While every culture has its own aesthetic when it comes to interior design and lifestyle, most people can agree on the benefits of a well-thought-out, livable home. Whether you choose to embrace the design principles of hygge, love Mediterranean details, or are a fan of Morocco’s bold expressions, our homes are where we can bring design elements together. Here we share our favorite seven interior trends from around the world.

JAPAN

Interiors inspired by Japan are simple and symmetric and feature colorful paintings, low-slung furnishings, unfinished wooden pieces, and potted plants in ceramic vases. If you’re adopting Japanese interior style, consider incorporating bamboo floors or cabinets with sliding panels instead of walls to divide your space. 

SPAIN

Live like a Spaniard and surround yourself with colorful, hand-painted accents, terracotta tiles, and handmade finishes. A white wall sets the stage for thoughtful layers of artisanal ironwork and textiles. Outdoor living elements in front, side, and backyard areas allow vibrant designs to spill outside and blur the lines between interior and exterior living spaces. 

INDIA

Indian-style homes use bold, bright-colored textiles for pillows, rugs, furniture, throws, towels, bed linens, and furniture. Should you choose to adopt this style, bring an organic look indoors through greenery in colorful vessels that sit on the floor or on stands. Dark wood tones are also preferred for furniture, frames, trays, and mirrors.

FRANCE

Candelabras, chandeliers, and romantic, dressmaker-like details are often used in this interior design look, which incorporates palettes of white, gray, blush, and blue. Any opportunity to add glamour and elegance to a space is welcomed, as evidenced by walls decorated with large, often ornate, hand-painted coverings, statement mirrors, tapestries, and artwork. Baroque-style carvings are usually found on furniture and wall décor, such as mirror frames. 

ITALY

This iconic style features sculptures and graceful statues— often depicting children, busts, and beautiful women—in addition to luxurious linens, brocades, silks, and velvets with rich finishing details. Furniture pieces tend to incorporate exquisite carvings covered with gold gilding or bronze. 

SWEDEN

Swedish-style décor incorporates balanced simplicity, meaning spaces are usually uncluttered, and include soft furnishings and rugs, in addition to windows and shades that allow more natural light inside the house. What’s even more fascinating is that most spaces are highly personalized with little to no distractions such as telephones, televisions, or computers.

MOROCCO

Moroccan décor celebrates the cool, calming palettes of sea and sky—accented with grays and other neutral shades—and is all about geometric patterned soft furnishings. Tile patterns combined with tactile textures are the way to go if you want to implement this style in your home.

Which international style speaks to you? It may not be just one in particular—mix and match to tell your unique story. 

By Kerrie L. Kelly

 Kerrie L. Kelly, FASID, is an award-winning interior designer, author, product developer, and multimedia consultant helping brands reach the interior design community. To contact her, visit kerriekelly.com or call 916-706-2089.