Skip to Content

The Ultimate Design Lover’s Starter Pack

A comprehensive resource guide, so you’re ready for anything.

By Kate McGregorPublished: Sep 5, 2024

1 min read

Looking to brush up on your design expertise or start from square one? Our collection of guides below provides the knowledge and inspiration you need to create the home of your dreams. Whether you're a novice decorator or a seasoned design enthusiast, we're breaking down the basics so you’re empowered to make informed decisions, discuss aesthetics with authority, and find the style that fits your vision.

Jump to:

AESTHETIC INDEX
DESIGN DEFINITIONS
ARCHITECTURE 101
ROOM INSPIRATION

AESTHETIC INDEX

The history and influence of design movements from yesteryear and today.

interior design styles

bauhaus

Bauhaus

sunroom

Biophilic

dining nook

California Coastal

cottagecore

Cottagecore

the ultimate guide to grandmillennial style

Grandmillennial

japandi style

Japandi

room

Modern

quiet luxury

Quiet Luxury

moore house

Scandinavian

a white couch and a lamp

Wabi Sabi

Nicole Franzen

Image no longer available

The Most Iconic Types of Chairs and Their History

DESIGN DEFINITIONS

Introductory explainers on the most essential elements of the home.

couch vs sofa

Sofa vs. Couch

drapes vs curtains

Drapes vs. Curtains

room

Blinds vs. Shades

blinds

10 Types of Blinds

color

Paint Types and Finishes

wainscoting

Wainscoting

siding

Board and Batten Siding

butlerspantry

Butler's Pantry

living room

Drawing Room

en suite bathroom

En-Suite Bathroom

definition of a curtain

definition of a drape

ARCHITECTURE 101

What to know about the architectural styles that have defined an era.

house architecture

prewar architecture

Pre-War

tudor house

Tudor

gothic

Gothic

victorian houses

Victorian

brutalism

Brutalist

brutalism

ROOM INSPIRATION

Looking for where to start on your next room redo? Consider these the building blocks of the perfect home.

small home ideas

room

Living Room

kitchen

Kitchen

dining room

Dining Room

office

Office

room

Library

bedroom

Bedroom

primary room

Primary Bedroom

room

Powder Room

kids room

Kids' Room

35 fun playroom ideas that your kids will love

Playroom

25 home gym ideas that are big on style

Home Gym

60 home bar ideas to channel your goto cocktail lounge

Home Bar

sunroom

Sunroom

44 inspiring backyard ideas to transform any outdoor living space

Backyard

outdoor kitchen

Outdoor Kitchen

Watch Next

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Readers Also Read

grass on sand dunes at bethany beach in delaware

The 20 Most Affordable Beach Towns in the U.S.

John F. Kennedy Standing in Doorway

JFK's Former D.C. Home Is on the Market

a magazine spread showcasing a woman in a garden and a collection of hats

Archive Dive: Katherine Hepburn's 1991 Homes

bert and may owners kitchen

The "Kitchen Work Triangle" Is Out for 2026

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

footpath in oia santorini greece

14 Countries That Give Citizenship to Homeowners

Colorful living room with unique decor and furniture.

70s-Inspired Wall-to-Wall Carpeting is Back

the dining room at rufford old hall, lancashire

This Unexpected Antique Is Making a Comeback

interiors

Presented by INFINITI

30 Types of Interior Design Styles to Know

Cozy bedroom featuring a bed, nightstand, and window.

This Is the “Magic Number” of Bed Pillows to Have

modern kitchen room interior

16 Things That Are Making Your Kitchen Look Tacky

antique tea sets on sale on tristán narvaja street

6 Types of Vintage Plates That Are Worth a LOT

Modern living room with artistic decor and greenery.

The “Cousin Method” Brings Cohesion to Any Room

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Expert Design-styles Resources

home-accessories

Ultimate Foam party jeff bezos lauren sanchez Guide 2025 | Scholarship Region

Ultimate tips for foam party jeff bezos lauren sanchez. Discover professional home-accessories strategies, expert advice, and proven techniq...

Read More →

#home #luxury

shopping

Professional Amazon prime day rug deals 2025 Guide 2025 | Scholarship Region

Professional tips for amazon prime day rug deals 2025. Discover professional shopping strategies, expert advice, and proven techniques. Upda...

Read More →

#amazon #rug

gardening

Essential Bucket of doom dangerous tiktok hack Guide 2025 | Scholarship Region

Essential tips for bucket of doom dangerous tiktok hack. Discover professional gardening strategies, expert advice, and proven techniques. U...

Read More →

#gardening #plant

organizing

Ultimate Things in bathroom to throw out professional organizers Guide 2025 | Scholarship Region

Ultimate tips for things in bathroom to throw out professional organizers. Discover professional organizing strategies, expert advice, and p...

Read More →

#bathroom #home

kitchen-design

Essential Kitchen features that make designers cringe Guide 2025 | Scholarship Region

Essential tips for kitchen features that make designers cringe. Discover professional kitchen-design strategies, expert advice, and proven t...

Read More →

#kitchen #interior

furniture

Complete Kova sofa review Guide 2025 | Scholarship Region

Complete tips for kova sofa review. Discover professional furniture strategies, expert advice, and proven techniques. Updated 2026....

Read More →

#sofa #furniture

Browse Our Expert Categories

home accessories shopping gardening organizing kitchen design furniture paint colors

'); ">

Stay Ahead with Expert Tips

Join 50,000+ homeowners getting weekly expert advice on interior design, home improvement, and lifestyle tips.

✓ No spam ✓ Unsubscribe anytime ✓ Expert content only