industville (Image supplied by @oakappledecor)

Minimalism

Undeniably the darling of modern interior design, you can find minimalism in many of the other styles featured here. Sometimes seen as the go-to interior trend, minimalism is all about striping a room back to its essentials.

For a truly minimalist interior, you need to look beyond merely removing furniture, though. Minimalism can be found in every aspect of interior design, from colours to contours and beyond. Choose monochrome pallets and showcase sharp lines to create a striking minimalist interior.

Sleek Cone Pendant - 7 Inch – Pewter, by Industville (Image supplied by Pete Helme Photography)

Monochromatic

Monochromatic colours used to have a slightly negative reputation. However, modern interior designers are now embracing this style to create deeply emotive and captivating spaces.

Monochromatic can sometimes be misunderstood as black-and-white. In fact, monochromatic is one of the most colourful interior design styles out there! The term refers to using a colour palette consisting of various shades of the same colour, whether that be blue, red, green, yellow or so on.

By limiting a design to different versions of the same colour, you create an instant cohesion between various elements in a space. Monochromatic design, when done right, can create truly spectacular modern interiors.

Discover our guide to monochromatic interior design.

Brooklyn Cone Wall Light - 7 Inch – Brass, by Industville (Image supplied by @happy_number_38)

New Nordic

Scandinavian interior design is one of the most popular styles globally, thanks to its light minimalism. New Nordic, however, is a recent alteration of this timeless style that brings it in line with more modern aesthetics.

Traditional Scandinavian interiors are known for their light, pale shades. New Nordic incorporates many of Scandinavian style’s elements but uses darker, bolder shades to create dramatic interiors.

New Nordic is about being bold, combining natural, statement features with bright shades to create dramatic interiors that retain that sense of Scandinavian simplicity.

Read our blog on New Nordic interiors.

Sleek Edison Wall Light - Pewter, by Industville (Image supplied by @our_cornish_life)

Scandinavian

If there’s one trend that has stood the test of time more than most, it has to be the Scandinavian style, toeing the line between retro and modern with unparalleled precision. Few interiors wouldn’t benefit from a touch of the Scandi style!

To pull off an authentic Scandinavian interior, you need to use pale shades and natural materials. Clean lines are a modern addition to the Scandinavian interior trend, bringing it into line with other styles, but the main thing is creating a simple space that everyone can enjoy.

Brooklyn Cone Wall Light - 7 Inch – Pewter, by Industville (Image supplied by @simplyscandikatie)

Wanderlust

Wanderlust interiors can be as varied as there are destinations in the world to travel. Some of the other designs featured here could be classed as wanderlust in themselves. Commonly, wanderlust interiors are more maximalist than minimalist, incorporating various features from far-gone destinations to create a uniquely personal and expressive style.

Read our blog on wanderlust interior inspiration.

Old Factory Slotted Pendant - 15 Inch – Copper, by Industville (Image supplied by kylamagrathinteriors)

Of course, there is no limit to the number of interior design styles out there, and we can’t wait to see what people create next! If you want to keep up-to-date with the latest trends, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram, where we post the latest and greatest designs.

Header image credit: Hannah Stevenson