Understanding different interior design styles helps you decorate with confidence. Each style has its own mood, colour palette and furniture choices – and knowing them makes it easier to create a home you love. In this guide we break down today’s most popular interior design styles (and what’s on the horizon for 2025). Whether you’re a design student or a homeowner, you’ll find clear explanations, examples and tips. We’ll also touch on how to pursue a design education (even highlighting The Design Village in Noida). Finally, we look at interior design trends in 2025 and what colours and ideas are emerging next.
Modern Style
Modern style is characterised by clean lines, simplicity, and a neutral palette. Walls are often white or pale, with light wood floors and minimal window dressings. Furniture tends to be functional and sleek – think low-profile sofas, unadorned tables, and metal or glass accents. This style feels uncluttered and airy, though you can add contrast with a bold rug or artwork.
- Colour palette: Neutrals (white, cream, grey) with occasional pops of black or muted colour.
- Furniture: Simple shapes, clean edges, minimal ornament. Low wooden or metal legs, leather or fabric upholstery in solid colours. Glass, steel, and light wood are common materials.
- Who it suits: People who prefer order and minimal fuss. Modern style is perfect for open-plan urban flats or anyone wanting a bright, clutter-free home.
Scandinavian Style
Scandinavian style comes from Nordic countries and is known for its warmth and simplicity. It uses a neutral base (white or light grey walls) with natural woods and cosy textiles. The look is bright and minimal, but with touches of comfort: soft throws, round lampshades or a sheepskin rug add cosiness. Furniture is modern and functional, often in light pine or beech wood. Plants and simple artwork give life to the space.
- Colour palette: Mostly pale neutrals (white, light grey), accented by muted pastels or warm woods. Black or dark grey can appear in small doses.
- Furniture: Clean-lined wooden furniture (e.g. Scandinavian-style sofas, chairs, tables) often in pale oak. Minimalist shapes, lots of functionality (like hidden storage). Natural fabrics (linen, cotton).
- Who it suits: Ideal for people who like uncluttered, bright rooms but also want a warm feel. Suits small or large homes that need a calm and inviting look.
Minimalist Style
Minimalist design takes “less is more” to heart. A minimalist room has only what’s necessary: pared-back furniture, simple layouts, and no excess decoration. Everything you see must have a purpose. Walls might be white or one flat colour, and there’s usually only one or two hues in the scheme. Instead of pattern, minimalists use varied textures (like a shaggy rug against a leather sofa) to add interest. The overall effect is serene and uncluttered.
- Colour palette: Monochrome or very limited palette (white, grey, beige or a single accent colour).
- Furniture: Functional and streamlined. Built-in storage or sleek shelving keeps spaces neat. Pieces have simple, clean shapes. Materials are high-quality (wood, metal, stone) and often deliberately unadorned.
- Who it suits: Anyone who values space and simplicity. Minimalism fits modern apartments or anyone who wants a retreat-like home with no visual chaos.
Japandi Style
Japandi style blends Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics for a calm, zen feel. Like Scandi, it loves light wood and clean lines, but adds Japanese touches of wabi-sabi (imperfect beauty) and traditional elements. You’ll see pale wood furniture, low seating or floor cushions, and very restrained décor. Textiles and accessories are soft and natural – think linen cushions or ceramic pottery. The result is a minimalist space with a warm, organic touch. For example, a Japandi living room might have a simple wooden sofa, a tatami-style rug, and a single branch in a ceramic vase.
- Colour palette: Neutral and earthy – whites, soft greys, muted greens or blues. (Occasional black elements can accentuate.)
- Furniture: Low-profile and refined. Wood tones (bamboo, teak, light oak) are key. Simple shapes (think curved wooden chairs, slender tables) and natural textures (paper lamps, woven mats).
- Who it suits: Anyone seeking a tranquil, balanced home. It works well in a minimalist space that still wants warmth – perfect for creating a meditative or relaxing environment.
Boho (Bohemian) Style
Bohemian (Boho) style is casual, creative and free-spirited. It mixes colours, patterns and textures from around the world. A boho living room might have an eclectic sofa with colourful pillows, a tapestry or macramé wall hanging, and lots of plants. Natural materials like rattan, wicker and wood are common. Layering is key: rug on rug, pattern on pattern. Yet modern boho often keeps the base light (white walls, simple furniture) and builds on it.
- Colour palette: Warm earthy tones (terracotta, mustard, olive) plus jewel-like accents (deep teal, aubergine) or multicoloured textiles.
- Furniture: A mix of vintage and handmade. Low wooden coffee tables, a relaxed sofa (possibly in a neutral colour), Moroccan poufs, and woven ottomans. Lots of cushions and throws in mixed fabrics (kilim, velvet, linen).
- Who it suits: Creative, relaxed personalities. Great for renters or homeowners who love travel or art. Boho is about personality: the more personal items (souvenirs, photos, art) you layer in, the more “you” it feels.
Maximalist Style
Maximalism is the opposite of minimalism. It embraces “more is more” – mix bold colours, patterns and objects in abundance. A maximalist room might have an emerald-green velvet sofa covered in bright cushions, a gallery wall of art in mismatched frames, patterned curtains and a colourful rug. The aim is rich, visually interesting spaces that still feel livable. To do this well, maximalists often use a unifying element (a colour or style) so the chaos looks intentional.
- Colour palette: Vibrant and eclectic. Jewel tones (emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red) and warm accents (mustard, burnt orange). Contrasts are welcome.
- Furniture: Mix eras and styles. Bold furniture like velvet chaises, vintage armchairs, ornate side tables. Patterns often clash in a curated way (floral with geometric, stripes with Persian rugs).
- Who it suits: Confident and expressive personalities who love art and colour. Maximalism turns a room into a showcase of tastes and collections – perfect if you want a dramatic, cosy home filled with story and character.
Emerging Trends in 2025
Looking ahead, interior design is shifting in some exciting ways for 2025. Experts predict a focus on wellness, sustainability and personal expression. For instance, many designers say homeowners will want wellness spaces at home: think small spa-like corners, meditation nooks or even home gyms and saunas. Natural and tactile materials will be huge: expect more clay, ceramics and warm wood elements (the “Clay & Ceramics” trend is growing).
Colour-wise, earthy and nature-inspired tones are trending. Warm browns, ochre yellows and rusts (think terracotta, sienna) bring comfort, while deep greens and muted blues add calm. (Even extreme colour: designers note “color drenching” – painting an entire room one bold shade – is on the rise.) Biophilic design (bringing plants and natural light indoors) is often cited as the top 2025 trend. About 60% of experts say that adding nature into homes will dominate the year ahead. You’ll also see more curved furniture and cozy layouts (“curves and softness” are in fashion) and a soft form of minimalism that still feels inviting. On the other end of the spectrum, “cozy maximalism” is gaining fans – it mixes the comfort of minimalism with the vibrant personality of maximalist decor.
Sustainability is another big theme. Both homeowners and designers are insisting on eco-friendly choices: durable, recycled or renewable materials, non-toxic finishes, and energy-efficient fixtures. In fact, surveys find a large share of design projects will have a sustainability requirement in 2025. The goal is spaces that are beautiful and better for the planet.
In summary, 2025’s interior design trends blend comfort and style. Key directions include:
- Nature & Wellness: Biophilic elements (plants, natural light, stone), and dedicated wellness zones (home spas, quiet nooks).
- Warm Earth Tones & Bold Colour: Rich browns, greens, deep jewel tones and even full-room colour drenching add warmth and personality.
- Sustainable Materials: Natural fabrics, reclaimed wood, recycled furniture and low-VOC paints become standard.
- Cozy & Curvy Minimalism: Clean designs get softer touches – plush textiles, rounded furniture edges and layered lighting.
- Playful Maximalism: Layering pattern, texture and cherished objects will continue, reflecting individual stories and heritage.
These trends show that designers will focus on creating homes that nurture comfort and creativity. Interiors will feel more personalized and relaxed, with a touch of luxury and plenty of greenery – whether your style is minimalist or maximalist.
Studying Interior Design and Careers
If these design styles excite you, you might consider formal training or a career in interior design. Many institutions offer degrees in interior or spatial design. For example, search for interior design colleges in Noida, and you’ll find The Design Village (TDV) – a design school known for its industry-focused approach. TDV offers UGC-approved B.Des and M.Des programmes in Space & Interior Design. Their curriculum is highly industry-centric, shaped by leaders in the field. In fact, TDV’s Noida campus has won a Forbes award for its creative design environment.
TDV students get international exposure too. The school partners with institutions across 18 countries, so learners can spend a semester abroad at a global design school. They also organise summer workshops and masterclasses with top designers worldwide. This means an interior designing course there covers not just theory, but real-world projects and global perspectives. (If you look up interior designing course details on their website, you’ll see how they include hands-on studios, internships and exchange opportunities.)
Choosing a design college or course means considering factors like curriculum, faculty and facilities. In India, TDV’s Space & Interior Design programme is one example of a modern, globally connected course. Other good design programmes blend creative freedom with technical skills, preparing students to work in architecture firms, real estate companies or start-ups.
For any aspiring designer or student, the key is practical experience. Look for courses that offer workshops, internships and project work (like those mentioned above). As you learn different styles – from modern to boho to Japandi – think about which ones inspire you most. Cultivating your own interior design style and keeping up with emerging trends will help you design spaces that look great and feel right. After all, the best interiors reflect who we are and how we want to live.
