9 Home Decor Styles Explained for Those Who Know Nothing About Design
If you know nothing about home decor styles, then this blog post is for you! These are some of the most popular home decor styles that anyone can try!
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Choosing the right home decor style can be tricky. This is especially true for those who have zero knowledge of design or architecture. Lucky for you, I’m here to help make it easier! Each home decor style is unique, and this list will help you find exactly which style suits you most.
You are going to know all about the most popular home decor styles like minimalist, farmhouse, boho, rustic, industrial, and more.
After reading through my super comprehensive list of decor styles, you’re going to be an absolute pro with just the right amount of knowledge for each style!
This post is all about the most popular home decor styles that even that everyone looking to find their design aesthetic should know about.
Home Decor Styles
1. Minimalist Style
Minimalist style is pretty self-explanatory – it’s minimal. It has a strong emphasis on simplicity, clean lines, and a clutter-free environment.
This style is perfect for those who live a simple lifestyle and who don’t have a bunch of stuff. I could personally never have a home that is minimalist because I find it lacks a coziness that I really love about our current home.
Some key features of the Minimalist Style are:
- Neutral Colours | You will often see white, grey, and black tones, with an occasional touch of muted colours.
- Functional Furniture | Sleek and simply designed furniture that is often multi-purpose.
- Decluttered | If you have a wide-open space with very little stuff, going for a minimalist style might be for you!
- Emphasis on Quality | One thing I will say is minimalist is a less is more style. Quality over quantity is a huge part of it.
2. Scandinavian Home Decor Style
Scandinavian style of probably one of my favourites. It combines all my favourite things into one. Our house falls somewhere between scandinavian and rustic, with a hint of modern style.
The scandinavian style, like farmhouse, is all about living your coziest life. If you’re looking to know more about the concept of Hygge, check out my 10 Easy Tips to Making Your Home Cozy !
Some key features of the Scandinavian Style are:
- Neutral and Light Colours | Scandinavian design is all about a light and airy feel. Using whites and soft, pastel hues are sure to achieve this feeling. I find Scandinavian styles to be very calming and peaceful so if you’re looking to find some inner peace, this one might be for you!
- Natural Elements | This style is notorious for showcasing wood, plants, and natural materials that provide warmth and texture to your space.
- Functional Design | Like minimalism, the Scandinavian style prides itself on practical AND comfortable design. Think of IKEA!
- Hygge Concept | Ah yes. Hygge. The original concept of cozy. The concept of hygge has a strong focus on well-being and contentment. If you’re looking to tap into your best cozy life, try going full scandi in your home.
3. Modern Home Decor Style
Modern home decor styles can be seen in parallel with minimalist styles. The key difference between the two is that the modern style incorporates materials and colours that minimalism ignores. True minimalism is often void of colour, whereas modern styles use them to add warmth or depth to a space.
It is usually sleek and uncluttered, but with a pop of boldness.
Some key features of the Modern Style are:
- Neutral Palette with Pops of Colour | You’ll often see a modern home with lighter, neutral walls, but with darker accents in the form of a wall, furniture, cushions, hardware, etc.
- Clean Lines | Minimaly ornamented, modern furniture is clean and elegant.
- Mix of Materials | Mixing glass, leathers, and metals is super common in a more modern home. Think glass partition walls or metal railings for your stairs.
- Open Spaces | Modernism and minimalism echo each other in the fact that they are both based on having a more open floor concept and space. These two styles often give the illusion of a larger space due to the openness between rooms.
4. Industrial Style
Ah yes, the Industrial Style. It’s rough around the edges and synonymous with grunge. However, don’t let that deter you from trying it. More and more, people are trying to go for an industrial chic look which incorporates warmer wood tones that complement the darker metals or concrete quite well.
When you think industrial think high ceiling loft vibes. If you live in an apartment with super high ceilings and exposed concrete floors, changes are, you can pull this off.
Some key features of the Industrial Style are:
- Raw Materials | Like I said, if you live in a space that has exposed materials such as brick, concrete, and unfinished wood, you can absolutely transform your space into something more industrial.
- Metal Accents | A truly key feature of the Industrial Style if the use of metal. This can come in the form of furniture, light fixtures, cabinet hardware, or even exposed pipes.
- Neutral Colour Palette | Due to the nature of the style, the colour palette is quite muted so you’ll often find greys and earthier tones associated with it.
- Utilitarian Design | You want your furniture to last? Well industrial-type furniture will do just that. Industrial stuff is sort of like the no bs of furniture. It’s simple and it’s sturdy.
5. Rustic Home Decor Style
Rustic is similar to farmhouse, but more cottage’esqe. You have the coziness, the natural materials, and a generally welcoming feeling when you walk into the space.
A rustic approach is perfect if you’re a DIY’er or have family heirlooms that you want to display. It gives you the ability to really make the space your own and always feels very homey. It embodies a sense of simplicity, comfort, and connection to nature.
Some key features of the Rustic Style are:
- Natural Elements | Things like exposed wooden beams, reclaimed wood furniture, stone, and even brick accents bring the feeling of nature indoors. They directly contribute to the warmth of a rustic style home.
- Earthy Tones | This home decor style is FULL of earthy tones. Think warm browns, reds, greens, mustard yellow, and warm greys. Any colour you can pull from nature, that’s your palette.
- Cozy Textures | Who doesn’t love cozying up with a faux fur blanket in front of a fire? If you don’t, this is not for you, and you should move on. Texture components are a staple of rustic decor. Plush pillows, knitted blankets, soft linens, and even worn rugs can really tie it all together.
- Vintage Accents | Let’s talk furniture. Rustic furniture typically includes vintage and distressed elements, giving your space a strong sense of history and character. Items could be aged accessories or even antiques, giving a space its lived-in feeling.
6. Bohemian (Boho) Style
Mamaaaaa! Ouuuuuu!
Wrong bohemian… Sorry…
Boho for short for those of you who didn’t know! Bohemian is the epitome of free-spiritedness, eclecticism, and vibrancy. Nature meets colourful textiles. Its global influence makes the boho style a melting pot of different cultures, creating one cohesive home decor style.
Some key features of the Bohemian Style are:
- Colourful Palette | Bohemian style decor is often a natural palette mixed with bright and rich accents that come from flowers, plants, rugs, throws, etc. Patterning is a huge part of this decor style.
- Global Influence | It is often associated to travel-inspired decor, from woven baskets, to patterned rugs.
- Layered Textures | Texture, texture, texture! Boho-inspired homes are usually packed with it! If you’re the crafty type, why not make a macrame plant pot hanger, or even a plant shelf?
- Plants and Greenery | If you’re like me and love plants, the boho style of decorating could be a really good option. A bohemian atmosphere boasts relaxation through organic materials.
7. Traditional Style
Now, I’m no traditionalist, but I’m a sucker for dark “academia” vibes. There’s something so cozy and yet regal about traditional home decor. The rich, deep colours give it a cozy, cavernous feel, while the ornamental furniture gives it an elegance.
There’s a reason traditional design is still so popular today, it’s timeless.
Some key features of the Traditional Style are:
- Rich Colours | Warm tones of reds, greens, and blues provide a luxury feeling to a traditional space. Don’t be scared to paint your office a dark blue, or your foyer a rich burgundy! This is the style to go with if you’re feeling brave about bold colours.
- Classic Patterns | Often found in traditional home decor is ornamentation. Think florals, damask, or paisley in drapery, upholstery, and accessories.
- Formal Furniture | Vintage settee. Titanic. Enough said. But seriously, traditionalism exudes regalness with its furniture style. Ornate and elegant pieces are often showcased in rooms.
- Symmetry and Balance | Indicative of its time, traditionalism is all about symmetry and balance. There is always a central component in a room (let’s say a fireplace) with furniture places symmetrically near it (ex: coffee table with two couches facing each other). If you’re big into sectionals, this is not the home decor style for you. Maybe use it for your office instead.
8. Mid-Century Modern Style
Mid-Century… but which century you might ask? Well mid-century modern encapsulates design trends from the mid-20th century. It showcases a blend of sleek and functional design. Mid-century modern is the funkier version of the modern style.
This is one of the more popular styles as well since it offers a timeless look that’s still quite unique. A lot of its design elements continue to influence more modern design trends.
Some key features of the Mid-Century Modern Style are:
- Clean Lines and Organic Forms | Furniture with simple and clean lines are often found within this style. The shapes and legs typically feature tapered legs and smooth curves.
- Mix of Materials | Like the modern style, mid-century modern incorporates various materials into its aesthetic such as plastics, wood, and metal.
- Iconic Design Elements | There are a couple of key designers that are synonymous with this style : Eames and Noguchi. Don’t believe me? Google Eames chair or Noguchi table. You have for sure seen these before.
- Bold Accents | Unlike the modern style, mid-century modern uses very bright and wild colours as accents. While modern uses darker colours, mid-century uses crazy bright and funky colours like salmons or teals.
9. Farmhouse Home Decor Style
Perhaps one of the most popular home decor styles you might see online. Farmhouse. Ah yes, think of your favourite crafty mom instagrammer, she probably has a farmhouse style home, right?
This style is like rustic meets scandinavian. It’s warm, it’s welcoming, and it’s cozy. It has a charm to it that people can’t quite put their finger on, making it excellent for those of you who like making people feel at home.
A fun alternative is mixing farmhouse with modern. Use farmhouse furniture and accessories but use more modern colours!
Some key features of the Farmhouse Style are:
- Weathered Wood | Like the rustic home decor style, farmhouse utilizes reclaimed or distressed woods in furniture, architecture elements, or even accessories to give the space a more lived-in feel.
- Neutral Colour Palette | Colours such as off whites, warm greys, and browns promote a calming atmosphere. If you’re feeling adventurous, try painting an accent wall using a muted medium green for extra warmth.
- Rustic Accents | Like the lightness of farmhouse, but want some of the charm of rustic? Why not both?! Don’t be scared to incorporate vintage and antique pieces, or home-made items using mason jars, galvanized metal, or textiles.
- Cozy and Welcoming | Probably the most important feature of farmhouse is the cozy and welcoming feeling people get when they walk into a space. Comfortable seating and charming, functional decor makes people feel at home. Minimalism can sometimes make you feel like you can’t touch anything, whereas farmhouse makes you feel like you’re part of the family.
This post was all about home decor styles for those looking to find their perfect home aesthetic!
So there you have it! 9 incredible home decor styles that you can explore and try next time you want to change up your space. Remember, choose the one that resonates with you the most. We live in a world where it’s so easy to compare our spaces to our favourite instagrammers, but you’re you and they’re them, so do what you want!
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