The Five Basic Interior Design Styles: Finding Your Home’s Personality

October 25, 2025

Because Your Home Deserves a Little Personality, Too!

Your home should be a reflection of who you are — not just a place to sit, sleep, and store things. But when it comes to defining your design style, many people find themselves stuck between Pinterest boards and paint chips wondering… Do I like traditional? Or transitional? Or am I actually eclectic?

To help you discover (or confirm!) your personal home style, let’s break down five of the most foundational interior design aesthetics: Traditional, Transitional, Contemporary, Country, and Eclectic. You may find yourself drawn to one — or more. That’s okay! Mixing styles can be beautiful when done intentionally.

Traditional – Classic, Comforting, and Historic 
Rooted in rich history, traditional style is all about symmetry, formality and warmth. 
Picture this: 
- Ornate woodwork 
- Persian-style rugs
- Layered window treatments 
- Wallpaper 
- Antique-inspired furniture 
- Leather, velvet and silk 
- Jewel tones and muted palettes 
- Florals, damasks, and plaid 

Traditional style doesn’t have to feel stuffy- it’s about elegance with purpose.


Transitional – The Best of Old Meets New

If you like the warmth of traditional style, but like a more timeless and cleaner look, transitional style might be your sweet spot! It blends classic structure, with a lighter more modern palette.

Picture this:

-         Neutral colors

-         Straight lines

-         Functional furniture

-         Minimal accessories

-         Visual balance

Let the textures do the talking with soft fabrics, subtle contrast and thoughtful layering rather than clutter. It’s effortless. 

Contemporary- Sleek, Bold, and Ever-Changing

Don’t let this get confused with Modern style- which is a specific era, Contemporary design is always changing and evolving.

Picture this:

-         Clean lines

-         Open floor plans

-         Bold accents

-         Pops of color

-         Statement lighting

-         Geometric pattern

If you’re thinking that contemporary spaces often feel cold, playing with curves and natural textures will instantly add warmth, while maintaining that contemporary style. 

Country- Comfortable, Collectible, and Heartwarming

This isn’t just a farmhouse, it’s rustic, relaxed and rooted in memories. It’s more about a feeling than a design.

Picture this:

-         Distressed wood

-         Small scale patterns like gingham, florals, stripes, and plaids

-         Secondhand or antique treasures

-         Handmade charms

-         Brick

-         Stone

-         Woven rugs

A country style isn’t about achieving perfection, but rather adding personality. Country style shines though when every item feels loved. 

Eclectic- Confident, Creative, and Unapologetically You

If you can’t pick just one style, eclectic is for you! It’s the art of tastefully combining multiple styles into one. It’s not just a hodge podge of randomness, but an intentional layering of styles.

Picture this:

-         Layered textures

-         Global influence

-         Fun colors

-         Personal storytelling

-         Mixing old and new

Typically, to create a cohesive space, there should still be one dominant style with supporting accents from others. To keep this style from feeling chaotic, picking on consistent element to be repeated, will help to ground the space and create cohesion. 

How to Discover YOUR style

Ask yourself:

-         Do I prefer curves and ornate carving, or clean straight lines?

-         Do I like bold contrast, or calm neutrals?

-         Do I want my space to feel elegant, cozy, sleek, or quirky?

If you’re still struggling to discover your own style, visit our showroom to test drive the styles in person. Sit in a wingback tufted chair (traditional) and compare it to a chunky, clean line barrel chair (contemporary). See how it feels, because design isn’t just visual… it’s emotional. 

October 18, 2025
Let’s be honest—Wisconsin weather hasn’t exactly gotten the memo that it’s fall. One day you’re in sandals, the next you’re digging for wool socks. But even if the forecast is confused, our homes don’t have to be. It’s officially the season of warm colors, layered textures, and swapping iced coffee for something that might involve cinnamon. Now, before you start sweating over the idea of “seasonal decorating,” take a deep breath. This isn’t a competitive pumpkin display at the county fair. At Knox, we believe fall décor should be fun, not frightening. You can keep your beautifully styled, sophisticated home and still celebrate the season—without drowning in glitter pumpkins and “It’s Fall Y’all” signs (we see you). Start with Color, Not Chaos Let’s ditch the neon orange. Fall isn’t a cartoon—it’s rich terracotta, olive green, warm neutrals, deep plum, and chocolate browns. Think roasted squash, not traffic cone. An easy rule? Pops of fall, not buckets of fall. Swap out: • Pillow covers • Fireplace mantel decor • Table runners or place settings • Centerpieces A few intentional color shifts go a long way—and keep things elevated. Bring the Outdoors In (But Make It Chic) Nature is the original decorator, so let’s borrow a few ideas. Incorporate materials like wood, rattan, stone, dried branches, or leaves to add warmth and texture. Swap that sleek glass lamp for a wood or stone base and watch your space instantly feel cozier. No need to raid a forest—just pick a few key pieces that feel organic and grounded. Wisconsin-Approved Rule: Layer Everything If there’s one thing Wisconsin has taught us, it’s how to layer. Winter jacket at 9 am, sweater at noon, and a t-shirt by 4. Your home deserves the same treatment. Layering adds both warmth and personality: • Stack pillows in coordinating colors and patterns • Drape a throw blanket casually (or strategically, if you have pets/kids) • Style mantel shelves or console tables with layered artwork, books, vases, and accents There’s no single “right way.” Play around until it feels cozy. Trust your instincts—we certainly do. A Few Friendly Don’ts (We’re Saying This with Love) 1. Don’t invite the entire pumpkin patch into your house. One or two pumpkins = festive. Fifteen = overkill! 2. Maybe ease up on the fall slogans. If your pillow is yelling “Happy Pumpkin Spice Season,” let it be the only one doing the talking. Now, listen—if you love your pillow with the vintage truck overflowing with gourds… display it proudly! Just let it be the star, not the supporting cast. Pair it with solids, plaids, or subtle prints so it shines without screaming. At the end of the day, fall decorating should feel like wrapping your home in a warm hug—tasteful, layered, and joyful. If you need inspiration (or someone to talk you out of buying a life-sized ceramic squirrel), stop by Knox. We’re creative, we’re honest, and we’ll always steer you toward style over clutter. Happy fall, friends—whether the weather agrees or not.