Interior design trends

Modern styles

It is impossible to fit a current interior into a single style — today, both industrial concrete ceilings and shabby vintage items are in trend. We have selected 15 of the most popular modern styles.

Minimalism

The main characteristics of the style: conciseness, restraint, simplicity. The color palette is basic. The furniture is simple and functional. Correct geometric shapes and lines can be seen in everything: decoration, furniture, decor. By the way, there is little of the latter in the interior: a couple of significant things per room will be enough.

There are no requirements for materials in decoration and furniture — both natural (wood, stone) and artificial (plastic, chipboard) will do. The finish acts as a “canvas”, so preference is given to a light tone with a simple texture – smooth painted walls look best.

Scandinavian

Although Scandi is based on the same laconicism and functionality, unlike the previous one, it is decorative. Candles, baskets, beautiful dishes, posters and paintings, and most importantly – living plants: there should be a lot of these elements in the interior of all rooms.

To understand how to decorate an interior in Scandinavian style, you should analyze the climate in its homeland: calm, not hot summers, harsh winters, cloudy days are much more than sunny. Hence the desire for large windows and open spaces (to let in as much light as possible), as well as home comfort consisting of textiles, warmth (stove, fireplace, candles), decor.

Loft

Industrial style is primarily about texture. The style originated during the Great Depression, when poor creative youth rented former factories instead of apartments – it was cheaper. Leaving bare brick walls and concrete ceilings, not hanging curtains on huge windows, not building partitions – it was also more economical.

Hence the main features: bare walls, open layouts, external communications. Loft combines the industrial style of the room with home comfort: a soft sofa, carpet, paintings.

The furniture was usually purchased second-hand, so there are no restrictions on the choice. The living room can be decorated with either a worn leather chesterfield or a velvet soft sofa.

Contemporary

One of the mixed modern trends combines the principles of minimalism (functionality, simplicity), classics, high-tech, art deco and even country. The functional approach is manifested in thoughtful built-in storage systems. Laconicism is in the basic finish. In contemporary style, it is customary to leave the walls plain, although one of the surfaces can be an accent – covered with bright wallpaper.

But the main characteristic is still modernity. The style does not require recreation or imitation, on the contrary – it skillfully combines random objects that caught your eye while shopping.

Eco

The struggle to preserve natural resources, protect the environment and the desire of man to escape from the concrete jungle, led to the emergence of an eco-friendly style. The features of eco-interiors are based on the three listed postulates:

• minimum furniture, decor (resource conservation);
• abundant landscaping (striving for nature);
• use of renewable, decomposable materials (environmental protection).

The main element of the decor is wood. In the form of indoor plants, solid wood furniture, decor, finishing. Landscaping is done not only with the help of potted plants, but also vertical structures – walls, panels.

High-tech

An ultra-modern interior design trend that combines minimalism with the latest technology. It is the latter that is the main difference of the style: the use of the “Smart Home” system, well-thought-out lighting scenarios, and technical innovations to simplify the organization of everyday life.

For example, it is impossible to imagine a high-tech home without a robot vacuum cleaner or a dishwasher controlled by a remote control.

As for the visual part, basic neutral shades and straight, clear lines dominate. Plastic, metal and glass are widely used in finishing and furniture.

Neoclassicism

If the classics, which we will talk about in the next section, are a logical laconic reincarnation of the Empire and Baroque, then neoclassicism is an even more modest continuation of the classics.

On the one hand, there is the same elegant furniture, chic chandeliers, rich decor, finishing with the use of stucco. On the other hand, all the elements look simplified, minimalistic – which is what the rhythm of modern life requires.

The main advantage of neoclassicism is its independence from the era. The timeless interior will remain relevant for many years.

Japandi

In 2021, Japanordic became a real sensation: the combination of the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi with the already familiar Scandinavian approach to comfort produced the effect of an exploding bomb.

The main features of Japandi: the use of natural materials (mainly wood, rattan, jute), a natural palette (not only white and gray, but also beige, green, blue, yellow), rejection of excesses (minimal decor, functional furniture). The finished spaces are cozy, bright, thoughtful, and orderly.

Retro

Oddly enough, but stylization of significant eras of the 20th century is considered modern. The appearance of the interior depends on the decade for which the space is being decorated:

• 50s — chrome, single-color finishes, bright furniture of simple shapes.
• 60s — unexpected color combinations, active floral, geometric prints.
• 70s — prints move to the walls, furniture becomes more diverse: coffee tables, sideboards, bars.
• 80s — interiors become more restrained, shades — natural. Furniture on thin legs is in trend.

Vintage

The main difference between vintage and retro design is that vintage items must be made in the era that needs to be recreated. Retro furniture and decor, in turn, can be imitated.

Modern style does not imply complete immersion – vintage details are simply added to an existing interior. For example, you can put an antique sideboard in the kitchen or a great-grandmother’s chest in the bedroom.

Kitsch

This unusual style can be called “anti-classicism”. In a kitsch interior, glamor is mixed with absurdity and seasoned with surrealism. Bold color combinations, the use of non-standard furniture and decor: no rules and boundaries, just creativity!

Although the term “kitsch” itself is translated from German as “bad taste”, the interior must be designed correctly: otherwise, instead of a creative living room, you risk getting a dump of absolutely incompatible things.

The final picture resembles the paintings of Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso: although it looks incomprehensible, the author’s brilliant idea is visible at first glance.

Boho

Many people associate boho or boho-chic with the hippie movement: the style is just as anarchic and even a little chaotic, like the flower children themselves. Today, boho interiors are preferred by creative individuals: surrounded by many original and handmade things, only they feel truly comfortable.

Boho is a decorative style. The first thing you notice when entering a room is textiles. Pillows, blankets, rugs, carpets, macrame – it is advisable to do everything yourself or order from hand-made craftsmen. An ethnic touch is given by prints on fabrics, paintings, and decor from different countries of the world.

Shabby chic

One way to make the interior individual is to decorate it in the style of shabby classics. To do this, antique interior items are taken as a basis: they are restored, while leaving a touch of shabbyness. It is the latter that allows you to create not a prim classic vintage, but a comfortable environment for living.

The colors of the style are pastel, based on a combination of white, cream, pink, mint. A popular pattern is floral. Restorers often use decoupage and patination techniques.

Country

Country styles differ from country to country, but they are based on the same features:

• use of wood in furniture, decoration;
• the presence of cozy textiles;
• natural palette.

Unlike most modern trends, country design does not use plastic, glass, chrome, steel, stretch ceilings. The decor should be as simple and rustic as possible, but at the same time comfortable and cozy.

Marine

The TOP 5 associations with rest necessarily include the sea: why not use this knowledge to create your ideal interior? The main features of the style are the imitation of a beach house and the use of materials related to the marine theme.

Finish: light wood, shades of sand, sea waves, blue and white stripes, red accents. Decor: seashells or stars, sailing themes: steering wheels, boats, oars, portholes, chests, anchors.

Historical styles

Such styles in the interior are understood as trends that emerged naturally under the influence of various historical events. Let’s consider them in order of appearance:

Baroque

The beginning of the 17th century is the heyday of royal interiors. The Baroque style in the interior is luxurious: it is distinguished by lush decor, a wide range of room dimensions, and a desire for grandeur. Wealth was literally put on display, hence the abundance of gilding, stucco, furniture made of valuable wood, hand-painted paintings, frescoes.

In modern conditions, Baroque seems too pretentious: besides, it is impossible to play it up in an ordinary apartment: the palace style requires a suitable space.

Classicism

In contrast to the overly feigned Baroque, the classical direction in design appears in the early 1600s: it affects not only the interior, but also painting, music, architecture.

Classicism is distinguished by strict forms, symmetry, functionality. Although the features of Baroque, such as high ceilings, expensive materials and luxurious decor, are still preserved, classicism is more about grandeur than affectation.

Today, this trend is traditional. It still strives for antiquity and does not follow fashion. Suitable for those who value a combination of luxury and comfort.

Colonial

Around the same time when classicism was emerging, conquerors in European colonies created a completely new direction, adding oriental and African notes to the traditional design.

Thus, wicker furniture appeared in living room interiors, a canopy over the bed in the bedroom, and carved facades in the kitchens. A special place is occupied by decorations: palm trees in tubs, African masks, oriental carpets, colorful pillows.

Empire

Another originally French style, the peak of popularity came in 1803-1827. It looks like a symbiosis of classics and baroque: the empire style is distinguished by monumentality and splendor, while it does not neglect classical symmetry, sophistication.

Expensive materials are used for repairs: natural stone, mahogany. Silk and brocade are present in the upholstery. Gold in all its manifestations echoes rich colors: burgundy, indigo, cherry.

Modern

The industrial revolution in the 80s of the XIX century put a logical end to the Baroque and Empire style, giving rise to a broad direction in architecture and design. The development of mass production already allowed using cheaper elements without overpaying for manual labor.

And the change in thinking in society forced us to abandon the pretentiousness of imperial styles and come up with something new: this is how smooth lines, asymmetry and other features of modern interiors appeared.

Art Nouveau

Translated from French, the name of this branch of modern means “new art”. Although it is difficult to call Art Nouveau, especially the initial one, absolutely new: many features were borrowed from various previous eras.

The main difference was the smoothness of lines, the presence of natural motifs: tree branches, flowers, leaves, butterflies are found in the decor of furniture, walls, doors, windows.

Bauhaus

A trend that was completely different from French sophistication originated in 1919 in Germany. Instead of smooth lines, there are straight and clear ones, instead of beauty – functionality, instead of sophistication – practicality.

It was in the Bauhaus style that mass production of interior items first appeared: from the iconic Barcelona chair by designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, to a fancy teapot or classic clock invented by Marianne Brandt.

Art Deco

The last word still went to Paris, which, as an alternative to the rough German Bauhaus, presented the refined Art Deco in 1920.

Unlike Art Nouveau, there are no plant motifs here anymore. no more: the basis of the style is geometry in various manifestations. However, designers did not abandon nature in all its beauty: animal and plant prints are often used in interiors.

The second fundamental point is the abundance of glass and metal, the main surfaces in Art Deco are reflective. One of the iconic items of the style, popular even today, is a sun mirror in a round frame with rays.

Ethnic styles

The culture of each ethnic group has its own distinctive features: this is expressed in painting, literature, traditional food and, of course, home decoration.

English

England is famous for its traditions and the interior style is no exception. The traditional English style, known today, was formed in the 19th century. Although the origins of the style date back to the 16th-17th centuries, which coincided with the heyday of the Victorian era.

The interiors are as prim and reserved as their owners. The main material is wood – it is used to create furniture, in the design of walls, floors, and ceilings. Small floral prints are also popular in upholstery or decoration: they can also be seen in textiles (curtains, pillows).

French (Provence)

Although the French are the founders of many styles, their way of life is most associated with the image of a French village – Provence. It acquires a unique lightness due to light shades (white, beige, pastel), floral prints, and cute decor.

As in any country interior, Provence has a lot of wood: but not in a natural “heavy” shade, but in the lightest possible shade – mostly white. Furniture, like in shabby, has the right to be worn: the marks of time make the space more cozy, homey.

Mediterranean

Every part of the Mediterranean interior is saturated with salty air, hot sun, warm sea water. So many countries have access to the sea, the style is divided into European (Greece, Spain, Italy) and Eastern (Tunisia, Algeria, Turkey). The directions differ radically, but in the classical sense, the Mediterranean style is European.

The color scheme is light (white, blue, sand, with blue, red details). The main goal is to make the space light and let the sun penetrate into the house. To do this, the walls and ceiling are left in white tones – this color reflects and doubles the flow of sunlight.

Japanese

Japanese homes resemble their owners: structured, clean, functional. The style is characterized by minimalism – natural discreet shades, a small amount of simple furniture.

The furniture stands out primarily for its height: the Japanese prefer low tables, at which they sit on the same low chairs or pillows. You can do without a bed altogether, placing the mattress directly on the floor.

The second feature is unity with nature. The desire to be closer is expressed in the presence of doors from the apartment or house directly into the garden, as well as in the cultivation of bonsai and other flowers.

Chinese

Although Japanese and Chinese styles are Eastern, there is a huge difference between them. The first nuance that immediately distinguishes a Chinese house from others is wooden lattices. Walls, furniture, ceilings, lamps, doors, and windows are decorated with wooden patterns.

The second sign is red light. The Chinese believe that it brings good luck, so they actively use it in their interiors.

The third point is the ceiling. In China, they are traditionally made multi-level, using luminous panels or perimeter lighting.

African

Individual elements of the style were actively used in the colonial direction, but interiors in the African style are good in themselves. Shades are warm, natural muted: yellow, orange, red, green, beige. Black and brown are used for accents.

Wicker furniture, bamboo, animal prints and drawings are relevant. Masks, drums, idols, chests, and ceramics are used for decoration.

Indian

As bright as the country itself is, so are its interiors. Indian design is characterized by the use of bright shades of yellow, red, terracotta, blue, and green, combined with wood texture and oriental prints.

Traditional patterns include “cucumbers”, symmetrical mandalas, flowers, and birds: patterns are used on wallpaper, in upholstery, in textiles. There should be a lot of the latter, by the way: especially decorative pillows.

In addition to pillows, houses are decorated with carpets, Buddhist figurines, chests, carved screens, and comfortable poufs.

Russian

As in France, the most visual style in Russia is considered to be rustic. The distinctive features of Russian country can be seen in paintings, films, and cartoons: wood-burning stoves, wooden walls, carved shutters, embroidered or lace textiles (tablecloths, curtains, towels), and homespun carpets.

The color palette is warm: yellow, orange, and red go well with natural wood.

Mixed styles

Few interiors today can be called “pure”: in the course of history, styles are mixed in one way or another, adopting each other’s features, and forming new trends. For example, Japandi, which was discussed in the first section, combines the characteristics of Nordic and Japanese design.

But there are also trends that combine many styles at once:

Eclecticism

The main feature of an eclectic interior is that it can be different. Combine both similar and opposite designs. For example, a combination of Asian and European, vintage and ultra-fashionable. At the same time, the mixing does not occur chaotically.

All elements have a certain criterion by which they are combined: color, texture, style.

To avoid disunity and not spoil the idea, designers advise taking a maximum of 3 styles and 4 colors as a basis: this way each element will be in its place.

Fusion

From English, the term is translated as fusion, which best describes its philosophy. The style originated in the 90s of the XX century under the influence of globalization: it can be called a logical continuation of the colonial trend. At this point, exotic Eastern and African elements poured into the familiar European and American interiors.

The main rule of fusion is no rules! The finished spaces are multi-layered, bright, ambiguous: they combine not styles, as in eclecticism, but individual elements. For example, a carved baroque chair easily coexists with a modern frameless sofa and a fashionable coffee table.

We have analyzed, if not all, then the most relevant design trends today. Use styles in their pure form or combine them: the main thing is that you feel comfortable!