4 Interior Design Styles & the Paint Colors to Go With Them

The interior design industry is full of different styles meant to allow every homeowner a unique take on their home’s look and feel.

From traditional to modern, farmhouse to Scandinavian, it’s easy to find something to suit your needs when it comes to the furniture and decor in a room. But one thing that can make people feel frustrated is choosing a paint color that works with the interior design style they’ve chosen.

Here are 4 popular interior design styles and the paint colors that work best with elements of the design:

Traditional

This is one of the most recognizable styles because it’s been around for decades, drawing inspiration from 18th and 19th century England and France.

The overall style is ornate and regal, full of rich textiles, dark wood furniture, and patterns.

Some common features of traditional interior design include:

• Rich textiles such as velvet, linen, and silk
• Furniture made of dark wood, featuring ornate scrolling or carving
• Floral, striped, and plaid fabrics
• Crystal or Victorian-style chandeliers and lighting fixtures
• Lots of small decorative details, such as clocks and figurines

With a traditionally styled home, you want to select neutral or subdued colors for the walls, allowing the furniture and textiles to stand out without becoming overwhelming.

Many homeowners opt for cream or off-white walls, but don’t be afraid of a little color. If you want green, for example, think a muted sage green instead of a deep, rich hunter green.

Modern

Modern design is technically a blend of several other styles, taking influences from Scandinavian and mid-century modern design styles. 

It features clean lines and minimal clutter, drawing the focus to a few big, bold elements in the room.

Some common features of modern interior design include:

• Sleek surfaces and features, such as metal and glass
• Open spaces
• Limited decor for an uncluttered feel
• Bold, statement art or furniture to draw focus
• Clean, simple lighting or fixtures

Because much of modern design is drawing focus to a particular piece in the room, the walls often are painted in neutral tones such as cream, tan, and even pale grey. Depending on the room, an accent wall can help draw attention to a piece of artwork or a nearby piece of furniture for an even more dramatic feel.

Scandinavian

Scandinavian style is all about simplicity and functionality (Think the inside of an IKEA store). Some varieties also focus on green home design and sustainability, making it a popular choice for a lot of young homeowners.

Light wood colors and accented textures help create a cozy, inviting feel to a room.

Some common elements of Scandinavian interior design include:

• Organic or sustainable materials such as light wood furniture and flooring
• Large mirrors and use of natural light
• Textures, rugs, and throws add dimension
• Hints of color are brought in through artwork or accent rugs

Choosing a color for a Scandinavian design is fairly simple: Go all-white, and add in grey undertones if you want some dimension on the walls. The simplicity of the style calls for white walls, allowing the accented colors to really stand out.

Modern Farmhouse

Popularized by Chip and Joanna Gaines, modern farmhouse is increasing in popularity. It blends rustic nostalgia with the sleek feel favored in modern design. 

Overall, the goal of modern farmhouse design is to create a welcoming, comfortable space.

Some elements of modern farmhouse design include:

• Shiplap, wood beams, and barn doors
• Open-concept layouts
• Contrasting metal elements and fixtures
• Simple or sleek pendant lighting

To help avoid the design from feeling overwhelming, a lot of paint colors in modern farmhouse design focus on neutral tones. Pops of color are usually concentrated to nature-inspired colors, such as earthy greens and blues that invoke the sky.

Interior Painting Contractors in Metro Detroit

At Armor Tough Coatings, we’ve made it our mission to help you get the home you want without the hassle of painting the walls yourself. Whether you need help choosing a color or just want someone to come in and do the work, our professional team treats your home as our own. You get a great-looking home without all the time spent prepping and painting. Schedule your estimate today!