Intro to Design Styles - Free Online Course

Interior design styles are a lot like ice cream: why settle for one scoop when you can have two or three? At Spoak, we love all styles, including the most popular interior design styles currently burning up your feed, and the lesser-loved but equally cool ultra-niche styles that never leave your secret Pinterest board.

We’ve designed a free online course on design styles to help you acquaint yourself with the different types of interior design styles. In this course, we’ll:

• Dive deep into each interior design style, all the way from mid-century modern to rustic to eclectic style. 
• Help you define your specific interior design style, step-by-step.

Each lesson can be completed in ten minutes or fewer, and you don’t have to go in order. Jump in where it feels comfortable for you. You can also check out our free online courses on designing with patterns and designing with color. 

Without further ado, let’s dive in:

Understanding design styles

In this brief lesson, we’ll go over the concept of a design style, and look at some of our favorite visual examples of different interior design.

How to define your design style

This step-by-step lesson will help you figure out your particular design style. Most people have a design style that borrows from other styles, so you’ll focus on defining the key elements of home design that are important to you and go from there. 

Types of design styles

In this final lesson, we’ll look in detail at some of our favorite design styles, including the motifs, color palettes, textiles, furniture, home decor, and/or layouts that define each particular style. We’ll cover traditional, modern, mid-century modern, contemporary, bohemian, coastal style, and more. 

A brief look at the types of interior design styles 

Can't wait to dig in? Here's a quick overview of the different design styles you might encounter in the interior design world.

Minimalist interior design: Meet the power of simplicity with minimalism. Expect sleek furniture, modern vibes, and heaps of natural light. It's all about maximizing functionality without the clutter. Say goodbye to the unnecessary and hello to clean, serene living spaces.

Transitional style: This style is where timeless meets trendy, merging cozy traditional elements with sharp, contemporary lines. Get ready for a style that feels cozy and comfortable with a hint of spice in unexpected pops of color and elegant details.

Art deco style: Transport yourself to the golden era of Hollywood with the glitz and glam of Art Deco. Bold colors, lavish ornamentation, and striking geometric patterns await! It's luxury and opulence with a twist of 20th-century nostalgia. Ready for your close-up?

Scandinavian design: At its heart, this style breathes functionality and minimalism. It's about bringing the calm and cozy into your home through natural materials, subtle colors, and minimalist decor. Plus, the Japandi trend adds that extra layer of zen. Peaceful, light-filled spaces ahead.

Coastal style: Feel the ocean breeze and sun on your skin with the coastal style. Think light, airy vibes, soft neutrals and blues, and an atmosphere that screams relaxation. It's your everyday getaway to the shore without leaving your living room.

Bohemian style: Your wildest decor dreams are on the table with Bohemian style. It's all about bold colors, mixed textures, and eclectic wonders. A canvas for your personal taste, where more is more and everything has a story.

Eclectic interior design: Indulge in a world where history meets modernity, and different periods blend seamlessly. Eclectic design is your ticket to a personalized space that's distinctively yours, mixing and matching to perfection. You *can* have it all.

Modern farmhouse design: Rustic charm meets sleek modernity in the modern farmhouse style. It's cozy, it's chic, and it's utterly timeless. Think neutral tones, natural materials, and that warm, welcoming vibe that feels like home.

Boho style: Bold and beautiful fabrics tell tales and furniture pieces create harmony out of chaos in the boho chic style. Boho chic is your boisterous, colorful, and utterly unique style sanctuary.

Shabby chic: Immerse yourself in the tender Jane Austen-esque vibes of shabby chic, where vintage meets femininity in a dreamy dance. Pastel hues, floral patterns, and a touch of rustic elegance create spaces that feel like a soft, warm hug.