If it seems Edison bulbs, exposed brick and echoes of the industrial age are showing up everywhere from homes to restaurants, it’s because they are. Industrial interior design is the most popular style in the U.S., according to internet searches studied by furniture company Joybird.
Across the country, Joybird found 18 unique styles dominated design searches. In 12 states, industrial was the most-searched style. The second-most-searched style, vintage, only topped six states’ searches.
Some states, such as Florida and California, showed higher interest in styles that could be associated with them: coastal and Hollywood regency, respectively. And yet others, such as Colorado and Louisiana, seemed to buck expectations, with the former being the lone champion of Asian Zen style and the latter showing little interest in French country style, despite its deep French roots.
While the popularity of each style differed across state lines, when grouped by region, the Midwest and Northwest were industrial strongholds while the Northeast favored vintage, the South preferred shabby chic and the Southwest leaned toward minimalism.
For sellers looking to court local tastes, knowing the research trends of buyers in the area can help guide staging decisions. Industrial design’s dominance reflects some trends that transcend specific design styles or aesthetics, which may explain its popularity. Industrial spaces are known for their unfinished look, which can mean an absence of walls, appealing to the shift toward open-concept floor plans. Industrial style also incorporates elements of other popular styles, helping it net lovers of vintage and modern design alike.
