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Now get the look: Indusian Design Studios guide to the top interior design styles

  • Writer: Indusian Design Studios
    Indusian Design Studios
  • Sep 16, 2021
  • 6 min read

IDS guide for 12 hot styles in interior design at the moment. Use our simple tips to achieve the look. Of course, interior design is all about establishing your own style in a space: so experiment and don’t be afraid to take inspiration from different styles.




1. Transitional

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Modern luxury interior design with blush pink bedding and copper detailing



Transitional design involves a combination of contemporary and traditional design elements to create a modern and luxurious interior. Dark wood, plush upholstery, and clean lines are some of the trademarks of this ultra-popular design style.

To create this style:

  • Strike a balance between contemporary and traditional pieces.

  • Stay neutral. Transitional décor features a neutral base with pops of colour added through textiles which can be easily changed out for a fresh look.

  • Accessorize lightly. To maintain a clean, open feeling keep accessorize to a few pieces that add interest and draw attention.

  • Avoid ornate details. Transitional furnishings feature clean lines and simple style.

  • Add luxurious touches such as plush materials and reflective surfaces to elevate the space.

2. Maximalist

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Maximimalist decor with Asian chaise longue, Seletti light and floral wallpaper


Maximalist décor features a mixture of colors, patterns, and textures within a singular design style. It’s a glamourous and luxurious style that follows a “more is more” aesthetic. To create this style:

  • Stick to one design style. To prevent a maximalist space from feeling overwhelming, keep different colors, patterns, and textures within a single style.

  • Create a Connection. Choose a common element that repeats throughout the room to create a cohesive look.

  • Prioritize function. Plan a layout that has good flow and meets your needs, then layer in color, pattern, and texture.

  • Layer up. Add layers of colour and pattern throughout the space. Incorporate wallpaper, area rugs, artwork, pillows and throws and feel free to double up.

Wallpaper featured is XinSong01 in Dark Copper by XinSong.


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3. Bohemian Bohemian bedroom with kitsch floral cushions Bohemian interior design is an unconventional and artsy Moroccan-inspired style. It features an abundance of colours and patterns with a fun and free-spirited vibe. To create this style:

  • Incorporate colours. From metallics to jewel tones to deep, saturated colours, anything goes in bohemian design.

  • Mix patterns and don’t worry about matching. Pillows, area rugs, blankets, curtains, and tablecloths are just some of the areas to add pattern.

  • Use a variety of materials. It’s OK to combine linen and sisal with silk and cashmere.

  • Shop second hand. A truly bohemian space is filled with unique, well-loved pieces you won’t find in a big box store.

  • Embrace foreign objects. Include décor from around the globe to create an international vibe.

4. Memphis

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Memphis Group style interior design Memphis design is a bold and quirky style with an 80’s flair. Filled with graphic elements, geometric shapes, and primary colours this brash style established by the Memphis Group is not for the mild mannered. To create this style:

  • Pick a primary colour palette. Red, blue, yellow, and green are all you need to create this style.

  • Feature bold graphic prints and patterns. Squiggles, lines, and funny shapes are go-to components of Memphis style.

  • Choose unconventional furniture. Look for modular pieces with surprising, post-modern shapes.

  • Forget function. This is one design style that prefers fun and outrageous over simple and practical.

  • Skip the natural materials. Instead opt for futuristic finishes such as plastic, laminates, and illuminated items.

Wallpaper featured is Super Abstract in Pastel by Supermundane. 5. Scandinavian


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Scandinavian bedroom interior design Scandinavian décor is a centuries-old style that features cozy, comfortable spaces and clean, simple design. The ultimate goal is a home that maximizes natural light and generates feelings of contentment and well-being. To create this style:

  • Maximize natural light with white walls and remove window coverings.

  • Choose a neutral colour palette inspired by nature. Select muted shades of amber, moss green, dusty rose, or ice blue paired with plenty of white.

  • Use natural materials to create an organic space. Incorporate as much wood, leather, cotton, linen, and (faux) fur as possible.

  • Eliminate clutter by removing items that do not serve a purpose.

  • Accessorize with plants instead of knick-knacks.

  • Create interest with layers of texture.

6. Minimalist


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Minimalist interior with sculpture and blush pink chairs Minimalist décor focuses on surrounding yourself with beautiful things that serve a purpose or bring you joy. This modern style features clean surfaces, sleek lines, and open space and provides a calm haven from a hectic world. To create this style:

  • Edit and embrace negative space. Discard, recycle, or donate everything that isn’t useful or meaningful.

  • Adapt a neutral colour palette. Use a base neutral such as cream, grey, or beige and add interest by layering in different shades of one colour.

  • Accessorize with plants to bring life to a room without adding clutter.

  • Combine beauty and function by selecting attractive pieces that serve a purpose.

  • Use texture to add warmth and interest without adding clutter.

7. Industrial


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Industrial interior design with wooden table and authentic exposed brick walls Industrial design was born from the trend of converting old factories and industrial warehouses into residential spaces. This edgy and slightly masculine décor style exposes the bones of space and embraces raw materials. To create this style:

  • Bring the inside out. Expose ductwork, pipes, and original brick walls to showcase their beauty.

  • Embrace raw materials. Cement, wood, and metal dominate in industrial décor.

  • Adopt a moody colour palette. Natural materials create dark backdrops, add colour with warm subdued tones like cranberry, olive, or mustard.

  • Leave things unfinished. Raw wood, unpainted concrete, and stripped-down furniture are all OK.

  • Focus on form and function. Choose pieces that are well-built and do a specific job really well.

  • Make a statement with lighting. In minimalistic industrial spaces, lighting can serve as both art and a focal point.

8. Shabby Chic

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Shabby chic interior with abstract wallpaper Born in the 80’s in Santa Monica, California, Shabby Chic interiors combines rustic farmhouse decor with French provincial style. It features a relaxed blend of timeworn furnishings and soft, cozy textiles and focuses on beauty, comfort, and function. To create this style:

  • Start with a soft colour palette. Use warm creams, pale greys, and soft, pale colours with lots of antique white.

  • Allow Imperfections. Scratches, watermarks, chips, and wrinkles give a piece history and add to the charm.

  • Repurpose ordinary objects into beautiful shabby chic treasures. Use old windows, doors, shutters and architectural details in unexpected ways.

  • Remember to include some chic. Incorporate ornate details and luxurious touches to elevate the space.

Wallpaper featured is Dreamboat in Blue 9. Mid Century Modern


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A mid-century modern interior with patterned cushions and period furniture Mid-century modern designs are known for sleek lines and organic shapes with an emphasis on function. This timeless style had its heyday in the 40’s and 50’s but has remained in vogue ever since. To create this style:

  • Incorporate geometric patterns. Look for funky geometric wallpaper, fabrics, and flooring to create a mid-century vibe.

  • Look for furniture with skinny, peg legs that holds less visual weight.

  • Choose wood furnishings. Add tables, sideboards, and chairs made from teak, walnut, oak and rosewood.

  • Include iconic furniture styles. Mid-century designers are responsible for some of the most iconic furniture styles including Tulip tables, Eames chairs, and Barcelona chairs to name a few.

  • Replace your lighting with sputnik pendants, globe lights, and wood and linen table lamps.

10. Modern Coastal


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Coastal interior design with pale blue clapboard walls and shell accessories Modern coastal design is an updated version of beach and coastal styles. This casual style has a clean, breezy feeling without all the kitsch associated with nautical décor. To create this style:

  • Let the light in. Think bright, open, and airy to create that beachy feeling. Open doors and big windows with minimal treatments are key.

  • Go natural. Incorporate plenty of natural elements such as wicker, rattan, wood, cotton, linen, seagrass, and jute.

  • Embrace coastal colours. Choose lots of white, with sandy beiges and watery blues and greens to bring the hues of the beach inside.

  • Choose relaxed and casual furnishings. Low maintenance pieces made with weathered wood and comfortable slip-covered seating are coastal staples.

11. Rustic


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Rustic kitchen interior design with shabby chic wallpaper Rustic design is a simple, rugged, and comfortable style with a natural aesthetic. Reminiscent of a country cabin, rustic décor features raw, organic elements that create an inviting atmosphere. To create this style:

  • Fill your home with natural materials. Rustic interiors feature an abundance of leather, wood, stone, and iron.

  • Choose natural, earthy colours. Include a variety of wood tones, paired with deep hues such as burgundy, brown, amber, or forest green with off-white and cream to lighten things up.

  • Allow things to remain unfinished. Raw wood and unfinished stone add texture and create a casual, relaxed space.

  • Focus on comfort. Choose plush, oversized furniture that invites you to curl up and relax.

  • Bring in beams. Wood ceiling beams are a staple of rustic design.

  • Add a reclaimed wood accent wall to give a modern home a more rustic vibe.


12. Traditional



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Traditional interior with damask wallpaper and velvet curtains Traditional interiors are serene, elegant and well-thought-out. Traditional style is influenced by classic European décor and creates a formal and sophisticated ambiance. To create this style:

  • Choose a dark OR neutral colour palette. Traditional interiors often feature very neutral colour schemes with cream or beige paired with dark wood. For those that prefer colour, use rich, deep shades such as navy, forest green, and burgundy.

  • Incorporate detailed woodwork. Look for decorative legs, carved moldings, and ornate frames.

  • Use dark woods with a smooth finish, create contrast with cream and beige textiles.

  • Decorate with classic art, antiques, and pieces with history.

  • Create symmetry by buying furniture in pairs and placing items on either side of a central axis.

  • Add architectural features such as columns, arches, cornices, and crown molding.



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