Inspired by French art and design from the 1920s, art deco (short for arts decoratifs) is characterized by sleek, metallic finishes like stainless steel, glass and chrome. Unlike vintage style, which highlights floral patterns, rugs and linens feature graphic prints such as zigzags, sunbursts, animal prints and geometric shapes. Furniture and wall art throughout an art deco-inspired home are defined by jagged, pointed edges. Pieces are also larger – generously sized chairs, armoires, dressers and couches are all typical of the 1920s. Light fixtures are just as structured as the decor and furniture. They’re typically made of sleek, shiny materials like polished bronze, chrome or steel. Bold geometric patterns are frequently printed on wall sconces, ceiling mounts and lamps. Other angular designs like chevron and zigzags adorn light fixtures. Great examples of Art Deco architecture can be found in the historic district in Miami Beach, Florida where this whimsical style is embraced by many small hotels built in the mid-1920s to early 1940s [Curtis 1982].

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Bohemian-style homes are equipped with a laid-back atmosphere and place an emphasis on nature, intricate patterns and bright colors like purples, reds and pinks. In fact, all of these elements are frequently combined to create an eclectic and unique aesthetic. Boho chic is all about mixing interesting colors, trinkets, fabrics and various types of furniture without any intention of matching or adhering to a specific style, much like the nomadic vagabonds who inspired it. You might see a contemporary couch featuring striped upholstery alongside a vintage velvet ottoman and a bright-colored statement chair. It’s the mix of different types of furniture that make Bohemian interiors so versatile. Light fixtures are just as unique as the furniture. Intricately detailed pendants, chandeliers dripping with crystals and table lamps complete with fringe are fixtures common for Bohemian homes.

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Contemporary style is often interchanged with modern design – however, there are a few differences. Unlike its modern counterpart, contemporary style borrows from various time periods, creating an eclectic environment. For instance, sleek, simple furniture and art can be combined with detailed molding around walls and windows. Contemporary style also takes a note from minimal home design, as layouts are open and airy with no clutter in sight. Furnishings have sharp, 90-degree angles and are upholstered with simple fabrics such as wool, cotton and linen that have no ornamentation or patterns. Instead, sofas, chairs and stools are covered in neutral colors like black, white and tan. No fringe, skirts, trim or tassels can be found on contemporary furniture, as all legs are exposed. Light fixtures are made up of sleek materials like glass, ceramic, polished nickel or stainless steel.

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Farmhouse interiors share similar characteristics to cottage homes. A combination of whites is used on everything from furniture to linens, and the ambiance is warmed up using weathered woods and rustic finishes like oil-rubbed bronze and copper. Wood countertops, open shelving, farmhouse sinks and brick accent walls characterize the design. Tables are often classic vintage farm tables and made up of high-quality woods like maple or oak. Fabrics like bedding and drapes feature charming patterns like historical and pastoral scenes. Mason jars are used for storing kitchen and bathroom essentials because they offer a charming, rustic feel to the interior.

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Industrial interiors give off a cool, modern vibe. The style blends new and repurposed items for a unique combination of modern and vintage. Industrial design is characterized by clean open spaces – every room from the kitchen to the basement contains high, spacious loft-like ceilings. Color palettes are kept cool and subdued – you’ll often see a mix of grays, blacks and whites complemented by pops of blues or greens. Metal is the most often used material in industrial design. It offers a rugged charm and can be used on anything from light fixtures and countertops to stairwells and faucets. Industrial chic decor has become the style of choice for many urban loft spaces that were formerly factories, schools or other old buildings with exposed brick and rafter ceilings.

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Mid-century modern interiors can be seen throughout AMC’s hit TV show “Mad Men,” as the design era came to life during the 1940s-70s. Mid-century modern homes have a seamless flow from the inside to the outside thanks to sliding doors, picture windows, skylights and patios. Windows are often left bare to emphasize outdoor views. The furniture in is entirely unique, featuring statement pieces like marshmallow sofas and egg chairs. Many pieces, such as the Noguchi table, are asymmetrical and feature amorphous components, which make them feel more like sculptures than pieces of furniture [Attfield 1997]. Elements like floors and ceiling beams are stripped down to their original form, while walls are dressed up with graphic wallpaper featuring bold geometric patterns.

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Minimalist homes are free of any clutter, only displaying items like couches, tables and light fixtures that are essential for functional living. Minimalist interiors have a focus on simplicity and effortless beauty. Character is brought forth not through detail, but through natural materials and essential items. Rooms are monochromatic, usually featuring subdued neutrals. Walls are kept simple with only one or two decorative pieces, like a canvas or a mirror. All surfaces, from the kitchen to the bathroom should be completely cleared off. Furniture features clean lines with very little detail, and they often double as storage, like ottomans that open up to reveal space. Architectural minimalism is influenced by Japanese Zen philosophy and the aesthetic principles of Ma and Wabi-sabi, which appreciate the value of empty space and absence of ornamentation.

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Modernist style, otherwise known as international style, was inspired by 1920s minimalist architecture. It focuses on natural materials like steel, glass and reinforced concrete, which are used on floors, countertops and appliances because of their lack of detail and ornamentation. Geometric shapes are emphasized through the use of tables, chairs and desks. Fabrics like curtains and bed linens feature a balanced mix of solids and bold, graphic patterns. As for modernist color palettes, gray is a commonly used hue due to its versatility and its sophisticated, upscale look.

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Hardness of some common flooring items on the Mohs scale.

1       (Talc)  Resilient flooring (vinyl, asphalt tile)

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Old World interiors stem from a variety of European locations around the world, including Spain, Italy and France. It’s what you think of when imagining the inside of classic European manors or estates. Old World homes feature characteristics from a few different styles including medieval and Renaissance, and there’s an even a balance of traditional and rustic aesthetics. Navy, burgundy, forest green and cream are the most popular colors used in Old World homes for a relaxed yet regal effect. Woven tapestries and fabrics featuring floral or striped patterns are used to decorate interiors. Fringe, beaded trim and tassels are used to embellish everything from curtains to bedding. Weathered wood ceiling beams offer a rustic distressed contrast to the sophisticated dark-stained surfaces found on tables and chairs. Limestone, tile and tumbled marble floors covered in richly woven rugs provide additional textured accents to this style.

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The post-modern movement took place during the 1960s, whereas the modern movement occurred during the 1920s and ’30s. While modern interiors focus on minimalism and lack of detail, post-modern homes embrace a more decorative style. Homes embrace a comfortable aesthetic to ease the mind, body and spirit, and it’s a neutral color palette that contributes to the relaxed atmosphere. Hardwood, tile and concrete floors are used instead of wall-to-wall carpet for their simplicity and easy maintenance. The coolness of materials such as chrome, glass and stainless steel is contrasted with colored rugs, velvet upholstered furniture and soft curtains made of silk or satin. Post-modern interiors are spacious, with bare windows and high ceilings. In contrast, furniture from this design period welcomes a more whimsical individualistic spirit inspired by popular culture. Two Milanese design groups greatly influence the direction of postmodern furniture – Studio Alchymia and the Memphis Group. The former was led by Alessandro Mendini, whose Proust Chair took an iconic Italian design and reimagined it with a variety of vibrant contemporary colors, patterns and finishes. The latter was headed by Ettore Sottsass who is known for his silver-plated Murmansk fruit bowl, which features a memorable zig-zag base.

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Retro home design contains nostalgic elements from vintage, eclectic and Bohemian styles. Perhaps its most defining quality is the use of bold patterns and colors that celebrate the levity of a post-war United States. Shades are usually bright and vibrant and can include a mix of oranges, reds, yellows, etc. Typically, only one or two of those colors are used throughout the home to avoid a chaotic, cluttered look. Patterns are always big and are used on everything from walls and rugs to chairs and sofas. Furniture features circular, curved lines and are constructed with wood or leather. Trinkets found at antique shops and flea markets are arranged on open shelving to add vintage flair and personality to the home. The 1950s and 1960s are the eras most often associated with this style. Interior designers like Dorothy Draper and David Hicks used psychedelic patterns with starkly contrasting colors to create memorable interiors in the U.S. and Europe. Colorful polypropylene upholstered seats are also frequently seen in retro environments with nostalgic pieces inspired by diners or vintage automobiles.

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Romantic style embraces a soft, delicate and effortlessly beautiful feeling. Colors are usually subdued and muted and include shades like dusty pink, sky blue and creamy white. Metallic elements such as picture frames, candlesticks and vases offer a sparkling contrast to the low-key palette. Antique chandeliers with crystal droplets are hung in living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms to provide a touch of glamour. Harsh lighting is a “no-no” in rooms with a romantic aesthetic, since setting the mood relies on diffused illumination that idealizes rather than completely reveals. Four poster beds and canopy beds with swags of diaphanous fabric have a fairytale-like feel and create a sense of intimacy. Lines on furniture are graceful and curvy to promote a romantic ambiance. Fabrics on curtains, linens and bedding are luxurious – velvet and silk are the two materials most commonly used.

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This design style was born from the natural inspirations of the Romantic movement. Rustic homes are inspired by the simplicity and rugged beauty of nature. Furniture and fabrics are made up of materials found outdoors, like weathered wood, stone, concrete, hemp, wool and cotton. Interiors are filled with neutral colors to keep the attention on the stunning raw materials used to create floors, accent walls, tables and chairs. Walls are kept white or are covered in warm brick, stone or distressed reclaimed wood. Large windows are another common element of rustic home design, as they fill the space with natural light and help the home feel as close to the outdoors as possible. The Adirondack chair is one of the most popular pieces of furniture that is identified with this style.

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Spanish Renaissance combines the rich detailing of the Renaissance era with raw, Mediterranean influences of Spanish style. The furniture is intricately carved with geometric patterns and upholstered with bright, red or green leather and decorative metal accents like brass or metal nails. Chairs and tables are typically made of heavy woods such as walnut, cedar or oak. Light fixtures like wall sconces, chandeliers and lamps are typically adorned with wrought iron. Throw rugs and Spanish-style pottery are used as decorative accents. Windows, doorways and headboards feature arches to soften architectural elements like wooden chairs with straight backs. The architecture of this period was often adorned with low-relief metallic carvings that were influenced by the plateresque artistic movement.

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A traditional home will be filled with furniture from various period styles such as Tudor, Regence, Louis XV and Georgian. However, unlike eclectic interiors, traditionally styled homes have a much more distinct visual cohesiveness in color palette and materials. Tables, chairs and sofas are typically made from dark woods and are ornately detailed with carvings and curvatures. Windows are similarly designed with scalloped edges, fringe accents and luxurious drapes gathered together with tasseled cords. Fabrics feature a variety of different patterns including damask, florals, stripes and plaids. Colors are muted and subdued to create a calm ambiance throughout the home. Rooms are lit up with shimmering crystal chandeliers and silver candlesticks offering a warm flickering glow. Fresh or silk flowers in detailed vases and still-life oil paintings are often used as decorative accessories.

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