Defining Popular Interior Design Styles

These days there are five very popular interior design styles in the interior design trade: Traditional, Arts and Crafts, Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Transitional. So that you know what each of them looks like I thought that I would give you a brief overview of the defining characteristic of each design style.

Traditional
Traditional interior design reflects classic European decor. Trademarks of this style generally include deep wood tones, architectural details, and elegant furnishings. This style is quite versatile and can be combined with other interior elements to create a unique look in a room. One of the most important facets of traditional interior design is the silhouettes, also called the lines, of the furnishings. Wing-backed chairs, claw footed tables, and curved furniture pieces that reflect the 18th and 19th centuries are examples of this. Common models for such traditional furniture are pieces attributed to the Queen Anne or Chippendale styles. Antiques are also often integrated into the Traditional design style, but many companies sell new pieces that mimic the lines of the old. (from Dwell Candy)  Photo of Traditional décor by designer Jack Fhillips in Traditional Home Magazine

Arts and Crafts
The Arts and Crafts movement took off around the turn of the 20th century. Like the Art Nouveau movement, it developed as a backlash against the overwrought style of the Victorian era. It rejected the factory-produced furnishings and decorative accents that prevailed at the time, embracing instead natural beauty and traditional craftsmanship. Artisans such as Gustav Stickley (who coined the term Craftsman, sometimes used for this style) and William Morris were seminal in establishing the Arts and Crafts code, and it characterizes much of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s work.  (from Dwell Candy). The Arts and Crafts design style is consistent throughout this home in Wayzata, Minnesota designed by SKD Architects.

Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern design refers to a particular design style prevalent in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. The goal of mid-century modern style was to bring modernism to post-war suburbs, creating structures with windows and open floor plans, in order to bring the outdoors inside. A pioneering builder of mid-century modern homes was Joseph Eichler. Popular furniture designers include Eames, Noguchi, Saarinen and Nelson. The design elements of Mid-Century Modern include simplicity, avoidance of ornamental details, and materials such as wood, plastic, stainless steel, lucite and plywood.   Mid-century modern interiors are highly influenced by Danish design, which uses teak, oak, rosewood and walnut in furniture pieces. (from Dwell Candy)   Photo shows kitchen at the Confluence House in Harlemville, NY by INC Architecture and Design.

Modern
Modern interior design derives its influences from the modern art movement that preceded modern design. In painting, Modernism began with the Impressionists and others who used abstraction. Modern interior design grew out of the decorative arts, notably Art Deco, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It reached its peak in the 1950’s and 1960’s, which is why designers and decorators today may refer to modern design as being “mid-century.” (from Dwell Candy).   Sometimes modern has more graphic impact, drama, and use of metal and glass than mid-century modern.  Photo of modern living room done by Patrick Cline as shown in Lonny Magazine.

Transitional, also called Young Traditional or New Traditional
Transitional interior design is a combination of traditional and contemporary design. It’s a popular design choice for those who love traditional design but want an updated space with modern influences. The design elements of Transitional Interior Design uses warm neutrals to ground the space. Colors such as cream, taupe, tan, khaki and gray are often used as a unifying palette. Patterns are usually understated as well The neutral palette allows for interesting textures to be used in transitional interior design.  Natural fibers, such as jute and seagrass, are used 

 to add dimension; a blend of shiny and matte finishes help layer a room; and leather, burlap, chenille and rattan add further interest. Transitional interior design blends masculine and feminine elements to create a comfortable space for everyone. Accessories are kept to a minimum and aren’t too fussy. Wood is used to balance softer carpets and drapes. The overall feeling of the room is comfortable. (Dwell Candy). This dining room from Lisa Peterson and Melanie Hayes in Traditional Home shows the traditional architecture in the mirrored wall cabinets, paired with the modern chandelier and industrial-like table base, all done in neutrals.

I hope this post helps you interpret the nuances of today's most popular interior design styles. If it does - great!!  If not - please don't hesitate to send me your questions.