Exploring Trendy Home Interior Design Styles

When you’re decorating your home, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed with all the choices you’ll have to make. How do you know what’s trending and what’s not, which décor theme will match your lifestyle, and how to find practical solutions for each space in your home? 

Knowing the differences between various styles would be a great place to start, and we’re here to help you find your way around the most popular home interior design styles! From traditional retro to modern minimalist, use our guide to find the look that works for you.

Understanding Home Interior Design Styles: Making the Right Choice 

Regardless of whatever is happening in the interior design world, your home should be all about you. While trends can be inspiring, there’s really no need to blindly ape the most happening look in town. 

Don’t be afraid to tweak those trends (or toss them out the window entirely!) if they don’t resonate with you. Let your own style shine through and create a space that feels comfortable, inspiring, and truly your own. After all, your home should be a place where you can unwind and be completely yourself.

Ready to start exploring? These are the styles to know!

Classic and Timeless Home Interior Design Themes

Trends may come and go, but there are some home interior design themes that will never completely leave our hearts. These timeless styles prioritise comfort, quality and refined aesthetics, and will always age with grace. They are design styles that have staying power for a reason—they’re elegant, inviting, and built to last!

Let’s take a look at some of the more enduring and popular themes from the past that still hold their own in today’s world!

Classic Comfort: Traditional Home Interiors

Traditional home interiors from the 18th and 19th centuries are stylish and enduring, and have stood the test of time for centuries. This timeless design style evokes a sense of warmth, comfort, and familiarity.

Furniture with soft curves, detailing that isn’t overly ornate, and tastefully chosen layers of pattern and texture are a hallmark of this lovely theme. You might find architectural details that enhance the look—like wainscoting on the walls, and crown moulding on the ceiling. 

Matching furniture sets that are detailed out in dark wood, with plush textiles like silk, velvet and linen, are a design staple. An exquisitely designed leather couch and matching arm chairs, for instance, would fall right into this design aesthetic. 

Look up and you just might see a crystal chandelier; look down, and there could be a vintage hand-knotted Persian carpet in heavy silk at your feet! Each piece of furniture is a nod to the past, with warm colour palettes, hand-picked artwork, and carefully put-together accessories pulling the look together. 

Retro Cool: Mid-Century Modern Home Interiors 

Mid-century modern harks back to the décor that was in vogue around the middle of the 20th century—a radical departure from the fussy, highly embellished designs that had been all the rage at the time! This trendy aesthetic used very little ornamentation, with straight lines and sleek silhouettes finding favour with discerning homeowners.

There was a lot of innovation and experimentation that was happening in the world of design at the time. Materials like plywood, plexiglass, fibre glass and tubular frames suddenly popped up in interior designers’ lookbooks. Furniture design took a practical turn, following the mandate of ‘form follows function’ and giving little importance to frivolous detailing. 

The science of ergonomics was prioritised—designers started to look into the theories of work efficiency, and found ways to incorporate those theories into furniture design. This resulted in pieces that were not only stylish but also incredibly comfortable and supportive of the human body.  Think of the iconic Eames Lounge Chair with its invitingly curved back that cradles your spine, or the sleek, swivelling Tulip chairs that promote good posture for long periods of sitting.

While these timeless styles are firmly rooted in the past, they are back on top of the trend charts today as well! Home designs that derive inspiration from these old-world styles are seeing a major resurgence in recent years.

Trendy Home Interior Design Themes

The world of home design is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging all the time. And whether you love Scandi-style minimalism or industrial chic, there’s a trending aesthetic out there that’s just waiting to be discovered by you!

Here’s the lowdown on three of the most popular home décor trends that are on top of designer’s lookbooks this year.

A. Less is More: Minimalist Home Interiors

Minimalism is all about doing more with less, and this is a style that exudes simplicity and functionality in spades. This pared-down decor theme focuses on creating harmony, balance and calm in the midst of a chaotic world, and uses neutral colours, organic materials, and sleek silhouettes to do so.

A minimal aesthetic is as much about negative spaces, where nothing happens, as it is about the elements of design that are actually present. So, bare surfaces are considered just as important as the few pieces of art that do find their way to the walls, and bare floors are punctuated by carefully curated cosy rugs.

Minimalist home interiors prioritise all that is essential, and frown upon anything that’s not needed. Furniture and furnishings are stripped to the bare minimum, and carefully coordinated to achieve visual harmony. Clean, simple lines and sculptural forms prevail and there’s a total lack of superfluous ornamentation and fussy details. 

Laid-Back and Free-Spirited: Boho Home Interiors

Anything that’s unconventional and artistic will fit right into the aesthetic of boho home interiors. This happy-go-lucky, free-spirited style combines all and any items to create a look that’s bursting with joy. Boho interiors appeal to the nomad in each of us, and allow us to mix patterns, colours, and textures together with gay abandon. There truly are no rules, and every space buzzes with an intense energy that’s wilful and whimsical.

There’s a lot of influence from the hippie culture of the 60s and 70s, and so wickerwork, macrame art, and leather accents all feature prominently in this design mood board. Bohemian style has its roots in the culture of wandering gypsies; little wonder, then, that unique finds from thrift shops and flea markets find price of place in this decor. Boho accents are easily acquired on a budget, and you can put together your entire home with items that are bought at throwaway prices.

Get ready to unleash your inner artist, and add quirky handmade touches to complete this charmingly exotic home décor. 

B. Urban Edge: Industrial Home Interiors

This contemporary style is rough around the edges, but has a heart made of gold. Factory-like furnishings, pared-down finishes and sparse, organic furniture take centre stage in this popular aesthetic. 

You’ll find a lot of exposed brick walls with distressed finishes, raw wood with the natural grains shining through, and neutral, low-key colours. Elements are left exposed; and so, there could be large beams that are left unfinished, AC ducts that are uncovered, and perhaps a poured concrete floor or two.

Industrial home interiors prioritise efficiency and functionality, and have no time or room for ornamentation and superfluous details. These homes are both visually appealing and environmentally friendly; perfect for the new-age homeowner who loves to play down their carbon footprint!

Combining Timeless Styles and Trendy Styles 

Love a fresh and modern look, but love traditional themes just as much? Spruce up your timeless space with a touch of trendy style! There are no rigid mandates when it comes to decorating your home, and you must always follow your heart.

Start by building a base with neutral colours and some high-quality furniture that’s comfortable and meets your needs. Don’t be afraid to combine timeless and trendy pieces. Look for a statement chair in a bold colour or a modern take on a classic furniture silhouette.

Finish up with throw pillows, artwork and rugs, and accessorise with personal photos, hand-crafted hobby pieces or vintage hand-me-downs. Play with patterns, but ensure they share a colour palette or scale for a cohesive look. Remember, quality is key, and each piece should be hand-picked with care! 

What’s Your Style? 

So now that you have the lowdown on the most happening décor styles, are you ready to narrow down your options? When you’re defining your style, keep these key considerations in mind:

First, think about your lifestyle. How do you want to use your space? If you entertain a lot, you might need a comfortable and inviting living room. If you work from home, you’ll need a designated workspace that promotes focus. Once you know how you’ll be using each room, you can start to narrow down styles that complement those activities.

Next, look for a theme that matches your personal taste. Do you gravitate towards clean lines and modern furniture, or do you prefer a cosy and traditional atmosphere? Look through our blog, take a look at some customer stories,  and find out what catches your eye.  

Need some hand-holding through your home interior journey? Set up a call with the HomeLane team today!

FAQs

1. What are some common elements of timeless interior design styles?

Here’s a breakdown of common elements in timeless styles:

• Neutral colour palettes: Cream, beige, grey, and white form a versatile base that allows for pops of colour or patterned accents without overwhelming the space.
• Natural materials: Wood, stone, and woven textures like wicker and rattan bring warmth, texture, and a connection to nature. These materials age well and maintain a classic feel.
• Quality furniture: Invest in well-made pieces with clean lines and simple silhouettes. Classic furniture styles like wingback chairs or Chesterfield sofas never go out of fashion.
• Classic lighting: Chandeliers, sconces, and table lamps in timeless styles like bronze or brass add elegance and sophistication. Always prioritise clean lines and avoid overly ornate fixtures.

2. How can I ensure that my chosen interior design style remains timeless and not just a passing trend?

To ensure that your chosen interior design style endures the test of time, always focus on buying timeless, high-quality furniture and natural materials. Trends tend to come and go in accessories and accents, which are easier to swap out.

Choose classic colour palettes and finishes like wooden cabinetry with brushed nickel or chrome hardware. Metals with trendy finishes like rose gold may look dated sooner. 

Always make sure to pick each element with care, and choose furniture and accessories that resonate with you. When you truly connect with an item, it will likely stay relevant in your space for years to come!

3. Can I mix different home interior design styles?

Of course you can, and you should! Choose furniture pieces that hold special meaning to you, instead of buying matching sets. Look for unifying elements across styles. Maybe it’s a colour palette, a material like wood, or a focus on clean lines.

Avoid going overboard. Too many clashing styles can look cluttered. Find your overarching style, and then intersperse with elements from other styles sparingly. 

Use a mix of textures and patterns to create visual interest while maintaining harmony. Find a common thread in the upholstery or furnishings that will pull the look together. 

Ultimately, trust your gut feeling. Your home is all about you— and if something feels right to you, it quite probably is!

4. How can I add personal touches to a timeless interior design style?

Timeless styles offer up the perfect backdrop for you to add your personal touch. You can infuse your own special touch in many ways:

• Tell your story: Love to travel? Showcase a collection of posters picked up during your travels on the living room wall.  Family heirlooms will add a touch of personal history, while handcrafted wall hangings or paintings always hold special meaning.
• Pops of colour: Timeless interiors almost always come with a neutral backdrop. Add pops of vibrancy with accent walls, colourful artwork, or patterned rugs to reflect your personality.
• Vintage finds: Shop around in old antique shops; you just may find that unique vintage table that adds rich character and history to your space! These finds can be conversation starters and create a unique focal point.

5. Where can I find inspiration and guidance for exploring different interior design styles for my home?

You can browse through interior design magazines, both online and printed publications, to find your own personal style. Websites like Houzz have curated collections of photos and articles that explore different home interior design styles.

You can also follow designers and home decor influencers on Instagram and Pinterest. They often showcase different aesthetics and provide creative tips on trendy styles. 

Explore online home tours or attend local events to see different home interior design themes in person. You can also visit Home Experience Centres where you’ll see different themes on display, and get a feel for how each style translates into a functional living space.

Your HomeLane designer will guide you through each of the styles, and let you know what will align with your lifestyle and meet your needs.