Homes and interior design styles have changed throughout history, and across cultures.There has been many iconic American design styles that have been replicated all over the world. American design styles have taken some of the best features from cultures everywhere – and included them in their layouts, floorplans and designs.These popular styles have passed the test of time, and many can still be found throughout many countries today.

American homes have changed drastically over the years, and we’ve seen some beautiful design styles come from it. In our first feature of Iconic American Design Styles. We’ll feature several styles in this three-part series and dive into some of the most popular styles of American interior designs.

Colonial Style
Colonial-style homes take their roots from the original American 13 colonies.The American Colonial style and its influences are notable today.It tends to be blended with the Early American style, which followed the American Revolutionary war.This blending is most notable in the use of patriotic design motifs such as the Betsy Ross flag, the bald eagle and similar items.Strictly speaking, these designs do not belong in American Colonial (although most people wouldn’t begrudge them).Creating an American Colonial aesthetic should involve a color palette made up of white, natural wood and a few basic colors.The most common colors were barn red, indigo blue and tallow ochre.Certain other options such as optical green were introduced a little later.

Another central element of American Colonial was quilting.It was common for early settlers to use quilts on beds and walls to make rooms cozier and livelier.You can incorporate this with a quilted pillow or comforter.For the walls, whitewashed colors paired with crown molding and wood paneling are common parts of this aesthetic.Dark woods such as mahogany and walnut also help to add to the style.Furniture is typically heavy and traditional.Items such as trestle tables and trunks can really add to this look, especially if they are handmade.

Traditional
As a start, have a quick look at the American Classic Interior Design and when you are done, take a look at the British Classic – without clear understanding on each characteristics, you may end up thinking it’s the same style! In order to be able to understand what American Classic style is about, you must keep on reading this article. Let’s start with the bigger picture of this particular style, when it comes to American Classic style, we associate the style with a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere which is accessorized with quite a number of simple adornments.

The typical elements of the room designed using this style scheme we can find can be seen in the following:

Flooring
When it comes to flooring, American Classic styled homes typically opt for either stone floors or wooden floors. This is done to create a natural and cozy look; this is also the reason why we can often find a classic brick fireplace. Nothing screams comfort and warmth quite like a fireplace.


Decorative items
Antique yet highly-functional decorative items such as baskets, carved wood, and pottery are commonly found in American Classic homes.

Furnitures
When it comes to furnitures, it’s clear that oversized furnitures in either simple, patterned fabrics or genuine are the number one choice in American Classic homes.

Color scheme
The color scheme of this American Classic Interior Design style typically consists of muted-color palette with colors such as cream and ivory white dominating each room. The contrasting color typically comes from the woodwork made out of hardwood that is used throughout the house – from the furnitures used such as cabinetry and dining room set, to the little things such mantle, windows, as well as rims and moulding.


Mid-Century Modern
With a nod to the atomic era of the 1950s and 1960s, mid-century modern design has held its own in terms of popularity in American design styles over the decades. This retro-inspired design style is highlighted with details like tapered legs on tables and sofas and a minimalist silhouette.This style grew in America based on earlier styles such as Bauhaus which began in Germany, and the International style, which grew from the Bauhaus style in America.Cataclysmic world events such as wars uproot and destroy, but they can also create opportunities sometimes.

As with war, changing economies and technological advances also affect how we live, and what we want and need. After the Second World War, there was an expansion of cities and suburbanization in the U.S. Along with that emerged a demand for modern furnishings for the new, quickly built modern homes, such as the Eichler homes built in California by Josef Eichler.Take a look at some Eichler Homes here.Technological advances led to production and development of a range of new materials making it possible to explore new textures and effects, colors and even new form.

Distinguishing Features:

• The distinguishing features of this style consist of a classic, understated look, and clean lines with minimal fuss.
• Functionality is important, as form follows function
• Uncluttered and sleek lines with both organic and geometric forms
• Minimal ornamentation
• An exploration of different traditional as well as non-traditional materials
• The juxtaposition of different, and sometimes contrasting materials

Rustic/Farmhouse
Rustic interior design, in particular, holds a special natural beauty that cannot be mimicked with modern and contemporary interior design ideas. The repurposed natural wood, DIY decor ideas, neutral colors, not to mention the stone fireplaces can all bind together exquisite styling and home design. They bring about a rustic feel to the house which makes the entire rustic space seem cozy and comfortable. It is a never-ending vacation for the senses.

• Natural wood accents: Wood was abundant and, therefore, the natural building material. Farm homes usually had panelled wood walls, wide-plank floors and exposed wood beams. Today's classic farmhouse style often uses barn board for accent panelling and butcher block for countertops.
• Apron sinks: Nothing says farmhouse like an apron sink. In a classic farmhouse, this sink is usually porcelain.
• Vintage furniture and accessories: An easy way to decorate in classic farmhouse style is to use vintage furnishings. It's best if they're not in perfect condition and they could even have weathered finishes. Vintage-inspired lighting looks ideal in a classic farmhouse.
• Traditional fabrics: Decorating fabrics lean toward floral and paisley, and slipcovers give vintage furniture a second life.

Coastal
American Coastal interior design and architecture originates from coastal homes across America, especially those located on the Atlantic coastline. This style is becoming increasingly popular style and it’s easy to see why there is a movement towards this look, with many coastal properties perfectly suited to this light and comfortable style. Importantly, many elements of this design style can be used in city or country properties that are nowhere near the coast, and still work just as well. Casual yet classic, this style is all about soft furnishings, ocean hues and a room that imparts a relaxed, stylish feeling.

American Coastal style plays with nautical décor and natural elements (driftwood, shells, coral) and there is a distinct lack of florals. White is the dominant colour mixed with light-reflecting materials like glass and mirrors paired with natural fibres of bamboo, sisal, sea grass, cane, teak and rattan. Floors are generally timber.

This style is coastal, but definitely not beachy. There are no anchors, fish or life buoys on display, no seaside images on tiles or white washed sayings painted on timber. It’s all about creating a relaxed feel. Think big, comfy sofas and armchairs, linen fabrics, slipcovers, floaty sheers and pure white or washed-out pastels. Barely-there blues are important coastal colours too, reminiscent of the sea and sky, but tone on tone rather than contrasting. Hints of classic nautical hues like navy and white can look fresh too.