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Kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floor open to family room
July 30, 2021

Does one of these 13 design types describe your style?


Creating your dream home can depend as much on how you want to furnish it as the location, size and architecture style.

Knowing whether you want to live in a contemporary-styled home, or one that embraces a minimalist or shabby chic interior design, is likely to influence the types of property you’ll want to inspect.

Many buyers begin their journey not really knowing what they want. They can cite their preferred neighborhood, price range and number of bedrooms, but that’s where it often stops. 

They motivate themselves with the belief that, “I’ll know it when I see it” – and there’s nothing wrong with that! But sometimes, especially if your search is proving long and arduous, it helps to think about the interior designs that appeal to you. 

A new construction home gives you the freedom to make selections, choose structural options and pick finishes that reflect your style. 

What's your interior design style or is your unique style a combination of styles?

Find your new home on LiveNewNow.com today. We specialize in new construction, lots & land, potential teardowns and complete renovations in the Greater Philadelphia Region of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware including northern New Jersey and shore points an all three states. 

  1. Modern – This is a wide-reaching term but normally refers to homes with a simple palette and clean, crisp lines. You’ll find glass, metal and stainless steel are prominent, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms.
  2. Contemporary – This word is often used in the same way as modern. But there’s a subtle difference. “Contemporary” homes are not devoted to interiors that feature glass and steel.  
  3. Minimalist – This is pretty self-explanatory. Take a modern home and declutter like your life depended on it. Colors are neutral and the furnishings angular and simple but elegant. It’s all about space and room to breathe.
  4. Coastal or Hamptons – This is an iconic American approach and speaks to the beautiful whites and hues of blue on Long Island, New York State. Furnishing is predominantly wood, and if you close your eyes and you would swear you could hear the waves crashing on to the east coast beaches.
  5. Scandinavian – Think Ikea, and you’re not too far off the market. Elegant, light, pressed timbers and understated but high quality furniture are all accentuated by beautiful warm lighting. The palette is dominated by white, and artwork is used to add color, character and texture.
  6. Industrial – This takes its influence from 1930s Germany. It’s most effective in apartments in renovated warehouses or other industrial buildings. You’ll see a lot of brick, high ceilings, air ducts and original timbers.
  7. Mid-Century – Many homes will fit this description. Their design rejects earlier art deco styling, embraces functionality and is relatively simple. It’s a popular look for homes built in the 50s and 60s.
  8. Traditional – Lots of furniture and knick-knacks. The wood of the furniture is dark and heavy and the cloth thick with colorful embroidery. Wallpaper and rooms with a feature color on one wall is part of this scene.
  9. Transitional – This was a midway point between “Traditional” and “Contemporary” and is commonly seen by most buyers in search for their dream home.
  10. French Country / Rustic – Inspiration here comes from the European farmhouse. You’ll find colors earthy and warm, complementing exposed brick. Furniture is heavy and durable, often with intricate carving.
  11. Bohemian – Natural fibers are popular in this style. Rugs, wall-hangings and cushions are a major feature, along with displays of knick-knacks and little treasures. More than anything, though, pretty much anything goes in a Bohemian design.
  12. Shabby chic – Similar to “Bohemian” but with a more delicate, feminine approach. This style is big on pastels and creams. Statement lighting fixtures and wall hangings are essential. Porcelain plates on walls and occasional tables full of photos and collectables are a big thing.
  13. Modern Farmhouse - A unique combination of clean, contemporary design with cozy farmhouse style featuring warm, simple finishes and natural textures.

Photo is of a modern farmhouse kitchen at 91 E Montana Street, Philadelphia.

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