Classic Interior Design Styles: From Tuscan Warmth to “Greige”

Every home has its own character, but many fall under well-loved interior design styles that carry stories of eras, cultures, and evolving tastes. Today, let’s explore some of the most enduring and talked-about aesthetics shaping our living spaces.

Growing up in the 2000s, one of the most popular styles I saw in friends’ homes was Tuscan interior design. Inspired by Italian villas in the rolling hills of Tuscany, this maximalist look often dominated kitchens. Think warm, soft yellow lighting, earthy olive tones, and rich brown cabinets – evoking the cozy feel of a wine cellar or rustic countryside trattoria. While minimalism later took the spotlight, many Gen Z and Millennials are now nostalgic for this inviting style that feels like a warm embrace from the past.

Speaking of minimalism, in recent years it has taken the interior design world by storm, particularly among millennials. One notable sub-style is the so-called “sad beige aesthetic.” Popularized by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, this trend transforms ornate older homes into minimalist spaces with neutral palettes – often dominated by beige walls, beige furniture, and beige decor. The result can feel stark and subdued, accentuated by bright white LED lighting. Even holiday decorations follow suit; Kim Kardashian famously showcased beige pumpkins for Halloween, cementing the link between luxury minimalism and muted color schemes.

Another enduring trend worth mentioning is “greige” - a sophisticated blend of grey and beige that rose to popularity in the 2010s and continues today.

Greige became a staple in luxury real estate staging for its universal appeal, evoking serenity, light, and understated elegance without looking stark like pure grey or dated like some beiges. Often seen in celebrity homes, including Meghan Markle’s serene California residence, greige strikes a perfect balance between warmth and cool neutrality. This versatile color anchors minimalist, traditional, and transitional interiors alike, making spaces feel inviting yet modern.

For those who crave vibrancy over monochrome, the 1970s Revival offers a joyful antidote. This style celebrates warm, saturated tones, such as burnt orange couches, abundant wood paneling, retro lighting, and eclectic textures that proudly reject minimalism’s clean lines. Stepping into a 70s-inspired room is like entering a time capsule where maximalism meets soulful, lived-in comfort.

Finally, there is industrial design, a style with roots in urban factory conversions. Characterized by exposed brick or concrete walls, visible piping, and a palette dominated by greys and neutrals, industrial interiors often resemble modern office lobbies. Bright white lighting amplifies their rugged aesthetic, appealing to those who appreciate raw, utilitarian beauty.

From the warm embrace of Tuscan kitchens to the moody minimalism of sad beige, these styles continue to shape our homes – each telling a story of where we come from, and what we choose to carry forward.