Let’s skip the 1800s and dive into the last 100 years. I’ll show you an example of the original style and what it looks like, updated for today’s modern world. When a style has been updated, we call this “contemporary,” meaning today's style.

• 1920s — Art Deco: Glamorous and geometric, featuring bold symmetry and luxurious materials. This style experienced a resurgence in the 1980s but with a new name commonly referred to as “Hollywood Regency” and gives off an opulent, classy vibe.

Art Deco saw a resurgence in the 1980s and is now undergoing its third revival for today’s generation. If you appreciate lustrous, smooth, and polished surfaces, as well as intricate details and geometric designs, this aesthetic could be right up your alley.

Blends well with: Original and Contemporary 80’s Styles, Industrial Style (in moderation), Eclectic Style

• 1930s — Streamline Moderne: Aerodynamic forms and smooth curves with a nautical feel. You can still see hints of Art Deco as the style evolved, but it has dwindled in popularity over the years.

• 1940s — Mid-Century Modern: Clean lines and organic shapes, integrating nature and warm colors. This is by far one of the most iconic design styles out there. There are plenty of contemporary options to fit today’s modern world.

MCM has always remained stylish and is considered the most iconic and reimagined design style in America. Why is it so popular? It’s comfortable, charming, and widely available. Moreover, it complements various other styles, simplifying the process of creating a unified aesthetic.

Blends well with: Scandinavian, Psychedelic, Eclectic, Urban Modern, Bohemian, Minimalist

Download a free guide and learn what makes this style so unique so you can decide if it’s right for you.

• 1950s — Scandinavian: Minimalism and functionality with natural woods and muted colors. Heavily influenced by Mid-Century Modern and popularized by IKEA, Scandinavian design is light, airy, and affordable.

Thanks to IKEA, Scandinavian design has had a little facelift over the years. Today, it is widely popular because it blends seamlessly with so many other styles. This is due to its heavy use of natural materials and 360-degree design approach, making it look good from every angle.

Blends well with: Mid Century Modern, Bohemian, Contemporary, Urban Modern, Minimalist, Industrial

Download a free guide! We go over everything that makes this style so unique.

• 1960s — Psychedelic: Vibrant colors and trippy patterns reflecting non-conformity and a sense of personalization. A 60’s home will reflect the uprising against social norms and is anything but bland. Blend elements of this style with Urban Modern or Bohemian to create a vibe that feels funky and fresh.

The 60s have been reimagined for today’s world through the heavy use of patterns, lighting, texture, and art. This design style is great for creatives who want to get lost in their space, or for people who love to entertain and want to talk about their unique choices when it comes to their home. This style is for anyone who wants a home that’s as unforgettable as the people in it.

Blends well with: Contemporary and Urban Modern

• 1970s — Bohemian: Eclectic mix of global influences with earthy tones and layered textures. Bohemian design celebrates collecting pieces from around the world that provoke a sense of spirituality and travel. This style has been modernized for today and (I hate to say it) is on its way out. However, if this style resonates with who you are , keep it!

We all just experienced the great boho revival over the last few years, and for many, this was the first time we saw a style we really resonated with. But for some, the over popularization of crystals, tapestries, and plants just didn’t hit the spot. BOHO may be on its way out, but if you’re a free-spirited, comfy-cozy type, this style is perfect for you.

Blends well with: Eclectic, Scandinavian, Mid Century Modern, Psychedelic

Download a free guide if you want more Bohemian Style in your life

• 1980s — Memphis and Post-Modern: Bold colors and geometric shapes with avant-garde flair. The 80s experimented HARD with colors, shapes, and patterns. Today, there are tons of remixes of classic designs. This style may be perfect for you if you're nostalgic and love color.

See what the 80s look like today by following us on Pinterest!

If you’re a nostalgic type or elder millennial who wants to experiment with the use of color, shape, and pattern to create a unique home that feels like you, you really need to explore the 80s. The good news is that this style is coming back HUGE right now, and it’s super easy to find, even if you’re on a budget.

Blends well with: Psychedelic, Urban Modern, Bohemian, and Contemporary.

Download a free guide! This is our favorite one!

• 1990s — Urban Modern & Minimalism: Sleek lines with neutral palettes and uncluttered spaces. A less is more approach started to spread across the USA in the 1990s. So did the expansion of building high-rise apartments in urban areas. These two things combined formed what is known as Urban Modern Style. Urban Modern is perfect for city dwellers and busy professionals and can be easily achieved through choosing large furniture, art, and lighting. Learn more about one of my favorite design styles in our express classes.

Minimalism gets a bad wrap, it’s portrayed as empty rooms with blank walls and only a stack of books holding up your coffee and one weird chair in the corner. But the great thing about minimalism is that you decide what is essential for your lifestyle and how you want to live; it’s your choice. Minimalist design is about having everything out of the way so you can enjoy more of life, unburdened because you have less. Less material items to clean, organize, replace, and eventually destroy.

This style is returning today for city dwellers and those on a budget who want a ton of style while having fewer items. Life is getting more expensive by the minute, but thanks to local businesses and marketplaces, it’s easy to find functional, stylish pieces for less. If you want a clean, modern, and efficient space, explore these styles more on your own!

Blends well with: Contemporary, Mid Century Modern and Industrial.

Download a free guide to Urban Modern Style

Download a free guide to Minimalist Mindset Style

• The 2000s—Industrial and Shabby Chic: In the 2000s, we started to see Industrial Design take over, and for a good reason. This style is perfect for restaurants, retail spaces, and vintage stores because it celebrates the use of low-cost building materials and can be easily achieved with the right combination of wood, metal, and glass. Industrial design is perfect for creative types who live in studios or apartments. Industrial Design’s sister is Shabby Chic.

Learn more about Industrial Style with a free guide.

Shabby Chic rose in popularity alongside DIY and renovation projects. Shabby Chic is basically taking something old and putting a fresh coat of chalk paint on it. Items are ornate, vintage, or antique and usually very frilly or feminine. I’ve been seeing a more colorful resurgence of this style recently, and I don’t hate it as much as the original.

• 2010s — Farmhouse and Rustic: Cozy country living with modern twists and natural elements. Heavily popularized by Joanna Gaines and HGTV, this style spread like wildfire over the last decade. This style is perfect for families who want a warm and inviting atmosphere with a nod to simpler living.

• 2020s — Biophilic and Sustainable: Connection with nature using organic materials and eco-friendly practices like thrifting and DIYing. Remember when EVERYONE started buying and selling plants during the pandemic? Remember when everyone started decluttering and selling things on Facebook Marketplace? Remember the large lines outside of every Home Depot when the world shut down? That there is biophilic and sustainable design, a design trend that I hope sticks around forever.