Most Popular Interior Design Styles Explained

If you have bought your first home, or are doing a renovation, designing and decorating your home can be a little nerve-wracking, especially if you don’t have a definite vision of what you are looking for. There are so many interior design styles you can choose from; it is just a matter of deciding what type of aesthetic you prefer.

To help you out, here are the 11 most popular interior design styles explained:

1. Modern

Modern interior design style generally refers to clean, crisp lines and a simple color palette, usually monochrome in nature. The materials used include unpainted wood, metal, glass, steel and other natural fibers.

Even modern furniture tends to be simple and sleek with very little ornamentation. In addition, modern interior design style does not include a lot of accessories. Everything must have a purpose to cut down on clutter.

2. Contemporary

While contemporary shares some similarities to modern interior design style, there are a few distinct differences. First, modern interior design came out of a movement at the turn of the century, while contemporary is based on the here and now. It is more of a fluid design, with very few specific characteristics.

3. Minimalist

Minimalist interior design is a more extreme version of modern designs. Everything is simplified as much as possible, color palettes are neutral and light and airy and furniture simple and streamlined. Function and clean lines are very important in a minimalist interior design style.

4. Industrial

Industrial interior design style is a more urban look with architecture reflective of a warehouse or a loft apartment. There is typically a lot of exposed brick, ductwork and wood which gives a rawer look to the space. Usually some metal fixtures are mixed in with very few pieces of functional furniture. The color scheme is neutral but a pop of color is allowed usually from art or photography and not the paint on the walls.

5. Traditional

The traditional interior design style is probably the one you see in most homes. It has a European feel with lots of sumptuous furnishings and ornate decorations. There are also a lot of classic details in the architecture.

6. Transitional

If you tend to prefer a little bit of this and a little bit of that and you like both traditional and modern design, then a transitional look to your home might be what you are looking for. This design finds a nice balance between modern materials like steel and glass and plush traditional furnishings. Your home will feel stylish and sleek, but at the same time, warm and inviting.

7. French Country

French Country interior design will take you to the French countryside with its warm, earthy colors and farmhouse appeal with lots of wood, stone and brick. This design often also includes collections of ornate porcelain dishes and heavy linens and bed coverings.

8. Rustic

With Rustic interior design, think woodsy like a log cabin. It tries to incorporate the outdoors as much as possible. Architectural details include a lot of wood and stone and special features like vaulted ceilings, wood beams and reclaimed wood floors.

9. Shabby Chic

Shabby Chic is a more feminine and soft look. Shabby chic furnishings tend to be distressed and have antique style finishes. The color palette tends to be mostly white, cream and pastels.

10. Hollywood Glam

This style is also referred to as the Hollywood Regency style. It is very opulent with a lot of Victorian influence. You will see bold paint and wallpaper choices and a lot of plush velvet and antiques. Purples, reds, and turquoise are popular colors.

11. Coastal/Hamptons

If you are a beach lover or are decorating your shore house, then the Coastal also referred to as the Hamptons style might be perfect for you. This style sticks to neutral shades combined with blues and greens. The furniture is usually white or beige and the decorations sea-inspired. Familiar features of this style include blue and white striped patterns for pillows, large windows and painted white wood.

Cowhide can go with everything

The great thing about all these styles is that cowhide rugs go perfectly with all of them. Cowhide rugs come in all different colors and patterns which makes cowhide rugs more versatile than a lot of people realize. It doesn’t matter if your home is more contemporary style or a more traditional style, cowhide rug can complement any style. You don’t have to be a cowboy to appreciate a cowhide rug. Learn how to play with color and texture with these rugs.

The soft hair of the skin feels very plush and can give any room a feeling of warmth and luxury. Imagine a cowhide rug by the fireplace. Or imagine stepping out of the hot tub onto a rug. Tapestries also add a richness to a space and so can cowhide. Put your cowhide rug on the wall to really impress your guests. Cowhide rugs can also be used as throw blankets to snuggle up under on a snowy, winter’s night.

When you think of cowhide rugs, does your mind go automatically to black and white spots? If so, then you are underestimating the beauty of cows. Every cow is actually very unique and no one cowhide is the same even in the situation of twin cows. When you buy a cowhide rug, you can feel confident that no one else will have the same exactly same rug. Besides black and white, cows come in tricolor, speckles and brindle. You can also get brown and white and if you are really adventurous you can go for acid wash in silver or gold or get a rug dyed pink or blue.

Because of their unique color combinations and their soft texture, cowhide rugs can also be added as a whimsical element to any room. A dyed pink cowhide rug would be perfect for a little girl’s princess room or you could add a soft brindle rug to your minimalist bedroom to bring some softness and warmth to an otherwise simple room. A brindle cowhide is tawny with streaks of other colors. It has a more exotic look than some of the other patterns you find in cowhide and can really spice up your place.

Even city hipsters will appreciate what a black and white cowhide rug can do for a more modern space dressed in monochrome. It will perfectly complement the simple lines and black and white color while are the same time adding some texture and elegance to the room. Even a room decorated in metal and glass can be softened with a cowhide rug. Whether you put the cowhide rug on the floor or on your walls, your guests will love the richness it adds to the room.

For more information about cowhide and interior design style, contact Cowhide Outlet today.