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Have you ever wondered how to make your home look just the way you want it? Picking a style can seem tricky, but it’s really not as hard as it sounds. All it takes is figuring out what kind of vibes you like.
When I was deciding how to decorate my place, I wasn’t sure where to start either. It felt overwhelming looking at all the choices online! That’s why I’m sharing my tips for finding your personal interior style. I’ll break things down step-by-step so it’s easy to understand.
The best part is there’s no “right” way to do it. You get to choose what makes you happy. I’ll tell you how to think about your favorite things and the atmosphere that makes you feel comfy. Then you can pick options that go with who you are instead of following rules.
We’ll cover stuff like mixing and matching styles that mesh well together. I’ll show you examples of the different looks so you can picture them in your house. At the end you’ll be an expert at describing your vibe!
How do I find my personal decor style?
Figuring out your personal decor style starts with reflection. Think about the kinds of places, homes, and rooms that you admire the most when you see them. What exactly grabs your attention? Is it warm, cozy spaces full of soft furnishings and natural materials? Or perhaps sleek, minimalist rooms with clean lines and neutral palettes attract your eye.
As you think about the styles you love, also consider your own personality and tastes. Are you drawn to tranquility and relaxation, or do you prefer lively, colorful environments? Think about the hobbies, activities and pastimes that you enjoy in your spare time. Are your interests more artistic, eclectic, or contemporary? Your personal preferences are clues toward the style that suits you best.
Look through magazines and websites featuring different interior design looks. Pay close attention to the photos that make you think “Wow, I love the feeling of this space!” or “This is so me.” Take note of any common threads you see among the images that appeal to you most. This can help you recognize the elements and aesthetic qualities that resonate with your own tastes.
Also take your lifestyle and how you actually live and function within your home into account. Do you entertain often? Do you need home offices or playrooms for kids? Are you looking for warmth and coziness, or a fresh, easy to maintain style? Considering how you use each room can provide guides as to the best decorative route.
The goal is to choose a look that feels completely authentic and comfortable for you. Don’t worry about following rules – listen to your instinct on what makes you happiest to surround yourself with each and every day.
How to find your own design style?
Now that you’ve thought about what kinds of styles attract you naturally, it’s time to discover your own unique design approach. Don’t feel like everything has to be perfectly planned out or matchy-matchy right away either. You can tweak things as your sense of your style evolves over time.
Start by pulling together photos of any rooms, color palettes or decorative elements that catch your eye. These are great reference points as you put together your own space. Don’t overthink whether they fit any specific named design style – focus on what you find pleasing.
Try pinning the visuals that call to you on a decorating mood board or digital idea board. This is a fun way to browse your inspiration in one place. Look for patterns – are certain textures, artwork or furniture silhouettes showing up a lot? Those clues could describe your signature vibe.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles too if you see things you love from different genres. The only rule is making sure elements go well together to you. This is your chance to create a space as unique as you are!
Remember, there’s no pressure to have everything perfect right away either. Your style will take shape over time as you learn even more about what makes your heart happy at home.
What interior design styles go together?
Now that you’ve got an idea of your personal style vibes, you may find you like elements from a few different design categories. Wondering how to blend looks cohesively? It’s actually easier than you think!
A trick is to choose a few styles that are inherently compatible. For example, mixing vintage with industrial can unite old-fashioned charm with modern edge. Or combining natural with boho unites earthy elements through organic textures.
Another way is picking styles that share affinities like a similar color palette. Pairs like coastal and Scandinavian both feature light blues and sea greens that blend harmoniously.
Most importantly, let your own design preferences guide the combo. If you love mid-century modern chairs with traditional floral patterns, those can complement each other just fine in your space!
Unitize a shared design theme as one style, say southwest with its focus on nature. Then you’re free to pull in southwestern, country, or even modern Southwest tones and motifs.
Lastly, don’t forget small touches can make all the difference. Unifying materials, architectural details or artwork throughout ties eclectic pieces together seamlessly. The result is a space that’s colorful, curated—and completely yours.
How do I choose the style of my house?
When it comes to picking your overall home interior style, the good news is you have many options! Take some time to look at your home’s architecture first. Features like high ceilings, wood beams or classic molding provide clues.
As you’ve gathered decor style clues, reflect on which major look best suits your unique space. For example, a cabin would naturally call for a rustic touch while urban lofts inspire industrial flair.
Don’t forget to consider how you use each room too. A country kitchen aims to feel warm and welcoming. Modern bedrooms afford calming, minimal sleep areas. Choose aesthetics tailored to functions.
Understand you can blend various styles throughout as well. Maybe pair a traditional living space with a contemporary bathroom refresh. Or blend midcentury modern family rooms with vintage-inspired bedrooms!
Most of all, go with the style that makes you happiest every day. It doesn’t matter if a look is trendy right now—what matters most is feeling at home and at peace with your surroundings. With some vision and finesse, you’ll end up with a home that’s perfectly YOU.
The style of your abode should suit both your lifestyle needs and taste preferences for a space that’s cozy, inspiring and uniquely yours!
What is a timeless look in interior design?
When decorating your home, you want it to look nice for a long time, right? That’s where choosing a “timeless” style comes in. Timeless decor doesn’t go out of style like fads. It uses classic elements that always look good.
Things like neutral colors like light blues, grays and beige never get old. Natural materials like wood and stone also last forever. Shapes that don’t date, like clean lines, are timeless too.
Art and accessories that mean something special to you work well. Family photos and handed-down furniture keep memories fresh. Colors and patterns that AREN’T super trendy right now won’t feel yucky later on.
Focus more on cozy and comforting than super modern or trendy. Cushy sofas and good lighting make a home inviting no matter what year it is. Having textures like fluffy blankets keeps the space feeling lived-in and friendly.
A timeless look is something you love now but your kids and their kids will also feel happy in. It’s decor that feels new every season because it’s never “out.”
What is boho interior?
Have you seen homes with lots of different patterned pillows, rugs and windows draped in gauzy fabrics? That relaxed, global and eclectic look is known as “boho” style. It takes inspiration from the counterculture movements of the ’60s and ’70s.
Boho is all about mixing vintage, handmade pieces and textures found in nature. You’ll often see warm wood, rattan, and burlap mixed with cheerful patterns. Earthy fabrics like cotton, hemp and batik give it a casual handcrafted vibe.
Colors lean towards neutrals like pale blues, yellows and creams with earthy accents like terracotta and rust. Layered rugs, pom poms and tassels add free-flowing charm. Macrame wall hangings and guitar string garlands too.
Plants, candles and incense provide a natural bohemian ambiance. Mandalas, dreamcatchers and crystals add spiritual flair. Reclaimed furniture fits right in along with upcycled items decorated with stencils or stamps.
Boho style says to embrace wanderlust and creativity at home. Nothing matches too closely so it feels easygoing and fun!
How do you describe your interior style?
Figuring out your design style is one thing, but how do you put it into words? Describing your look helps when working with decorators or just sharing your vision.
Start by thinking of one or two adjectives that capture the vibe you want people to feel. Cozy, bright and airy, relaxed – words setting the tone.
Next, note any color schemes. Earth tones, pale rainbow or dark jewel tones? Monochrome or lots of patterns? This paints a picture.
Details like natural, glamorous or industrial zero in even more. Do you prefer rustic textures like wood or sleek surfaces?
Say if your space will feel open or enclosed. Cluttered or minimalist? formal or casual living? Visual words aid understanding.
Don’t stress being precise -you’re capturing a feeling. Is it beachy and peaceful? Urban loft-inspired warmth? These qualities help define your signature look.
With practice, describing your style gets easier. Tweak your vision over time too by always following what makes you happiest at home!
How do I choose an interior designer for my house?
1. Getting Started with the Search
Ask for Referrals
Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to find quality designers. Reach out to friends and family members whose homes you love for referrals. Designers referred through your network are more likely to understand your personal tastes.
Review Portfolios Online
Browse designer websites and social media pages to view their past work. Look for projects similar in scale and style to what you envision. Make note of any designers whose aesthetics resonate with you.
Read Online Reviews
Search business directories or check review sites like Yelp to learn about other clients’ experiences working with potential candidates. Look for common praise and any negative feedback to consider.
2. Evaluating Candidates
Schedule Consultations
Meet with top contenders to assess personality fits and request initial proposals or estimates. Come prepared with room measurements and renovation concepts or Pinterest boards to demonstrate your vision.
Check Credentials and Experience
Confirm designers have proper licensing for your state/municipality. Inquire about education background and number of years in practice, especially experience with similar budgets and project scopes.
Ask About Service Approach
Understand their creative process, timelines, project management style and availability for meetings/communications during the duration of the project.
Compare Estimated Budgets
Request in-depth cost proposals to evaluate affordability based on materials included, payment schedules and additional fees if applicable.
3. Making a Selection
Compile assessment notes, references checks and gut feelings toward the candidates. Pick the designer with whom you most aligned stylistically and felt most comfortable collaborating. Trust this partnership will make your home renovation dreams a reality!
What is luxury interior design style?
A fancy luxury home style looks super rich and special. In these homes, everything feels plush and shiny.
You’ll see lots of shiny stones like sparkly marble on floors and counters. Leather and silk are soft materials that feel yummy to touch. Gold color and metals add glow too.
Colors are deep and bold like emerald green or ruby red. Flowy patterns are subtle, like wavy vines or dot shapes.
Each thing is made perfect, from curvy staircase rails to squiggly ceiling designs. Fireplaces have tall, tall mantles.
Furniture seems snug and fluffy. Art from far away places and shiny knick knacks tell stories.
Spaces flow together so you can relax or have friends over seamlessly. But it always feels like you’re somewhere grand!
Even though luxury is lush, lighting and cozy cushions keep it friendly. The style says elegant living is meant to be enjoyed.
Interior Design Style Quiz
What’s Your Interior Design Style?
FAQ
How do I decorate on a budget?
Focus on affordable accents over big furniture purchases. Upcycle finds, DIY projects and secondhand treasures add personality without breaking the bank.
How often should I update my decor?
Most suggest refreshing 1-2 small areas per year or as your tastes evolve. Total overhauls are only needed every 7-10 years on average.
Can I mix old and new styles together?
Absolutely! Blending vintage and contemporary elements creates one-of-a-kind spaces. Rule of thumb is to pick compatible design eras.
What’s the best way to store out-of-season decor?
Label reusable bins or totes by room/holiday. Store in the attic, basement or garage for easy retrieval next year.
How do I decorate an open concept floor plan?
Define spaces using area rugs, movable screens or built-in furniture. Vary lighting, art and textures too to guide the eye.
When should I hire a professional designer?
For large renovation projects, complicated layouts, or if you get overwhelmed. Designers have the know-how to execute seamless transformations.
Are feng shui principles something to consider in interior design?
Feng shui focuses on balanced energy flows. Some like factoring in the bagua map and placement pointers for good vibes. But it’s optional versus style preferences.