What are the most popular, on-trend decorating styles?

Just like any other form of decoration, interior design and décor trends go in cycles. Certain styles come into fashion, and then just as quickly fall out again – think of those truly awful ‘Avocado’ bathroom suites that were all the rage in the 1970s! 

Today, decorating styles fall into two main categories – traditional and modern. Whereas a traditional decorating style will make use of darker wood, natural fabrics, and patterns, a more modern style will embrace the cleaner lines you achieve with metal, glass, and pale or ‘blonde’ wood such as ash or pine. There are variations on the two main themes, so we’ve decided to take a look at what’s on-trend at the moment, and predict what could be the next big thing in interior design.

Farmhouse style décor 

Warm, slightly quirky, and with bags of character, farmhouse style décor emulates the traditional styles found in rustic homes. Think stone flag floors that are soggy dog and child-proof, a central table in the kitchen that’s the hub of the home, rich colours and plenty of snuggly throws and cushions. Farmhouse style décor picks up on rural themes, so botanicals play a big part in the prints and patterns. 

Rustic 

Rustic farmhouse style home décor is an extension of the farmhouse look, but with plenty of home-made touches. Wooden furniture should be allowed to show its natural beauty, while accessories such as traditional, hand-crochet ‘granny blankets’ often make an appearance draped over the back of chairs and couches, so break out the crochet hooks and wool! 

The metal of choice has to be copper to reflect the warm and rich colours, and in the kitchen, you can use traditional copper pans as both functional items and decorative touches, along with bunches of drying herbs. A rustic home doesn’t need to be medieval – you can still have those all-important modern touches. But the focal points should be as traditional as you can get them – wood-burning stoves to keep the winter chill away, and make plenty of space for knick-knacks and ornaments.

Vintage style décor 

From the 1940s to the 1970s, vintage-style décor covers a huge range of looks and styles, but is great fun to play with! For the 1940s, think utilitarian and practical, with plenty of red and white colour schemes. If your vintage décor style of choice is focused around the 1950s then bright, primary colours and minimalist furniture works well alongside some vintage touches such as plastic or vinyl drawer fronts and handles, and vinyl floors. 

For the 1960s you can let your imagination run wild, incorporating bold patterns and bright colours. Include a feature wall in your living room décor, and don’t be afraid to bring into play colours you wouldn’t normally use, such as orange and pink. Finish this look off with some seriously bold ‘pop art’ wall decorations inspired by artists like Roy Lichtenstein. 

The 1970s lets you unleash your ‘Scandi’ side, and fortunately, Scandinavian design is massively popular once again. The clean look of wingback swivel chairs and the use of chrome and leather is a key feature, so if you want to combine vintage with a more modern feel, decorating your living room in a ‘70s modernist revival look will tick all the right style boxes. 

Zen minimalist

Decluttering is a big buzzword in interior design right now. The trick is to surround yourself with only the things that make you happy, and that you enjoy looking at, touching, and being close to at any time. You don’t have to throw everything out, just declutter, and make use of clever storage such as Ottomans and divan beds to pack away anything that you don’t need. 

Keep your décor simple, or pick a natural theme and find calming, tranquil elements to include in your overall design, such as bonsai trees, indoor water features, botanical wreaths, and driftwood decorations. 

Indian style home décor

It’s bright, it’s colourful, and it’s full of wonderfully rich themes and patterns. The colour palette is full of bright and bold colours, especially burnt orange and rich golds. It’s a chance to really brighten things up. 

You can go all out with a top-to-bottom revamp, or use exotic Eastern touches such as throws, pillows and cushions in rich spice colours to add a burst of Indian style. It’s a truly joyful decorating style and one we think is going to be a huge hit!