Mastering Design Styles in Home Decor

Understanding design styles is a cornerstone of home decorating. It helps you make cohesive choices, invest wisely in furnishings, and create a space that truly feels like home.

In this guide, we’ll explore timeless vs. trending design styles, how they’ve evolved, and how to choose the right style for your lifestyle and taste. Whether you’re a beginner setting up your first home or an enthusiast refining your space, this guide will help you navigate design styles with confidence.

Why Design Styles Matter in Home Decor

Before getting into specific styles, it’s important to know why understanding design styles is so valuable.

Cohesion and Flow

Knowing your preferred style brings a harmonious look to your home. It guides you in picking colors, furniture, and decor that work well together, preventing random purchases that might clash or feel out of place.

Personal Expression

Your home’s style communicates your personality and story. As interior designer Candice Olson notes, a well-designed space should feel comfortable and timeless while reflecting the individuality of its owner.

Smart Investing

Home decor can be a big investment. Knowing which elements are timeless versus trendy helps you decide where to splurge and where to save. Designer Nate Berkus advises, “When you buy something for your home, you should really love it, and you should love it for the next 10 years,” rather than picking something just because it’s fashionable at the moment.

Adaptability

Styles influence how easily you can update your space. If you understand the core of a style, you can refresh your decor over time without starting from scratch.

Timeless vs. Trending Styles: What’s the Difference?

Design styles generally fall into two broad categories: timeless classics and trending styles.

Timeless Styles

Timeless styles have enduring appeal. They’ve been around for decades (even centuries) and don’t feel dated even as years pass. Think of neutral color schemes, well-crafted furniture, and balanced designs that could look as elegant in 2030 as they did in 1950.

Classic hardwood floors, white subway tiles, or a mid-century modern armchair are examples of elements with lasting style. As one design expert put it, “The key to timeless design… is subtlety, sophistication, and above all else, simplicity.”

Trending Styles

Trending styles are the looks of right now. They’re popular and buzz-worthy in the current moment, often driven by social media, magazines, and cultural shifts. These styles tend to be more short-lived (think 5-10 years of peak popularity) and often feature of-the-moment colors, materials, or motifs.

Read more: 15 Surprising Interior Design Trends We Didn’t See Coming in 2025

Trending decor can be exciting and fresh, but by nature, trends come and go. As designer Jennifer Davis cautions, “Trends come and go, but classic design elements stand the test of time.”

Many modern trends actually borrow from or reinvent timeless styles. For instance, the recent Japandi trend (a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian design) is rooted in age-old principles of simplicity and nature.

Evolution and Popularity

Styles often evolve in cycles. A new trend might arise as a reaction to the previous trend. For example, after years of minimalistic, all-white interiors dominating Instagram, many young decorators developed “grandmillennial” style – embracing patterned fabrics, vintage furniture, and traditional touches as a warm antidote to modern simplicity.

Interior designer Kevin Isbell explains that millennials furnishing homes are “rebelling against the monochromatic catalog looks they were raised with and looking to earlier generations for inspiration.”​

Similarly, the rise of maximalism in recent years is a pendulum swing away from the bare-bones minimalism of the early 2010s.

Some trends stick around so long they become new classics. A good example is mid-century modern design. When it first emerged around the 1950s, it was very forward-looking. It fell out of favor for a while, but in the late 1990s and 2000s it came back into vogue – and now its clean lines and organic shapes are considered timeless staples of design.

So, the line between a long-lasting trend and a timeless style can be blurry – often it’s a matter of time and staying power.

Quick Comparison – Timeless vs. Trending:

Aspect	Timeless Styles	Trending Styles
Lifespan	Decades or generations of popularity; never truly “out of style.”	Short-term buzz (a few years); may date after the trend peaks.
Palette	Classic colors (neutrals, whites, blacks, wood tones, tried-and-true combos).	Current in colors (e.g., the Pantone color of the year, bold or novel hues for the season).
Materials	High-quality, natural materials that age well (hardwoods, stone, quality fabrics).	New or reimagined materials (reclaimed wood trend, metallic finishes, trendy prints like chevron or terrazzo when they’re hot).
Characteristics	Emphasis on balance, proportion, and simplicity. Ornaments and details are refined and not overdone.	Emphasis on statement pieces and wow factor. Often a mix of patterns, textures, or tech integration that feels very “now.”
Risk of Dating	Low – looks remain appealing over time. Rooms feel “collected and evolved” rather than tied to one era.	Higher – could make a space feel like a time capsule of the year it was designed.
Examples	Traditional, Classic, Mid-Century Modern, Minimalist, Scandinavian, Industrial (loft style).	Modern Farmhouse, Japandi, Grandmillennial (Granny Chic), Boho Chic, Maximalist, Coastal Contemporary.

Both timeless and trending styles have their place. Many expert designers recommend mixing the two: Start with a timeless foundation and then layer in a few trends you love. This way, your home has longevity and still feels current.

For example, if curvy furniture is trending and you love it, you might add one curvaceous accent chair to a living room that mostly has straight-lined, classic pieces – the mix will be more interesting and personal.

Timeless Design Styles: Classics That Endure

Timeless design styles have lasting appeal and flexibility, often drawing from historical design principles and emphasizing quality and comfort.

1. Traditional Classic Style

Characteristics

Formal, elegant, and rooted in history. Traditional style takes cues from 18th- and 19th-century European decor. Rooms often feature symmetry, classic furniture silhouettes (like wingback chairs), and rich color palettes. Think of polished wood furniture, upholstered sofas with rolled arms, ornate mirrors, and plush area rugs.

Key Elements:

• Furniture: Curved lines, carved wood details, and matching sets (e.g., a dining table with coordinating chairs). Quality hardwoods like mahogany or cherry.
• Colors: A mix of neutrals and rich accent colors. Walls might be neutral (cream, beige) with pops of burgundy, navy, forest green, or gold in fabrics and accents.
• Patterns & Textiles: Damask, floral prints, stripes, and plaids on drapes or upholstery. Layered window treatments.
• Millwork & Details: Crown molding, wainscoting, built-in bookshelves, and fireplaces with detailed mantels.

Why It’s Timeless

Traditional style feels established and grounded. It has literally been passed down through generations – often, people incorporate heirloom furniture or vintage pieces. Designer Paloma Contreras notes, “Traditional, to me, means collected and evolved… this made homes evolve with pieces from various eras,” creating a layered look that never feels tied to a single moment.

2. Modern (Mid-Century Modern & Contemporary Minimalism)

Characteristics

Mid-Century Modern (MCM) refers to the retro modern style of the 1950s-60s, known for clean lines, organic curves, and integration with nature.

Contemporary Minimalism is more of a philosophy seen in late 20th and 21st century design – “less is more,” with open spaces and minimal clutter.

Mid-Century Modern

Iconic MCM pieces include low-profile sofas, tapered wooden legs, molded plastic chairs, and sunburst clocks. Materials include molded plywood, fiberglass, teak wood, and metal. Colors can range from neutrals to retro pops of mustard yellow, olive green, or orange.

Example

Minimalist Contemporary

This style strips design to its essentials: functional furniture, simple forms, and very little ornamentation. Color schemes are often neutral with maybe one accent color. Surfaces are clutter-free and storage is smartly integrated.

Example

Key Elements (Modern/MCM & Minimalist):

• Furniture: Clean-lined sofas and chairs, often raised on legs. In minimalism, furniture might even be multi-functional (a bench that’s also storage).
• Materials: Modern styles favor natural woods (teak, walnut), metals (steel, chrome), glass, and new materials (plastic, acrylic). Minimalism might incorporate concrete or stone for a Zen-like simplicity.
• Colors: Mid-century can combine neutrals with bold accents. Minimalist sticks to monochromes or tonal variations.
• Patterns: Geometric patterns in mid-century, used sparingly. Minimalist avoids patterns aside from subtle textures.
• Lighting: Simple shapes that serve as both light sources and sculptural elements.
  Read more: 15 Ways to Use Floor Lamps in Your Living Room for Perfect Lighting
• Decor: In minimalism, very few decor items – perhaps one ceramic vase or a single sculpture. In mid-century modern, decor might include abstract art, vintage records, or books.

Why It’s Timeless

Mid-century modern has shown incredible staying power. The style’s emphasis on quality materials and functional beauty means it “transcends the decades.” Minimalist design is timeless because it’s essentially about simplicity and function, which never go out of necessity.

3. Transitional Style (Mix of Traditional & Modern)

Characteristics

Transitional style blends traditional and contemporary elements in a balanced way. A transitional room might have classic furniture shapes but in updated fabrics, or modern streamlined furniture paired with more ornate accents. The color palette is usually neutral, creating a unified canvas for mixing eras.

Key Elements

• Furniture: A mix – you might see a modern sofa with clean lines alongside tufted armchairs that are more traditional.
• Colors: Lots of neutrals (taupe, gray, cream, beige) with maybe accents of darker wood tones, black, or muted blues/greens.
• Materials: Wood, metal, glass, plush fabrics like velvet or suede for warmth.
• Decor: Transitional avoids extremes. You won’t see overly busy ornamentation nor ultra-sleek minimalism. Instead, decor might include a few well-chosen pieces: statement artwork, some classic white ceramic vases, and a contemporary rug with a subtle pattern.

Example

Why It’s Timeless

Transitional style literally aims to never go out of style. Because it combines new and old, it adapts gracefully over time. If a certain trend fades, the room still has a foundation of classic elements to stand on.

Homes & Gardens notes that a transitional approach creates a “home that never dates” by not leaning too heavily on one specific look.

4. Scandinavian & Nordic Cozy Style

Characteristics

Scandinavian design focuses on simplicity, functionality, and comfort. It shares principles with minimalism but with a warmer, cozier touch often called “hygge.” Spaces are bright and airy, with a lot of white, pale wood, and nature-inspired elements.

Read more: 17 Scandinavian Hygge Decor Tricks for Ultimate Coziness

Key Elements

• Colors: Very light walls to reflect light. Pops of soft color like dusty pink, baby blue, or sage green in textiles or artwork.
• Materials: Light woods (pine, birch), cotton, linen, wool in textiles to add warmth.
• Furniture: Functional and unadorned with organic shapes, but very comfortable. Wooden dining tables, iconic Wishbone chairs, or Ikea-style simplicity fit here.
• Decor: Kept to a thoughtful minimum.
• Cozy touches: To avoid sterility, Scandinavian style layers in cozy elements: a chunky knit throw on the couch, sheepskin rug or pillow, and plenty of candles or a fireplace for ambience.

Example

Why It’s Timeless

Scandinavian design has been influential worldwide since at least the mid-20th century. Its emphasis on comfort and simplicity means it suits modern living well. The focus on quality, natural materials means Scandi spaces age gracefully.

5. Industrial Chic (Loft Style)

Characteristics

Born from converted warehouses and city lofts, industrial style features raw, exposed materials and an urban, edgy vibe. It’s characterized by exposed brick walls, visible ductwork and pipes, concrete floors, and Edison bulb light fixtures.

Key Elements

• Materials: Metals (iron, steel, copper), worn leather, unfinished or reclaimed wood, concrete.
• Colors: Neutral and earthy. A lot of gray from concrete or metal, brown from leather or rusted steel, black accents.
• Furniture: Often oversized and robust. Chesterfield sofas in worn leather, metal stools, repurposed items like factory carts turned into coffee tables.
• Lighting: Pendant lights with metal shades or bare bulbs, floor lamps with industrial tripod or scissor design.
• Decor: Mechanical or vintage accents such as gears, maps, old signs, or black-and-white photography.
• Architectural details: Open floor plans are common (since many industrial interiors are essentially one big loft space).

Example

Why It’s Timeless (or at least enduring)

Industrial style has proven quite lasting, especially in urban areas. It taps into historic character and people love that sense of authenticity. Because it largely uses neutral colors and durable materials, industrial decor ages well.

6. Other Timeless Styles (Brief Mentions)

Farmhouse (Classic Rural Style)

Traditional farmhouse decor is timeless because it’s rooted in simple, practical living. Hallmarks are vintage wooden furniture, aproned sinks, open shelving, and cozy textiles like quilts.

Read more: 18 Warm Weathered Pine Farmhouse Kitchens (That Hug You Like Grandma’s Home)

The colors are warm and homey (soft whites, sage greens, barn reds). It’s a style that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Bohemian (Boho) & Eclectic

Bohemian style, with its global influences and carefree mix of patterns, has cycled in and out of mainstream popularity but is always present in some form. Boho rooms layer vibrant colors, mixed textiles (kilim rugs, suzani throws), macramé, and lots of plants.

Read more: 10 Boho Styling Tips To Revamp Your Home

Eclectic style intentionally mixes different styles together to create a one-of-a-kind space.

Read more: Eclectic Home Decor: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

A well-done eclectic room with treasures from travels and eras can feel like it timelessly belongs to the owner, not to a trend.

Art Deco

Originating in the 1920s and 30s, Art Deco style is full of bold geometry, luxurious materials, and glamor. While distinctly historical, Art Deco elements like geometric patterned floors or mirrored furniture are often reinterpreted in modern decor.

Read more: 15 Art Deco Decor Ideas to Bring Glamour to Your Home

Timeless styles are about lasting appeal, quality materials, and designs that people come back to again and again. If you decorate in a timeless style that truly resonates with you, you likely won’t tire of it quickly.

Your home can feel lived-in and loved rather than like a showroom, which is ultimately what timeless design achieves.

Trending Design Styles: Current Trends and Their Appeal

Trending styles capture the spirit of the present. They often arise from cultural moments, technological advances, or a collective craving for something different from the immediate past.

1. Modern Farmhouse

What It Is

Modern Farmhouse is a fresh take on rustic country style, hugely popularized in the 2010s (thanks in large part to Joanna Gaines). It blends the cozy, welcoming vibe of a traditional farmhouse with contemporary clean lines and neutral colors.

Key Characteristics

• Color Palette: Neutral and light. White is king (often walls are shiplap or painted white). Accents in black, grey, or soft blues/greens. Wood tones (like oak or pine) add warmth.
• Materials: Reclaimed wood beams or sliding barn doors, shiplap paneling, stone or brick fireplaces. Metal touches in black or galvanized steel.
• Furniture: Comfortable and practical. Overstuffed couches, farmhouse tables, Windsor or X-back dining chairs, and vintage-inspired pieces.
• Decor Elements: Shiplap walls, sliding barn doors, apron-front sinks, open shelving with Mason jars and white dishware on display.
• Contrast of Old & New: The modern aspect comes in with updated appliances, simpler hardware, and sometimes more minimalist furniture forms, but always balanced by rustic touches.

Evolution and Popularity

Modern Farmhouse has been so widespread that some say it’s nearing saturation. However, elements of it have a timeless quality of their own – they might just get incorporated more subtly in the future.

It appeals because it feels familiar and homey, yet fresh and uncluttered. It’s also a very DIY-friendly style – painting old furniture white, installing barn doors, etc., allowed homeowners to join the trend easily.

Example

2. Japandi

What It Is

Japandi is a hybrid of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian hygge. It’s essentially East meets West: combining Japan’s Zen-like, wabi-sabi aesthetic with the cozy functionality of Scandi design. This style emphasizes calm, uncluttered spaces that still feel warm and nature-inspired.

Key Characteristics

• Color Palette: Predominantly earthy tones and muted colors. Off-whites, beiges, soft browns, and gray tones form the base.
• Materials: Natural materials are crucial. Light woods, darker woods or bamboo, stone and ceramics. Textiles are often organic cotton or linen.
• Furniture: Minimalist and functional with elegant lines. Low-profile furniture is common, such as low sofas or platform beds.Minimalist and functional with elegant lines. Low-profile furniture is common (a Japanese influence), such as low sofas or platform beds.
• Decor: Very pared down. Clutter is the enemy in Japandi. Instead, there might be a single ikebana flower arrangement on a table, or a trio of simple pottery pieces on a shelf.
• Overall Feel: Serene and airy. Rooms have good negative space which lets the eyes rest. It feels spa-like or Zen.

Why It’s Trending

Japandi hits at a time when many people are craving peace and simplicity at home. The style’s focus on sustainability and intentional living also resonates now. Because Japandi is function-oriented and clutter-free, it aligns with the popular movement of decluttering and mindfulness in living spaces.

Example

How to Incorporate

If you like Japandi, start by decluttering your space and sticking to a neutral palette. Introduce a few key natural materials (maybe a bamboo pendant lamp or a tatami-like rug). Keep decoration minimal and choose quality over quantity.

3. Grandmillennial (Granny Chic)

What It Is

Grandmillennial style is a trend where young decorators embrace traditional decor elements reminiscent of their grandparents’ homes – but with a fresh twist. Imagine floral prints, skirted tables, china displays, and embroidered throw pillows, all coming back, but often paired with modern art or updated colors.

Key Characteristics

• Patterns Galore: Floral chintz, toile, paisley, and trellis prints – especially on fabrics like curtains, sofas, or wallpaper. Pattern-on-pattern is common.
• Color Scheme: Often upbeat versions of traditional palettes. Lots of pastels or saturated hues like coral, mint green, powder blue, and yellow.
• Furniture: Classic shapes: skirted armchairs, pleated lampshades, upholstered headboards, ruffled bedskirts, and antique wooden casegoods.
• Decorative Details: Fringe, ruffles, and trim. The key is a bit of editing so it doesn’t cross into “cluttered” territory – it’s a curated granny look.
• Mix with Modern: What keeps grandmillennial from looking like a pure time capsule is the addition of some modern elements.
• Comfort and Personality: Grandmillennial rooms are meant to feel personal and unique. You’ll see family photos in lovely frames, books on the coffee table, a throw draped over a chair – it’s lived-in and loved.

Why It’s Trending

This style emerged as a reaction against the all-gray, minimalist homes that were popular through the 2010s. Younger generations began to appreciate the charm and character of traditional decor. It’s partly driven by nostalgia and a desire for comfort – surrounded by things that have a sense of history can feel reassuring.

Example

Tips to Embrace

If you adore grandmillennial style, don’t be afraid to raid your relatives’ attic or browse estate sales for gems like floral armchairs, embroidered linens, or mahogany side tables. Balance the look with a few contemporary items (even just modern artwork or a sleek lamp) so it feels intentional.

4. Maximalism

What It Is

Maximalism is often summarized as “more is more.” It’s a bold design approach that celebrates excess – more color, more pattern, more art, more texture. This trend has gained momentum as people turn toward more expressive, individualized decor.

Key Characteristics

• Bold Color Schemes: Rich, saturated colors. Jewel tones or playful mixes of colors that might clash in a quieter style.
• Pattern Mixing: It’s not maximalist if there’s only one pattern! You’ll see combinations like leopard print with florals, or stripes with ikat with plaid.
• Lots of Decor & Art: Surfaces are filled (artfully). Walls may be a gallery of artworks and photos, from floor to ceiling. Shelves display collections of books, sculptures, travel souvenirs, and quirky objects.
• Mix of Styles: Maximalism often goes hand in hand with eclecticism. Different eras and styles intermingle freely.
• Personal Expression: Above all, maximalist interiors reflect the owner’s passions.

Why It’s Trending

Maximalism is partly a rebellion against the generic look of catalog minimalism that became ubiquitous. People want their homes to feel unique and joyful. With many stuck at home in recent times, some found that a stark minimal space felt cold, whereas adding color and things they love around them boosted their mood.

Example

How to Try It

If you’re drawn to maximalism, start by choosing a color palette – it can be broad, but having some cohesion (even if it’s 5-6 key colors that repeat) helps. Then bring in pattern with rugs, pillows, or wallpaper. Don’t be shy about hanging art or adding decor; your home should display your collections and hobbies. You might edit your collection over time, but the essence remains since it’s tied to things you love.

5. Biophilic Design (Nature-Inspired Trend)

What It Is

Biophilic design focuses on connecting interior spaces with nature. In home decor, this trend translates to bringing the outdoors in: lots of indoor plants, natural materials, and designs that emphasize sunlight, views, and organic forms.

Key Characteristics

• Indoor Plants: From potted palms to hanging planters, greenery is a must. Living walls or large collections of plants turn rooms into indoor gardens.
• Natural Materials & Textures: Use of wood, bamboo, jute, stone, cork, and rattan in furnishings and finishes.
  Read more: 15 Great Rattan And Wicker Furniture Ideas [By Room]
• Earthy Color Palette: Colors that mimic nature: various greens, earthy browns, clay terracotta, sky blues, soft moss, etc.
• Light and Air: Maximizing natural light with sheer curtains or none at all, using mirrors to reflect light, and arranging seating near windows.
• Wellness Focus: The idea is that interacting with natural elements reduces stress and increases comfort.

Why It’s Trending

As people become more eco-conscious and spend more time indoors, the desire to reconnect with nature grows. Studies have shown plants and natural light can improve mood and productivity. Additionally, sustainability in design encourages using natural, renewable materials, aligning with biophilic principles.

Example

Incorporation Tips

Any style can become more biophilic with a few changes: add plants that you can care for. Opt for wooden or natural fiber furniture where possible. Use nature-inspired art – landscapes, botanical drawings – or even nature photography you’ve taken. Consider paint colors that make you feel like you’re outside (soft blues, leafy greens). Keep windows unobstructed and use warm lighting.

6. Other Notable Trends (Brief Mentions)

Coastal Grandma / Coastal Chic

This trend coined as “coastal grandmother” (inspired by cozy, upscale beach house vibes often seen in Nancy Meyers films) combines coastal style with classic traditional elements. Think light, breezy fabrics, slipcovered sofas, stripes and nautical touches, mixed with antique furniture and comfortable charm.

It’s essentially a timeless coastal style updated for modern comfort – a style that could easily become a long-term favorite if you love the seaside look.

Luxurious Textures (Velvets & Marble)

An emphasis on rich textures to create a sense of luxury at home. Velvet sofas or chairs in jewel tones are popular, as well as marble or marble-look surfaces on coffee tables and countertops. This can be seen as an offshoot of Art Deco revival or just a general push towards more glam decor.

Monochromatic & Tone-on-Tone Rooms

Some trending interiors feature a very tight color scheme – for instance, an all-beige room or various shades of green layered in a space. To use this, one might pick their favorite color and design the whole room around gradients and textures of that hue.

Read more: 19 Bold Homes That Embrace Monochromatic Color Schemes

80s and 90s Revival

Interior design is seeing a nostalgic revival of 1980s and 1990s elements, including Memphis design inspired pieces, the return of curvy sofas and boucle fabric, and even the comeback of wallpaper borders or glass block.

If you love a bit of retro kitsch or statement pieces, carefully picking one or two 80s-inspired items (like a funky neon art piece or a curved loveseat) can add a trendy touch.

As you can see, trending styles provide fresh inspiration and reflect contemporary tastes. You can enjoy a trend (say, rattan furniture from the boho trend or a buffalo-check rug from farmhouse trend) and later swap it out when you’re ready for something new, without changing your home’s entire style.

How to Choose a Style that Fits You

With so many styles out there, it can feel overwhelming to pick one for your own home. The good news is you don’t have to strictly choose one label – many people naturally combine elements they like from multiple styles.

Reflect on Your Personal Tastes and Lifestyle

Start by looking in your closet or thinking about your favorite experiences. Consider how you dress or what art you like – often our personal style correlates with our decor style.

Also, think about your daily life: If you have kids or pets and need something durable and fuss-free, a highly formal traditional style may not be practical.

Examine Your Home’s Architecture and Setting

The design of your home can give clues. A modern condo with floor-to-ceiling windows might naturally lend itself to contemporary or industrial styles. A century-old house with crown moldings could shine in traditional or transitional decor.

Gather Inspiration

Before committing to anything, spend time browsing home decor websites, magazines, Pinterest, or Instagram. Save pictures of rooms that make you go “I love this!” After collecting a good bunch, look through them for patterns to discover your preferences.

Compare Timeless vs. Trendy Elements You Like

Make a list of which aspects of decor you love no matter what (those are your timeless anchors) versus those you love right now (the trends you want to play with). This way, you honor your long-term taste while indulging in current favorites.

Use Mood Boards or Style Quizzes

If you’re still not sure, try creating a mood board (either digitally or by clipping magazines). Put together colors, furniture pictures, and decor pieces you like. Seeing them together can tell you if they harmonize into a style.

Alternatively, take one of the many “interior design style” quizzes online; they ask questions about your preferences and suggest a style (or mix of styles).

Consider Function and Maintenance

Make a list of which aspects of decor you love no matter what (those are your timeless anchors) versus those you love right now (the trends you want to play with). This way, you honor your long-term taste while indulging in current favorites.

Start with a Neutral Base, Then Add Character

Keep your big investments neutral and timeless, and add style through smaller pieces. Choose simple, classic designs for costly items like the sofa, flooring, or cabinetry. Then, layer on your style with wall color, art, rugs, lighting, and pillows.

Many designers advise this approach – have a timeless backdrop and let trends come and go with accents.

Mix and Evolve (It’s Okay to Break Rules)

Remember that your style can be a mix. There’s something called eclectic transitional which isn’t a formal style per se, but many homes could be described that way – a blend of beloved pieces from different styles put together with a good eye.

Think Long-Term for Big Changes

If you’re renovating or buying expensive items, use the 10-year rule that Nate Berkus suggests. Ask yourself “Will I love this in 10 years?” for each major decision. It’s a great filter to avoid overly trend-driven choices on big-ticket things.

Consult Experts or Mentors

Sometimes hiring an interior designer for even a short consult can help clarify your style. They might see common threads in what you like that you didn’t notice. Or simply talk with a style-savvy friend.

Lastly, give yourself time to evolve. Just as you don’t wear the same clothing style you did in your teens, your home style can mature and change with you.

Bringing It All Together

Understanding design styles is an empowering step in your home decor journey. A few key takeaways to remember:

Balance trend and tradition: For a home that feels current but not fickle, combine a timeless base with a dash of trends you love. That mix can make a room far more interesting than sticking to one note.

Trust quality and instinct: Invest in well-crafted pieces that speak to you. As Nate Berkus emphasizes, if you truly love something and feel a connection to it, it likely will stand the test of time in your home.

Make it personal: No matter the style, the most important design style is your own. Include those family heirlooms, travel souvenirs, or DIY art pieces. They add that irreplaceable personal charm that no magazine photo can replicate.

Stay open and have fun: Design styles aren’t rigid boxes; they’re toolkits. Feel free to borrow ideas from different styles. The best interiors often break a few rules to achieve something novel and delightful. And if you “get it wrong,” it’s okay – paint can be changed, furniture moved.

Your home is your canvas. With the knowledge of design styles under your belt, you have a palette of endless possibilities. So go ahead – mix that classic navy blue sofa with a trendy geometric rug, or modernize grandma’s dresser with new hardware – and watch your space transform into something both stylish and enduring.