20 Classic Interior Design Styles Defined

The 10 Most Popular Home Improvements

Spending on home improvement has grown more than 50 percent in the U.S. since 2010, when it hit a low during the last recession. And homeowners who are 55 and over are the major force behind that spending, according to a recent report from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, based on data from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other sources.

The report, which charted changes in home renovation activity through 2017, attributed part of the increase to a shortage of new construction and a reliance on aging housing stock that requires upkeep and repair.

Other factors include higher housing prices that have increased the available equity for home improvement loans, and a growing population of older homeowners who are financially equipped to pay for renovations.

Aging homeowners, in fact, were responsible for half of the home improvement spending in 2017 — 25 percent by those between 55 and 64 and another 25 percent by those 65 and older.

Top 33 Home Renovation Blogs You Should Be Following

Whether you’re planning a renovation, gathering ideas to start, or you just have an interest in the home design field, home renovation blogs are a great place to get ideas and inspiration. Blogs can show many sides of a renovation that you may not know. They can also offer advice, DIY tips, and other ideas that can be useful to you, no matter where you are in your renovation process.

Home Renovation Blogs

The following 33 home renovation blogs cover all sides of the field, from professional builders to DIY homeowners. You’ll be sure to find lots of information and inspiration, along with lots of engaging content.

1. Sweeten Blog

Sweeten is a service that matches homeowners and contractors for projects. But they also run a blog filled with detailed posts on all aspects of home renovation. From a close up look at things like closets and kitchens, to posts about whole home renos done by professionals, you can find a lot of information and ideas at Sweeten.

2. Retro Renovation

If you love a vintage look or are remodeling a Mid-Century Modern home, take a look at the blog at Retro Renovation. They offer products ideas, styles, and choices for older homes that need a specific style to look their best.

3. Three Birds Renovations

Run by three friends, Three Birds Renovations blog is a well-designed, information-filled site with lots of tips, inspiration, and start-to-finish remodeling ideas. With photos and visual inspiration, as well, you’ll find get your creativity up and running.

4. Emily Henderson

HGTV host and stylist Emily Henderson runs a blog with a lot of beautiful photos, ideas, and tips for remodeling and staging your home. Look for specific projects or trends and materials you can use in your home.

5. The Inspired Room

The blog at The Inspired Room is designed to help you find the right style and materials for your current home. With lots of advice and photos, you’re sure to come away inspired and ready to start.

6. Manhattan Nest

For city dwellers, and New Yorkers in particular, the blog at Manhattan Nest is aimed right at you. With renovation and décor ideas for urban apartments, this blog has a lot of unique content to share.

7. Grandma’s House DIY

This DIY blog follows the journey of a home renovation. Filled with unique ideas on how to preserve style, it provides a lot of useful information, as well as inspiration by following their story.

8. Love & Renovations

Another DIY blog, Love & Renovations has a lot of interesting material, including DIY projects, inspiration, ideas, and easy-to-follow stories. There’s also a lot of visual content, so you can follow along no matter where your interest levels lie.

9. Brooklyn Limestone

This blog started out as a way to document the renovation process of a 100+ year limestone. It’s evolved, however, to include not only the main project, but also smaller DIY projects, décor, and ideas. You’ll get a lot of inspiration, as well as ideas of your own by following this unique story.

10. Atlanta Homes

The blog run by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine is centered on the Atlanta area and the types of renovations and décor that are popular there. Filled with beautifully styled homes and pictures, there’s advice, shopping guides, and tips for Atlanta-based homeowners.

11. Newly Woodwards

The blog at Newly Woodwards started as a way to document the renovation of a couple’s first home. While it still focuses on this project, it’s also filled with other ideas for décor, crafts, and lifestyle that makes it a one-stop-shop for anyone who enjoys the DIY category.

12. Nelson Construction and Renovations

This Florida-based company runs a blog that showcases some of the fabulous renovations and work they do. With an abundance of images and ideas, you’ll find a lot to inspire you to get your own project off the ground.

13. Home Design Key

Wondering how you’ll finish your new home or decorate it once the remodel is done? Check out the blog at Home Design Key for ideas, inspiration, and places to shop. You’ll find everything from ideas on the perfect tile backsplash and kitchen faucet to furnishings for your new living room.

14. Building Modern

While a lot of DIY reno blogs tend to focus on updating older homes, Building Modern focuses its attention on more contemporary projects. This DIY blog has projects, ideas, and inspirations for people remodeling a more modern property.

15. Kitchen & Bath

Toronto-based Kitchen & Bath has a very helpful website with tips for determining not only when to renovate, but what to include. You’ll find very detailed posts on these two important rooms in the home, as well as the items you put in them.

16. Renovation Angel

The blog at Renovation Angel has a lot of unique and interesting content for those looking to remodel. They recycle high end materials out of older kitchens to install in new ones. This kind of thrifty look at remodeling can be eye opening for those looking to get high-end materials on a budget.

17. The Kitchen Master

With detailed looks room by room, the blog at The Kitchen Master will take you through many possibilities and ideas for your home. Not just limited to the kitchen, this blog also has info on bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other areas, as well.

18. Peak Construction

The blog at Peak Construction has a lot of good tips and ideas for projects and renovations in and around your home. From decks to kitchens, you’ll find a lot of very succinct ideas and information you can use.

19. My House Design Build

The blog at My House Design Build is broken into easily navigated categories, including renovations and design/build. You’ll find information, ideas, and lots of visual aids to help you find what you’re looking for.

20. Coastal Windows & Exterior

Not every renovation blog focuses solely on the interiors; Coastal Windows & Exterior has an accessible blog that will show you examples of what can be done for your exterior. From windows and doors to siding and roofing, there’s a lot to be learned from this site.

21. Powell Homes & Renovations

This Seattle-based company has a blog that features everything you want to know about designing, building, and renovating a home. With helpful advice and ideas, this blog makes renovating simple

22. Morse Constructions

The blog at Morse Constructions is helpful at explaining everything you want to know about renovations in the home. Focusing on things like trends, materials, and space, you’ll get the information you need to make better decisions for your home.

23. Young House Love

What started as a blog chronicling one renovation eventually became three renovations, as well as thousands of DIY projects and tips. Young House Love has a lot of information, ideas, and product links for you to follow.

24. Remodelista

With links like Remodeling 101 and Get Inspired, the blog at Remodelista is accessible to everyone, no matter your level of remodeling commitment. You’ll find helpful hints and ideas for every area of the home.

25. Hammerzone

Don’t let the layout and page design fool you; the blog at Hammerzone is filled with a lot of helpful and interesting content. You’ll see projects of every kind, as well as tips on how to complete your own projects if you’re looking to do so.

26. This Old House

Not just a TV show, This Old House is also a very helpful and inspiring blog and website. You’ll get practical advice and how-to tips and videos on everything from cutting tile to designing an addition.

27. Family Handyman

If you’re the DIY type, then you’ll really like the advice and step-by-step tutorials at Family Handyman. This blog breaks down every project into small, manageable steps, and includes costs and material sheets, as well.

28. Bob Vila

A well-known name in home renovations, the blog at Bob Vila is another fantastic center for how-to help. You’ll find countless projects here, along with instructions on how to complete each one masterfully.

29. Ugly Duckling House

This home remodeling project blog is the perfect inspiration for any DIYer. At Ugly Duckling House, you’ll find a lot of information, ideas, and tutorials on how to complete a renovation of your own.

30. Centsational Style

For projects on a budget, check out the blog at Centsational Style. You’ll find projects, advice, visual inspiration, and tips in this highly aesthetic blog.

31. The DIY Bungalow

The blog at The DIY Bungalow is all about DIY projects, home decorating and décor, and renovations. You’ll find simple to complex projects, as well as inspiration and ideas to complete similar projects of your own.

32. Ask the Builder

If what you’re really after is practical advice on how to carry out projects around your home, then you can’t go wrong with Ask the Builder. Tim Carter breaks everything down easily into step by step procedures for everything you could possibly need to know about renovating your home.

33. Houzz

If you want to find the latest trends, as well as information and ideas on materials, furnishings, and projects, then be sure to check out the blog at Houzz. This powerhouse website is filled with information that you can tailor to meet your needs perfectly.

20 Classic Interior Design Styles Defined

Whether you’re in the know or have no clue as to what makes design movements like traditional interior design ideas differ from transitional décor, we tasked ourselves to devise the ultimate breakdown of interior design styles as our Décor Aid interior designers and team members are frequently asked to define the differences for our clients.

From Hollywood Regency to everyday coastal glamor, we suggest you bookmark this interior design guide for reference when looking for décor inspiration for your home or next project.

One of the most thoroughly modern interior design styles to consider, people often tend to confuse minimalism with a stark coldness and uncomfortable severity – which is hardly the case at all. In fact, there’s even a warmer take on minimal interior design (warm minimalism) that’s full of no-fuss, clean elegance.

Think simplicity, refinement, and a deft hand at sumptuous comfort and functionality. The key here is to keep rooms spare and well-edited with printless fabrications and décor extras that must serve a dual purpose.

When thinking minimal interior design styles trends, think of a modern art gallery or museum as a reference with their pulled together approach to filling a space with the barest of essentials that still feature a lively sense of drama either organic or abstract.

Become a master of Minimal style with more tips here

Though people often tend to confuse modern interior design styles with contemporary interior design, there is a difference between the two that makes them unique in and of themselves.

Contemporary style is completely of the moment while modern interior design styles can almost mean anything forward-thinking from the 50’s to the early aughts. Contemporary interior design styles trends also have more freedom as modern is usually fixed around squared, graphic lines and a particular take on modernity.

Need more inspiration? Discover our complete guide to Contemporary design here

When it comes to interior design styles, almost everything is rooted in traditional interior design ideas, and for good reason. That said, you can make traditional style interior design all your own by incorporating pieces that speak to your personality and lifestyle while making a statement.

Take the room above, sure it features a depth and layering, a traditional beige overstuffed sofa, a Persian rug, and requisite Louis VI chair, however, what sets it apart from any other traditional room is the updated contemporary light fixture and the conversation starting art piece.

Discover what it takes to truly master Traditional design here

Sure, after exploring what traditional interior design styles mean and then looking at the next image above, you’re probably asking yourself what’s the difference between traditional vs transitional interior design?

What makes transitional interior design ideas stand on their own are the combinations of tried & true décor styling utilizing traditional furnishings mixed with modern elements that keep a room from looking like too much of one particular style. This is especially helpful if you’re trying to blend interior design styles say after getting married, or if you’re moving into a larger home.

The best of transitional style interior design boasts balance in the unexpected mix while lending a home warmth and a relaxed feel.

Discover the ultimate advice for Transitional style here

Taking inspiration from the outdoors and a combination of farmhouse and industrial interior design styles, rustic décor places an emphasis on natural and weathered finishes, raw wood, stone, and leather, with unexpected touches and an overall sophisticated bent.

We love how the room featured above fuses a varied mix of statement-making furnishings like the custom plush sherpa sofas, the industrial inspired wire pendants, and unique leather chairs. That said, we’re all for modern interior design styles that combine various elements to create a beautifully realized, one-of-a-kind room.

For fail proof routes to acing rustic style, consult our guide here

Similar to transitional modern interior design styles, French Country is a hybridized mix of antique French, shabby chic, and farmhouse interior design elements full of cool, grown-up allure.

For your home, take note of the room above with its era-less sofa, Louis VI chairs redone in a mid-century modern geometric print, eclectic mix of art pieces, and minimal coffee table as its all about a varied, yet well-judged mix of juxtapositions.

Need ideas on how to get French Country decor right? Take in our guide here

After gaining massive popularity in the mid-80’s and 90’s as one of the top go-to interior design styles when looking to evoke laid back California cool, shabby chic ultimately received quite a bit of backlash having been mislabeled as granny décor – which is completely false.

For starters, shabby chic has roots in antique and vintage French design and furnishings with a decidedly comfortable take, and most importantly, boasts a timeless lived-in vintage-inspired appeal. Soft and slightly femme, shabby chic marries traditional style interior design elements with vague farmhouse touches .

Think a white overstuffed sofa, distressed painted wood, and ornate gilt touches like a gold French mirror.

Get the look with the ultimate Shabby Chic guide here

Though we’re not ones for themed interior design styles of any kind, there’s something novel and reassuring about an edited mix of coastal and beach house elements bringing a room together.

Coastal interior design notes feature light, bright, and airy environs often dreamed up in vibrant neutrals to soak up the suns rays. Common coastal color palettes include shades of light blues and greens inspired by the ocean along with an array of creams and neutrals for a relaxed yet elegant finish.

Our favorite coastal inspired projects, such as this residence in San Francisco often boast contemporary interior design styles to give the aesthetic an unexpectedly contemporary twist.

For more beachside everyday glam in your home, consult our guide here

Popular from the 40’s to the 60’s and back since the mid 90’s, Hollywood Regency is one of the most timeless yet fun interior design styles out there to consider as it delightfully blends Art-Deco inspired touches and silhouettes with a grown-up sense of high-polished glamor. Think a mix of period French furnishings, clean lines, vibrant hits of color, and ultra-glam notes brought in via crystal, mirror, and high-shine surfaces and finishes.

Though it can be considered a go-to for traditional style interior design, there’s nothing old-world in spirit about Hollywood Regency interior design styles as to us, it always boasts a modern, upbeat energy.

Bring Hollywood Regency sophistication into your home with our handy guide here

Increasingly popular, Scandinavian interior design styles emphasize a clean and serene simplicity that’s universal in appeal. Fully functional and minimal to a degree, Scandinavian décor highlights organic shapes with subtle interest, tonal textural plays, and a relaxed appeal in all-white spaces with gray undertones. Hints of color are brought in via art and a single textile such as a small throw or rug.

One of the easiest to master of contemporary interior design styles, Scandinavian interior design is all about a balanced and carefully edited mix of elements. Though there are plenty of interior design styles trends that take cues from Scandinavian interior design styles, we’re all about going full throttle as this is one design movement that’s worth taking note of.

Bring the soothing cool of Scandinavian decor in your home with these tips

For the ultimate in cosmopolitan living, Urban Modern design is perfect for elevated city life as it marries the best of deluxe contemporary, modern, and industrial influences for an inspiring and timeless approach to decor. Think the Big Apple with a mesmerizing mix of chic highlights from different era’s brought together to bring a home to life with statement-making appeal.

Master the Urban Modern look with our handy guide here

One of the most timeless and endlessly popular interior design styles out there, bohemian décor represents a care and fuss-free freedom that’s unquestionably heady and intoxicating. Boasting a globally inspired comfortable mix of exotic finds and vintage and antique furnishings sourced from passionate flea-market treks and travels, the eclectic style also touches on hints of everyday glamor via crystal extras, beaded fabrications, jewel tones, and overall relaxed mood.

If you’re already blessed with a varied array of distinct furnishings and admire the idea of beautifully rendered juxtapositions, this may just be the perfect interior design styles living room to consider.

Create your own Bohemian oasis with these tips

Probably one of the most prolific interior design styles of all time, mid-century modern borrows from the best of 50’s and 60’s for a clean retro Danish inspired feel. Simple straight forward silhouettes, organic shapes, quiet fabrications, and an emphasis on functionality are hallmarks of mid-century modern styling. That said, the movements minimal bent makes it a great option when looking to update traditional style interior design with ease.

Plus, mid-century modern furnishings look great in almost any room and make for great elements when looking to create rich, diverse, interior design styles living room. And as far as interior design styles trends go, this is one fail proof one we suggest you give a go.

For more info on Mid Century Modern design, explore our complete guide here

As the name evokes an urban vibe with warehouse and factory elements thrown in the mix, it should come as no surprise that industrial interior design practices lend a clean, somewhat masculine and minimal spirit to any room. Think a neutral color scheme, reclaimed machinery, moody hues, raw woods and unfinished metals, and ultimately, statement-making throwbacks with a slightly steampunk feel.

That said, we wouldn’t recommend going industrial when considering the best interior design styles for small house as this is one aesthetic that calls for plenty of breathing room to take in the often oversized machinery inspired elements.

However, you can inject small doses of the design movement when looking at industrial interior design styles living room by incorporating raw metal decorative extras say on a bookshelf here, or a in small nook there.

Get the Industrial look for your home with sage advice here

Similar to bohemian décor but with a decidedly grown-up allure, eclectic interior design is all about high-energy, spell binding finds and furnishings. Think bold color palettes, textures, and patterns brought together to create a rich mix with utility and focal points in mind.

Not to be mistaken for an anything goes spirit, eclectic design is all about consistency, go-to hues, and best of all, the freedom to explore creative directions with studied nuances.

Ace Eclectic style with these need-to-know essentials

If warmth, practicality, comfort, and a relaxed approach to pulled together design are on your agenda, modern farmhouse décor is a great option to consider. Warm and inviting, modern farmhouse takes its cues from the provincial for the ultimate mix of high & low contrasts that works beautifully especially for a growing family.

Think rustic country elements updated for the now with a rich mix industrial, minimal, and Scandinavian touches for unique spaces that take full advantage of every architectural hallmark – flawed or not.

For more on Modern Farmhouse design, consult our handy guide here

Modern country style features dynamic layers of the rugged and the organic for a warm, and comforting take on interior design classics. from exposed beams to cherished industrial finds, the look is elevated yet au naturale.

To get the Modern Country look in your home, consult our guide here

If your taste veers towards the ornate and jewel-like, this 1920’s design style throwback might just be your best option. Art deco interior design instantly evokes opulence; elegant, glamorous and sleek, this style was popularized as the epitome of chic in the 1920’s.

To master Art Deco design, visit our handy guide here

If you’re looking to create a rich take on pared down interior design in your home, taking inspiration from the Asian Zen design style might just be the right direction for you as an Asian zen interior is minimal yet uniquely layered.

Make Asian Zen interior design work in your home with these handy here

Feng shui isn’t just limited to the way you arrange your furnishings. It’s more of a philosophy to create balance in your home for harmony and is certain to add a sense of tranquility to your everyday life.

For more on how to master Feng Shui, consult our guide here