Picking an interior design style can be overwhelming, but it’s a frequently-recommended suggestion that you’ll hear from interior design professionals.

Why? It’s simple, really. When you pick an interior design style, it helps you make strategic and smart choices that will contribute to a consistent and cohesive end product. If you don’t have a design style in mind, you may find yourself aimlessly picking out pieces of furniture, art or lighting that you like or that look good in the store – but that don’t necessarily fit together.

Whether you’re choosing a design style for your own home or for a business project like a new home model or condo model suite, it’s important to pick a style that reflects the vibe you’re trying to create in the space – the feeling that you want the residents to have, as my podcast guest Hollis Rendleman discussed on Episode #35 of The Productive Designer podcast – and that attracts the type of buyer you’re trying to target, if you’re selling new homes or condos.

It can also often work out well to choose two or even three interior design styles, and to combine them. When this is done intentionally, it can be quite beautiful.

Not sure where to start? Here’s a breakdown of some of the major interior design styles and trends, and who they can be a good fit for.

Contemporary

What it looks like: An ever-evolving interior design style, but picture furniture that’s low to the ground and streamlined with metal legs or frames and clean lines, graphic artwork, and neutral colours with punches of colour; like minimalism but with a bit more going on

When it’s a good choice: When you want a look that will last and not need updating frequently; great for families and busy modern professionals

Traditional

What it looks like: Furniture made from dark wood with ornate details and carvings, intricate furnishings, comfortable stuffed couches, expensive textiles like silk and velvet, antiques, and crystal chandeliers

When it’s a good choice: When you want a feeling of glam, luxury, and opulence; for empty nesters or child-free homes; when you’re trying to achieve a European vibe

Transitional

What it looks like: One part traditional and one part contemporary, for when you want to marry the old and the new in a fresh way; comfortable and practical furniture, but with clean and modern lines; a happy medium for when contemporary feels too cold and uncomfortable, but traditional feels too stuffy and old-fashioned

When it’s a good choice: For busy modern families, and when you want an uncomplicated yet modern look

Minimalism

What it looks like: Minimal accessories and decorative objects (less is more), neutral colour palette, strong geometric shapes and clean lines, lots of open/empty space, completely uncluttered, no patterns but lots of textures, and smooth sleek surfaces like metal, chrome, and glass

Related: Japanese Zen (think sleek and clean lines, neutrals, and simple accessories – this look is all about Feng Shui) and Scandinavian (simplicity, natural materials, neutrals, and uncluttered, and light-filled spaces)

When it’s a good choice: For a completely calm and meditative space, if you’re trying to create a retreat vibe where you can truly relax

Mid-Century Modern

What it looks like: Related to minimalism; simple, functional furniture with clean lines, lots of teak and plastic/man-made materials, almost like a minimalist vibe but with splashes of colour (often orange, chocolate brown, and olive green)

When it’s a good choice: When you want a very modern look that will last; great for families and young professionals alike, and adapts well to both homes and condos; when you want a breezy, easy, seamless flow and chic vibe

Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll be covering another 5 amazing interior design styles!

What’s your favourite interior design style? And which do you think make a great combo when paired together? Connect with me on Instagram or Facebook, and let me know!