Pat Dillon September 20, 2024
There’s no denying that when you walk into a well-designed home, there’s an urge to stay a while longer—to linger a bit. But when it comes to designing your own home, it can feel overwhelming if you haven’t ever found a defined, personal style. To help you discover what resonates most, let’s take a look at seven of today’s most well-known and commonly used design styles, and designers who emulate each.
As you browse through these styles, make note of the components that speak to you. Is it a color palette, furniture arrangement, or the use of interesting artwork? All of our designer experts agree: start keeping tabs of what piques your interest. Regardless of what’s on trend or not, find what truly speaks to you. Then step back and try to identify the commonality of repetition, and narrow in on it. You might just find your personal style is already out there, just waiting for you to fall in love.
This is a worldly, whimsical, and free-spirited approach to design that mixes natural materials, organic textures, and often includes well-worn vintage pieces. Wicker, rattan, and macrame are cornerstones of the look. Greenery and tropical elements (hello palm fronds!) bring life to these spaces.
Designer: BRYAN FROST
Instagram: @BLACKAWNING
GET THE BOHEMIAN LOOK
When art takes center stage and a room evolves around it, we can label it “Art-Forward.” The art itself becomes the focal point from which all other design elements take their cue. To retain balance, a strict color palette is derived from the artwork. Traditional and vintage elements mingle with amusing, whimsical, and expressive pieces. Welcoming, unique, and thought-provoking spaces characterize the look.
Designer: NATALIE PAPIER
Instagram: @HOME_EC_OP
GET THE ART-FORWARD ECLECTIC LOOK
A modern take on a bygone era, warm woods and vintage furnishings set the foundation for traditional patterns like checks, plaids, folk prints, and restrained florals. There’s a beautiful juxtaposition of rugged and refined. Classic, comfortable, warm, and inviting…with bonus points for bricks and fireplaces.
Designer: MAX HUMPHREY
Instagram: @MAXWHUMPHREY
GET THE MODERN AMERICANA LOOK
Transitional design features a balance of traditional and modern elements, retaining the class and elegance of the past, while forgoing the stuffiness of heavily woven fabrics, tassels, or ornate lace. This style appeals to a wide audience and feels approachable, calming, and balanced. Saturated colors, tailored textures, and artwork are placed with a delicate hand, while feminine and masculine elements play in harmony.
Designer: LILY BROWN, ASSOCIATE ASID, LEED AP
Instagram: @LILYBROWNINTERIORS
GET THE TRANSITIONAL LOOK
The sleekest of all the design styles, this clean, restrained, and strict approach takes dedication. Utilizing limited colors and objects leads to a strong visual impact. Bold angles, interesting shapes, whites, and warm woods are defining characteristics. An abundance of natural light is paramount.
Designer: KAREN YUNG + DONALREY NIEVA
Instagram: @HIGHCLIFFE.HOUSE
GET THE MINIMALIST LOOK
More is more when it comes to this style. More colors, more patterns, more texture. A mixing of vintage pieces, unique one-of-a-kind objects, modern elements, and often some original creations. Loud patterns mingle with bold colors and luxe textures. These spaces make a high visual and an emotional, energizing impact.
Designer: DANIELLE McKIM
Instagram: @TUFTINTERIORS
GET THE MAXIMALIST LOOK
A style defined by clean lines and a neutral, monochromatic color palette. Furniture is often placed in a balanced, symmetrical, and linear manner. An abundance of natural light is a defining trademark. Restraint is exhibited when it comes to accessories, opting for sculptural elements and abstract art.
Designer: MERCEDES KERRISON
Instagram: @ABODE_STAGING
GET THE MODERN LOOK
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Finding Your Style
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