Types of Interior Design: An Overview + Trends for 2022

Decorating a home from scratch can be daunting. Even redecorating part of your home can feel overwhelming. But with a little research — and an understanding of some basic interior design principles — you might be impressed with how well you can pull off your dream room, dream home or dream second home. Use this guide to understand the seven elements of interior design, and discover the types of interior design that are trending heading into 2024, including:

Types of interior design

And because decorating should be fun, we’ve even created a game to test your knowledge of interior design basics you need to know. Now, let’s go nail your personal style from floor to ceiling.

The 7 elements of interior design explained

If you understand the elements of interior design, you can craft any space to make it your own. Here are seven key elements to bear in mind as you build a cohesive space.

The seven elements for different types of interior design are texture, space, pattern, light, form, line, and color.

Texture refers to how something feels. You can use texture in your design through textiles like rugs or wall hangings.
Space refers to the layout of the objects in a room. Generally, you can aim for a 50/50 balance of furnishings and empty space to avoid clutter.
Pattern refers to patterned materials like floral wallpaper as well as repeating elements among a room's objects.
Light is controlled with tools such as drapery and lighting fixtures so you can properly illuminate your space.
Form is the shape of a room or any objects in it. It can range from sharp geometric shapes to curved organic shapes.
Line is an element that adds structure to a room. For example, an accent chair or a bookcase adds horizontal lines.
Color is everywhere in a room. Most spaces stick to neutrals and use features such as an accent wall or statement furniture to add color to their interior.

Keep these elements in mind as we discuss what makes each interior design style unique, then test your knowledge in our game below.

5 trending interior design styles for 2024

With so many popular interior design styles to choose from, it might seem hard to know what’s on trend. But there are certainly some types of interior design that are having a moment. Here are the top trending styles we’re seeing in 2024.

1. Bohemian

An entryway is decorated in a Bohemian style, one of the trending types of interior design in 2022.

Bohemian style, often shortened as “boho,” pulls together a variety of textures and patterns to create an effortless look. While boho interiors mix bold patterns, they’re grounded by key neutrals with simple pops of color. There’s a lot of texture in boho style, often using materials like rattan which adds a unique look that doesn’t clash with bold patterns.

Interior design origin: 19th-century France
Interior design history: This interior style was started by French artists — also known as bohemians — who valued creativity over luxury.
Key interior design elements: Texture, pattern

Style tip: Choose a large neutral feature, like a simple couch or table, and build your boho room around it.

2. Maximalist

A living room is decorated in a Maximalist style, one of the trending types of interior design in 2022.

After years of minimalism and hygge reigning supreme, it should be no surprise that homeowners are now embracing the opposite end of the interior design spectrum: Maximalism. These interiors are typically full of statement pieces that are tied together with a broad theme or motif. It can be tricky to pull together so many different colors and contrasts, but the result creates an incredibly interesting space.

Interior design origin: 2020s, international
Interior design history: Pushing back against minimalism, maximalism gained traction on social media
Key interior design elements: Pattern, texture, color, form

Style tip: Choose a theme to tie all your statement pieces together, like showing off all your favorite plants with a greenery theme or displaying all your favorite books with an academic vibe.

3. Cottage

A kitchen is decorated in a Cottage style, one of the trending types of interior design in 2022.

Cottage interiors combine classic and rustic features to evoke a simpler time, making this style perfect for a second home. Features like wood furnishings and natural stone help pull cottage spaces together, but you can transform any space into a cottage with details like handmade textiles or vintage furniture.

Interior design origin: 18th-century Germany
Interior design history: This style is very traditional and calls back to historic German farmland, appealing to anyone who wants a traditional-feeling space.
Key interior design elements: Light, texture

Style tip: Scout out unique vintage pieces to make this style feel like home.

4. Mid-Century Modern

A living room is decorated in a Mid-Century Modern style, one of the trending types of interior design in 2022.

Mid-Century Modern design is characterized by its mix of lines and soft forms. It shows what people thought the future would look like, making this a timeless choice.Choose bold Mid-Century Modern furniture and blend another type of interior design into your decor to keep the perfect balance of old and new.

Interior design origin: 1950s United States
Interior design history: Although this style has been around since the 50s, Cara Greenberg was the first to name it Mid-Century Modern in her 1984 book, “Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950's.”
Key interior design elements: Form, pattern, line

Style tip: Use smart pops of color and trendy bronze accents to keep your Mid-Century Design from looking outdated.

5. Organic

A living room is decorated in an Organic style, one of the trending types of interior design in 2022.

Organic interior design is very dependent on form. It’s characterized by a light neutral color scheme, natural decor and soft edges. These spaces use these elements to create an open and airy space.Though organic rooms are often bright, they’re not overwhelming. This is because beige and cream tones are favored over bright white colors. Working in lots of plants via biophilic design is another way organic design can be more grounded.

Interior design origin: 1930s United States
Interior design history: Organic design’s popularity is often credited to architect Frank Lloyd Wright, whose signature style integrated natural elements into his structures.
Key interior design elements: Form, space, light, color

Style tip: Decorate with dried flowers to bring both texture and color into your organic interior.

More types of interior design

Trends come and go, but finding an interior design style that suits your personal taste and stands the test of time is key to feeling comfortable in your space. Here are some other styles to consider in your home or second home.

6. Coastal

A living room with beachy touches is decorated in a coastal style, a popular type of interior design.

Coastal style is a popular choice for, well, coastal or waterfront properties, as it brings the beachy atmosphere inside. Use features like sheer curtains and pops of light blue to keep your space feeling light and flowy.The key here is to lean into aquatic-themed decor so you always feel the same peace of lounging by the waves, even if the sand’s not right on your doorstep.

Interior design origin: Unknown
Interior design history: Coastal design is one of the oldest interior design styles. Its origin is hard to pin down, as it’s developed from many sub-styles of worldwide coastal regions.
Key interior design elements: Space, color, light

Style tip: Integrate natural elements like driftwood and sea glass to bring a bit of the beach home with you.

7. Art deco

A living room with geometric patterns is decorated in an art deco style, a popular type of interior design.

Art deco is characterized by its use of geometric patterns, jewel tones and accentuating lines. It’s common to fill the space with many statement pieces by using their similar patterns to tie an interior together.Another distinctive feature is interesting lighting like geometric chandeliers or floor lamps. While many interiors are colorful, they’ll usually stick to just one contrasting color to keep the color from overwhelming the space.

Interior design origin: 1910s France
Interior design history: Though art deco design reached its popularity peak in the United States in the 1930s, it originated in France a little earlier.
Key Interior design elements: Pattern, line, color

Style tip: Choose one simple shape to repeat in different patterns.

8. Minimalist

A simple and bright living room is decorated in a minimalist style, a popular type of interior design.

This type of interior design is characterized by bright spaces, simple decor and open concept interiors. Usually, these interiors are mostly white to maintain a clean look.The minimalist style is about keeping things simple, so less is truly more. Your space doesn’t need to be completely devoid of decor, but it shouldn’t feel cluttered. Focus on creating clean lines so there’s nothing to distract you from your peace.

Interior design origin: 1950s Germany and United States
Interior design history: Many consider minimalism to have evolved from the utility of Bauhaus design but with pared-down decoration.
Key interior design elements: Space, line, light

Style tip: Use stylish storage solutions like hidden drawers or a simple storage ottoman to keep your space clutter-free.

9. Modern

A living room with natural accents is decorated in a modern style, a popular type of interior design.

Modern interior design has a lot of similarities to minimalism, but it typically features more decor and pops of color. It still has the clean, bright feel of a minimalist space, but the inclusion of some more decor can help it feel more like home for people who aren't ready to commit to a minimalist lifestyle.Still, modern design focuses on clean lines, and your decor should be carefully selected to create interest without overwhelming your interior.

Interior design origin: 1950s United States
Interior design history: Modern design evolved at the same time as Mid-Century Modern but it takes inspiration from minimalism instead of art deco.
Key interior design elements: Line, space, color

Style tip: Choose an accent color to integrate into your modern space and make it feel more inviting.

10. Traditional

A grand living room is decorated in a traditional style, a popular type of interior design.

The traditional interior design style has remained popular for centuries. It draws inspiration from European elements such as rich textiles and carved wood. Many home design elements that come from traditional interior design — like crown molding — are desirable for any homeowner.These interiors feature an array of textures, from grand window furnishings to detailed woodwork. Choose furniture that showcases wood grain in rich tones to keep this style feeling cozy and personal.

Interior design origin: 18th-century England
Interior design history: Traditional interiors descend from 18th-century home design and have clear influences from colonial design as well. This design style is highly stylized and showcases natural materials and craftsmanship.
Key interior design elements: Texture, form

Style tip: Invest in some classic wood carved furniture pieces to make a traditional space feel more authentic.

11. Transitional

A living room with traditional and modern elements is decorated in a transitional style, a popular type of interior design.

Transitional interior design warms up modern design with its traditional influences. Spaces like this typically feature traditional style furniture. Then, the style is elevated with modern touches like geometric lamps or a gallery wall.Transitional interiors often use neutral tones and muted color palettes.

Interior design origin: 1950s Germany and Scandinavia
Interior design history: Transitional style developed around the same time as modern and Mid-Century Modern styles as another interpretation of the contemporary interior design style.
Key interior design elements: Texture, line

Style tip: Transitional design usually calls for a neutral palette with limited color like navy, so use lots of textured textiles to keep your space interesting.

12. French country

A living room with traditional touches and lots of color is decorated in a French country style, a popular type of interior design.

French country interior design combines rococo and rustic design, which were the two most popular styles from 17th- and 18th-century France. Rococo design features pastels for a lighthearted extravagance, while rustic design features lots of dark wood and rich furnishings like furs.As a result, French country is known for its mix of dark wood furnishings and pastel textiles. You’ll often see delicate patterns, such as florals contrasted against darker furnished features.

Interior design origin: 18th-century France
Interior design history: French country combines rococo and rustic styles to create an elegant interior style that still feels cozy.
Key interior design elements: Color, texture

Style tip: Accent traditional furniture with modern decor or geometric patterns to bring this centuries-old style into the new millennium.

13. Scandinavian

A living room with neutral colors and lots of texture is decorated in a Scandinavian style, a popular type of interior design.

Scandinavian interior design style has its roots throughout Scandinavia but is usually attributed to the Danish Selskabet for Dekorativ Kunst — or the Danish Company for Decorative Arts.Scandinavian style is a twist on modern design that adds some organic elements. This interior type departs from the elements that can make the modern style feel sterile to some people.Liven up your Scandinavian space by integrating natural materials like rattan and rich textures like a faux fur throw. Another key feature of Scandinavian design is its use of color; muted colors like mauves and olive greens are common.

Interior design origin: 1910s Denmark
Interior design history: What’s now known as Scandinavian interior design was first featured in the 1914 Danish magazine titled “Skønvirke,” which translates to “graceful work.”
Key interior design elements: Color, texture, line

Style tip: Use greenery to bring color and liveliness to any Scandinavian style room.

14. Industrial

A living room with exposed brick is decorated in an industrial style, a popular type of interior design.

Industrial design is characterized by exposed wood, brick and metal elements with little color. It works well in open or lofted spaces with large windows and lots of natural light.Industrial design mixes a vintage and modern feel. Its furniture and accessories typically have modern shapes but vintage-feeling materials like unpolished metal or raw wood.

Interior design origin: 1920s Germany
Interior design history: Industrial interior design also has its roots in the Bauhaus movement, but it was solidified as its own style later in 1944 with the founding of the Society of Industrial Designers.
Key interior design elements: Line, texture

Style tip: Let color or pattern take the backseat here and instead rely on mixing textures like metal and wood to create contrast.

15. Eclectic

A living room that mixes design elements is decorated in an eclectic style, a popular type of interior design.

Eclectic design refers to spaces that take influence from multiple design styles. While it originally referred to combining more traditional styles, many people add modern touches to their eclectic designs.Eclectic interior design is all about building your ideal space, so feel free to play around and choose your favorite characteristics of multiple styles to decorate your interior.

Interior design origin: 19th-century France
Interior design history: While eclectic design doesn't have a clear origin, it became popular at the end of the 19th century because of the widespread appeal of combining traditional interior design styles.
Key interior design elements: Texture, pattern, color

Style tip: Choose one design style for your furniture and complement it with decor from two to three other design styles for the perfect balance.

16. Modern farmhouse

A dining room with modern and cottage touches is decorated in a modern farmhouse style, a popular type of interior design.

As the name suggests, modern farmhouse style combines elements from both the cottage and modern styles. It brings all of the traditional comfort and coziness and adds a modern twist, integrating clean lined and a bright feel.This style bridges the gap for people who find modern design too clinical and farmhouse design too traditional for their tastes.

Interior design origin: 2010s United States
Interior design history: While versions of modern farmhouse style have been around since the 2000s, one of the first mentions of this style is from a 2016 New York Times article. After this was published, the modern farmhouse style shot to popularity and it remains popular today.
Key interior design elements: Texture, form, line

Style tip: Choose furniture that has a classic modern shape with farmhouse textures and materials for a perfect mix of old and new.Whether you’re styling your primary or secondary home, it’s important to have a space where you can relax and enjoy yourself. Exploring the different types of interior design and discovering what resonates with you is just one way to make your house a home.

An infographic describes the seven interior design types, styling tips and has a game based on trending types of interior design.

Designing your home in your preferred style

Discovering your unique interior design style is an exciting endeavor. Yet, maintaining a cohesive design throughout your home demands thoughtful consideration and, often, professional guidance. You can employ a skilled interior designer to ensure that your vision translates into a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing living space.If you're looking for a second home, you can also consider innovative solutions like fully managed co-ownership modelslike Pacaso. Pacaso not only provides co-ownership of a luxurious vacation home, but also professionally designs and fully furnishes each home so you find one that fits your preferred design style without the need for interior designer. Your second home is ready to enjoy, and the design cost is built into your cost of ownership. Whether through personal research, a designer's expertise or co-ownership models, a personalized and cohesive interior design can make a difference in your everyday living.Interested in Pacaso? Browse our luxury listings and find your dream home today.

Types of interior design: A styles overview + trends for 2024