Interior Design Styles
RELAXED MODERN
This style evokes a sense of coziness and soul and captures Provencal warmth with organic wood materials, a neutral color palette, and clean lines. Relaxed Modern can also embrace a mix of contrasting tones and muted pops of color. It feels completely relaxed and livable without sacrificing style or beauty.
Where to Shop
• AllModern
• West Elm
• Crate & Barrel
• Restoration Hardware
Style Characteristics
• Softened clean lines with gentle curves and rounded forms
• Warm, neutral palettes featuring cream, beige, taupe, and earthy tones
• Natural materials such as wood, linen, wool, stone, plaster, and ceramics
• Texture-driven design with woven rugs, boucle upholstery, and handcrafted accents
• Comfortable, inviting furnishings designed for everyday living
• Intentional simplicity with carefully edited accessories and negative space
• Subtle contrast through mixed finishes and dark accent details
• Organic styling that feels collected rather than staged
• Abundant natural light and warm layered lighting
• Strong connection to nature through greenery, natural materials, and outdoor views
THE NEW ART DECO
This is a slightly curvier, more polished version of relaxed modern. It’s new but really gaining steam! Sculptural lines and curved geometric patterns are showcased in this look. Art Deco favors burl woods with their rich, grainy patterns, high contrast materials, and a splash of glam for fun. The reinvented art deco incorporates neutral tones in a fresh vivacious way. This style mixes so well with relaxed modern.
Where to Shop
• Lulu and Georgia
• Anthropologie Home
• World Market
• Modshop Art Deco Collections
• Marketplace
Style Characteristics
• Sculptural curves, arches, fluting, and geometric detailing
• Luxurious materials including marble, travertine, velvet, burl wood, and brushed metals
• Softened Art Deco-inspired color palettes with warm neutrals and muted jewel tones
• Architectural furniture with bold yet refined silhouettes
• Vertical elements such as fluted panels, tall mirrors, and elongated lighting
• Statement fixtures featuring opal glass, brass, and sculptural forms
• Minimal, intentional styling that allows key pieces to shine
MODERN PARISIAN
Do you say “croissant” like a native Frenchman? And do you prefer to eat that croissant while seated on a sophisticated velvet sofa? If so, you may be ready to embrace the charm and imperfections of this classically French-inspired look. Elaborate molding, dramatic windows, rustic marble fireplaces, worn herringbone oak floors, and vintage knickknacks are just a few whims of this effortless-meets elegant style. White walls, chandeliers, and use of rugs are also classic examples of this look, which is steeped in history. Today's Modern Parisian vibe feels fresh, artistic, sophisticated, and inviting.
Where to Shop
• Lulu & Georgia
• Anthropologie Home
• Room & Board
• Pottery Barn
• Zara Home
• Restoration Hardware
Style Characteristics
• Soft curves and sculptural furniture silhouettes
• Elegant materials including velvet, boucle, marble, and brushed metals
• Light, sophisticated color palettes with rich accent tones
• Layered lighting through sconces, table lamps, and statement fixtures
• Artistic accessories and curated vintage-inspired accents
• Refined details that feel collected rather than formal
TRADITIONAL MODERN
I like to call this modern nostalgic. It has traditional or vintage elements mixed with clean lines and modern elements. This is such a fun and bespoke style when done well. Modern meets heirloom with clean lines and vintage finds. This style is less refined than straight traditional, pulling in a cool, curated look that feels both cozy & fresh. Think white walls a modern sofa with clean lines, an antique sideboard, quirky vintage art. Like a good pair of jeans, you can dress this look up or down.
Where to Shop
• McGee & Co.
• World Market
• CB2
• Etsy
Style Characteristics
• Traditional forms interpreted with modern simplicity
• Warm neutral palettes layered with natural textures
• A thoughtful mix of old and new furnishings
• Tailored, comfortable seating and timeless materials
• Subtle patterns and restrained decorative details
• Collected spaces that evolve naturally over time
TRANSITIONAL MODERN
When defining your design style, is modern too sleek? Traditional too stuffy? You might like transitional modern. It’s a slightly more contemporary feel traditional modern. Less vintage flair with a mix of clean and curved lines and modern / contemporary elements. Through simple lines, neutral color scheme, use of light and warmth, transitional style joins the best of both the traditional and modern worlds. The furniture is classic, timeless, and clean. Color palettes are subtle with an emphasis on soft grays and whites. A lack of ornamentation and decoration with minimal accessories keeps the focus on the simplicity and sophistication.
Where to Shop
• Room & Board
• Article
• West Elm
• Crate & Barrel
• AllModern
Style Characteristics
• Streamlined forms with softened edges and subtle curves
• Warm neutrals including taupe, greige, soft gray, and ivory
• Layered materials such as wood, metal, stone, linen, and leather
• Comfortable yet refined furnishings
• Minimal patterns and simple geometric forms
• Updated traditional details with clean, modern execution
• Thoughtfully edited spaces with purposeful styling
CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary interiors feature both tone-to-tone palettes as well as bold color often found in an accent wall, rug or accessories. At its foundation, contemporary style means “of the moment,” so this style is ever evolving because what is popular now will change. It feels slightly less cozy but sleeker and a bit more refined than the relaxed modern. White, Taupe, and chrome are the dominating color palettes.
Where to Shop
• Design Within Reach
• AllModern
• Crate & Barrel
• Etsy
• Marketplace
Style Characteristics
• Strong architectural lines and uncluttered spaces
• Neutral palettes accented with strategic contrast
• Mixed materials including wood, metal, stone, glass, and plaster
• Sculptural furnishings and statement pieces
• Minimal accessories with maximum impact
• Abundant natural light and layered illumination
• Thoughtful, sustainable design choices
MID-CENTURY MODERN
Do you gravitate to open floorplans with large, rectangular glass windows, sliding glass doors, and half walls? If so, then your design style leans toward Mid-century Modern, MCM broadly describes architecture, furniture and graphic design from the middle of the twentieth century (roughly 1933 to 1965). The Furniture is identified by straight, clean lines accented with smooth, curved angles. The style rarely features fancy ornamentation or upholstery. This minimalist design commonly relies on wooden construction but can include fiberglass or metal. Colors tend to combine darker neutral tones with saturated accent colors.
Where to Shop
• West Elm
• Design Within Reach
Style Characteristics
• Clean, low-profile silhouettes with minimal ornamentation
• Organic curves paired with geometric forms
• Natural wood tones accented by leather, wool, and metal
• Functional layouts and purposeful furnishings
• Warm earth tones with intentional pops of color
• Strong indoor-outdoor connections through open layouts and expansive windows
• Iconic furniture and lighting with enduring appeal
ECLECTIC
Are your playlists filled with many genres? Eclectic may be calling your name. The eclectic style can be defined as a selection of what appears to be the best in various styles. It’s a collection of elements gathered from different sources and put together with color, texture, shape, and finish. Eclectic allows you to express your creativity as you mix vintage and modern, elegant and casual, and whatever combinations give you joy. The challenge is to walk the thin line between contrast and chaos. When well done, eclectic shows off your style yet still adheres to the fundamentals of good design. The best way to master eclectic is to choose a few must-haves to anchor the space and then experiment with rugs, artwork, lighting, accessories, and their elements.
Where to Shop
• Thrift Stores & Marketplace
• World Market
• Etsy
Style Characteristics
• A balanced mix of styles and periods
• Personal collections and meaningful objects
• Cohesive color palettes that unify diverse elements
• Rich layering of textures, finishes, and materials
• Statement artwork and unique focal points
• A blend of vintage and contemporary pieces
• Comfortable, collected spaces with intentional editing
SCANDINAVIAN
Are you a modern minimalist who enjoys a clean, white palette? You may have some Scandinavian running through your veins. An offshoot of the mid-century modern movement, Scandinavian style features gentle contours, playful accent colors, and a balance of engineered and organic materials. Scandinavian furniture is simple, contemporary, and functional. A great majority of Scandinavian interiors use white with gray tones as the foundation’s colors.
Where to Shop
• IKEA
• Danish Design Store
• Scandinavian Designs
• Restoration Hardware
Style Characteristics
• Light, airy interiors with soft neutral palettes
• Natural materials including light woods, linen, wool, and ceramics
• Clean, functional furniture with minimal ornamentation
• Warm minimalism focused on comfort and usability
• Strong emphasis on natural light and openness
• Organic forms and gentle curves
• Thoughtfully selected décor with purpose and meaning
Most Popular Right Now
Relaxed Modern
Warm, approachable, and highly livable
Organic materials, texture, and neutral palettes
Appeals to a wide range of homeowners
Excellent for resale
Transitional Modern
A bit cleaner & more structured than Relaxed Modern
Balances traditional warmth with contemporary simplicity
Timeless & broadly appealing
Also very strong for resale
Elevated & Sophisticated
The New Art Deco
Relaxed Modern with more drama and personality
Curves, fluting, marble, burl wood, and statement lighting
Feels luxurious without being overly formal
Modern Parisian
Refined, artistic, and elegant
Blends European charm with modern furnishings
Great for clients who love character & collected spaces
Collected & Character-Driven
Traditional Modern
Vintage & heirloom pieces mixed with modern elements
Cozy, curated, & personal
Feels less trendy and more unique
Eclectic
Highly individualized
Best for clients who enjoy mixing styles and telling a story through their home
Requires careful editing to avoid visual clutter
Cleaner Contemporary Styles
Contemporary
Sleek, architectural, & minimal
Focuses on form, materials, & open space
Less cozy than Relaxed Modern
Scandinavian
Light, airy, & functional
Warm minimalism with pale woods and soft neutrals
Simple without feeling stark
Distinct Design Enthusiast Style
Mid-Century Modern
Iconic furniture & architecture
Strong design identity
Appeals to clients who specifically love the era rather than those seeking a broadly transitional look
What Mixes Well Together
Relaxed Modern + The New Art (currently very on trend)
Relaxed Modern + Modern Parisian
Traditional Modern + Relaxed Modern
Transitional Modern + The New Art
Scandinavian + Relaxed Modern
For most clients in Minnesota looking for a home that feels current, warm, and has good resale value, I find they naturally gravitate toward some version of Relaxed Modern, often layered with touches of The New Art or Traditional Modern to add personality. Those combinations tend to feel sophisticated without becoming trendy or difficult to live with.
xoxo
Lilianna
