Find a direction that feels like you. Interior design plans how a space works: layout, circulation, lighting, materials and the coordination needed to build it. Decoration gives that plan its visible character through colour, furniture, textiles, art and accessories. The two work best together.

Use these six style guides as a starting point. The photographs are licensed editorial references, not AL ASAB projects. Save the styles you like and tell us what you would change for your own space.

01 — Minimalist

The idea: Calm, uncluttered rooms where every element earns its place. Clear sightlines, concealed storage and a small number of well-chosen pieces let proportion and natural light lead.

Colours and paint: Warm white, chalk, sand, soft greige and light oak; choose matte or low-sheen finishes and use texture to keep a neutral palette from feeling flat.

Materials and advantages: Timber, plaster, linen and simple stone. Easy to read visually, flexible to furnish and particularly useful in compact apartments. It requires careful storage planning so everyday life stays comfortable.

International designers to explore

Selected references for this style; many designers work across several design directions.

Editorial inspiration only. Inclusion does not imply affiliation with or endorsement of AL ASAB.

Minimalist living room with light furniture and natural light; illustrative reference, not an AL ASAB project
Style reference: rawkkim / Unsplash — https://unsplash.com/photos/modern-minimalist-living-room-with-white-furniture-4r9OKorlcTk
Modern minimalist living room with gray sofa and natural light.
Photo: Nenad Stojković / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
black and brown leather padded tub sofa — Minimalist style reference
black and brown leather padded tub sofa. Photo: Inside Weather / Unsplash.
A wooden ladder, a white bar stool, and a snake plant in a room — Minimalist style reference
A wooden ladder, a white bar stool, and a snake plant in a room. Photo: Andrew Neel / Unsplash.
white and brown wooden staircase — Minimalist style reference
white and brown wooden staircase. Photo: Deconovo / Unsplash.
a living room with a green couch and a white lamp — Minimalist style reference
a living room with a green couch and a white lamp. Photo: JALG TV Stand / Unsplash.
white sofa near brown wooden chair — Minimalist style reference
white sofa near brown wooden chair. Photo: Jakob Owens / Unsplash.
a chair and a table in a room — Minimalist style reference
a chair and a table in a room. Photo: Visual Laurence / Unsplash.
white and brown spiral staircase — Minimalist style reference
white and brown spiral staircase. Photo: Deconovo / Unsplash.
A modern living room with a large window — Minimalist style reference
A modern living room with a large window. Photo: Prydumano Design / Unsplash.
brown wooden center table inside room — Minimalist style reference
brown wooden center table inside room. Photo: Kirill / Unsplash.
Modern minimalist seating area with wooden furniture — Minimalist style reference
Modern minimalist seating area with wooden furniture. Photo: lim woojung / Unsplash.
a living room with a couch and a table — Minimalist style reference
a living room with a couch and a table. Photo: Pipcke / Unsplash.
Modern wooden sideboard with shelves and decor — Minimalist style reference
Modern wooden sideboard with shelves and decor. Photo: Aleksandra Dementeva / Unsplash.
white sofa near round table — Minimalist style reference
white sofa near round table. Photo: Deconovo / Unsplash.
sunlit interior with sofa and table — Minimalist style reference
sunlit interior with sofa and table. Photo: Suhyeon Choi / Unsplash.
a couch and a chair — Minimalist style reference
a couch and a chair. Photo: Jonathan Rudi Chandra / Unsplash.
A minimalist staircase with white concrete steps leading to a landing with a vase — Minimalist style reference
A minimalist staircase with white concrete steps leading to a landing with a vase. Photo: Alesia Kazantceva / Unsplash.
a living room with a couch, chair, table and speakers — Minimalist style reference
a living room with a couch, chair, table and speakers. Photo: Le Quan / Unsplash.
A living room with a couch a table and a large window — Minimalist style reference
A living room with a couch a table and a large window. Photo: Puscas Adryan / Unsplash.

02 — Modern

The idea: Strong forms, open planning and a confident relationship between architecture and furniture. The look is clean but can be warm and lived in.

Colours and paint: Off-white, charcoal, walnut and muted earth tones, with one controlled accent. Large, calm wall surfaces make statement furniture and art stand out.

Materials and advantages: Wood, glass, metal and stone with integrated lighting. It suits villas and contemporary offices that need a polished, adaptable base.

International designers to explore

Selected references for this style; many designers work across several design directions.

Editorial inspiration only. Inclusion does not imply affiliation with or endorsement of AL ASAB.

Modern living room with warm brown sofa, dark drapes and wood media wall.
Photo: Shixart1985 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
living room with brown sofa and glass window — Modern style reference
living room with brown sofa and glass window. Photo: Collov Home Design / Unsplash.
a living room with a couch a chair and a fireplace — Modern style reference
a living room with a couch a chair and a fireplace. Photo: Bailey Alexander / Unsplash.
a living room filled with furniture and a kitchen — Modern style reference
a living room filled with furniture and a kitchen. Photo: Bailey Alexander / Unsplash.
A white sofa with a mustard pillow in a living room with framed art — Modern style reference
A white sofa with a mustard pillow in a living room with framed art. Photo: Collov Home Design / Unsplash.
a living room filled with furniture and a fire place — Modern style reference
a living room filled with furniture and a fire place. Photo: Bailey Alexander / Unsplash.
a bathroom with a sink and a mirror — Modern style reference
a bathroom with a sink and a mirror. Photo: eke interior / Unsplash.
white and black wooden cabinet — Modern style reference
white and black wooden cabinet. Photo: André François McKenzie / Unsplash.
a dining room table with chairs and a chandelier — Modern style reference
a dining room table with chairs and a chandelier. Photo: Alona Gross / Unsplash.
A dining room with a table and chairs — Modern style reference
A dining room with a table and chairs. Photo: Riccardo Werder / Unsplash.
a living room filled with furniture and a painting on the wall — Modern style reference
a living room filled with furniture and a painting on the wall. Photo: mahmoud azmy / Unsplash.
Two grey velvet sofas facing each other in a bright modern living room — Modern style reference
Two grey velvet sofas facing each other in a bright modern living room. Photo: Zac Gudakov / Unsplash.
A hallway leading to a living room and dining room — Modern style reference
A hallway leading to a living room and dining room. Photo: Clay Banks / Unsplash.
a bathroom with a sink and a mirror — Modern style reference
a bathroom with a sink and a mirror. Photo: Alona Gross / Unsplash.
white and brown kitchen counter — Modern style reference
white and brown kitchen counter. Photo: Zac Gudakov / Unsplash.
a living room with a white couch and chairs — Modern style reference
a living room with a white couch and chairs. Photo: Pipcke / Unsplash.
A kitchen and dining room with a table and chairs — Modern style reference
A kitchen and dining room with a table and chairs. Photo: Anand Kumar / Unsplash.
a living room filled with furniture and a staircase — Modern style reference
a living room filled with furniture and a staircase. Photo: Lotus Design N Print / Unsplash.
A modern living room with a television, armchair, and framed abstract art — Modern style reference
A modern living room with a television, armchair, and framed abstract art. Photo: Huy Nguyen / Unsplash.
a bedroom with a green wall and a white bed — Modern style reference
a bedroom with a green wall and a white bed. Photo: Lotus Design N Print / Unsplash.

03 — Modern Classic

The idea: A measured blend of classical symmetry and contemporary comfort. Traditional lines are simplified so the room feels elegant without becoming formal.

Colours and paint: Ivory, taupe, warm grey, deep brown and restrained brass. Subtle wall moulding in the same colour as the wall can add depth.

Materials and advantages: Refined wood, marble-like surfaces, tailored upholstery and simple metal details. It balances familiarity with a fresher look and works well in family homes and reception areas.

International designers to explore

Selected references for this style; many designers work across several design directions.

Editorial inspiration only. Inclusion does not imply affiliation with or endorsement of AL ASAB.

Modern classic interior with fireplace and elegant furniture; illustrative style reference
Photo: Jeroen Maas / Unsplash — Unsplash License. Illustrative reference, not an AL ASAB project.
a living room with a couch and a chandelier — Modern Classic style reference
a living room with a couch and a chandelier. Photo: Abigail Keenan / Unsplash.
Modern fireplace with decorative vases on coffee table — Modern Classic style reference
Modern fireplace with decorative vases on coffee table. Photo: Franco Debartolo / Unsplash.
a mirrored table with chairs and a vase on top of it — Modern Classic style reference
a mirrored table with chairs and a vase on top of it. Photo: Marissa Mullins / Unsplash.
Luxurious lounge with a pink sofa, chairs, and decorative walls — Modern Classic style reference
Luxurious lounge with a pink sofa, chairs, and decorative walls. Photo: Mustafa Fatemi / Unsplash.
Elegant dining room with white table, chairs, and large windows — Modern Classic style reference
Elegant dining room with white table, chairs, and large windows. Photo: Franco Debartolo / Unsplash.
A chandelier above a black marble fireplace with a clock and mirror — Modern Classic style reference
A chandelier above a black marble fireplace with a clock and mirror. Photo: Kouji Tsuru / Unsplash.
A dining table with six upholstered chairs under a white pendant light — Modern Classic style reference
A dining table with six upholstered chairs under a white pendant light. Photo: João Emanuel / Unsplash.
Elegant bedroom with a gold wall sconce and nightstand — Modern Classic style reference
Elegant bedroom with a gold wall sconce and nightstand. Photo: Caroline Badran / Unsplash.
Elegant dining room with modern chandelier and artwork — Modern Classic style reference
Elegant dining room with modern chandelier and artwork. Photo: andy chiu / Unsplash.
Elegant curtains framing a view of greenery — Modern Classic style reference
Elegant curtains framing a view of greenery. Photo: Tsuyoshi Kozu / Unsplash.
Ornate chandelier reflected in a mirror above a dining table — Modern Classic style reference
Ornate chandelier reflected in a mirror above a dining table. Photo: Artem Artemov / Unsplash.
Elegant dining room with glass table and upholstered chairs — Modern Classic style reference
Elegant dining room with glass table and upholstered chairs. Photo: Franco Debartolo / Unsplash.
Modern dining room with oval table and chairs — Modern Classic style reference
Modern dining room with oval table and chairs. Photo: Franco Debartolo / Unsplash.
Elegant living room with brown leather furniture and stylish decor — Modern Classic style reference
Elegant living room with brown leather furniture and stylish decor. Photo: POOJAN THANEKAR / Unsplash.
A living room with a chandelier a couch and a chair — Modern Classic style reference
A living room with a chandelier a couch and a chair. Photo: Tetiana Papilota / Unsplash.
Elegant living room with sofas, coffee table, and arched window — Modern Classic style reference
Elegant living room with sofas, coffee table, and arched window. Photo: Maverick Frame / Unsplash.
Arched doorway leads to hallway with modern chandelier and railing — Modern Classic style reference
Arched doorway leads to hallway with modern chandelier and railing. Photo: Franco Debartolo / Unsplash.
Living room with armchair and fireplace — Modern Classic style reference
Living room with armchair and fireplace. Photo: Franco Debartolo / Unsplash.
Elegant living room with fireplace and modern furniture — Modern Classic style reference
Elegant living room with fireplace and modern furniture. Photo: Franco Debartolo / Unsplash.

04 — Neoclassical

The idea: Classical order reinterpreted with lighter proportions: balanced wall panels, considered focal points and a sense of quiet grandeur.

Colours and paint: Cream, stone, pale grey, muted sage and soft gold. Tonal paint across walls and mouldings keeps the detailing cohesive.

Materials and advantages: Decorative plasterwork, stone, velvet or textured fabric and elegant lighting. It gives larger rooms a strong identity; detailing and maintenance should be planned early in the fit out.

International designers to explore

Selected references for this style; many designers work across several design directions.

Editorial inspiration only. Inclusion does not imply affiliation with or endorsement of AL ASAB.

Neoclassical living room with chandelier and classical details; illustrative reference, not an AL ASAB project
Photo: Andy Wang / Unsplash (Unsplash License). Illustrative style reference; not an AL ASAB project.
Classical wall mouldings and sculptural bust beside a chair — Neoclassical style reference
Classical wall mouldings and sculptural bust beside a chair. Photo: Thái An / Unsplash.
Balanced sitting room with traditional armchairs and pale walls — Neoclassical style reference
Balanced sitting room with traditional armchairs and pale walls. Photo: Spacejoy / Unsplash.
white wooden door near brown wooden table — Neoclassical style reference
white wooden door near brown wooden table. Photo: Julia / Unsplash.
a bedroom with a white bed and a white dresser — Neoclassical style reference
a bedroom with a white bed and a white dresser. Photo: alex / Unsplash.
A yellow upholstered bench with decorative wall paneling — Neoclassical style reference
A yellow upholstered bench with decorative wall paneling. Photo: ANGIE BAONGOC / Unsplash.
Three framed landscape prints on a paneled wall above a staircase with a chandelier — Neoclassical style reference
Three framed landscape prints on a paneled wall above a staircase with a chandelier. Photo: Magic Fan / Unsplash.
Light classical sitting room with chandelier and symmetrical seating — Neoclassical style reference
Light classical sitting room with chandelier and symmetrical seating. Photo: Chermiti Mohamed / Unsplash.
a table with a mirror and a chandelier — Neoclassical style reference
a table with a mirror and a chandelier. Photo: Zoe / Unsplash.
A long hotel hallway with crystal chandeliers, floral wallpaper, and a diamond-patterned floor — Neoclassical style reference
A long hotel hallway with crystal chandeliers, floral wallpaper, and a diamond-patterned floor. Photo: ARTO SURAJ / Unsplash.
Elegant hallway with a grand staircase and arched doorway — Neoclassical style reference
Elegant hallway with a grand staircase and arched doorway. Photo: Magic Fan / Unsplash.
Bright panelled dining room with classical cornices and chandelier — Neoclassical style reference
Bright panelled dining room with classical cornices and chandelier. Photo: yann maignan / Unsplash.
a table with chairs around it — Neoclassical style reference
a table with chairs around it. Photo: Evgeni Adutskevich / Unsplash.
a living room with a fireplace and a mirror — Neoclassical style reference
a living room with a fireplace and a mirror. Photo: Evgeni Adutskevich / Unsplash.
Elegant room with marble pillars and sheer curtains — Neoclassical style reference
Elegant room with marble pillars and sheer curtains. Photo: Tsuyoshi Kozu / Unsplash.
Elegant room with antique dresser, lit candles, and mirror — Neoclassical style reference
Elegant room with antique dresser, lit candles, and mirror. Photo: Magic Fan / Unsplash.
Elegant living room with plush sofa and large windows — Neoclassical style reference
Elegant living room with plush sofa and large windows. Photo: Katie Puzatova / Unsplash.
a living room filled with furniture and a piano — Neoclassical style reference
a living room filled with furniture and a piano. Photo: Thái An / Unsplash.
a table with a vase of flowers and a lamp on it — Neoclassical style reference
a table with a vase of flowers and a lamp on it. Photo: Thái An / Unsplash.
Elegant room with chandelier, classical statues, and blue-lit window — Neoclassical style reference
Elegant room with chandelier, classical statues, and blue-lit window. Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art / Unsplash.

05 — Traditional Classic

The idea: A layered interior that celebrates heritage, ornament and collected pieces. Furniture, art and decorative details build a room with warmth and personality.

Colours and paint: Rich cream, burgundy, forest green, navy and warm wood. A deeper wall colour can frame antiques and artwork beautifully.

Materials and advantages: Carved timber, patterned rugs, drapery, traditional furniture and decorative lighting. It rewards owners who enjoy expressive spaces and a sense of history.

International designers to explore

Selected references for this style; many designers work across several design directions.

Editorial inspiration only. Inclusion does not imply affiliation with or endorsement of AL ASAB.

Traditional classic room with red sofa and vintage details
Style reference: Magic Fan / Unsplash · Unsplash License · illustrative image.
Elegant sitting area with armchairs, table, and sunlit windows; illustrative style reference
Photo: Aayush Khokhar / Unsplash. Source photograph · Unsplash License — illustrative reference, not an AL ASAB project.
gold chandelier in room — Traditional Classic style reference
gold chandelier in room. Photo: Jon Tyson / Unsplash.
a room with a piano and chairs — Traditional Classic style reference
a room with a piano and chairs. Photo: Evgeni Adutskevich / Unsplash.
a room with a table and chairs — Traditional Classic style reference
a room with a table and chairs. Photo: Evgeni Adutskevich / Unsplash.
Green velvet sofa reflects in ornate mirror — Traditional Classic style reference
Green velvet sofa reflects in ornate mirror. Photo: MIROV / Unsplash.
a gold bed frame — Traditional Classic style reference
a gold bed frame. Photo: Evgeni Adutskevich / Unsplash.
Ornate golden chandelier hangs in a dimly lit room — Traditional Classic style reference
Ornate golden chandelier hangs in a dimly lit room. Photo: mana5280 / Unsplash.
Ornate marble fireplace with a large decorative mirror above — Traditional Classic style reference
Ornate marble fireplace with a large decorative mirror above. Photo: [TNL] / Unsplash.
An ornate interior with a large mirror, wall sconces, and framed portraits — Traditional Classic style reference
An ornate interior with a large mirror, wall sconces, and framed portraits. Photo: Smithsonian / Unsplash.
An ornate fireplace with a mantel clock and wall sconces in a grand room — Traditional Classic style reference
An ornate fireplace with a mantel clock and wall sconces in a grand room. Photo: Tofan Teodor / Unsplash.
brown and white couch beside brown wooden coffee table — Traditional Classic style reference
brown and white couch beside brown wooden coffee table. Photo: reisetopia / Unsplash.
a hallway with a bench and a clock on the wall — Traditional Classic style reference
a hallway with a bench and a clock on the wall. Photo: Chris Johnson / Unsplash.
Ornate vintage lounge with plush seating and decorative elements — Traditional Classic style reference
Ornate vintage lounge with plush seating and decorative elements. Photo: Alessandro Santoro / Unsplash.
a room with a fireplace and chairs — Traditional Classic style reference
a room with a fireplace and chairs. Photo: Evgeni Adutskevich / Unsplash.
a chandelier in a room — Traditional Classic style reference
a chandelier in a room. Photo: Evgeni Adutskevich / Unsplash.
Luxurious ornate room with chandelier, fireplace, and classical furniture — Traditional Classic style reference
Luxurious ornate room with chandelier, fireplace, and classical furniture. Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art / Unsplash.
Ornate wooden office with antique desk and lamp — Traditional Classic style reference
Ornate wooden office with antique desk and lamp. Photo: Anna Hunko / Unsplash.
Ornate golden room with intricate wall decorations — Traditional Classic style reference
Ornate golden room with intricate wall decorations. Photo: Thanh Ly / Unsplash.
Ornate antique room with a table and mirror — Traditional Classic style reference
Ornate antique room with a table and mirror. Photo: Alina Bondar / Unsplash.

06 — Industrial

The idea: The structure becomes part of the character. Exposed brick, honest materials and visible details reference lofts and converted workspaces.

Colours and paint: Charcoal, concrete grey, warm brick, black and cognac leather. Matte finishes and a warmer light temperature soften the raw surfaces.

Materials and advantages: Brick, steel, timber and concrete-look finishes. Durable, distinctive and effective for creative workplaces, cafés and generous living areas; acoustics and heat should be considered.

International designers to explore

Selected references for this style; many designers work across several design directions.

Editorial inspiration only. Inclusion does not imply affiliation with or endorsement of AL ASAB.

Industrial style café interior with exposed structure and contemporary furnishings; illustrative reference, not an AL ASAB project
Photo: Kleon3 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2018_Maastricht,_Lumi%C3%A8re_caf%C3%A9-restaurant_1.jpg — illustrative reference, not an AL ASAB project.
brown wooden table near green potted plant — Industrial style reference
brown wooden table near green potted plant. Photo: Frankie / Unsplash.
silver transistor radio beside green leafed plant — Industrial style reference
silver transistor radio beside green leafed plant. Photo: Lindsey LaMont / Unsplash.
brown wooden table with chairs — Industrial style reference
brown wooden table with chairs. Photo: Ruan Martinelli / Unsplash.
a living room with a couch and a table — Industrial style reference
a living room with a couch and a table. Photo: Mohammad Lotfian / Unsplash.
An industrial interior with exposed wooden beams, metal ductwork, and warm overhead lighting — Industrial style reference
An industrial interior with exposed wooden beams, metal ductwork, and warm overhead lighting. Photo: Madeline Liu / Unsplash.
black metal frame on brown wooden table — Industrial style reference
black metal frame on brown wooden table. Photo: Ümit Yıldırım / Unsplash.
leaf plant near bed — Industrial style reference
leaf plant near bed. Photo: nine koepfer / Unsplash.
white ceiling light turned on in a room — Industrial style reference
white ceiling light turned on in a room. Photo: Tim Hüfner / Unsplash.
a room with couches, tables, and chairs in it — Industrial style reference
a room with couches, tables, and chairs in it. Photo: Mohammad Lotfian / Unsplash.
clear glass bulb decoration — Industrial style reference
clear glass bulb decoration. Photo: The Dream Archives / Unsplash.
clear lamp lot — Industrial style reference
clear lamp lot. Photo: Georgia de Lotz / Unsplash.
a restaurant filled with lots of wooden tables and chairs — Industrial style reference
a restaurant filled with lots of wooden tables and chairs. Photo: Sergio Arteaga / Unsplash.
black pendant lamp turned on near brown wooden wall — Industrial style reference
black pendant lamp turned on near brown wooden wall. Photo: Thanos Pal / Unsplash.
Modern staircase with metal railings and steps — Industrial style reference
Modern staircase with metal railings and steps. Photo: Yunshuo Qu / Unsplash.
Row of brick pillars with sunlight casting shadows — Industrial style reference
Row of brick pillars with sunlight casting shadows. Photo: LISK OBE / Unsplash.
Spacious modern interior with high ceilings and sunlight — Industrial style reference
Spacious modern interior with high ceilings and sunlight. Photo: Zhuojun Yu / Unsplash.
Empty industrial room with sunlight, brick wall, and hanging lights — Industrial style reference
Empty industrial room with sunlight, brick wall, and hanging lights. Photo: Szcze hoo / Unsplash.
Modern open-plan loft apartment with dining area and kitchen — Industrial style reference
Modern open-plan loft apartment with dining area and kitchen. Photo: ULISES RAMIREZ / Unsplash.
Dark industrial staircase with metal railings and brick wall — Industrial style reference
Dark industrial staircase with metal railings and brick wall. Photo: Shahabudin Ibragimov / Unsplash.

How to choose your direction

Pick two styles you are drawn to. Ask which one suits the way you live or work, the amount of natural light, the maintenance you want and your budget. You can mix influences, but choose one clear foundation and use the second for a few details. Share your shortlist with AL ASAB so we can translate the visual direction into a buildable scope for your space.

A quick way to shortlist: Choose Minimalist for clear surfaces and hidden storage; Modern for flexible layouts and simple forms; Modern Classic for contemporary comfort with restrained classical details; Neoclassical for symmetry and wall mouldings; Traditional Classic for layered colour and ornament; Industrial for exposed structure, brick and robust finishes.

Talk to AL ASAB about your space →

Each reference photograph is credited individually under its source license (Wikimedia Commons Creative Commons or Unsplash License). These images illustrate design styles and are not AL ASAB projects.