THE MOST POPULAR INTERIOR DESIGN STYLES EXPLAINED (UPDATED 2026)
- Julie Evans
- Jun 17, 2022
- 16 min read
Updated: Jan 12
Editors Update (January 2026): The world of interior design moves fast. While this guide remains one of our most popular resources, we have updated it for 2026 to ensure it reflects current aesthetics. This refresh includes new sections on emerging styles like Japandi and Biophilic design, along with updated imagery from our latest portfolio projects.
Style is personal, and style is individual. Interpretation of style varies from one person to the next… and that's OK.
As we move into 2026, the landscape of interior design is shifting towards warmth, texture, and personality. While perennial favourites like Scandinavian and Modern Coastal (Hamptons) remain incredibly popular here in Australia, we are seeing a massive surge in 'Japandi' and Biophilic design. The focus has moved away from the stark minimalism of the past decade; instead, people are looking to create a personal sanctuary that prioritises wellness and comfort alongside aesthetics.
What does your style say about you? Is your style reflected in your home through its interior design? Perhaps you're not quite sure what your home design style is yet. With so many different aesthetics out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. To help you decide, I have updated this guide with the most popular interior design styles for 2026, including what defines them and why I love them.
What is interior design?
Interior design is the process of shaping the experience of interior space, through the manipulation of spatial volume and surface. It encompasses the use of color, light, materials, furniture, textures, and accessories to create an environment that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Good interior design enhances the quality of life for those who occupy a space by providing an attractive and harmonious setting in which to live, work, or relax.
The term "interior" in interior design refers to both indoor and outdoor spaces. It encompasses everything from color schemes and furniture placement to lighting and window treatments. A well-designed interior should be functional as well as stylish.
There are many different styles of interior design, but some of the most popular are contemporary, traditional, transitional, and rustic. Contemporary style is defined by clean lines, minimalism, and a focus on function. Traditional style is characterized by ornate details, antiques, and rich colors. Transitional style is a mix of traditional and contemporary elements. Rustic style incorporates natural materials like wood and stone into the design.
How to Choose the Right Interior Design Style?
There are many different interior design styles to choose from, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for your home. If you're working with an interior designer, they can help you narrow down your options and find the perfect style for your space. If you're doing it yourself, it's important to look at different interior design styles and figure out which one speaks to you. Here are a few tips for choosing the right style for your home:
Decide what you want your home to feel like. Do you want it to be cozy and comfortable, or sleek and modern?
Consider your lifestyle. If you have young children, you may want to choose a style that is family-friendly and easy to clean.
Take your budget into account. Some styles are more expensive than others.
Look at pictures of homes that inspire you. This can give you a good idea of the look and feel that you are going for.
What are the most popular interior design styles?
Interior design styles are as varied as the people who inhabit homes around the world. While some homeowners prefer a minimalist aesthetic, others might choose to decorate their home in an eclectic fashion with a variety of different styles.
Read on below of our Ultimate Guide to the most popular interior design styles right now.
1. Hygge (Scandi / Scandinavian) design style
Creating a true sanctuary at home is a timeless pursuit, and that is why the Scandinavian design philosophy known as Hygge sits at my number one spot for interior design styles. Hygge simply means to nurture a feeling of cosiness, contentment and well-being through cherishing the little things. Hygge stems from a Norwegian word meaning 'comfort' and is also related to the English word, 'hug'.
Scandinavian interior designers are known for their ability to create beautiful and functional spaces using a minimal amount of furniture and accessories. In terms of how Scandinavian style applies to interior design, think candles (scent is an important part of Hygge), feather-filled armchairs, open fires, cosy nooks and rugs. To me, Hygge is the feeling of a home wrapping its arms around you when you enter the front door.
See it in practice: For another example of the Hygge interior design style in practice, visit Rebecca and Jorge's warehouse apartment.
2. Japandi (Japanese-Scandi fusion) design style
If you love the cosiness of Hygge but crave a little more structure and earthiness, then Japandi is the style for you. Sitting right at the intersection of functionality and warmth, Japandi is a beautiful hybrid of Japanese rustic minimalism and Scandinavian utility. While this style has been brewing for a few years, in 2026 it has solidified itself as a timeless staple in Australian homes.
Japandi rejects the clutter of a lived-in home but avoids the coldness of a showroom. It takes the bright, airy spaces of Scandi style and grounds them with the darker, earthier tones and intentionality of Japanese design (Wabi Sabi). Think low-profile furniture, intentional empty space, and a focus on high-quality craftsmanship over quantity. It solves the problem of minimalism feeling 'cold'—by adding the Japanese focus on warmth and texture, you get a clean home that still feels incredibly cosy.
See it in practice: Our Newcastle East project is a perfect example of this philosophy. We focused on creating a harmonious, unified interior with sustainable furniture and bespoke joinery to maximise flow and light.
3. Modern coastal (Hamptons) design style
Modern coastal embraces a combination of the classic relaxed beach style and the more structured Hamptons look. In 2026, this style has evolved into what we often call 'Australian Coastal'—it creates a fresh, sophisticated vibe with a contemporary neutral colour palette and plenty of natural textures. Whites, greys and beige tones feature heavily, with the addition of soft blues and greens. Consider terrazzo tiles in your bathroom, wicker light fixtures, and furniture that brings the outdoors, in.
Julie's Tip: Forget putting oars on the walls and starfish ornaments on your side tables. Modern coastal is a part modern, part laid back style that relies on textures and materials to create a calming and sophisticated space.
See it in practice: We transformed a dark interior into a light, bright coastal sanctuary at our Merewether Beach project. By replacing heavy black curtains with sheers and introducing a palette of white, pale timbers, and gold accents, we achieved that perfect balance of glamour and coastal relaxation.
4. Biophillic design (nature-connected)
If the last few years have taught us anything, it's that we crave a connection to the outdoors. Biophilic design is a huge trend for 2026. It isn't just about adding a pot plant to the corner of the room; it’s about a fundamental connection to nature to improve well-being.
In a Biophilic home, you will see an abundance of natural light and organic materials like unpolished stone, bamboo, timber, and cork. It prioritises natural ventilation and views of the outdoors. It’s less about a specific 'look' and more about how the home makes you feel—grounded, calm, and connected to the earth.
See it in practice: You can do Biophilic in a bold way, too! For our Rosalie Estate project in The Vintage, Pokolbin, we used jungle-inspired wallpaper and palm motifs to bring the vibrancy of nature indoors, proving that connecting with nature doesn't always have to mean beige and green.
5. Wabi Sabi design style
In a world of filtered social media feeds and pressure for perfection, the Japanese design style known as Wabi Sabi is the antidote we all need. Wabi Sabi is an interior design concept that denotes a more connected, authentic way of living. It values the beauty of imperfection and embraces blemishes caused by the natural process of time.
Look for items in your home that will age gracefully and don't throw away your broken or imperfect pieces. Embrace the patina on your brass or copper, find the beauty in unglazed pottery and chipped planters. Bring inside large branches foraged from outside and display them in ceramics. Reject symmetry and perfectionism; embrace the wrinkles in your linen sheets and resist the temptation to straighten the slightly uneven pile of magazines or books.
See it in practice: I found a great example of Wabi Sabi interior design applied in a Victorian Terrace in Cooks Hill, Newcastle. Visit Sue Atkinson's home to take a look.
6. Warm Minimalist design style
Minimalism has evolved. Gone are the stark, cold, hospital-like interiors of the past. In 2026, we embrace 'Warm Minimalism'. This style still uses simple shapes, neutral colours, and clean lines, but it prioritises texture and comfort to create a calm, relaxing sanctuary rather than a showroom.
To master this look, focus on 'essentialism'—keeping only what is useful or beautiful. Then, add warmth through layering: think textured rugs, natural timber grains, and soft, ambient lighting. It is about stripping back to the essentials but ensuring those essentials are inviting.
See it in practice: We executed this balance of sleek lines and inviting warmth in our Salamander Bay renovation. By gutting the interior and installing custom joinery and carefully selected lighting, we created a 'chic modern minimalist' home that feels spacious yet homely.
7. Mid-century modern (Modern) design style
Mid-century modern is no longer just a 'trend' making a comeback; it is a design staple that refuses to go away. Incorporating 50's era optimism, 60's era earthiness, and 70's era textures, it is a wonderfully nostalgic nod to a time when design was fresh, fun, and always practical. Perhaps this style resonates with me so much because I love a little bit of quirk to bring a space to life.
A Mid-century modern house will not only boast a charming interior with plenty of teak, chrome, glass, and pops of colour, but it will also be practical and unpretentious. The key is organic shapes and clean lines. People often ask if they can combine old pieces with new—yes, you absolutely can (and should!) in this thoroughly desirable style.
See it in practice: We unified two separate cottages into one incredible home in our James Street, Hamilton renovation. It is a perfect example of how this style bridges the gap between old-school charm and modern living.
8. Transitional design style
Can't decide between the sleek look of modern design and the warmth of traditional decor? You don't have to. Transitional design is the art of mixing the two—blending the comfort and familiarity of traditional style with the clean lines and profiles of contemporary design. It is arguably the most popular style for family homes because it feels timeless rather than 'trendy'.
The key to Transitional design is balance. If your architecture is traditional, choose modern furniture. If your furniture is kept to a minimum, use texture to build layers. The result is a sophisticated, harmonious space that isn't too stuffy, but not too cold.
See it in practice: We used a Transitional approach to lift a luxury residence to its full potential at our Janet Street, Merewether project, mixing classic features with modern planning to appeal to a broad range of buyers.
Expert Inspiration: You would expect an interior designer would nail their own home's interior design style, and Stewart Horton has done exactly that. I was lucky enough to interview Stewart and write about his beautiful home in New Lambton Heights. His interior pays homage to the house's construction era while executing the Transitional style perfectly.
9. Mediterranean design style
The Mediterranean aesthetic has surged in popularity across Australia recently, evolving into what we call 'Modern Mediterranean'. It creates a space that feels sun-drenched and welcoming—a permanent 'holiday at home'. Unlike the crisp whites of the Coastal style, Mediterranean design is all about warmth and earthiness.
Think curved archways, rendered or textured walls (like Venetian plaster), travertine floors, and a palette of terracotta, olive green, and warm whites. It is tactile and grounded. It captures the essence of a European summer without feeling like a theme park.
Julie's Tip: You don't need a Spanish villa to get the look. You can introduce this style simply by swapping cool metals for warm brass, adding terracotta pots, or using linen textiles in warm earth tones to bring that European warmth to your home.
10. Modern Farmhouse design style
The Modern Farmhouse style continues to be a favourite because it hits that sweet spot between comfort and cool. However, the 2026 version is far more refined than the rustic-heavy looks of the past. It combines the warmth of a traditional country home with the clean lines and sophistication of contemporary design.
To get this right, you want to avoid 'kitsch'. Instead of country-themed decor, focus on architectural elements: exposed beams, tongue-and-groove panelling, and a high-contrast colour palette (often black accents against warm whites). It is perfect for those who want a family-friendly home that feels robust and lived-in, but still looks sharp and modern.
Julie's Tip: Authenticity is key here. Mix new modern furniture with genuine vintage finds or antique timber pieces. The contrast between the sleek new items and the rough, aged wood is what gives this style its character.
11. Eclectic & Maximalism (Dopamine Decor)
For years, we were told 'less is more'. But in 2026, the Eclectic and Maximalist styles are shouting that 'more is more'! Often referred to as 'Dopamine Decor', this style is about decorating for joy. It creates a space that is uniquely yours, filled with colour, pattern, and the things you love.
This isn't about clutter; it is about 'curated chaos'. It requires a confident hand to mix different eras—like pairing a vintage velvet sofa with a modern geometric rug. An eclectic interior designer will often use a bold palette to make the space pop, mixing textures to add depth. If you are tired of playing it safe with beige, this is your permission to be bold.
See it in practice: We coined the phrase 'Playful Luxury' for our Rosalie Estate project in The Vintage, Pokolbin. By using bold murals, wallpaper, and large-scale art (including David Bromley prints), we created a home that is vibrant, fun, and sophisticated—the ultimate example of how to do Eclectic right.
12. Contemporary design style
While 'Modern' refers to a specific era (usually the mid-20th century), 'Contemporary' interior design is all about the here and now. It is the style of the moment, meaning it is fluid and constantly evolving. In 2026, Contemporary design is defined by architectural lighting, statement art, softened curved lines, and open-plan living.
Right now, this look is crisp but luxurious. Windows are dressed with full-height sheers to maximise natural light, and surfaces often feature terrazzo, marble, or polished concrete. The colour palette tends to be neutral but high-contrast, allowing the architectural shapes of the room to take centre stage.
See it in practice: For a close look at this style, I found the home that Jacqueline and Andrew Harvey built in Bar Beach, Newcastle to be a sensational example of the Contemporary interior design style.
13. Traditional design style
Traditional design is often misunderstood as being 'old fashioned', but it is actually the bedrock of comfort. In 2026, we see this style evolving into 'Heritage Comfort'. It honours the history of a home—featuring earth tones, timber furnishings, and classic textiles like wool and linen—but updates the functionality for modern family life.
Furniture in a Traditional home is typically arranged to promote conversation (rather than just facing a TV). The goal is to create a space that feels established and permanent. It avoids fleeting trends in favour of quality pieces that will last a lifetime.
See it in practice: Our Hamilton South project is a prime example of updating a traditional home without losing its soul. We took a tired, dark interior and refreshed it with a cool grey palette and wide-plank flooring. The result is a light-filled family home that feels fresh but still respects the classic character of the suburb.
14. Art Deco design style
This decadent and bold interior design style has been turning heads since the 1920s and continues to captivate us. Known for its symmetry, geometric shapes, luxurious materials (think velvet and marble), and rich jewel-toned colour palette, Art Deco offers both vintage flair and a sense of approachable luxury.
Art Deco isn't for the faint-hearted. It is bold, vibrant, and packs a design punch. Think glamour and sophistication with statement lighting, gold accents, and strong geometry. If bold colours aren't for you, a softer palette can work if you focus on the sculptural elements and curves that define the era.
See it in practice: Visit Emma Fensom's Tighes Hill home in Newcastle for a classic application of the Art Deco interior design style done right.
15. Industrial design style
Industrial design celebrates the raw, unfinished beauty of a building. It’s about proudly displaying the building materials that many try to conceal. Think exposed brick, polished concrete floors, visible ductwork, and steel beams.
In 2026, we are seeing a shift towards 'Soft Industrial'. This takes the gritty, masculine elements of the warehouse look and softens them with plush textiles, indoor plants, and warmer lighting. It makes the style more livable while keeping that edgy, urban vibe. It is particularly popular in Newcastle given our city's rich history of warehouse conversions.
See it in practice: For a definitive look at this style, you simply must see Craig McGaffin's warehouse apartment conversion in Islington, Newcastle. It is a cracking example of how to honour a building's industrial roots while creating a comfortable modern home.
16. French Country (Provincial) design style
When most people think of French Country interior design (often called 'Provincial' here in Australia), they think of the Provence region of southern France. It is a style that effortlessly blends elegance with rustic charm.
This aesthetic is typified by natural materials such as stone, wood, and brick, paired with soft, patterned fabrics like linen and cotton toile. The furniture often features curved lines and distressed finishes to give that lived-in, antique feel. It is perfect for those who want a home that feels grand but still welcoming and comfortable.
Julie's Tip: To keep this look current for 2026, avoid over-cluttering. Pair a beautiful antique French dresser with a clean, modern wall colour to let the piece shine without the room feeling like a museum.
17. Shaker design style
If you love the simplicity of minimalist design but find it a bit too stark, Shaker style might be your perfect match. While often associated with kitchen cabinetry (where 'Shaker doors' remain the number one choice for renovations), the principles apply to the whole home.
As with Bauhaus, the defining principle of Shaker design is that function comes before all else. However, unlike the industrial look, Shaker relies on a neutral colour palette of tans, greys, and off-whites, and the warmth of timber. It is about honest craftsmanship—think peg rails, timber benches, and matte finishes.
Julie's Tip: When using a neutral Shaker colour scheme, use the 60-30-10 rule to ensure it doesn't look flat: 60% main colour (walls), 30% secondary colour (upholstery/cabinetry), and 10% accent colour (accessories).
18. Bohemian design style
If you love colour, layering, and a carefree vibe, Bohemian (or 'Boho') style is your calling. It rejects structure and symmetry in favour of a whimsical, earthy aesthetic. It is about telling a story through your belongings—displaying travel collections, vintage books, and art without worrying about 'matching'.
To get the look, embrace 'curated clutter'. Layer rugs on top of rugs, mix patterns on your cushions, and fill every corner with indoor plants. It creates a sanctuary that feels personal and lived-in.
See it in practice: One of my most memorable interviews was with Sophia Flegg, who executed a stunning Bohemian renovation for just $5,000 in 5 days. Her home is proof that style doesn't require a limitless budget—just creativity.
19. Rustic design style
Rustic style is all about embracing the raw beauty of the natural world. While similar to the Farmhouse look, Rustic design is less refined and more rugged. It focuses on unfinished timbers, natural stone, and earthy textures that make you feel connected to the land.
The key elements are warmth and honesty. Start with a neutral colour palette of greens, browns, and beiges. Add texture with sheepskin rugs, woven baskets, and heavy timber furniture. It creates a cosy, cabin-like environment that is the perfect escape from the digital world.
Julie's Tip: Avoid this style feeling dark or heavy by balancing the raw wood with plenty of soft lighting and light-coloured textiles.
20. British Colonial design style
Want that 'five-star resort' feeling every day? The British Colonial style fuses traditional formality with the exotic textures of the tropics. It is a timeless look that relies on the contrast between dark timber furniture and light, airy walls.
Achieve this look by introducing natural textures such as rattan, wicker, and bamboo. Pair these with indoor palms, ceiling fans, and botanical prints. It is sophisticated yet relaxed—perfect for the Australian climate where we love to blend indoor and outdoor living.
21. Bauhaus
Many current design styles can be traced back to Bauhaus, a design style developed in Germany in the early 1900s. The Bauhaus movement was originally founded to unite fine arts with applied arts, ie, painting and sculpture with industrial design. It produced designs that were simple, beautiful and above all else, functional.
Today, elements of styles such as Mid-century modern and Scandinavian can be traced back to Bauhaus. Interior design characteristics include functional shapes, abstract shapes used sparingly, simple colour schemes, holistic design and basic industrial materials like concrete, steel and glass. It’s about simplicity, pared-back spaces and streamlined forms. The good news is that if you’re wanting to introduce some Bauhaus interior design style to your home, it’s about reducing things and taking a minimal approach. It could just take one or two items that transform your space.
See it in practice: I found this Whitebridge Garden House to have a fantastic application of the Bauhaus interior design style. It's simple colour schemes, holistic design, use of industrial materials like glass and concrete provided the base on which the Bauhaus style could form with its grand, open but functional spaces and pared back interior decor.
23. Hollywood Glam design style
Hollywood glam interior design style is all about luxury, elegance, opulence and glamour. This style is often associated with the golden era of Hollywood, when movie stars were idolized and lived in lavish mansions. The Hollywood Glam home decor style is style is often used in high-end homes, apartments and hotel rooms. It features lots of velvet, gold, and silver accents, as well as mirrors and crystal chandeliers. If you're looking to create a luxurious and glamorous look in your home, then this is the style for you!
24. Grandmillennial (Granny chic) design style
Move over minimalist apartments; the 'Grandmillennial' style (affectionately known as Granny Chic) is having a huge moment. This style is all about a nostalgic rebellion against the sleek, mid-century modern look that has dominated for years. It embraces the things our grandparents loved—but with a fresh, modern twist.
Think pleated lampshades, floral chintz curtains, skirted sofas, needlepoint pillows, and collections of blue and white china. It sounds chaotic, but when done right, it is incredibly cosy and full of character.
Julie's Tip: The key to stopping this from looking like an actual nursing home is to keep the clutter curated and mix in some contemporary art or a crisp, modern wall colour to cut through the 'fusiness'.
See it in practice: You may well think there would be few examples of the Granny chic aesthetic for you to delve further into, but you would be wrong. My fellow interior designer Stewart Horton, who featured above as having executed a sublime Transitional interior design style in his New Lambton Heights, Newcastle home also qualifies - by his own admission - for a great execution of Grandmillenial.
Conclusion: Ready to find your style?
There you have it—the definitive guide to the interior design styles shaping homes in 2026. Whether you are drawn to the warmth of Japandi, the boldness of Maximalism, or the classic comfort of the Transitional look, the most important rule is that your home should reflect you.
Still not sure which style fits your home?
It can be overwhelming to pull all these ideas together into a cohesive look. That is where we come in. At Julie Evans Design, we specialise in helping you define your unique aesthetic and bringing it to life—whether you need a full renovation or just a style refresh.
Book a consultation today and let's create a space that makes your heart sing.
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Julie Evans Design is a Newcastle based interior design studio and creator of beautiful spaces. We service the New South Wales areas of Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens. Our goal is to make the potential of your space come to life, so much that it makes your heart sing when you're in it. Check out my interior design services, learn more about me or contact me to have a discussion about your space and your needs.
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