Oh My Styled Life

From Classic to Rustic or Minimal to Eclectic, these are the styles that help shape the story of your home

You may know these interior design styles by name, and perhaps you’ve even taken our style quiz, but have you ever paused to consider the underlying principles that give each style its distinct character? 

Most homeowners begin a renovation or new build guided by instinct—a sense of what feels inviting, what feels out of place, and how they hope their home will support the rhythms of daily life. Without a shared design language, those ideas can linger in the abstract, and a home’s style can end up feeling scattered instead of thoughtfully layered. 

Uncovering your interior design style is less about pinning yourself to a single label and more about noticing the patterns in what draws you in, time and again. When those preferences are named, they become the groundwork for a home that feels unmistakably yours. 

Since its debut, our style quiz has been used by homeowners across the country considering projects ranging from classically coastal to modern mountain.   

Learn more about the style quiz in this Midwest Design interview with CEO Kate O’Hara.  

What Is Your Interior Design Style?  

The style quiz is built around five essential design families—Classic, Minimal, Rustic, Modern, and Eclectic—each with its own trio of substyles that often mingle in real homes. These categories echo what designers witness every day: most homes are a tapestry of influences, woven from childhood memories, far-flung travels, architecture, and the rituals of daily life. Rarely does anyone fit perfectly into a single box, and the quiz is simply a tool to help you trace where those threads cross. 

• Classic interiors draw from tradition, with polished furnishings and graceful details—think intricate millwork, elegant moldings, and a sense of quiet order. Within this family, you’ll find traditional, heritage, and coastal substyles, each offering its own take on timelessness. 

• Minimalist design pares everything back to the essentials, favoring simplicity and clarity over excess. A restrained, often monochrome palette lets the architecture and the quality of each piece shine. Within Minimalism, you’ll find sculptural, Japandi, and urban industrial substyles—each one a study in purposeful restraint. 

• Rustic interiors are shaped by the landscape—exposed beams, hand-hewn stone, and vintage finds that feel collected over time. Whether Alpine, lodge, or hill country, each substyle brings the outdoors in, grounding the home in its natural setting. 

• Modern interiors are all about clean lines, open spaces, and natural materials that feel as good as they look. Every detail is considered, blending beauty with function. Within Modern, you’ll find organic modern, art deco, and contemporary substyles—each one a fresh take on what it means to live well. 

• Eclectic design is a celebration of contrast and character, where different styles, eras, and textures mingle with intention. Here, unexpected pairings feel curated, not chaotic. Maximalism, romantic, and Americana are just a few of the substyles that bring this expressive approach to life. 

View our portfolio to explore projects that span the spectrum of interior design styles.  

Defining Your Style Is Just the Beginning  

At O’Hara Interiors, clarity is at the heart of all our projects, from the first sketches of a new build to the final touches of a remodel. When homeowners arrive with a sense of their style, our early conversations shift from guesswork to fine-tuning, making the process feel both collaborative and personal. 

This approach echoes our broader philosophy: versatility, with a portfolio that moves easily between styles and the subtle spaces where they overlap. The style quiz is only a starting point. Stay tuned for a deeper dive into each style and substyle directly from our design team. We will expand the language of design within each style and share how these ideas become homes that feel tailored, layered, and thoughtful. 

Once you’ve uncovered your true design style, the next step is to bring it to life.  

Connect with us today to start a conversation about how we can help shape a home that feels both beautiful and curated for you.