Style is personal, and Style is individual. Interpretation of style varies from one person to the next… and that’s OK.

What does your style say about you? Is your style reflected in your home through its Interior design? Perhaps you’re not quite sure what your style is. Here are my top 15 interior design styles that you need to know and what I love about them.

1. Hygge (Scandi / Scandinavian)

The last two years have made us value our homes more than ever, and that is why the Scandinavian design philosophy known as Hygge sits at my number one spot for interior design styles. Hygge simply means to nurture a feeling of cosiness, contentment and well-being through cherishing the little things. Hygge stems from a Norwegian word meaning ‘comfort’ and is also related to the English word, ‘hug’.

In terms of how Hygge applies to interior design, think candles (scent is an important part of Hygge), feather filled armchairs, open fires, cosy nooks and rugs. To me, Hygge is the feeling of a home wrapping it’s arms around you when you enter the front door.

For another example of the Hygge interior design style in practice, visit Rebecca and Jorge's warehouse apartment.

2. Wabi Sabi

As our lives are starting to pick up pace again after two years of COVID disruptions and stress levels are rising, the Japanese design style known as Wabi Sabi is perhaps the antidote we need. Wabi Sabi is an interior design concept that denotes a more connected way of living. It values the beauty of imperfection and embraces blemishes caused by the natural process of time.

Look for items in your home that will age gracefully and don’t throw away your broken or imperfect pieces. Embrace the patina on your brass or copper, find the beauty in unglazed pottery and chipped planters. Bring inside large branches foraged from outside and display them in ceramics. Reject symmetry and perfectionism and embrace the wrinkles in your linen sheets and resist the temptation to straighten the slightly uneven pile of magazines or books.

I found a great example of Wabi Sabi interior design applied in a Victorian Terrace in Cooks Hill, Newcastle. Visit Sue Atkinson's home to take a look.

3. Mid-century modern (Modern)

As the name suggests, Mid-century modern interior design incorporates 50’s era optimism, 60’s era earthiness and 70’s era tones and textures neatly wrapped up in the simplicity of Scandinavian design. It’s a wonderfully nostalgic nod to a simpler time where the vibe was fresh, retro, a little bit fun and always practical and beautiful. Perhaps this style resonates with me so much because I love a little bit of quirk to bring a space to life.

A Mid-century modern house will not only boast a charming interior decor with plenty of teak, chrome, glass and pops of Colour, but it will also be practical, durable, unpretentious and easy on the eye. People often ask if they can combine old pieces with new - yes, you absolutely can in this thoroughly desirable interior design style.

Visit this wonderful renovation of two cottages brought together to make a unified Mid-century modern home in James Street, Hamilton in Newcastle.

4. Art Deco

This decadent and bold interior design style has been around for over a hundred years and continues in its popularity. Known for its symmetry, geometric patterns, luxurious materials and rich jewel toned and strong, bold colour palette, it has both a vintage flair and a sense of approachable luxury.

Art Deco interior design isn’t for the feint-hearted. It’s bold, vibrant and packs a design punch. Think glamour and sophistication with statement lighting, layering, golds and geometry. If bold colours aren’t for you, a softer palette can work when you incorporate sculptural elements and stick with geometric shapes. Art Deco is purposeful interior design that when committed to, results in astoundingly beautiful interiors.

Visit Emma Fensom's Tighes Hill home in Newcastle for a classic application of the Art Deco interior design style.

5. Bauhaus

Many current design styles can be traced back to Bauhaus, a design style developed in Germany in the early 1900s. The Bauhaus movement was originally founded to unite fine arts with applied arts, ie, painting and sculpture with industrial design. It produced designs that were simple, beautiful and above all else, functional.

Today, elements of styles such as Mid-century modern and Scandinavian can be traced back to Bauhaus. Interior design characteristics include functional shapes, abstract shapes used sparingly, simple colour schemes, holistic design and basic industrial materials like concrete, steel and glass. It’s about simplicity, pared-back spaces and streamlined forms. The good news is that if you’re wanting to introduce some Bauhaus interior design style to your home, it’s about reducing things and taking a minimal approach. It could just take one or two items that transform your space.

I found this Whitebridge Garden House to have a fantastic application of the Bauhaus interior design style. It's simple colour schemes, holistic design, use of industrial materials like glass and concrete provided the base on which the Bauhaus style could form with its grand, open but functional spaces and pared back interior decor.

6. British Colonial

Holiday at home with this fusion of British, West Indian, Caribbean, Indian and African interior design style. Layering, textures, colour and pattern all feature heavily in this timeless design style that can make your home feel like a five star resort.

Achieve this look at home by introducing natural textures such as bamboo, wicker and rattan, pared with exotic art on the walls or wallpaper featuring palms, jungle inspired or animal prints. Arrange your furniture in a way that promotes interaction with family and visitors and don’t hold back on the ornaments. Clashing patterns, pops of colour and relaxing tones of wood and wicker combine for a winning formula in this fun, yet sophisticated interior design style.

7. Shaker

If you love the simplicity of minimalist interior design and the natural tones of Scandi design, this just may be the style for you. As with Bauhaus, the defining principle of Shaker design is that function comes before all else. In contrast though, Shaker interior design follows a neutral colour palette of tans, greys and off-white. When using a neutral colour scheme, it’s important to follow the 10-30-60 rule to add interest to the space. Choose one colour for 60% of your space (usually your walls); another colour for 30% of your space (usually your furniture) and 10% for the remainder of your space (soft furnishings and accessories).

Introduce the Shaker interior design style into your home by eliminating clutter, adopting a neutral colour palette, consider shaker-style cabinetry in your kitchen and wet rooms, and incorporate useful additions such as peg rails into your decor.

8. Transitional

Can we have our metaphorical cake and eat it too? Yes, we absolutely can with this wonderful interior design style. The Transitional interior design style refers to the successful union of traditional and modern interior design. Starting with a foundation of minimal pattern, a largely neutral colour palette and traditional mouldings on your walls and joinery, then start to build your interior design with a combination of quality, traditional pieces and complementary modern pieces. Whilst a 50/50 balance is not necessary, try not to skew too heavily either side.

As colour is kept to a minimum, use texture to build layers and create visual interest. Embrace space, consider scale and choose your decorative accents thoughtfully. If your preference is to add colour, choose warm tones with sleek silhouettes to strike the balance between traditional and modern.

You would expect an interior designer would nail their own interior design style, and Stewart Horton has done that with the Transitional style. I was lucky to interview Stewart and write about his beautiful home in leafy and hilly New Lambton Heights, Newcastle. Stewart's interior design pays homage to the house's construction era, and his execution of the style is beautifully on point.

9. Modern coastal (Hamptons)

Modern coastal embraces the interior design styles of the Hamptons, nautical and tropical with a contemporary neutral colour palette and plenty of natural textures. Whites, greys and beige tones feature heavily, with the addition of soft blues and greens. Consider terrazzo tiles in your bathroom, wicker light fixtures and furniture that brings the outdoors, in.

Forget putting oars on the walls and starfish ornaments on your side tables. Modern coastal is a part modern, part laid back style that relies on textures and materials to create a calming and sophisticated space.

Visit Luke and Justine Orton's home for a fantastic modern take on the coastal, or beach side home style. Their Orton House, as it was known succeeded perfectly and their interior design carried the external aesthetic into the interiors to create the unified story they were aiming for. The interior design here is modern, laid back with neutrals and naturals aplenty, and not an oar or starfish in sight!

10. Japandi

According to Leni Calas of Ward 5 Design,

“Japandi Design is the combination of Scandinavian functionality and Japanese rustic minimalism to create a feeling of art, nature and simplicity.”

This fusion of cultures results in both beautiful and functional interior designs. An emphasis of Japandi style is sustainability, through the use of natural materials and simple design. With its green, eco-friendly decor style, it’s little wonder that this interior design style is rapidly gaining in popularity.

To achieve this look in your home, think about combining the warmth of the timber tones that come with Scandi interior design, with the elegance of Japanese decor. Use muted colours, plenty of greenery and focus on natural materials including unfinished woods or bamboo. Consider partition screens to keep your space free of clutter and aim to create a Zen like sense of calm in your space.

11. Bohemian

I often ask my clients to describe their ideal interior design style as a personality. If you were to describe a Bohemian interior as a personality, I imagine it would be relaxed, eclectic and adventurous. A Bohemian interior design is inviting, warm and interesting. Loads of layering, greenery, natural textures, pattern and an abundance of vintage pieces and colour are all hallmarks of this enduringly popular design style.

Forget structure and symmetry and go for a carefree, whimsical and earthy aesthetic. Display your old books, travel collections, art and plants and embrace curated clutter and your very own bohemian sanctuary will emerge.

One of my most memorable interviews in the last few years was Sophia Flegg, who executed a Bohemian interior design style renovation for $5,000 in 5 days. The results will amaze you.

12. Contemporary

Contemporary interior design is essentially, the style of the moment and will evolve every couple of years. It is currently defined by architectural lighting, statement art, curved lines, open plan living and plenty of natural light. Windows are dressed with full height sheers, furnishings are crisp and luxurious. Surfaces include terrazzo, marble and concrete and the colour palette is somewhat neutral.

Achieving a contemporary look in your home can begin with updating your lighting fixtures, door hardware and reducing clutter. Create a feature wall with a scene stealing piece of art and limit your accent colours to one or two.

For a close look at this style, I found the home that Jacqueline and Andrew Harvey built in Bar Beach, Newcastle to be a sensational example of the Contemporary interior design style.

13. Industrial

Inspired by warehouses and factories, industrial interior design is characterised by open plan living, large windows, a minimalist aesthetic and a blend of rustic and natural materials. Pipes, beams and ducting are largely left exposed and floors left raw. Contemporary industrial design now includes hidden luxuries such as underfloor heating beneath honed polished concrete.

Concrete or brick walls are left unpainted and unplastered with blemishes showcased using clever lighting. Kitchens in industrial styled homes have a commercial aesthetic, with the use of black metals, exposed pipes, concrete and open shelving. Whilst this design style is largely defined by its lack of glamour, it also lends itself to creativity. Brighten up what could be a potentially muted colour palette with bold pops of colour. Paint an old wooden cabinet bright red, buy that green sofa you’ve been lusting after. This is a design style where you can afford to go big and bold.

Exemplifying everything about the Industrial interior design style above, and worth a closer look for the application and execution is Craig McGaffin's warehouse apartment conversion in Islington, Newcastle.

14. Cottage

Quaint, utterly charming, hospitable and welcoming is how I would describe this timeless design style. A cottage styled home has vintage charm, comfort and relaxed sophistication. Sofas are over stuffed, timber abounds on both the floors and in furniture, and the colour palette is neutral. Favour warm white over cool whites and introduce soft beige, warm greys and an abundance of natural fibres.

Fill your walls with vintage pictures and family memorabilia, bring out your book collection and display hand cut flowers in milk jugs on your counter tops. A cottage home feels loved and lived in. Consider your local op-shop to find eclectic cottage style pieces, but be sure to keep your colour scheme consistent to achieve a calming space. VJ panelling, barn doors and shaker style doors would all suit this deliciously cosy interior design style.

For a closer look at the Cottage style, you can't go past Gow House. Originally built in Merewether, Newcastle this house was relocated to Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley where it now exemplifies a precise execution of the Cottage interior design style.

15. Grandmillennial (Granny chic)

If anything warms the heart, it would be this delightfully nostalgic nod to the past, honouring a bygone era before life became impossibly fast paced and technology ruled the roost. Grandmillennial chic is said to be a millennial rebellion against the sleek minimalism of modern design. As this design style increases in popularity, expect to see traditional wallpapers experience a resurgence and even needlepoint craft, ruffles and pleated bed skirts.

The Grandmillennial interior design style is about a contemporary interpretation of Grandma’s living room. It’s purpose is to exude comfort and warmth and evoke memories of the scent of home baked biscuits and cups of tea around the formica table. If you’re fortunate enough to be in possession of some of Grandma’s collections, combine them with blue and white china, large-scale florals and an abundance of cheerful colour.

You may well think there would be few examples of the Granny chic aesthetic for you to delve further into, but you would be wrong. My fellow interior designer Stewart Horton, who featured above as having executed a sublime Transitional interior design style in his New Lambton Heights, Newcastle home also qualifies - by his own admission - for a great execution of Grandmillenial.

So, what's your style? Which interior design style do you relate to and connect with? I hope that after reading this I have ignited your imagination about your space. Have fun with it, and if you're inspired to start your own new interior design journey why not give me a call or touch base and see what I can do to help make your space realise it's full potential and for your heart to sign when you're in it.

Julie Evans Design is a Newcastle based interior design studio and creator of beautiful spaces. We service the New South Wales areas of Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens. Our goal is to make the potential of your space come to life, so much that it makes your heart sing when you're in it. Check out my interior design services, learn more about me or contact me to have a discussion about your space and your needs.

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