Your guide to whats popular in decorating styles today

Whether you’re shopping for furnishings or sharing your ideas with a designer, knowing which style resonates with you can be a big help.

Details of today’s 12 popular styles, including hallmarks of each look, key differences and — in case you can’t choose just one — tips for which styles work especially well together.

Transitional

What it is: Transitional style pairs the classic, time-tested appeal of a traditional look with the clean silhouettes and understated colour palette of contemporary style.

By avoiding the extremes of either — such as the elaborate scrolling and embellishments of traditional style or the most cutting-edge contemporary pieces — transitional style walks an elegant line between the two while carving its own distinct niche.

Hallmarks of transitional style:

·       Sophisticated furniture

·       Serene hues

·       Updated classics

·       Less-is-more accessories

·       Luxurious materials like marble, quartz and plush rugs

This style works well with: Coastal, farmhouse

Traditional

What it is: More than any other style, traditional decorating embraces a sense of history, with heirloom-quality antiques, rich woods, plush carpets and pretty patterns.

Although traditional style does tend to be formal, with symmetrical arrangements and refined materials, the ultimate goal is comfort, warmth and a welcoming feel.

Hallmarks of traditional style:

·       Antiques and new pieces with a timeless feel

·       Refined colour palette

·       Classic comforts such as a crackling fire on the hearth and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves

·       Luxurious materials like marble and rich woods

·       Intricate architectural details

This style works well with: Rustic, coastal, Mediterranean

Contemporary

What it is: In a nutshell, contemporary style is current and new — it’s what today’s designers are creating. Of course, newness isn’t the only defining feature of this popular look. 

If you think of a spectrum of ornament, with the most embellished being traditional style, contemporary would sit firmly at the opposite end. This style embraces negative space, strong shapes and clean lines, while leaving room for interpretation and experimentation.

Hallmarks of contemporary style:

·       Up-to-the-minute trends and designs

·       Sculptural furnishings

·       Open space

·       Cutting-edge technology

·       Minimal embellishments

This style works well with: Rustic, coastal

Modern

What it is: Modern architecture and furnishings emphasize form and structure rather than surface ornamentation — think of large expanses of glass; smooth surfaces such as concrete, steel, stone and wood; and accents of chrome and black leather.

Hallmarks of modern style:

·       Strong, sculptural shapes

·       Ample negative space

·       Crisp, clean colour palette

·       Minimal embellishment

·       Furniture with sleek silhouettes

This style works well with: Scandinavian, industrial, mid-century, farmhouse

Mid-century

What it is: With an emphasis on strong shapes, clean lines, iconic designs and the graphic arts, mid-century style nods to the past while maintaining relevance to today’s world.

Hallmarks of mid-century style:

·       Clean, uncluttered spaces

·       Natural wood

·       Iconic furnishings from mid-century designers

·       Graphic patterns

·       Organic shapes

This style works well with: Modern, industrial, Scandinavian

Farmhouse

What it is: Farmhouse style nods to the satisfying simplicity of regional, rural architecture while embracing modern comforts.

Hardworking furnishings and natural textiles are invitingly down-to-earth, creating a look that’s easy (and practical) to live with, no matter which end of the rustic-to-modern spectrum your interpretation of the look lands on.

Hallmarks of farmhouse style:

·       Simple, functional furniture

·       Wall panelling

·       Sliding barn doors

·       Natural and historic colours such as golden wheat, sage green and robin’s-egg blue

·       Imperfect and patinaed finishes

This style works well with: Modern, rustic, industrial, transitional

Rustic

What it is: Inspired by woods, plains, rivers and lakes, rustic style can be as simple and pared-back as a one-room log cabin or as jaw-dropping as a ski lodge perched on a mountainside. 

Materials are raw and unadulterated, with exposed wood beams, brick and stone; big, comfy furniture; and warm, cosy textiles.

Hallmarks of rustic style:

·       Rough-hewn wood

·       Natural hues

·       Weathered materials such as live-edge wood, heavy beams, leather, stone, brick, copper and slate

·       Rugged furnishings

·       Cosy, warming touches, including fireplaces, overstuffed armchairs and comfy textiles

This style works well with: Farmhouse, traditional, contemporary, industrial

Industrial

What it is: Often seen in urban lofts and converted industrial spaces, this style can be created through the use of industrial finishes and decor wherever you live. While there’s no doubt that industrial style is gritty, the ultimate goal is to find beauty and creativity in raw materials and open spaces.

Hallmarks of industrial style:

·       Salvaged and found elements used as decor

·       Simple, workhorse furniture

·       Plenty of wide-open space

·       Exposed raw materials such as concrete flooring, brick walls and steel support beams

·       Neutral colour palette

This style works well with: Modern, rustic, farmhouse, mid-century

Mediterranean

What it is: Mediterranean-style spaces can be cool and breezy or rich and warm, calling to mind sun-drenched land and sparkling water. Key elements to look for include smooth expanses of cool white plaster, dark wood beams, rich textiles and intricate tilework.

Hallmarks of Mediterranean style:

·     Colourful tile

·     Rich, earthy colour palette

·     Sturdy, classic furnishings

·     Natural materials such as wood, brick and stone

·     Ornamented details like carved woodwork, painted ceramics and patterned textiles

This style works well with: Traditional, coastal

Scandinavian

What it is: Scandinavian style features bright, light spaces and furnishings with clean lines, bold graphic patterns and a welcoming coziness.

Hallmarks of Scandinavian style:

·       Light colour palette

·       A mix of old and new

·       Clean and clutter-free

·       Natural materials and textures

This style works well with: Modern, mid-century

Coastal

What it is: Simply put, coastal style is inspired by the beach. This leaves a lot of room for interpretation, but the basics are ample light, natural materials, breezy spaces and a casual feel.

Slipcovered furniture, woven accents and the colours of sea and sky make for a relaxing atmosphere with wide appeal.

Hallmarks of coastal style:

·       Whitewashed surfaces

·       Bare wood floors

·       Natural materials such as sea grass, jute, wicker, rattan, linen and cotton

·       Furniture built for relaxation, such as sectional sofas, hanging chairs and easy, breezy slipcovered pieces

·       Colours inspired by the coast

This style works well with: Traditional, transitional, contemporary, Mediterranean

Eclectic

What it is: Eclectic style is curated and intentionally composed, bringing in pieces from many styles and eras to create a fully personalized look. Instead of being hemmed in by rules and conventions, eclectic style offers free rein to explore any and all areas of the design world that appeal to you, from funky vintage pieces to cutting-edge contemporary designs and everything in between.

Hallmarks of eclectic style:

·     Layered textiles

·     Confident colour palette

·     Curated collections

·     Bold statement pieces

·     Juxtaposition of different styles

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This article via Houzz does not constitute advice; readers should seek independent and personalised counsel from a trusted adviser that specialises in property, a tax accountant and property design specialist.