Let’s be real. We all watch HGTV and start judging our own homes with the beautiful styles we see on TV. Maybe we don’t always agree with their choices (carpet in a kitchen??), but we all wish our homes could look so put together. Bringing your home to HGTV level isn’t impossible. In fact, it’s easier than you think, especially if you’re starting in a new home. The trick is figuring out your home aesthetic - what style resonates most with you and your family? From there, you can start putting together rooms with pieces that fit the style!
Here’s a list of 5 design styles to help you get started. Which one fits you best?
Are you looking to take a bit of country out to the city? Or are you interested in playing up your home’s rural setting? Then a rustic theme may be right for you. You can achieve a rustic aesthetic by combining natural and industrial interior design elements. This style emphasizes natural finishes and raw wood, touches of stone or metal, and leather or other natural fabrics. Stick with neutral colors and tones, with just a pop of jewel tone accents to really make your home stand out.
Minimalism is an extremely popular and misunderstood aesthetic. For many people, they associate this style with bare walls and cold furniture. But they’ve got it all wrong. When done right, this style is sleek and elegant without fuss or noise. Rooms are sparsely furnished but functional, without loud colors or distracting patterns. Think of a modern art gallery, where everything is in its perfect place. If you prefer understated, carefully curated furniture pieces with muted tones (and no clutter), this may be your ideal aesthetic.
We’re getting deeper into themes with a coastal style, which uses beach house vibes and coastal elements. If your home is particularly open and sunny, this airy and light style may be the right fit. Coastal interior design uses an ocean-inspired color palette usually featuring whites, blues, and green. Natural lighting plays a significant role in this theme, working nicely with those soft coastal colors. Here’s another style that uses natural wood, often weathered and unfinished, and stone. Think rocky beaches and driftwood. You can even lean into this one with a few nautical accent pieces here and there - just don’t overdo it or your friends might start calling you ‘Captain’!
Bright fabrics, bold patterns, eclectic furniture mix of different styles and ages - that’s how we’d describe the bohemian style. If you love interest pieces, funky and memorable pieces, and are looking for a way to highlight your uniqueness, this may be the style for you. This style boasts interesting mixes of patterns, contrasting without clashing. Low-lying furniture is another hallmark of the style with low-backed sofas, short coffee tables, and plenty of floor seating. You want bright colors and no empty surfaces! Consider this to be the opposite of minimalism - show off your funky, unique pieces on your table, mantle, bookshelves, and walls.
Here’s another trendy style that has lasted for decades. Mid-century modern aesthetic takes elements of the ’50s, ’60s, and 70’s, then mixes them with a simple Scandinavian approach. Function over fashion is a great way to describe this style, but that doesn’t mean boring. Mid-century modern interior design features straight silhouettes, quiet fabrics, and organic shapes. These furniture pieces are classic and straightforward, which is why this style has been around for a long time (and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere). There are vintage, retroelements along with sleek shapes that highlight their crafted simplicity. Here’s a great style if you’re looking for something timeless, charming, and unassuming.
So, okay. There are hundreds of interior design styles you could choose from - way more than the five we have listed here. However, these diverse aesthetics should get you thinking about what you value in a home. Are you looking to make a bold statement? Feel relaxed and breezy? Or maybe you’re looking for something that will last through the years. Whatever your aesthetic, you’re sure to find a style to match. From there, start picking up pieces and focusing on the overall feel of each room. You’ll have an enviable home in no time!