How Do I Choose My Interior Design Style?
Updated: Nov 25, 2022
With so many interior design styles, it can be hard to know which is right for you. Each style has its unique look and feel, so it's essential to choose one that will reflect your personality and fit your initial vision. But this can be difficult when you don't know much about interior design and aren't sure about what the different styles offer.
This article covers all the basics of choosing your interior design style, from detailing some of the most popular types and identifying the questions to ask to help you decide what’s best for your home.
Types of Interior Design Styles
We’ll start by taking a closer look at some different types of interior design styles and addressing some of the pros and cons of each.
Mid-Century
Mid-century interior design is all about simplicity and functionality. It's a style popularized in the 1950s and 1960s that focuses on clean lines and minimalism while using both manufactured and natural materials. Think round mirrors, traditional candlesticks, and drink trollies populated with old-fashioned glasses.
If you're looking for a sleek and modern style that evokes some classic elements seen in the movies, then mid-century is the way to go. This style is perfect for those who want a chic and sophisticated look.
To get an idea of something that would fit nicely within a Mid-Century designed home, check out the Achilles Arm Chair.
Pros
Sleek and modern
Chic and sophisticated
Functional and minimal
Cons
It can be cold and impersonal
Not everyone is a fan of minimalist aesthetics.
Bohemian
Bohemian interior design is about mixing and matching different colors, patterns, and textures. It's a style often associated with artists & free spirits and is eclectic. Plants usually take center stage in a bohemian home as they add life and vibrancy. If you want your home to be warm, comfortable, and cozy, then aspects of Bohemian interior design will work.
Bohemian is the way to go if you're looking for a fun and unique style. This style is perfect for those who want to add a bit of personality to their space.
This Niswger Arm Sofa Bed would be at home in a Bohemian-designed residence.
Pros
Eclectic and colorful
Fun and unique
Can be very personable
Cons
It can be overwhelming if not done carefully
Not everyone is a fan of the chaotic look
Art Nouveau
Art nouveau interior design is all about organic shapes and flowing lines. It's a style popularized in the late 19th century, with its heyday between 1890-1910. It’s known for being romantic and feminine. Flowing lines, swirling patterns, and natural colors are what you'll find within this style.
If you're looking for a soft style that encapsulates feminine energy with such things as flowers, then art nouveau is the way to go.
Get a feel for what Art Nouveau is all about with this Kreitzer Linen Rolled Arm Sofa. A great centerpiece for any Art Nouveau-style home.
Pros
Romantic and feminine
Soft and delicate
It can be stunning and elegant
Cons
Not everyone is a fan of the flowery look
It can be seen as outdated by some people
Hollywood Glam
Hollywood glam interior design is all about luxury and opulence. It's a style popularized in the 1920s and 1930s and is known for being flashy and over-the-top. You'll know exactly what the style brings if you've seen the Netflix series The Queen's Gambit. The style combines Art Deco characteristics with modern glamor to make a truly unique look.
Hollywood Glam is the way to go if you're looking for a style that makes a statement.
The Samantha Floral Side Chair is a great starting point for your Hollywood glam interior design journey.
Pros
Makes a statement
Luxurious and opulent
Flashy and over-the-top
Cons
It can be distasteful if not done carefully
Not everyone is a fan of the gaudiness
Modern
Modern interior design is all about simplicity and functionality. It's a style popularized mid-20th century and focuses on clean lines and monochromatic color palettes. It brings together clean, straight lines and draws on natural light to highlight the expression of the style.
If you're looking for a natural, sophisticated look that does away with the excessiveness of other styles, then the modern interior design style is one you should consider.
No modern home is complete without a desk for computers and electronics. The Pamy Desk is an excellent addition to your modern-style home.
Pros
Modern yet not excessive
Sophisticated
Functional and minimal
Cons
It can be cold and impersonal
It can be seen as “business-like” when in residential homes.
Minimalist
Minimalist interior design is very similar to that modern interior design. It essentially outlines the design's essential aspects, removing any unnecessary clutter. Inspired by Zen Buddhism and originating in Japan, minimalism has recently become popular in the western world.
With today's culture running 24/7 at 100mph, this way of thinking and living is said to create more peace and harmony within oneself. When incorporated into your home design, the idea is to realize what you can't go without and live without excess.
Keeping it clean and the bare minimum creates a sense of order and peace. If you’re looking for a timeless and elegant design, go with the minimalist approach.
Keeping it minimalist with the Ebenizer Desk will be sure to keep the style in line with your bare minimal approach to design.
Pros
Inexpensive
Functional
Easy to design without a professional
Cons
It can be informal or give off an “empty” feel
It can be seen as boring by some people
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing an Interior Design Style
Now that you know some of the most popular interior design styles, it's time to figure out which one is right for you. Here are some questions to ask yourself before making your decision:
What Is My Budget?
Your budget is one of the most important factors when choosing an interior design style. Some styles, like Hollywood Glam or Art Nouveau, can be costly. If you're working with a limited budget, you'll want to choose a more affordable style.
What Is the Overall Look and Feel I Want for My Home?
Do you want your home to feel warm and inviting? Or sleek and modern? The overall look and feel of your home are crucial when choosing an interior design style.
If you're unsure what you want, then take some time to browse through interior design magazines or online galleries. This process will help you visualize the styles you think will fit. Consider the lifestyle to lead and tailor the design towards that.
What Are My Favorite Colors, and How Do I Want to Incorporate Them?
Color and texture are essential factors in any Interior Design style. Consider the colors and textures you want to use in your home. Do you like bold colors or soft and neutral tones?
Also, try to think about block colors. Maybe your favorite color is bright yellow, but surely you don’t want an entire wall or sofa in that color. Try to use it as an accent instead, like adding a few bright yellow cushions to a neutral sofa.
Do I Want a Style That Is Timeless or Trendy Right Now?
Deciding between trendy and timeless styles is a significant factor you must consider when choosing a design style. Some styles, like Minimalism or Modern, are very trendy right now. But keep in mind that trends come and go. If you choose a trendy style now, you may have to redecorate sooner than if you had chosen a timeless style.
On the other hand, some people enjoy being on trend and having the latest interior design style. If that's what you're looking for, then go for it. But be willing to foot the bill when it goes out of fashion in 10 years.
Do I Want a Style That Is Easy to Change, or Do I Want Something More Permanent?
Following on from the above, another thing to consider is how easy it will be to change your interior design style.
Some styles, like Minimalism, are effortless to change. You can simply switch out a few pieces of furniture or add new accessories to give it a new look. Other styles, like Art Deco or Hollywood Glam, involve more furniture, making it costly to change them. These require more work and can even include structural changes to your home.
How Much Time and Effort Am I Willing to Put Into Decorating My Home?
Another important consideration is how much time and effort you're willing to spend decorating your home. If you want a style that is easy to maintain, go for something like Minimalism or Modern. These styles don't require a lot of upkeep. Other styles will need a bit more input from your side and it can take a long time before you find the right pieces of furniture that gel together.
What Kind of Furniture and Décor Do I Already Have?
If you have a lot of furniture and décor, you'll want to consider that when choosing an interior design style. It would be costly to replace everything you already have to match a new style. Try a style that will work with the pieces that you already have.
If you don't have much furniture or décor or are moving into a new place, you have more freedom to choose any style you want. But keep in mind that some styles will require more pieces than others. For example, if you want a high-end look, you'll need to invest in luxurious furniture and décor.
Which Furniture That I Currently Have Do I Want to Keep?
Think about the furniture that you currently have and which pieces you want to keep. There is no point in forcing a specific style if it means getting rid of all your favorite pieces of furniture that you can’t go without. Instead, find a style that will work with the components you already have and want to keep. Plus, this will save you a few bucks.
Where Is the Natural Light Coming From?
The direction of the natural light in your home is something to consider when choosing an interior design style. You can go for a darker design style if you have a lot of natural light. But if you don't have much natural light, then you'll want to choose a lighter style or at least incorporate the style with lighter colors to reflect what light you already have.
Do I Want a Style That Is Easy to DIY, or Do I Want to Hire a Professional?
Some styles are more accessible to DIY than others. If you want a style you can easily do, go for something like Bohemian or Minimalistic. These styles only require a few pieces of furniture and some simple décor.
Hiring a professional comes with costs, but it can be worth it if your budget permits. If you want a high-end look, you'll need to hire a professional to help you achieve it. Interior designers cost, on average, $5,406 for a home design, and their footage rates generally fall between $5-$12 per square foot.
Hiring a professional can be expensive, but doing it yourself can also be daunting, potentially getting subpar results. That's why THEHAUSS has revolutionized the interior design world by creating E-Design. E-Design is online, but your home will be designed by a professional, all done virtually on a computer. It works out much cheaper than the traditional way, and you get the results only a professional can achieve.
Be Bold and Be Brave
All the above factors are essential when choosing an interior design style for your home. By taking the time to answer these questions, you'll be able to narrow down your choices and find the perfect style for you. Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles until you find the one that feels right for you. And most importantly, make it your own!