If you’re designing or refreshing your home, knowing the best interior design styles helps you start strong. As a professional interior designer based in Arizona, I’ve worked with a wide range of aesthetics. Some styles are timeless, while others are perfect for our desert lifestyle.
Best Interior Design Styles
This guide covers the best interior design styles to consider, whether you’re building new or updating your space.
Modern Minimalist
Simple, sleek, and uncluttered.
Modern Minimalist focuses on function and form. It’s a great choice for clean and open living.
Key features:
Neutral colors and natural light
Hidden storage and clean-lined furniture
Few decorative elements and lots of space
Quality over quantity
Why it’s popular:
It’s one of the best interior design styles for a calm and organized home.
Best Interior Design Styles: Transitional
A perfect mix of traditional and contemporary.
Transitional blends classic warmth with modern simplicity. It’s elegant, timeless, and endlessly adaptable.
Key features:
Soft color palettes and cozy textures
Balanced mix of old and new elements
Classic shapes with updated finishes
Minimal ornamentation
Why it’s popular:
It suits many homes and design preferences without feeling too bold or too plain.
Organic Modern
Nature-inspired and earthy with a modern twist.
Organic Modern adds soul to clean spaces. Futhermore, It’s ideal for Arizona’s indoor-outdoor living lifestyle.
Key features:
Warm, earthy tones and natural textures
Rounded furniture and organic shapes
Handmade accessories and live plants
Stone, wood, and linen materials
Why it’s popular:
It brings softness and serenity to modern homes. A great fit for desert-inspired living.
Best Interior Design Styles: Southwest
Rooted in regional heritage with warmth and earth tones.
Southwest design is bold, rustic, and deeply connected to the desert landscape.
Key features:
Adobe walls, terracotta tile, and raw wood beams
Warm colors—ochre, clay, turquoise, and rust
Tribal patterns, woven rugs, and handcrafted pottery
Cactus, leather, and iron details
Why it’s popular:
This is one of the best interior design styles for Arizona homes. It honors local culture and climate.
Modern
Sleek, functional, and contemporary.
Modern interiors focus on clean structure and minimal clutter. It feels fresh, polished, and current.
Key features:
Flat surfaces and strong geometric lines
Black accents and matte finishes
Open floor plans with bold contrast
Neutral base with pops of color
Why it’s popular:
Modern is a go-to for new builds and upscale interiors. It pairs well with smart technology.
Best Interior Design Styles: Classic European
Old-world elegance that never fades.
Classic European design blends historical influences with timeless sophistication.
Key features:
Arched doors, wainscoting, and crown molding
Stone, marble, and dark wood furniture
Soft neutral tones with gold or brass accents
Vintage lighting and formal layouts
Why it’s popular:
It’s one of the best interior design styles for traditional homes or luxury spaces.
Coastal Contemporary
Airy, calm, and light-filled.
Coastal Contemporary feels relaxed but still refined. It draws from beachside inspiration, but with a modern twist.
Key features:
Whites, sands, soft blues, and driftwood tones
Natural fabrics and casual furniture
Light-filled rooms with oceanic touches
Minimal but curated decor
Why it’s popular:
It’s perfect for clients who love peace, light, and a sense of escape—even in the desert.
Best Interior Design Styles: Industrial
Urban edge with raw materials.
Industrial style borrows from factories and lofts. It’s stylish, bold, and full of texture.
Key features:
Exposed brick, steel, and concrete
Edison bulbs and open ductwork
Leather, wood, and metal mix
Moody colors and minimal clutter
Why it’s popular:
This is one of the best interior design styles for city dwellers or modern creative spaces.
Scandinavian
Light, functional, and cozy.
Scandinavian design keeps things minimal but comfortable. It celebrates everyday beauty and purpose.
Key features:
Pale wood, white walls, and soft textiles
Simple lines and plenty of daylight
Functional furniture and no clutter
Warmth through layered textures
Why it’s popular:
It’s one of the best interior design styles for casual, stylish homes. It feels fresh and liveable.
Best Interior Design Styles: Bohemian
Creative, colorful, and collected.
Bohemian interiors are eclectic, layered, and full of personality. No two spaces are ever the same.
Key features:
Global textiles and vintage finds
Bold color mixes and pattern layering
Natural elements like rattan and macrame
Art-filled walls and low, cozy seating
Why it’s popular:
Boho spaces feel warm, creative, and relaxed—ideal for free-spirited homeowners or artistic types.
How to Pick the Best Interior Design Style for You
Start by asking yourself a few simple questions:
Do you want sleek or cozy?
Do you like bold color or soft neutrals?
Do you want a space that feels traditional or current?
From there, narrow down what matters most: function, mood, or materials.
Some homes may even blend styles. For example, you might pair Organic Modern with Southwest for a desert-modern feel.
Final Thoughts on the Best Interior Design Styles
Choosing the best interior design styles comes down to lifestyle, location, and personal taste. Arizona homeowners often lean toward earthy, light-filled interiors that connect with nature. Styles like Southwest, Organic Modern, and Minimalist work especially well here.
Remember, a great home reflects who you are. Use these styles as a guide, but don’t be afraid to make it your own.
