When it comes to Design 101, there are countless types of design styles to choose from. From Art Deco to Coastal, it feels like there’s an infinite number of styles of home decor out there, and it can be confusing to know what each one really means. The first step in a cohesive decor scheme is settling on the style that suits you best.
Here are seven of the more popular home design styles.
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Traditional
olive.hill.interiors / Instagram
By far the most popular design style, traditional is a mix of beautiful, timeless and well-defined elements, as shown in this kitchen from olive.hill.interiors. Never cluttered, standoffish or stark, traditional style is all about comfort and coziness. Envision calm colors, understated furniture with classic lines and an emphasis on symmetry.
The traditional style offers comfort, orderly decorations, and predictable rooms. Furnishings air on the side of classic rather than out-of-the-box, so as to keep things simple, matched and consistent. If you want a place that feels homey and welcoming, consider a traditional style with wood furniture, crown moldings and accessories like framed prints and china vases.
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Contemporary
dudiduarte/ Instagram
Many people imagine contemporary interiors as being sleek and cool, but there are actually many types of contemporary spaces. Contemporary homes feature clean lines, a deliberate use of texture and a modern look that doesn’t feel trendy or risk quickly going out of style. Contemporary rooms usually contain an element of surprise, and those who like their homes to make artistic statements often lean toward a contemporary aesthetic.
In this contemporary bathroom from dudiduarte, elements like metal, stone and glass really complement the space. If it appears too dark, you can always add textured fabrics, two-toned prints and large plants to select rooms.
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Eclectic
eclectic_twist / Instagram
Think of eclectic as the decor style for those of us who can’t really decide on a single theme and are drawn to different approaches. Often mistaken for an anything-goes way of decorating, the eclectic style is actually a very purposeful and well-thought-out mode, as seen in this bathroom from eclectic_twist. This is a perfect choice for those who love to mix styles but desire a cohesive look—rather than imagining eclectic as cluttered, consider it as a careful gathering of interesting elements that all work well together.
Celebrating contrasts and using handmade items will bring an eclectic feel to the home. Select patterns, shapes, textures, finishes and colors that go together to bring in the whole look. Don’t be afraid to take chances when it comes to an eclectic style.
READ ON: 7 Basic but Brilliant Home Decorating Styles

