Understanding your interior design style and furniture preferences is the foundation of creating a home that feels truly yours. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your existing aesthetic, identifying the styles that resonate with you helps guide your design decisions and creates cohesion throughout your space. Here’s a guide to recognizing common furniture styles and discovering which speaks to you.
Traditional
Traditional furniture draws inspiration from 18th and 19th-century European designs. Look for these hallmarks:
- Rich, dark woods like mahogany, cherry, and walnut
- Ornate details including carved moldings and turned legs
- Curved lines and symmetrical designs
- Classic patterns such as damask, paisley, and floral prints
- Warm, deep color palettes
- Plush upholstery with tufting, skirts, and rolled arms
If you’re drawn to antique stores, appreciate craftsmanship details, and prefer timeless over trendy, traditional style might be your design language.
Modern
Modern style emerged in the early to mid-20th century and emphasizes function, clean lines, and minimal ornamentation:
- Sleek, unembellished surfaces
- Natural materials used honestly (showing their true character)
- Neutral colors with occasional bold accents
- Absence of excess decoration
- Furniture that “floats” rather than hugs walls
- Emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines
If you appreciate simplicity, find beauty in restraint, and prefer uncluttered spaces, modern style likely appeals to you.
Contemporary
Often confused with modern, contemporary style refers to what’s current right now:
- Smooth, clean lines with rounded profiles
- Neutral colors with bold accent pieces
- Mix of materials including metal, glass, and stone
- Minimalist approach to accessories
- Emphasis on comfort alongside style
- Incorporation of sustainable and innovative materials
Contemporary style is perfect for those who enjoy staying current without chasing every trend.
Southwestern (Santa Fe Style)
A style close to home for Santa Fe residents:
- Natural materials: adobe, wood beams, leather
- Earthy color palette inspired by desert landscapes
- Handcrafted wooden furniture with visible joinery
- Native patterns and textiles
- Iron accents and hardware
- Indoor-outdoor connectivity
This style speaks to those who appreciate regional heritage and natural materials.
Transitional
The perfect middle ground between traditional and contemporary:
- Clean lines with minimal ornamentation
- Neutral color palette with textural interest
- Comfortable, approachable pieces
- Mix of masculine and feminine elements
- Balance of old and new
If you appreciate classic elements but want a fresher look, transitional style offers timeless appeal with modern sensibility.
Finding Your Style
To identify what resonates with you:
- Create a collection of images that appeal to you (use design magazines or online platforms)
- Look for patterns in what attracts you
- Pay attention to how you feel in different environments
- Consider your lifestyle needs alongside aesthetic preferences
- Don’t be afraid to blend styles that speak to you
Working with a professional interior designer can help clarify your style preferences and translate them into cohesive design decisions. They can identify common threads in your inspirations and help you articulate a style that might be uniquely yours – perhaps a blend of established aesthetics that perfectly reflects your personality and lifestyle.
Remember, the most beautiful homes aren’t those that rigidly adhere to a particular style, but those that authentically reflect their owners while respecting architectural context and functional needs.