Interior Style- What is your vibe?

Interior space should be and could be your refuge, your haven, and the one place you want to be at. For us, each space we design should be and is a vibe. When we are designing, we create our spaces to have an attitude and a mood, a distinctive feeling or quality capable of being sensed.

Design styles are ever-evolving and swing on a pendulum between trends, fads and classics that have stood the test of time. Furthermore, does one stay true to one style or blur the lines by crossover styles? When you begin your work with us, we will be able to guide you through these time-tested interior styles and make these your own. You may already have sensed patterns of the style that resonates with you through your inspiration images and identifying these interior design styles is the first step toward narrowing down your vision for your dream home. So, we will take it from the top. Ofc, we are skipping classical, gothic, renaissance, baroque, rococo, neo classical and then some, gearing this post to more prevalent interior styles in recent residential market.

Victorian: Victorian interior design is a rich, ornate, and historically rooted style that emerged during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901). It's known for its opulence, formality, and decorative detail—a stark contrast to modern minimalism. You could incorporate victorian style in your house by using wallpaper or molding as a nod to the era, even in modern spaces. Choosing a statement pieces—like a velvet armchair or ornate chandelier—to bring in period character and mix Victorian drama with modern simplicity to keep it feeling fresh (this is known as Neo Victorian. 

Elegant Victorian-style living room featuring ornate details, a crystal chandelier, and large windows that flood the space with natural light.

Examples to incorporate victorian style in your spaces:

• Living Room: Dark walls, carved fireplace, plush rugs, tufted sofa, marble side tables, heavy drapes.

• Bedroom: Four-poster bed, lace bedding, antique armoire, floral wallpaper.

• Dining Room: Long wooden table, candelabras, buffet cabinet, gallery walls.

Spanish Colonial: Spanish Colonial interior design is a warm, romantic, and rustic style rooted in the architecture and traditions of Spain’s colonies—especially in the Americas from the 1600s to the early 1800s. This style blending Old World European charm with indigenous craftsmanship can be incorporated in your space using earthy materials, warm color palette, arches and curves, handcrafted furniture, and ornamental ironwork & tile.  

Spanish Colonial style living room featuring terracotta tiles, rustic wooden beams, and a combination of white and blue furnishings, evoking a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Examples to incorporate spanish colonial style in your spaces:

• Living Room: White stucco walls, exposed beams, carved wood furniture, patterned tile coffee table

• Kitchen: Warm-toned wood cabinetry, open shelving, tiled backsplash, wrought iron pot racks

• Bedroom: Iron canopy bed, embroidered bedding, terracotta floor with layered rugs

Bungalow Style/ Arts and Crafts: Bungalow style interior design is cozy, functional, and rooted in simplicity and craftsmanship. Popularized in the early 1900s, through the Arts & Crafts movement, it was designed for modest, efficient living—but with beautiful detail and warm materials. If you love low ceilings & open layouts and have a passion for craftsmanship and built-ins, this style packed with natural materials and warm wood and a muted, earth color palette is the one for you.

Warm and inviting, this Arts and Crafts-inspired kitchen features handcrafted cabinetry, rustic wood accents, and soft natural lighting, creating a harmonious blend of function and beauty.

Examples to incorporate craftsmans style in your spaces:

• Living Room: Solid wood with straight lines and visible joinery accentuated by stickley-style chairs, sideboards, and Morris wallpaper make for a charming living room.

• Kitchen: Keep layouts open but compact, emphasizing flow and comfort and accentuate the kitchen with vintage tiles and handmade ceramic

Art Deco: Art Deco is a glamorous, bold, and highly decorative interior design style that peaked in the 1920s and 1930s. It was born out of a desire to break away from the past and embrace a modern, luxurious future—with all the excitement of the Jazz Age, cinema, and new technology. A statement chandelier or sunburst mirror, using bold, geometric rug or plush velvet furnishings in black, gold, and jewel tones are ways to incorporate art deco style to your living room or restaurant alike. Created with mirrored or high-gloss finishes for furniture, the art deco style is full of drama and symmetry.

Luxurious Art Deco living room featuring geometric patterns, gilded accents, and an elegant chandelier, creating a sophisticated and opulent ambiance.

 Examples to incorporate art deco style in your spaces:

• Living room: Black lacquered coffee table, velvet teal sofas, gold sunburst mirror, geometric rug, and a chrome-framed bar cart.

• Bedroom or dining room: Walls might be painted in deep navy or charcoal, with gold accents and mirror-paneled doors.

Ranch: Ranch style interior design is casual, comfortable, and connected to the outdoors. Popularized in the 1940s–1970s in the U.S., it matches the architecture of single-story, open-plan homes with long, low layouts and easy access to the backyard. With an emphasis on spaciousness and function, these open floor plans connect indoor and outdoor living with large windows or sliding glass doors. Lighter wood offset with brick or stone fireplaces pay homage to the desert landscape.

Spacious and inviting ranch-style living room featuring a comfortable L-shaped sofa, cozy area rug, and warm wooden accents that enhance the natural light and open layout.

 Examples to incorporate ranch style in your spaces:

• Living room: Keep things simple and grounded by using neutral upholstery and wood furniture with visible grain accented with natural textiles such as cotton throws, wool rugs, leather pillows

• Dining room: Designed for practical, family-friendly living, these dining spaces are often laid-back, low-maintenance, and unpretentious and you could use subtle artworks that are reminiscent of the West.

Scandinavian: Known for its simplicity, functionality, and connection to nature, Scandinavian design uses light colors, natural materials, and minimal decor. Originating in the early 20th century and reaching its peak in the 1950s, this style emphasizing functionality, simplicity, and comfort, with a deep connection to nature and craftsmanship is having a moment now.

Bright and airy kitchen showcasing minimalist Scandinavian design, featuring natural wood elements, simple lines, and abundant natural light from large window wall with plants.

Examples to incorporate Scandinavian style in your spaces:

• Living room: Using pieces that are comfortable and practical such as the iconic Arne Jacobsen chairs or Eames lounge chair (mid-century modern) that inspired are inspired by the movement. Multi-use and modular furniture is common in smaller spaces.

• Dining room: Keep spaces uncluttered and bring the outdoors in with the use of plants, natural light, and organic shapes

Mid-Century Modernism: Characterized by clean lines, warm wood, pops of color, and functional beauty, this popular interior design style is timeless, sleek, and effortlessly cool. It emerged in the mid-20th century (roughly 1945–1969), reflecting post-war optimism, technological progress, and a focus on modern living.  This calm and confident style is a mix of retro nostalgia and timeless sophistication made possible by marrying practical design with artistic expression

Mid-century modern living room featuring warm tones, sleek furniture, and a large window offering a serene view of autumn trees.

Examples to incorporate industrial style in your spaces:

• Living Room: Choose simple, iconic furniture with clean lines and tapered legs in warm woods with minimal accessories. A statement piece such as a bold sofa or sculptural chair or pop of color are defining moments of this style.

• Dining Room: Earth tones on walls are accented by furniture that is functional, sculptural, and comfortable including the Eames lounge chair, Tulip table, womb chair, and credenzas.

  
  

Industrial: A mix of urban grit and artistic cool, this style embraces raw materials, such as exposed brick, metal, and wood. It often features open spaces and a utilitarian aesthetic. Even though the style elements from the industrial revolution in 20th century, it was not until the 60s or the 70s that we saw this style and it regained popularity in the recent years. Industrial interior design is raw, edgy, and utilitarian—born from the look of converted factories, warehouses, and lofts.

Industrial chic loft space featuring a cozy sectional sofa, exposed brick walls, and a stylish spiral staircase.

It celebrates unfinished surfaces, exposed materials, and practical function, while mixing vintage and modern elements for a bold yet livable space. Examples to incorporate industrial style in your spaces:

• Living Room: Leave brick, concrete, or beams exposed and add metal accents through lighting, furniture, and hardware

• Dining Room: Keep art and decor minimal but statement-making and don't forget to balance the rough edges by using rugs, leather, and warm lighting

Modern Farmhouse: Combining rustic charm with modern comforts, farmhouse style often includes wooden beams, shiplap walls, and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. This style blends the rustic warmth of traditional farmhouse design with the clean lines and minimalism of modern aesthetics. It's approachable, cozy yet refined, and has become one of the most popular design styles in the U.S. over the past decade

A cozy modern farmhouse living room featuring neutral tones, rustic wood beams, and a warm fireplace, complemented by plush seating and slip-cover sofa with woven accents for a welcoming atmosphere.

Examples to incorporate modern farmhouse style in your spaces:

• Living Room: Paint walls in warm whites and accent these walls with wood furniture with character. Texture can be added using natural textiles such as linen curtains, jute rugs, and cotton throws

• Dining Room: Adding matte black accents in hardware, lighting, frames blend farm-style decor with minimalist restraint and avoiding over-accessorizing in the process.

  
  

Contemporary: Often confused with modern design, contemporary style is ever-changing and reflects current trends. It can incorporate various elements from different styles. Sometimes, this distinction can be confused with transitional. While contemporary design is defined by current trends and is constantly evolving, transitional design is a mix of traditional and contemporary elements, creating a timeless, balanced look. Unlike styles rooted in a specific era (like Mid-Century Modern or Victorian), contemporary design reflects what's current right now—often blending elements from different styles into a clean, cohesive look.

Designed to be livable and elegant, the calm, open, and airy spaces welcomes change—you can easily update the look with new materials or art.

Sleek contemporary kitchen seamlessly integrates with an open living space, featuring minimalist cabinetry, bar seating, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of the serene landscape.

A modern living room showcases elegant color drenching with a deep green wall panel and matching couch, accented by vibrant cushions and a potted plant for a fresh, contemporary look.

Each interior design style offers a unique approach to creating spaces that reflect personal taste and lifestyle. Understanding these styles can help in making informed design choices. This list of styles can be clarifying yet leave one in a conundrum of next steps. How to get started with incorporating your favorite style in your own home? Schedule an interior design consultation with us today for a vibe check of your interior space!

About the author: Biba Studio's creative designer, Bhakti has worked on several large multi-use, corporate, retail, and religious projects in Buffalo, Arizona and India. Her work focuses on experiential design, branding, and spatial exploration. She is heavily involved in community initiatives focusing on art and architecture. She teaches courses in corporate and retail design, lighting design, thesis and research, coordinated internships and has served as the Chair of the erstwhile department of Interior Design at Buffalo State University.