Interior Trends 101: The Four Design Styles and How Our Clients Use Them - Concetti
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Interior Trends 101: The Four Design Styles and How Our Clients Use Them

Oct 18, 2024 | Residential

It may seem impossible to keep up with today’s trends and the evolution of them.. One moment it’s “tomato girl summer” and the next it’s “mob wife fall.” You’re probably wondering (or at least we are) who determines these trends, or better yet, how they apply to interior design.

 

SO, WHAT IS A DESIGN TREND?

Design trends are a specific style or approach that gains popularity at a given time, usually with the smaller components of the bigger picture—think color palettes, materials, finishes, shapes, patterns, and textures (the unexpected red theory is a great example of this!). These help to define the overall design style and ambiance of the space. 

The history of design groups styles into four main pillars: Modern, Casual, Traditional, and Eclectic. The fun part is how these can be harmoniously blended to create something new… this is where a trend takes root. 

 

 

 

LET’S DIVE INTO A QUICK HISTORY LESSON ON TRENDS…

They've always been around, but how they spread has evolved. In the past, royalty and elites set the trends, while everyone else followed slowly. The Industrial Revolution sped things up, making fashionable goods more accessible and giving rise to newspapers and magazines to help circulate trends more quickly. By the 20th century, pop culture took over and Hollywood, music, and TV stars became the trendsetters. Today, anyone with a phone can spark the next “big thing”. But despite the speed, there’s a growing shift towards timeless, sustainable choices.

While many people associate trends with a specific look that's popular at the moment like millennial pink or shiplap walls—at Concetti, we define trends as inspirational vibes that help guide our clients to discover their bold, authentic selves in their spaces. 

Trends aren’t one-size-fits-all. They should feel like an extension of who you are. No matter what the trend is, if you do what feels good to you, your space will scream authenticity and ultimately, remain timeless. Now, let’s explore four Concetti projects that combine two or more of the design styles to create a vibe that gives trendy, yet authentic.

 

IN THEIR EDISON ERA – TRADITIONAL MEETS MODERN

In Their Edison Era seamlessly blends traditional and modern design. Concetti Associate Designer Parker and her husband, Alex, bought their historic Boston Edison home without seeing it in person, only to discover that the primary bathroom was small and outdated. Though remodeled decades ago, the bathroom didn’t reflect their style nor honored the home's original charm.

The transformation is a stunning example of historically modern design. We preserved its charm with features like a freestanding clawfoot tub, granite countertops, unique gold-weighted light fixtures, and ornate mirrors. The outdated plumbing and electrical systems were replaced, and we brought back a historically accurate feel by incorporating brass fixtures and restoring original molding, repurposed from the home's former dressing room.

 

 

 

NBAGT – ECLECTIC MEETS MODERN

Nothin' But a Green Thang embraces authenticity with a mix of eclectic colors, modern shapes, and personalized art. As one of his first moves as a new bachelor, our client wanted to create a home that truly reflected his personality—one filled with warm, masculine energy. 

We focused on getting to know Nick on a deeper level—his passions, lifestyle, and vision– and discovered his love for his dog, Sunny, the outdoors, cigars, and whiskey. This helped us shape a masculine, moody aesthetic with bold contrasts in black and white, warm green and orange hues, and playful details like a hand-shaped accent chair and artwork inspired by Sunny. This transformation is a reflection of Nick’s authentic, eclectic self, as he reclaims his space during a new chapter of life.

 

 

 

New Nautical – CASUAL MEETS TRADITIONAL

New Nautical unites traditional nautical design with a laid-back, casual twist. Our clients wanted a sophisticated master suite in their lakefront home, but the room had a design challenge—a corner protrusion from the staircase below. Our solution was custom millwork that not only hid the intrusion but added storage without blocking the lake view.

We combined classic nautical elements like deep blue hues, brass accents, and detailed millwork with casual, relaxed touches—such as warm wood tones and subtle textures. The result is a serene, functional space that feels both timeless and effortlessly stylish.

 

 

 

CALL IT A FUNGALOW – TRADITIONAL MEETS ECLECTIC

We can't talk about blending traditional and eclectic design without highlighting Concetti CEO + Principal Designer’s home – Call It a Fungalow – Lounge.

Rachel Nelson transformed her 1942 Grosse Pointe Woods traditional bungalow into an entertainer’s dream while embracing her bold, eclectic style. While the space does include traditional elements such as millwork details and a repurposed antique credenza, Rachel focused on what truly inspired her—moody hues, unique lighting, and quirky details. The result is a space that feels personal and vibrant, perfect for unwinding or hosting loved ones year-round.

 

 

Whether you vibe with the latest interior design trends or prefer a more timeless approach, we’re here to help you create a space that truly reflects your bold, authentic self.

Are you ready to embrace what feels good to you?

LET’S CONNECT!

 

What does “dopamine décor” mean to you?

Rachel: It’s the pieces that make you happy when you see them. An instant smile or giggle. For me, it’s unexpected whimsy and humor. In my house, I’ve got a brass fox head wearing sunglasses and a monkey-head planter with a gold tooth. They never get old. It’s about surrounding yourself shamelessly with things that make you happy. I can’t wait to bring pieces like this into my new home, Divinely Detroit, the historic church located in Indian Village.

 

How did you land on the name Moxie?

Rachel: At Concetti, our brand persona is “genuine moxie” which means kind, calm, loving, but bold in who you are. We’re always building our clients up to take that bold, courageous step. Moxie is the bold part. The “I don’t need permission” part. When you choose dopamine décor, you’re choosing to surround yourself with pieces others might not understand, but you love.

 

Who is Moxie for?

Rachel: It’s for anyone who’s been told they’re too much, too loud, too bold. It’s for the person who wants that little empowering piece in their day whether that’s a trucker hat, a beautiful candle, or funky lamp. It’s for people who want to surround themselves with pieces lovingly crafted and curated to give you a little dose of empowerment.

How do you stay creatively energized when building something from scratch?

Rachel: I’ve never subscribed to the idea that your life should follow a certain timeline. Since I was 16, I knew I wanted to be an interior designer. That’s 23 years of being dedicated to one decision, and it still feels good and in alignment.
When I create something new, it’s like a spark goes off. I listen to that inner knowing. I tell my team, “One step in front of the other.” It might be clumsy, but you’ve got to start moving.

What design rule do you love to break?

Rachel: Any of them. If I want to turn my dining room into a recording studio or a kids’ playroom, then I will, and you should feel empowered to, as well. The only rules worth following are the ones that make you feel good in your own space.

What advice would you give to creatives who feel “too much” for the design world?

Rachel: There’s no such thing. What you’ve been told is “too much” is your superpower. That’s what makes you different and magnetic. Stand in your power. Make decisions from alignment, not shame or guilt. Be unapologetically you because that’s when you really shine.

Favorite dopamine décor brands or artists?

Rachel: Regina Andrew (Detroit-based and stunning), Seletti (monkeys holding lightbulbs, peacock lamps), Noir (the hand chair!), Bold Monkey, Zoe Bios (customizable art), and Eric & Eloise (quirky brass animal heads). I make them weird with purple lights in my basement because it makes me laugh every time.

What do you hope people feel when they bring home a Moxie piece?

Rachel: I want them to feel excited and happy. I want unboxing to be an experience that exceeds expectations whether it’s something you wear and feel empowered in or something in your home or business that gives you that hit of joy every time you pass it.

What does success look like for Moxie?

Rachel: Moxie is more than numbers, it’s a movement. It’s about inclusivity, empowerment, and telling people they’re perfect exactly as they are.

One mindset shift that changed everything for you as a founder?

Rachel: Realizing that everything I need is already within me. I can surround myself with mentors and partners, but at the end of the day, I’m the only one living my truth.

Advice for creatives carving their own path?

Rachel: Persistence wins. Your journey is your own. Do the things that light you up and keep going. Pause to reflect on what’s working, what’s draining you, and what you can add back in to make you excited again. There’s no one else like you so own it.

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