Each year the housing market changes, and with it, interior design styles and interior trends change. There are so many styles to choose from, and the best part is, you can change your interior design as much or as little as you want over the years.
Some styles have stood the test of time, while others are only popular for a year or two and then fade out. Keeping up with current trends can be a challenge, but it can be an innovative tool if you’re in the market to buy or sell a home.
2022 has been an interesting and unique year in so many ways, and we were curious about how specific styles and trends were keeping up.
Many homeowners and home builders are tired of cookie-cutter homes. We’re seeing an increase in homes with unique features and designs made for specific homeowners instead of being made for the masses.
We thought this was an interesting concept, so at the beginning of 2022, we conducted a survey with 207 participants to gather information on current interior design trends and popularity. Here’s what we found!
Interior Design Styles Ranked
We asked our 207 participants to rank interior design styles they liked and even used in their own homes.
Our participants were between 25 and 64 years old, and it was a 50/50 mix of men and women. This gave us a good range of unbiased data that we were confident to use. From the results, we gathered that traditional interior design is the most popular design style this year.
We were shocked that traditional interior design ranked number one because many of the design elements are a bit dated and formal compared to other styles.
It’s also one of the more expensive styles and tastes, and some elements such as high-end furniture and chandeliers are now hard to come by. It’s a style that older generations typically lean toward, so we were shocked to see that it’s still the top-ranking interior design choice.
Coming in as a close second is mid-century modern. We expected to see this rank high on the list because it’s a gorgeous blend of old and new.
This interior design style has gained popularity over the past few years, and we expect it to remain popular for many years to come. Mid-century modern homes seem to be popular among young adults who appreciate the traditional style and also love modern and contemporary elements.
We were also a bit shocked to see that the rustic style ranked number three on the list. It’s a newer trend that’s gained popularity recently, but it’s such a specific taste that we weren’t expecting it to rank so high on the list.
The rustic style is likely ranked high because you can add rustic elements and decor into almost any space and combine it with many interior trends, including mid-century modern, traditional, farmhouse, and industrial styles. It appeals to all generations and geographical areas because rustic elements can be found and appreciated in homes and periods from around the world.
Coming in fourth on the list is the modern farmhouse style, which has continued to gain popularity in recent years.
It’s a style that we expect to climb up the list in years to come because it’s the perfect blend of casual, sophisticated, refined, and rustic. You can make a modern farmhouse completely unique to your style and taste and incorporate elements from other styles that you love.
How Important is Style to Home Buyers?
Our survey showed that home buyers view the importance of style differently. Over 50% of the participants indicated that it’s either very important or somewhat important when buying a house.
This means that over 50% of these home buyers will consider the interior style when they’re buying a house.
We were surprised to see that 28.2% of home buyers were not at all concerned with interior style when they were looking to buy a home.
If you plan to sell your home, it’s clear that some home buyers will take the interior design style into consideration.
Home buyers will feel a stronger connection to homes with interior styles they like and may feel put off by a house with interior styles they don’t like.
It could pay to conduct some preliminary research before putting your house on the market. Try to find out who the buyers are in your area. For example, you would want to style your home differently in areas with mainly young couples than in areas with retired empty-nesters.
Don’t Worry…Styles Can Change With Decor!
You don’t have to completely change the interior of your home if you’re in the market to sell. Almost 45% of home buyers don’t consider interior design at all, meaning they’re looking at the house itself.
At the end of the day, interior style is a personal preference, so there will always be a buyer who loves it and a buyer that’s not a fan of it. You won’t be able to win over every single buyer on the specific style alone.
One thing you can do to appeal to a higher volume of buyers is using sensible decor. Your decorations will play a very large role in how your home comes across to buyers.
Since you can’t overhaul large fixtures like cabinets, countertops, and fireplaces overnight, change out the decor! It will allow you to achieve a more desirable or neutral style that will appeal to many home buyers.
The most important thing is to have a clean and uncluttered home. Most buyers can look past the specific taste and see the home for what it is as long as it’s clean.
Keeping personal items out of plain sight and making sure you highlight special areas like a reading nook in the master bedroom or an extra living room will appeal to buyers more than any specific style.
What is the Most Important Room to Home Buyers?
What comes to mind when you hear “the heart of the home”? For many people, the kitchen instantly comes to mind when they hear that phrase. In our study, we found that the kitchen is the most important room in the house by far.
It’s where families gather, spend time together, and make unforgettable memories. In fact, the kitchen is 3X as important as any other room in the house, according to our survey, making it a huge selling point for home buyers.
Whether you love cooking or spend most nights eating out, the kitchen serves as the hub of the home and often has a large effect on the way a home feels inviting and welcoming. Home buyers can tell if a kitchen feels right to them or not the first time they see the house.
If you’re selling a home, keeping the kitchen clean, updating appliances, and even staging with sensible decor can go a long way in making home buyers feel connected to the space. It could be the difference in selling the house or not.
According to the survey, the living room is the second most important room in the house. Though not as important initially as the kitchen, it’s still a room that home buyers are very interested in. Home buyers want to picture or envision themselves in the house, and the living room is a space where their family will be spending a large amount of time.
In most cases, the living room will highlight your interior design style. Between large furniture like the couch, coffee table, and entertainment system, your design style will come to life in this space.
When home buyers walk through a house, they want to see a design style that appeals to them, but more importantly, they want to see a cozy and welcoming space where they can picture gathering as a family. You don’t have to completely change your interior accents or decor in the living room, as long as the room is updated and has a welcoming feel to it.
Guide to Interior Design Styles
Creating a home that feels fluid and cohesive from room to room can be a difficult task. It’s important to understand the small details of specific design styles to achieve your desired look. Your home should be a place that you love and admire, and certain interior types can help you create a warm and welcoming home that you’re proud of.
While it’s easy to name off various styles, it’s not always so easy to decorate for them or even envision what they actually look like. We wanted to put together style guides to give you a comprehensive look at each style, how it can be incorporated into your home, and how popular it is to prospective home buyers.
Check out our style guides below to find the perfect match for you and your family or to discover something new!
Traditional
The most popular interior design style, according to the survey, is traditional. It was a bit of a shock, considering it’s much more formal than other styles, but it’s beautiful nonetheless.
It can be described as timeless, elegant, formal, and classy. You’d expect to see elements in homes from centuries ago, like candlesticks, painted portraits, and dramatic drapes.
Creating a traditional home may take a bit more work since it’s such a refined style. You’ll want to find dark wood finishes, patterned couches and chairs, solid-color drapes, and gold accents. The movie “Clue” (1985) is set in a traditional home that highlights these key characteristics!
Incorporating elements such as leather couches, bookshelves, and lace tablecloths will help you achieve this look. Even in rooms such as bedrooms and bathrooms, you can include subtle nods to this style that feel authentic and allow your space to feel cohesive.
This may be a more expensive styling option, but it’s worth it if you love the traditional look. You can always find great deals at antique stores that would be a perfect fit for this type of home.
Mid-Century Modern
Another popular style that’s been on the rise for many years now is Mid-Century modern. This is a great option if you love old accents and subtle nods to the traditional style but enjoy a contemporary and stylish home.
You might see traditional features like unique chandeliers, updated wood paneling or shiplap, vaulted ceilings, and dramatic drapes. These classic features will seamlessly pair with modern lines and clean surfaces.
You’ll find sleek modern furniture, a neutral color pallet, pops of color in unexpected places, and contemporary conveniences. A great way to decorate with this style is by starting with a neutral pallet and then choosing one specific color to add in an unexpected way.
Choosing a green velvet couch, for example, will give your space an interesting and functional element. With mid-century modern, you’ll want to choose furniture with slanted legs and sleek lines to achieve this look. Top it all off with subtle decor and accents that don’t feel overwhelming.
Try to keep it fun and interesting by including modern takes on traditional elements like light fixtures or decor. This is a unique blend of old and new, but it’s best to keep things functional and unique if possible.
Rustic
You don’t need to live out in the country to incorporate beautiful rustic elements into your home. It’s possible to integrate rustic charm into any home or create a home solely around authentic elements. With this style, you’ll see hand-crafted and vintage elements unique to the house, along with neutral colors, exposed beams, and cozy rugs.
Rustic homes feel warm and welcoming and sometimes take you back in time. The key is using authentic elements that speak for themselves. Finding vintage decor or accents from flea markets, antique stores, or estate sales can be a great tool.
To create a rustic home, you’ll want to start with the basics. Try to choose natural stone for a kitchen backsplash or frame the fireplace. The stone look and texture will add hand-crafted originality to the home, making it feel like it was there all along.
Using a sturdy hardwood or tile floor is another key element of the home. The floors are an important part of any home and can often tie everything together. Once the floors and special walls are done, try to incorporate exposed beams on the ceilings or around the trim of large doorways. Using reclaimed wood as beams or turning it into furniture will be a great addition to your home.
Exposed wood gives the space a vintage and natural look that you’ll love. If you want to give your rustic home a modern touch, use a fun rug, unique pottery vases, and simple neutral decor. This will make your home timeless and seamless.
Modern Farmhouse
A widely popular style, regardless of geographical location, is modern farmhouse. Ranking fourth on the list, this style gives you the option to incorporate modern decor and accents with farmhouse furniture and architecture.
You’ll see a lot of repurposed furniture and materials in an open concept. Modern farmhouse homes have a cozy and inviting feel to them. You instantly feel welcomed and at home when you walk into a house with this style.
If you’re planning to decorate your house with a modern farmhouse touch, use light colors and a natural pallet, exposed wood, and keep your rooms and spaces open and airy. Using a light-colored sofa and chairs in the living room will help the area feel open and bright and allow you to add a pop of color to the throw pillows or blankets. You can also do the opposite and use a leather sofa with a soft white blanket for some contrast.
You’ll also have the ability to add areas of contrast throughout the house. Pairing a deep blue accent wall in the living room or a bedroom with white furniture and trim will create a gorgeous contrast and stay true to the modern farmhouse feel. Creating areas of contrast makes the home feel full and alive without having to add a ton of extra decor.
Keeping the home clutter-free and using a blend of modern and rustic decor will help your space feel natural and inviting. Chip and Joanna Gaines on “Fixer Upper” use this style heavily in their show by utilizing light and dark contrasts with natural wood elements and open concept floorplans.
Minimalist
If you’re not a fan of decorating or finding the perfect accent pieces for your space, consider taking a minimalist approach. In a minimalist home, the furniture itself does all the talking and steals the show. You don’t have to worry about filling the space with knick-knacks or special art on the walls.
For this style, it’s best to use a very light pallet and keep things simple. You’ll want to incorporate functional furniture wherever possible to prevent the space from feeling cluttered or dark. Using built-ins for storage and to display family pictures is a great idea in a minimalist home because you won’t need a separate bookshelf or table that would intrude on your space.
Try to find light-colored furniture and keep the kitchen open airy. You can find an interesting slab of granite or quartz for the countertops to add intrigue to your space to eliminate the need for extra decor.
Add some functional and minimal barstools to finish out the minimal kitchen. Keeping things simple and modern will help you achieve this look and could greatly benefit your wallet. Allowing plenty of natural light to come in will help your space feel bright and crisp, and the clean lines in the furniture will give your space a sleek and modern touch.
Urban Modern
Ranking as the sixth most popular style on our list, urban modern interiors are trendy and practical. It’s a great way to decorate a home if you enjoy open and airy spaces, plenty of natural light, and soft furniture.
Urban modern homes use a unique blend of mid-century modern, minimalist, and modern decor. You’ll see touches of mid-century modern in the furniture and color schemes in these homes. Using light and modest furniture with a pop of color in spaces like the living room or bedrooms is a great way to incorporate an urban modern touch.
In the kitchen, you can use clean white cabinets or countertops paired with light wood accents and sleek lines. Try to find cabinetry without handles to keep clean lines and enhance the modern feel of the space.
You can create a gorgeous contrast in the kitchen by adding black metal finishes to the light and practical countertops and cabinets. Use cloth barstools and plants to add soft and practical touches to the space.
In the living room and bedrooms, use practical furniture that can double as storage when possible. You’ll want to keep the space clutter-free when possible and let natural sunlight into the rooms. Using throw pillows, blankets, or subtle decor can help you add a pop of color without overwhelming the space.
Bohemian
A sweet and intimate style that has gained attention over the past few years is the bohemian style. It utilizes different textures, allows you to create cozy areas of the house, and feels warm and inviting to visitors and family.
If you’re not much on decorating, you’re in luck! Bohemian homes don’t need much decorating. You can add plenty of color and decor if you want to mix in an eclectic style and still keep bohemian accents and touches.
Incorporating textures like wicker baskets and macrame decor will help you achieve this natural and cozy look. Pair the textures with soft furniture or leather sofas and chairs to add a beautiful contrast.
Using round furniture like a round coffee table or ottoman will add to this style and create a fun contrast to the clean lines in the kitchen or living room. You can also add textures by combining wood furniture and cloth furniture.
Bohemian homes are all about creating intimate and cozy spaces. Creating a reading nook in the corner of the bedroom or a window seat in the living room can be the perfect addition to these homes and feel like a naturally inviting area.
Contemporary
According to our survey, contemporary homes rank eighth on the list. Contemporary homes are growing increasingly popular among home buyers and home owners. It’s much different than traditional, modern farmhouse, and even mid-century modern homes.
Contemporary homes use architectural features to their advantage. Vaulted ceilings, wide door openings, and unique shapes and angles within the house help this style come to life. You’ll see contemporary homes designed with entertainment in mind. They’re typically open concept but keep bedrooms and bathrooms tucked away for privacy.
A great way to design these homes is by finding unique pendant lights for the kitchen, sophisticated decor for the living room, and elegant touches in the bedrooms and bathrooms. It’s not fancy, but it’s certainly not a casual home. Adding a unique lamp to the living room or a hand-made soap dish in the bathroom can be great additions to these homes.
You can use a dark color scheme, focusing on grays and deep colors like navy blue. The colors will enhance the sophistication of the space and tie in elements from around the house. Using stark contrasts in spaces like the living room will add a contemporary touch and allow you to keep large areas like the walls white and add dark furniture.
Transitional
If you’re looking for a unique way to decorate your space, consider incorporating transitional interior elements. It’s the best of both worlds, boasting unique traditional elements and contrasting them with modern comforts and chic design.
Although on paper it sounds a bit like mid-century modern, it’s much different. Transitional homes are comfortable and have an effortless feel to them. They’re elegant by using traditional light fixtures and shapes but incorporate contemporary colors and furniture.
These homes look like you’re literally transitioning a traditional home into a contemporary home by combining the two looks. You can incorporate cloth sofas and chairs in the living room and add updated drapes to the windows for a modern take on classic window treatments. Using round furniture instead of contemporary clean lines is another great way to achieve this look.
Many transitional homes position two sofas facing each other in the living room to add seating and make the living room feel like a traditional sitting room. Instead of focusing on the television, you’ll focus on your friends and family.
Adding chic decor like a wooden table with steel legs or making built-ins with floating shelves will help your home come to life. Don’t be afraid of contrast in this space, and embrace the mixture of old and new. Your home will be a one-of-a-kind creation with these transitional elements.
Art Déco (Décoratifs)
Ranking 10th on the list of popular interior design styles is art deco. Homes with bold accents, moody colors, and a glamorous touch are considered to be art deco homes. This is not a style you see every day, but it has a stunningly beautiful outcome when done right.
Art deco is a difficult style to define, and it can come in different variations. A popular way to incorporate art deco is by using a deep and moody color on the walls. A navy blue or forest green, for example, would be a great color in the living room for these homes. Contrasting the walls with glamorous crystal chandeliers or fixtures will help you complete this elegant look.
You’ll typically see wainscoting or board and batten walls to create a dramatic and elegant effect. As the name suggests, you’ll also likely see one-of-a-kind art in these homes. Painted portraits or unique art will be the highlight of many rooms and will often be the inspiration for decoration.
In the show “Riverdale,” Hiram’s office uses this style to highlight the portrait of his daughter and create a space that seems sophisticated and moody, signaling that he’s all business. These are truly adventurous homes, and they utilize tons of color and unique charm to create a stunning effect.
Coastal
Homes that are laid back, bright and airy, relaxing, and inviting probably utilize a coastal theme. Whether you live steps from the beach or a hundred miles away, using coastal design can create a casual and welcoming home that you and your visitors will love.
If you’re trying to create a coastal home, use as much natural light as possible, keeping your drapes and window treatments light and simple. Natural lighting will help the space feel large and open, regardless of your actual square footage.
You have the option with coastal homes to use a neutral color pallet or get creative and use shades of blue, green, and yellow. Combining these colors with a natural pallet is another great way to add interest to your space and feel like you’re sitting on the beach.
Use cozy cloth sofas and light-colored chairs to make the space feel inviting and relaxing. These homes are casual but sophisticated and tend to have a bit of a minimalist approach to them. Try to incorporate window seats or reading nooks in the home to create cozy pockets around the house.
Scandinavian
If you’re looking to add a masculine and earthy touch to your space, consider using some Scandinavian inspiration. These homes use organic elements and natural decor to create beautiful rooms.
Although it’s a slightly more masculine approach than in other homes, combining earthy tones and elements with natural light will help the space feel warm and inviting. You’ll likely see leather couches paired with metal accents and bright white walls in these homes.
In the living room, you’ll typically see natural stone around the fireplace and shiplap on the walls. There are generally several different textures and organic materials in these homes. If you’re looking to update your space, consider using a white or tan pallet with dark metal finishes.
Connecting to nature through decor and accents is a great way to achieve this look. Use plants in your space when possible and keep things simple and your rooms clutter-free.
Industrial
One of the fastest-growing interiors right now is industrial. With the rise of minimalist and contemporary inspiration, industrial homes are becoming more and more attractive to individuals around the world.
These are complex homes with a mix of natural and manufactured elements that contrast each other perfectly. Creating an industrial look in your home is possible by blending moody colors, metals, leather, and open spaces.
A typical industrial home will utilize floating wooden shelves in the kitchen paired with dark cabinets and light-colored countertops. You’ll typically see a contrast in the colors and textures in the kitchen to give the space a modern and sophisticated look.
Utilize a leather sofa in the living room and pair it with a coffee table with a wood top and metal legs. The contrasts will add to the industrial look and help the space feel masculine and hip.
In the movie “Ride Along,” Ben and Angela live in a beautiful industrial apartment in Atlanta. There is exposed brick, sleek furniture, and an open concept, which are great ways to achieve the industrial look.
Eclectic
One of the most unique and interesting ways to decorate your home is with eclectic inspiration. These homes typically don’t follow specific rules and utilize a ton of color.
If you’re looking to decorate your space with dark colors and vintage furniture, this is your style. There are no real rules here, and eclectic homes typically mix many colors and textures in one space.
Utilize a dark-colored sofa in your living room and pair it with multiple throw pillows and cozy blankets. Add dark drapes to keep the light out during the heat of the day, and try to use vintage antique furniture when possible. Your living room will feel cozy and inviting and quickly become your favorite place to relax after a long workday.
Don’t be afraid to use plenty of decor and pictures on the walls in the bedrooms. Make your space personal and unique, and try to find colorful bedding that lets your personal touch shine through.
Shabby Chic
If you’re looking to put a feminine and classic touch on your space, consider incorporating a shabby chic inspiration. These homes utilize formal furniture and accents and lean towards the eclectic style.
Shabby chic homes have frilly accents in the drapes, table cloths, and bedding. You’ll see light colors and patterns utilized throughout the living room and bedrooms. If you’re looking to decorate your home with shabby chic materials, try to find light colors and faintly patterned fabrics for the living room and pair them with light wood furniture.
Create a formal living space by using a sofa and two chairs facing each other instead of a television or entertainment center. This will create a traditional sitting room and make the area feel classic and original.
In the bedrooms, use a feminine touch in the bedding and on the walls by using pastel colors and soft sheets. Adding an arch in the bedframes can help this space feel formal and resemble traditional homes.
French Country
Homes with French Country inspiration boast clean spaces, authentic furniture and decor, and classic architecture. These homes feel inviting and elegant, making you feel like you’ve gone back to a simpler time.
French Country homes utilize the arches in the architecture to add depth and intrigue. You’ll see clean and clutter-free spaces with functional furniture that acts as storage when possible. Adding exposed beams to the room or white-painted shiplap to the walls are great ways to achieve this look.
If you’re decorating your home with French Country inspiration, use shiplap on the bathroom walls and even on the ceilings to create an authentic look. Try to find repurposed furniture and keep natural wood elements present throughout the home.
The home will feel authentic with rustic decor and natural elements on the floors or walls whenever possible. It has a cozy cottage feel and makes any visitor feel welcomed.
Asian Zen
Possibly one of the most relaxing and calming interiors you can have in your home is Asian zen. If you’re looking for a space that feels open, bright, and calming from the second you walk in the door, consider this style for your home.
Asian zen homes use minimal furniture and large floor-to-ceiling windows, making the space feel entirely open and welcoming. When decorating with Asian zen inspiration, keep a nice contrast in the living spaces by using light wood furniture with dark rugs and light fixtures.
The bedrooms and bathrooms will also use the same contrast by pairing light furniture with dark accents and decor. Keeping the large furniture light in color will prevent the space from feeling too dark and help create a calm presence in the room.
The kitchens and bathrooms can use concrete countertops to add an elegant and sophisticated touch and feel very calm and serene. When possible, use plants and neutral-colored pots to add earthy tones to the space.
Hollywood Glam
Some homes utilize a unique style specific to their geographical region or personal preference. Hollywood glam utilizes fancy and bold decor elements and open concepts.
These homes will likely have colored velvet couches, large paintings or portraits, and wide-open spaces. They tend to use a minimalist approach to decorating and use glossy surfaces in the kitchen and living room.
You can incorporate dark colors on the walls and gold finishes around the house to add glamorous moments without feeling overwhelming. Finding authentic furniture from an antique store or estate sale can help you achieve this look on a budget.
