In interior decoration, there are endless styles—from the most classic to the trendiest, along with fascinating fusions that blend the best of each trend. All of these decorating possibilities stand out for their ability to adapt to different environments, bringing freshness and personality to any space.
For this guide, we've selected the following decorating styles as they are some of the most current and ideal for those looking to stay on trend—take note!
Aesthetic Style in Decoration:
The aesthetic style originates from digital subcultures and is known for its visual beauty, minimalism, and careful selection of pieces. Its primary goal is to create meticulously curated spaces where every piece has a purpose. Inspiration sources include vintage aesthetics, pop culture and modernity.
If you choose this style, consider the following factors. First, colors are typically pastel shades—like pink, lavender, and mint green—paired with neutrals like beige, white, or light gray. The furniture tends to feature simple lines with retro or vintage touches, such as velvet sofas, organic-shaped mirrors, and sculptural lamps. We particularly love the vintage brown velvet sofa from De la Villa Studio for this style.
Who chooses this style? The aesthetic style is currently popular on social media, especially among creative and young people. It works well in small spaces (like studios and bedrooms) where a cozy and personal ambiance is desired.
Our expert opinion: this style offers great freedom to combine pieces from various eras and aesthetic trends. However, as a digital trend, it is constantly evolving and may feel overwhelming at times.
Minimalist and Neo-Minimalism Styles:
The minimalist style emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to decorative excess, focusing on simplicity and functionality. Neo-minimalism is its contemporary evolution, characterized by "silent luxury."
The key elements are open, orderly spaces with few decorative items. Dominant colors are white, black, and gray, with some earth tones or beige to add warmth. Furniture typically has clean lines and is crafted from quality woods and natural stones like marble.
This style is popular among people who value functionality, order, and serenity in their daily lives. It pairs perfectly with modern apartments where timeless design and material durability are appreciated.
Its main advantage is that it creates a visually calm and serene atmosphere, though a downside is that high-quality pieces can make it more costly to achieve.
Nordic Style:
The nordic style originates in Northern Europe, particularly in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. The need to maximize natural light and create cozy spaces during long, cold winters has greatly influenced this design. Nordic aesthetics are known for bright, functional, and welcoming spaces.
This style primarily uses light colors (white, gray, or beige) with touches of natural tones (soft greens or wood tones) to enhance light and cleanliness. Simple and functional furniture made from natural materials, like light woods (pine or birch), is key. Decorative items are understated, with each piece chosen to enhance functionality and comfort. For example, a wooden pedestal for sculptures fits this style perfectly.
Ideal for people and families who value a balance of beauty and functionality, Nordic design promotes open and well-lit spaces. Our opinion: it's very adaptable to different spaces, but may feel monotonous without added contrast or color.
Wabi-Sabi Style:
Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic concept rooted in Zen philosophy, celebrating imperfection, transience, and the beauty of the unfinished. Its goal is to create spaces that reflect the authenticity and imperfect nature of materials, embracing the passage of time.
The color palette is soft and muted, evoking nature—grays, browns, earthy greens, and ochres. Neutrals are chosen to convey serenity and a connection to the organic. Common materials include untreated wood, handmade ceramics, linen, and cotton. For instance, this linen pendant lamp by MRGO Arquitectos fits beautifully with any wabi-sabi ambiance.
Wabi-sabi design appeals to those seeking a calm and mindful decor, as these spaces are simple, minimalistic, and have a serene and cozy atmosphere. The downside is its limited adaptability, and some find it too austere.
Mediterranean Style:
Inspired by coastal homes and landscapes in countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, and southern France, the Mediterranean style aims to capture the freshness, warmth, and natural light of the Mediterranean Sea. It tends to evoke the tranquil lifestyle of these regions.
This style features whites, creams, and beiges and uses natural materials like stone, aged wood, and wrought iron. The furniture is simple with rustic details. We recommend checking out the Barbillón Collection by MRGO Arquitectos, inspired by this trend.
It blends beautifully with spacious, airy spaces with large windows to let in natural light. Mediterranean design is ideal for those who want a home that feels bright and tranquil. However, it may be challenging to achieve in cold climates or spaces with limited light.
Industrial Style:
The industrial style originated in old buildings and warehouses in big cities like New York and London, where many industrial spaces were converted into lofts and homes. This style preserves and highlights original structural elements like exposed concrete, metal, and brick for a raw, no-frills vibe.
Its main characteristics? Dark, neutral tones—gray, black, white, and brown—reflect the materials of old factories. Metallic and rusty accents complement the look. Furniture is sturdy, with steel or iron details, often paired with vintage leather, metal shelves, and factory-style exposed-bulb lighting.
People who prefer industrial decor value authenticity and prefer a contemporary urban setting without adornments. This style works well in lofts, studios, and commercial spaces converted into homes. The downside: it can feel too sterile and cold, if it is not balanced with softer decor elements.
Eclectic Style:
Eclectic style combines elements from different eras, styles, and cultures, characterized by creative freedom and a harmonious blend of pieces to create a unique, personality-filled environment.
The key is to go with the flow; there’s no set color palette. Furniture is often a mix of vintage and modern, with textured combinations like patterned textiles and oriental rugs. For inspiration, check out the interior design projects of Marta de la Rica, a pioneer in eclectic decor.
Eclectic design is perfect for creative individuals who value diversity and contrast, suited for cozy spaces rich in history where each piece is unique. Our recommendation: be mindful of color and texture harmony to avoid visual saturation and overload.
Japandi Style:
Japandi harmoniously fuses Japanese and Scandinavian design, combining the best of both worlds: the Nordic focus on serenity, functionality, and minimalism with the Japanese emphasis on simplicity and nature. Its primary focus is on functionality and a balance between aesthetics and practicality.
The color palette is soft and natural, dominated by neutrals (white, beige, and light gray) with darker tones (black, moss green, and deep blue). Light wood and Japanese bamboo are standout materials. Furniture is minimalist with clean lines and a handcrafted feel.
Japandi environments are open, uncluttered, and relaxing, drawing on wabi-sabi philosophy to appreciate imperfection. It’s the ideal style for those seeking a serene and balanced space where simplicity and craftsmanship shine.
In conclusion, decorating styles evolve quickly and blend together, offering countless options to personalize our spaces. Each style, from minimalism to eclecticism, brings something unique, catering to different tastes, needs, and settings. Staying updated on the latest decor trends not only helps adapt your home to current styles but also prevents being confined to a single approach.
The key is finding a personal balance between your taste and these trends. Ultimately, the art of decoration is about creating a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing space that feels like home.
FAQ about Decorating Styles:
How can I identify my own decorating style?
Finding your decorating style is a personal and creative process that can be a bit challenging. Our advice is to seek inspiration from sources like magazines, blogs, furniture stores, and interior design projects you like. Also, make a list to define your preferences and needs. Finally, experiment and let your imagination flow with textures, decorative accessories, and furniture pieces. By experimenting, you’ll be able to create a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also feels like your true home.
Are there decorating styles that cannot be combined?
Not really; in the world of decoration, creativity and freedom of expression are key, and there are no strict rules to limit you. However, there are some styles that are more challenging to combine because they are quite contrasting, such as minimalism and eclectic design. In the end, the key is to experiment and blend styles that share similar elements, like Japandi and Wabi-Sabi trends, which work well together.
Are there decorating styles that are easier to maintain and update over time?
Yes, some decorating styles are indeed easier to maintain and update than others. Minimalism, for instance, with fewer decorative items, can be easily kept organized and updated. With the industrial style, you can refresh the look by adding decorative or lighting elements without needing to change furniture. Our advice is to choose durable materials and keep spaces uncluttered to make upkeep easier.