When it comes to decorating your space, you have a lot of options. However, if you’re still in the process of figuring out your design style, the sheer number to choose from can be incredibly overwhelming.
Below is a list of the ten most popular current design trends. Of course, this list is not exhaustive, and some other popular design trends that are not listed include modern, shabby chic, Mediterranean, Asian Zen, maximalist, and farmhouse.
- Art Deco
Art Deco, inspired by Art Nouveau, The Bauhaus School, and Cubism, is technically an era, not just an art style. Characterized by its opulence, modern Art Deco isn’t necessarily true to the time period of the ‘20s and ‘30s, but is still inspired by and uses pieces from the era. Typically, Art Deco uses geometric designs, rich material and textiles, ornamental lighting, and symmetry.
- Bohemian
Bohemian (boho) is meant to reflect one’s free spirit, travels and appreciation of different cultures and arts. Boho décor uses layering of items, as well as varying textures and natural finishes. You can play with colour, with some boho rooms looking more muted and natural, while others lean heavily into jewel tones. Boho is also well-known for its use of house plants, and lighter-coloured wood as well as rattan and wicker.
- Coastal
The best way to describe coastal is “beachy”. Coastal takes inspiration from beaches, incorporating the blues, greens, beiges, and whites that you would normally find at the beach. Coastal is usually more of a comfortable and relaxed style, and also makes use of materials like rope, driftwood, wicker, and birch.
- Contemporary
Not to be confused with modern, which is a fixed design aesthetic, contemporary reflects whatever is trending in the present moment. Right now, contemporary is leaning towards the minimalist side, using a neutral colour palette, good foundation pieces, and open floor plans.
- Eclectic
Like boho, eclectic can lean a little bit more on the maximalist side. However, unlike boho (which doesn’t really follow a lot of rules), eclectic tends to be a bit more curated and deliberate. To be specific, eclectic tends to follow a theme — for instance, farmhouse — and then curate its décor towards that one style. There is usually a mixture of prints, patterns and textures, and usually a bit of experimentation has gone into every eclectic design.
- Mid Century Modern
Mid Century Modern, which was heavily inspired by German Bauhaus design, really took off in 1950s and ‘60s post-war America. This design style is known for mixing materials between man-made and natural pieces, as well as being a fusion of indoor and outdoor. Generally, this style uses neutrals with pops of colour, as well as clean lines, and graphic shapes.
- Minimalist
A design style that’s been trending for a little while now, minimalist really leans into the notion that simple is best. It emphasizes only having what you need, doing away with clutter and any extras that you may not use on a daily basis. Typically, there is a lot of open space, natural light, neutral colours, and furniture pieces that are functional and ‘clean’.
- Scandinavian
The style is light and airy, while also being clean and functional; but, unlike minimalist that tends to lean solely on earthy tones, Scandi style also incorporates pastels like pink, yellow, and green. Additionally, there is an emphasis on creating light in a space, purposefully orienting furniture in a way that bounces light all over a room.
- Traditional
While many designers will say that traditional style takes inspiration from 18th and 19th century Europe, technically, any décor style from around the world could be considered traditional. The point is to focus on mementos, and staying true to historical accuracy.
- Transitional
Finally, transitional serves as a bridge between traditional and contemporary. If you are the type of person who wants to incorporate traditional pieces styles into an overall updated look, then transitional is the style you’re looking for. A transitional style may have traditional architecture mixed with modern décor, or may use traditional furniture with modern hardware.
Lauren Schwartz | Staff Writer
