Article Summary
Finding your design style is less about labels and more about noticing what feels right. The spaces you’re drawn to often share common threads in color, material, layout, or mood, even if you’ve never named them before. This guide walks through a range of design styles to help you start identifying patterns in what you like and put language to the spaces that feel most like home.
Table of Contents
Design Style Categories
No matter where you are on your design journey, all of us here at Melton want to help. We’ve compiled a list of different design styles to help you get started on finding what you want your home to feel like, so browse away!
Coastal
Coastal or beach inspired homes go for a beachy vibe through nautical themed décor and classic Cape Cod influenced styles.
Look for: Sailboat, fish, and surf décor, wood shingle siding, shiplap, crisp whites, light blues and greens, distressed and white-washed wood, and rope accents.
Contemporary
Contemporary homes are bold, trendy, and emphasize popular design. Rooms can have bold colors and mix-and-match textures. For example, kitchens can be sleek and dramatic, with high-gloss cabinets and frosted glass.
Look for: Bright and contrasting colors, unique furniture shapes, dramatic architectural details, and trendy materials and designs, such as chevron patterns, chalkboard paint, and plastic.
Craftsman
Craftsman homes are defined primarily by the time period they originated from: the 1900s through the 1930s. This style includes bungalows, Prairie homes, and Arts & Crafts homes; they’re often distinguishable by the home’s structure and architectural details as opposed to the interior design.
Look for: Low, pitched gable or hipped roods, tapered and squared entry columns, custom built-ins, and oak woodwork.
Eclectic
Eclectic homes have an intentionally curated feel. This category pulls from multiple styles and purposefully mixes patterns, colors, textures, and eras. These homes are often unique looking.
Look for: Creative use of contrasting colors, mismatched décor, one-of-a-kind pieces, and bold mixtures of all styles, such as a traditional sofa paired with modern art.
Industrial
Industrial homes replicate the look of a warehouse through the use of unfinished materials and repurposed products. This style includes urban lofts, converted warehouses, and steampunk décor.
Look for: Lots of metal, concrete, cinder block, and exposed brick, as well as repurposed furniture with cables, bolts, and other raw materials.
Farmhouse
Farmhouse homes can either be in a rural, farm-like setting, or merely embody the feel with farmhouse décor. This style includes traditional farmhouses and silos, barns and pastures, as well as small country-style details like rocking chairs and apron-front sinks.
Look for: Traditional country-style homes with front porches, picket fences, and simple, unfussy design. Antique furniture, butcher block counters, and floral décor are also characteristic of the Farmhouse style.
Mediterranean
Mediterranean encompasses a wide variety of styles, including Moroccan, Tuscan, Spanish, and Italian Villa. They all have similar characteristics and emphasize warm earth tones clay, stucco, and tile.
Look for: Clay tile roofs, stucco exterior, terra-cotta tile floors, colorful hand-painted tiles, iron railings, wood-beamed ceilings, elegant furnishings, and arched windows and doors.
Midcentury Modern
Midcentury Modern homes were considered modern in the 1950s and 1960s. This style includes Eichler Ranches, split-level homes, and retro décor.
Look for: Long and low rooflines, retro design, iconic furniture, pop art, warm tones with bold accents, and geometric shapes and patterns.
Modern
True Modern homes are not focused on trends – basic materials and an ordered structure are used to create a clean, simple environment. This style is characterized by minimalist and Bauhaus spaces, as well as grid-like glass houses.
Look for: A lack of “trendy” finishes, instead focusing on the use of glass, steel and stone, straight lines, and minimal texture.
Rustic
Rustic homes are mountain-inspired; Western décor, log cabins, and ski lodges are the influences behind this style.
Look for: Antlers, cow hide rugs, animal prints, taxidermy, knotted wood, oversized leather furnishings, and lanterns are all common décor.J
Traditional
Traditional homes have familiar, classic details, materials, and colors. Traditional can encompass a variety of styles, such as Tudor, Victorian, and colonial.
Look for: Conservative color palettes, rich wood tones, crown molding, crystal chandeliers, and classic prints, such as florals, plaids, and stripes.
Transitional
Transitional homes fall between Traditional and Contemporary – they are often Traditional homes that are evolving toward an updated, trendier look. Spaces done in this style include ones with popular finishes, colors, and materials, but they aren’t quite as bold as Contemporary homes.
Look for: Neutral colors (especially greys), minimal ornamentation, simple lines, and small, trendy details such as nail head finishes that update an elegant, traditional space.
This list merely scratches the surface of all the different décor and architecture styles that exist. On top of that, style is personal; only you know what suits you, your aesthetic, and your lifestyle best. Don’t be afraid to mix-and-match and experiment until you find what you like, and remember that styles evolve; creativity and self-expression is the point!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I figure out my design style?
Most people don’t fit neatly into one category. Start by paying attention to the spaces you’re naturally drawn to. Look for repeated elements like materials, shapes, colors, or how formal or relaxed a space feels. Over time, patterns start to emerge.
Can my home reflect more than one design style?
Yes! Many homes blend multiple styles. A mix often feels more personal and lived in than trying to follow a single look too strictly. The goal is cohesion, not perfection.
What’s the difference between modern and contemporary design?
Modern design refers to a specific design movement with clean lines and minimal ornamentation. Contemporary design reflects what is current and evolving, often borrowing elements from many styles.
Do design styles apply to architecture or just interiors?
Both! Some styles are rooted in architectural details, while others describe interior finishes and furnishings. Understanding how they overlap can help create a more cohesive space.
Why does knowing my design style matter before remodeling?
Having clarity around what you’re drawn to helps guide decisions throughout a remodel, from layout to materials to finishes. It creates a shared language and keeps choices aligned as the project moves forward.