Design 101: The Top 4 Interior Design Styles

When it comes to the top four interior design style archetypes, it can be difficult for most people to identify their design style category. In an age when we have unlimited options and ideas presented to us all of the time, articulating what we like and don’t like can become challenging. While we aim to eliminate as many of the barriers about interior design as we can at Articulated, we still find that some simple guidelines often work best when learning something new.

We do a lot of different work at Articulated and we thoroughly enjoy working in every style, with every colour, and every finish. Yes, we will be the first to admit that our best design work does not always get photographed or published in a magazine. The reason is that we, as a team, are much happier knowing that we solved a client’s problem than knowing how many arched doorways make it into a shot. Of course, the final photography and flashy projects are nice, but we believe that we are among the best interior designers in Vancouver because of our combined experiences — so the photography is nice to look at but it’s not a true reflection of what we can actually do for you.

Key Topics in this Article

01 — Traditional Design Style

02 — Transitional Design Style

03 — Contemporary Design Style

04 — Eclectic Design Style

Defining the Top 4 Interior Design Styles

There are literally hundreds of different design styles, millions if you account for our own individual flare and preferences, but there are four styles that are the broad categories where you will often fall into. The top four interior design styles are: (1) traditional style, (2) transitional style, (3) contemporary style, and (4) eclectic style.

The most common interior design style is the transitional style.

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01 — Traditional Design Style

Traditional interior design style is known for its classic and elegant look. It is characterized by rich and warm colors, intricate patterns, and ornate details. The furniture in traditional design is often made of wood with intricate carvings and embellishments. The fabrics used are usually heavy and luxurious, such as silk, velvet, and brocade. Traditional interiors often feature formal furniture arrangements, such as symmetrical seating arrangements around a fireplace.

How we work with traditional style at Articulated is by focusing on what is honest and authentic to you. While we do not need to look at heavy crown mouldings, dark interiors, and floral wallpaper, we can certainly provide you with a modern approach and unique twist. Take a look at some of our traditional design projects in the gallery below. Perhaps you will notice how we added a personal touch to each of them.

Interior Design Styles attributed to Traditional:

• Renaissance

• Gothic

• Baroque

• Rocco and French Provincial

• Georgian

• Rustic

• Neoclassical

• Biedermeier, English Tudor, Jacobean

• Victorian

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02 — Transitional Design Style

Transitional interior design style combines the classic elements of traditional design with the clean lines and simplicity of contemporary design. The color palette is neutral and calming, with occasional pops of color. The furniture in transitional design is often a mix of traditional and contemporary styles, with simple yet elegant shapes. The fabrics used are usually textured and comfortable, such as linen and cotton. Transitional interiors are characterized by a balance of old and new, creating a harmonious and comfortable space.

As mentioned previously, transitional style is the most common style for most people. This is because it takes a about 40% traditional style, mixes it with 40% contemporary style, and the 10% left over is your personal flare. In the traditional gallery below, you can learn more about how we customized each project to suit the clients parituclar needs.

Interior Design Styles attributed to Transitional:

• Arts and Crafts (Craftsman, Prairie School House)

• Shaker

• Art Deco

• Art Nouveau

• Rustic and American Country

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03 — Contemporary Design Style

Contemporary interior design style is known for its sleek and modern look. It is characterized by clean lines, minimalism, and a focus on functionality. The color palette is usually neutral, with occasional pops of bright color. Furniture in contemporary design style is often made of materials like metal, glass, and plastic, with a focus on geometric shapes and simplicity. Contemporary interiors often feature open floor plans, with each space flowing into the next. Overall, contemporary design creates a clean, minimalist, and uncluttered space.

While we work a lot in contemporary style (because it’s the way the West Coast folks roll), there is never going to be one specific detail or characteristic that you could put your finger on.

Interior Design Styles attributed to Contemporary:

• Bauhaus

• Mid-Century Modernism

• Scandinavian Modern (Scandi-Modern)

• Italian and European Modern

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04 — Eclectic Design Style

Eclectic interior design style (also referred to as “eclecticism”) will combine elements or styles from several different styles and periods within a single, unified space to create a unique and personalized look. Many of our clients at Articulated are interested in an eclectic, personalized, unique interior environments with a variety of design influences that suit their interests and lifestyles — they just don’t know it! Eclectic Design Style combines classicism, Art Deco, modernism, and personal cultural and travel influences which is often referred to as a “mix-and-match” approach. Typically, one design style will be more dominant (roughly 60-70%) with a second and third style balancing out the space. However, using more than three distinct styles in one space and often create a cluttered, disorganized room.

Interior Design Styles attributed to Eclectic:

• Post Modern

• Japandi

• Farmhouse Modern

Conclusion

Which style are we MOST known for?

That’s a difficult question to answer, but it will likely focus on the use of colour. Don’t worry! You’re safe in our hands, but our own personal aesthetic and style is irrelevant because you are coming to us for more than just traditional, transition, and contemporary design styles. While these three categories are a great way of separating the most common styles, we are going to take our own spin on your style because, after all, it is unique to you!