5 popular & current design styles
hi-5
Our top 5 picks … for everything design-related & more!
october 2020
What’s your personal design style?
While designers will often blend elements of different design styles to match your personal preferences … understanding your favorite design style helps to create a cohesive design for your space.
In this hi-5, we’re exploring 5 of the most popular & current design styles.
transitional design
photo credit: tamara flanagan photography
Transitional Design combines elements from both traditional and modern design to create warm, livable spaces. This style consists of clean lines and some soft curves, with no excessive ornamentation of furniture or accessories.
Transitional color palettes tend to be neutral with pops of accent colors. It’s a combination style that appreciates the past, while including modern updates.
traditional design
photo credit: tamara flanagan photography
Traditional design reflects a variety of styles from the 18th, 19th and sometimes even the 20th century. This style allows for a lot of flexibility since it pulls inspiration from different periods.
The aim is to create an elegant, rich, and comfortable space. Despite the name, traditional design is often eclectic and playful. It consists of unique antique pieces, vibrant wall colors, bold fabric patterns like gingham, florals, and large stripes, and ornamental moldings.
Traditional design is dynamic and ornate with all the unique elements working together to create a harmonious, balanced design.
mid-century modern
photo credit: tamara flanagan photography
Pulling inspiration from the mid-20th century, Mid-Century Modern design has become a popular style in recent years. This is a classic, no-fuss style combining clean lines and gentle organic curves.
Colors range from neutral with pops of bold colors, specifically earthy brown and orange, bold teal and chartreuse. The style also combines a mix of materials with metals and walnut shades of wood. This easy, breezy style works well for urban or small-space living with small, multi-functional furniture pieces that are simple, but timeless.
farmhouse modern
photo credit: jessica delaney photography
Chip and Joanna Gaines popularized this style with their show ‘Fixer Upper’. Shiplap, sliding barn doors, reclaimed finishes, and industrial accents are elements that are central to farmhouse modern design. The colors tend to be neutral, whites, grey, greige, tan, grey-blue or green, creating light, welcoming spaces.
To achieve this style, think clean-lines and comfort combined with salvaged elements. The goal is to create a homey space filled with country charm.
nautical design
photo credit: bryan steele photography
Living and working in New England, we can’t leave nautical design off of our list. This style encompasses a wide range of design approaches, including modern nautical, shabby chic, or more traditional.
Colors vary, but typically incorporate crisp white and blue tones. Accent pieces with anchors, ropes, whales, nautical stars, stripes, and ships adorn the space.
Think also about the influences of The Cape or Nantucket. These design influences and colors can be a bit more subtle and muted. The casual, carefree feeling of this style is meant to reflect a day at the beach.