Whether you’re looking to update your home décor or you’re starting from scratch, it’s important to choose a style that reflects your personality. With so many different options available, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled a list of 5 popular interior design styles for the modern woman.
1. Scandinavian
Scandinavian design is all about simplicity and functionality. This style is perfect for the modern woman who wants a clean and clutter-free space. What’s great about Scandinavian design is that it can give off different vibes; for some, it can be relaxing, romantic, or even playful.
Characterized by minimalism, neutral colors, and natural materials, Scandinavian interiors are cozy yet chic. Scandinavian looks best with white walls and white furniture, accented with light wood and similar light colors. Adding plants to a Scandinavian-style space is the perfect way to complete the look. Not only do plants add color and life to a room, but they also help to purify the air. In Scandi style, it’s best to choose plants that are either evergreen or have low-maintenance needs, such as monstera, philodendrons, or rubber trees. You’ll also want large glass windows for your home. These will let in a lot of natural light, which will reflect on the white walls and make the place look brighter—something that many people want in cold, snowy Scandinavia.
If you’re drawn to this style, consider adding some vintage-inspired pieces or geometric shapes to your décor. If you make your place homely and cozy, the style can be considered Nordic.
2. Industrial
The industrial style is perfect for women who appreciate raw materials and unique items. This look is perfect for the successful, career-driven woman. Exposed brick walls, metal fixtures, and polished concrete floors are all common features of this edgy yet stylish aesthetic.
Industrial-style living spaces also look somewhat hostile and are not as child-friendly compared to other styles on this list. To achieve an industrial look in your home, try pairing rustic furniture with modern accents. Go for brutalist pieces and fixtures that use steel and iron, and try to get them in matte black. Wood is mostly used for accents, since using a lot of wood may put you too close to rustic. Industrial styles commonly use darker neutral colors like dark brown, black, and gray.
3. Mid-century Modern
Mid-century modern design is having a moment right now and it’s easy to see why. This timeless style is characterized by clean lines, organic shapes, and a focus on functionality. Having a mid-century modern also makes you feel like you’re living in a period show about the 60s, like Mad Men.
If you’re drawn to this aesthetic, look for furniture and accessories with smooth surfaces and simple designs. You’ll want a lot of straight lines, curved corners, and angled pencil legs on furniture. When it comes to color schemes, mid-century modern spaces typically stick to a palette of neutral-to-warm tones like brown, white, and gray. Black is mostly seen only when there is leather or steel accents. However, pops of color are often used to add visual interest to these rooms. Bright orange and green are commonly used to add vibrant hues.
4. Bohemian
The Bohemian style is all about mixing and matching different patterns and textures. This eclectic aesthetic is perfect for creative women who want a colorful and unique space. When decorating a Bohemian space, don’t be afraid to mix different patterns and colors together. Still, this look is best achieved if you can make everything look warm despite differences in pattern and color.
You can also add some global influences by incorporating items from different cultures into your décor. When designing a bohemian-style living space, think about traveling—you want to create a room that looks like a citizen of the world lives in it. Include mementos and souvenirs from different travel destinations. This is why this style is perfect for travelers and wanderers.
5. Coastal
The coastal style is perfect for women who want to bring the outdoors inside their home. This airy aesthetic is inspired by the colors and elements of the beach. To achieve this look in your own home, stick to a warm and light color scheme and use natural materials like wood and rattan throughout your space. The more wood and natural fibers you use, the better! You can also add some greenery with plants or floral arrangements. It is better to use plants that remind you of warm places, like palms, snake plants, dragon trees, and yucca.
Since this look tries to bring the beach indoors, don’t forget the finishing touches. Display seashells or starfish, or at least, get prints that show them. You can also lean into a surfer or a sailor vibe by getting décor that shows surfboards or sailboats.
Final Thoughts
There are endless possibilities when it comes to interior design styles, but this list should help you narrow down your choices! Remember that when choosing a style for your home, it’s important to go with something that reflects your personality and makes you feel comfortable in your own space. Happy decorating!