11 Modern Interior Design Styles (Shop The Look) Living Rooms
Looking for modern interior design styles to update your home? Check out my favorites that’ll make you want to show off your place!
Before you start designing your home itโs important to determine your design style. This may change over time as new trends come and go.
The purpose of this post is to help you decide the style youโre drawn to right now. A word of caution DO NOT GO SUPER TRENDY.
Choose a design style you think youโll love now and in the future. I made the mistake of going hardcore in the Tuscan trend when we renovated our home which was a huge mistake.
Itโs one thing if the furniture and decor are a trend but when itโs another when itโs your hard finishes. These are things like flooring, tile, stone countertops, and other materials that are expensive to change if you decide you donโt like them anymore.
My advice is to think twice before choosing a trendy style. The ones featured in this roundup are the best modern interior design styles from both the past and present.
This post is all about modern interior design styles.
READ MORE>>> Home Design Inspiration On Inspired Design Talk
Best Modern Interior Design Styles Of 2024
Here are the best Modern Interior Design Styles of 2024:
- Contemporary
- Mid-Century Modern
- Art Deco
- California Cool
- Glam Modern
- Modern
- Zen
- Hollywood Regency
- Minimalist
- Urban Modern
- Coastal
There are other styles but these are the focus of this roundup. Keep scrolling for details on each style.
How to find your design style
The best way to find your interior design style is to look at pictures and note the images you’re drawn to. You’ll know it’s your vibe when you feel like “Oh that’d be a cool space to live in”.
You may feel this way about several images but the goal is to hone in on the top three images you most resonate with. Pieces from different styles can be combined for an electric look but determine a go-to style.
This will help you incorporate flow and balance into your interior design.
What are the characteristics of modern interior design?
The characteristics of modern style interior design typically have a monochromatic color palette, clean lines, and natural materials. It uses texture, pattern, and shine to add interest to the neutral color palette.
There’s a focus on minimalism, organic shapes, and curved lines. Patterns tend to be abstract and geometric with metal accents.
What is the most popular interior design style right now?
The most popular design styles right now are modern, contemporary, mid-century, Scandinavian, urban, California cool, glam, and coastal. They each have a specific look with characteristics that set them apart from one another.
If you’re looking for designers to follow you should check out Studio McGee, Amber Lewis, Cheryl Eisen, Kelly Hoppen, and Kelly Wearstler. They each have a unique style that’s great to use as inspiration.
Except for Cheryl Eisen, they all have design books available to study their aesthetic. Kelly Hoppen was the inspiration for much of Cheryl Eisen’s early work so they use similar elements and neutrals in their designs.
Once you decide on your style, you can begin the concept and planning stage. That’s where the fun begins!
Modern Interior Design Styles Shopping Tips
No matter which design style you choose it’s important to always start with a floor plan of your space. I know I sound like a broken record but without the floor plan, you won’t know the exact size of furniture you need.
Download your FREE how-to-measure guide to avoid returns!
Once you have your measurements youโll be able to order your furniture with confidence.
This video will help you create a floor plan based on the measurements of your space.
1. Contemporary Interior Design Style
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The Contemporary style refers to what is currently trending in design. It typically has a neutral palette and solid colors. A bold pop color is often combined with muted neutrals.
Contemporary furniture features basic shapes with a low-profile silhouette, metal frames, and straight legs. Lines are often straight with the occasional curve mixed in.
The artwork and patterns in contemporary design are abstract, geometric, or have graphic elements. This style tends to be more inviting and cozy than modern design.
2. Mid-Century Modern Interior Design Style
Mid-Century Modern design describes the architecture, furniture, and graphic design from the middle of the 20th century. The years are from 1933 to 1965 but some believe it’s the period from 1947 to 1957.
The elements of Mid-Century Modern design are clean lines, curved silhouettes, muted tones, and simple but functional wooden furniture made from teak. It includes a combination of natural and manmade materials.
This timeless design style can be created with antique or new furniture and home decor. Either look will make a statement in your living space.
Vibrant shades of ochre, orange, teal, brown, and mustard yellow are classic Mid Century Modern colors. These colors can be found paired together or in a monochromatic palette.
This style features earthy hues and colors from nature that accentuate the handcrafted organic vibe.
3. Art Deco Interior Design Style
The Great Gatsby movie set is the perfect example of this old-world luxe and glamorous trend. It’s all about high-end craftsmanship, velvet fabrics, gold accents, geometric shapes, and bold patterns.
The Art Deco style originated in France and was popular from 1920 to 1939. It was the first nontraditional style to gain acceptance in America.
This style focused on aesthetics and decorations rather than historical foundations. It included architecture, interior design, furniture, jewelry, clothing, glass art, graphic design, and film.
Elements of the Art Deco style include chevrons, zigzag lines, sunburst patterns, sharp angles with rounded corners, high-sheen materials, gold accents, and bold jewel-tone colors.
Typical woods used in this design style were rosewood, teak, and ebony.
Colors of the Art Deco style include warm tans and shades of green and blue. Silver and gold gilding and metals were used for contrast.
Accents of golden yellows, cobalt blues, and vehement reds were used as well. Soft creams, black, gold, and silver were popular colors as shown in the above design.
4. California Cool Interior Design Style
The California Casual design style was made popular by designers Amber Lewis and Studio Mcgee. It has a laid-back vibe that combines the best of modern, rustic, and coastal design.
This style is full of natural wood tones, neutral colors, texture, and rustic elements. California Cool spaces have a timeless look thatโs sophisticated and relaxed.
The color palette is a neutral base with white, beige, grey, and black. Accent colors of sage, navy blue, cognac, rust, and brown are then layered in.
Stores that carry this style of furniture are Lulu and Georgia, Arhaus, and Restoration Hardware. If you have a large budget both Amber Lewis and Studio Mcgee sell the furniture as well.
Think colors of the beach and ocean combined with nature when designing a space in the California Casual style.
5. Modern Glam Interior Design Style
Modern Glam Living spaces are less dramatic than the Hollywood Regency style but still make a bold statement. It uses contemporary and modern furniture with clean lines.
The color palette can be neutral but often there are pops of color to add interest. Gold is a significant component of this style and can be found in accents, furniture, artwork, and more!
Using texture is important in this trend which can be found in fabrics such as satin, velvet, fur, and boucle. Common materials include lacquer, lucite, metal, and marble.
This style is luxe and overexaggerated with feminine curves, metallics, and bling. It’s perfect for fashion lovers who appreciate theatrics, glam, and a larger-than-life style.
6. Modern Interior Design Style
Many people have the impression that Modern design is cold and uninviting but it’s anything but. Features of this style include a monochromatic color palette, clean lines, geometric shapes, natural materials, and minimalism.
There’s a less is more approach with edited, intentional pieces that serve a purpose. This style began in the mid-twentieth century and is still popular today.
It often has an open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light. The spaces are free of clutter with functionality as a priority.
Furniture in the modern design style is low and horizontal with clean lines. Colors tend to be neutral or from nature.
Materials from this style include metal, leather, natural wood, veneers, concrete, cement, and stone. It has a nonfussy vibe that’s calming and great for anyone with anxiety.
7. Zen Interior Design Style
The Zen design style features spaces that are calming and relaxing. It’ll help you find your flow and connect to your inner voice.
The focus of zen spaces is balance, harmony, and relaxation. Colors are neutral and from nature which gives a feeling of the outdoors being brought inside.
Other characteristics include low-profile furniture, uncluttered spaces, and natural elements. Bamboo plants, water features, texture, and stones are often used in this style.
Less is more is important, as is the use of sustainable materials such as wood and linen. The decor of this style includes candles, diffused light, essential oils, and natural scents.
8. Hollywood Regency Interior Design Style
If you’re looking to make a bold dramatic statement the Hollywood Regency design style is for you. It uses bold pops of color with metal and glass accents. Think mirrored furniture, luxe fabrics, lacquer, and metallics.
This style is over the top and extravagant which makes it perfect for those who love to stand out. It’s for those who want to be the unicorn in the field of horses!
Colors used in this style include emerald green, pink, turquoise, yellow, black, and white. Popular details are animal prints, starburst mirrors, bold colorful artwork, and polished marble.
To get the look incorporate period statement pieces, rich jewel tones, bright patterns, and sparkle into your interior design. Don’t forget the glamtastic chandelier and floral wallpaper!
9. Minimalist Interior Design Styles
The minimalist interior design style is similar to modern design. Both styles feature simplicity, clean lines, and a monochromatic color palette. Spaces in this style are uncluttered and accentuate the attractive architectural features of a space.
Color can be used as an accent but usually, the look consists of white, black, and a natural color scheme. If you have OCD this design style is perfect for you.
It has white walls and surfaces, chrome accessories, and sleek furniture with simple designs. Floating shelves and multi-purpose furniture are often found in minimalist spaces.
Again LESS IS MORE, my friends!
10. Urban Modern Interior Design Style
Let’s talk about Urban design which is very popular among millennials living in the Big City. It blends elements of contemporary, modern, and industrial design for a seamless look.
Think of loft spaces or warehouses that have been converted into trendy hip homes. This design style has an edgy vibe, minimalist furniture, loads of texture, and a touch of glam.
It has a softer look than industrial design that’s both comforting and welcoming. Statement pieces like a swing chair, cool lighting, and sculptural furniture make an impact in this style.
Bottom line if you are looking to stand out from the crowd incorporating Urban design details will help you do just that!
11. Modern Coastal Home Design
Modern Coastal design is an updated twist on the classic style. The color palette is a reminder of the sandy beach and the blue ocean sky.
It mixes textures like linen, fur, velvet, and bamboo for interest and dimension. Silver metal and glass details add a touch of glam and sophistication.
Modern Coastal Living Room
The beauty of Modern Coastal design is that it has the feeling of the beach but doesn’t scream it. It’s a more subtle look that includes an ocean color palette, natural textures, and abstract art.
There is warmth from woven accents, natural wood, jute rugs, and rattan furnishings. Dark pieces and metal may seem out of place but in modern coastal design, it’s great for contrast and interest.
Other characteristics are slip-covered sofas, simple monotone patterns, rope details, pampas grass, and every shade of blue. You may not live near the beach but you can recreate the feeling in your home with this cool trend.
I hope these modern interior design styles inspire you to design a home you love! If you want more detail on any of these styles Google It! HaHa
You are only as SMART as how quickly you can GOOGLE!
xo Nicole
This post is all about modern interior design styles.
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Last Updated on February 24, 2025 by Nicole DelaCruz
