Although trends come and go, there are, in essence, 10 interior design styles that continue to be used albeit with color variations – you can adapt them to suit seasonal shades by changing your accessories. 

Instead of opting to embrace home decor trends in your home, what’s fabulous about these interior design styles is that they represent the history of interiors – from the influences of the Victorian era to the iconic shapes of Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern, the details from each are diverse and help to shape interiors today. 

We’ve asked the experts for their advice on what classic interior design styles they love best and how you can make them work within your home decor. It might be that you only love one look, and that’s absolutely fine – one is enough throughout a home unless you love an eclectic style and want to encompass a couple. 

By Sophie Warren-Smith 

Classic good looks and beautiful detailing is what you get with the trad look. Timeless and full of character, this is ideal in a period property, but can also be utilized in a new build by adding coving, paneling and architectural details. Add a wallpaper panel or use decoupage like paint and color expert, Annie Sloan has here:

'There’s been a big resurgence in the decorative, Bloomsbury-style aesthetic recently and decoupage fits in to that perfectly. It’s a delightful decoration technique with so much history. My aim with my decoupage collection was to create a fool-proof way for everyone – beginner or expert – to bring creativity, craft and character into their homes, and transform their interiors into works of art.'

Mid-century modern or MCM originate from the 1950s and is recognized as a significant interior design style movement.

The furniture is what defines it and you'll see tapered legs, clean lines and curved corners. It's simple yet very effective and is part of the Modernist movement of the period. Function was important during the time and embellishments were seen as unnecessary, even fabric prints had a very graphic feel to them. The beauty of Mid-century modern ideas is that they work in any room of the home and are incredibly popular to this day – so if you see an original piece at a thrift store, grab it.

A relatively new look, modern country has the characterful elements of country but with a more streamlined approach. Bring the outdoors in with plenty of natural materials like wood, natural stone, sheepskin and linen.

This look is authentic and considered and the color scheme is light and neutral but with some darker tones. You can use subtle pattern too to bring in warmth – stripes and checks with some graphic prints will look great. 

Rustic and charming, farmhouse decor are all about creating a warm and cozy feel with deep nurturing colors. 

This calming sage green bedroom is the ideal choice, team it with white painted furniture, oatmeal and rust textured blankets, slubby linen cushions and a pleated lampshade. Create a gallery wall that has authentic paintings and drawings in subtle shades of green, taupe, gray and black. Finish with artisan pieces – hand thrown jugs, vases and bowls. 

Think exposed beams and rugged beauty. This interior design style is relaxed and casual, practical yet natural. It's not dull though, the palette is earthy and grounding with ochres, rusts, creams, whites and stone and it works well with reclaimed materials and furniture teamed with a contemporary shaped tub as can be seen in this stylish neutral bathroom.

This interior design look is inspired by repurposed factories and warehouse living. Open plan living room layouts and exposed architectural features like metalwork, brick and endless windows are the key elements. The color palette is cool with shades of gray, taupe and stone. 

The overall look is minimalist with Edison style bulb lights, low slung couches and metal and wood furniture. 

Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish explains: 

‘The raw and exposed feel of an industrial style kitchen works in harmony with the functionality of this particular room in the home. Typically featuring striped back materials such as concrete, brick and metal, the key to a successful industrial feel is to carefully consider the combination of these differing materials; this will ensure the overall finish is a softer aesthetic with plenty of character and depth.'

Where would we be without the quintessential beach house interior style? Blues and whites, seaside motifs and wooden accessories, this look is loved by many and it's easy to see why.

Even if the sea is hundreds of miles away this look can be yours – create a laid back feel with coastal colors, shiplap walls, driftwood pieces, super comfy couches and armchairs and slubby textured rugs. 

Another blast from the past, but one that keeps re-emerging better than ever, with a more contemporary twist. The Art Deco interior design style is certainly full of glamor and it's your go-to if you love metallics, color and symmetry. 

Originating from the early 20th Century, it was a brief few years of fun and frivolity that resulted in the Art Nouveau movement that's became so iconic. The color palette covers both striking and pastel shades – a bold electric blue teamed with an ice cream pink, or apple green mixed with primary yellow. 

For those who love the de-cluttered way of life, minimalism is for you. Only the essentials are out on view and they need to be beautiful. Built-in storage with everything in its place and the philosophy of only have what you really need. 

Colors are neutral and often white. Marble offers a sophisticated pattern and helps to create a cool, pared back vibe, like in this slick marble kitchen.

Contemporary and more often than not, luxurious, is a classic that oozes style. The look tends to be clean and understated but the details are what counts – think beautiful tactile fabrics like boucle and velvet teamed with curvy shaped furniture and slimline 'designer' style lighting. Colors are often muted with accents of black and gray.

Ginger Curtis, owner and principal designer at Urbanology Designs says:

'The timelessness of this style is that contemporary design is always changing. Contemporary design is currently embracing, and contemporary design is much more stark and sleek, extremely minimalist, with heavy use of metal finishes, and a more streamlined, sterile vibe.'