Creating a home that feels truly “you” starts with discovering your unique design style. But with so many interior aesthetics to choose from – minimalist, farmhouse, industrial, and so much more – it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news is that finding your own personal design style doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a process of exploration, reflection, and inspiration. Here’s how to uncover the look and feel that best represents your personality and lifestyle.
Look at What You Already Love
Start by looking around your home. Which pieces bring you joy? It could be an antique dresser, a sleek modern lamp, or that cozy patterned rug. Take note of the shapes, textures, and colors you’re drawn to. Your current favorites often hold clues to your innate preferences – even if your space doesn’t yet feel cohesive.
You can also take this exercise beyond furniture. Think about your wardrobe, places like your favorite cafes or hotels, and even the types of artwork that attract you. Do you prefer clean lines and neutral colors? Or rich textures and bold patterns? Your taste in other areas often mirrors your interior design inclinations.
Create a Visual Inspiration Board
Images are everywhere in today’s digital age, and you can gather inspiration from places like magazines, social media, or even design blogs. Pin or save anything that catches your eye – even if it’s just a small element like a lighting fixture or a color palette. After you’ve collected a good amount of images, step back and analyze the patterns. Are there any recurring themes? This could include anything from earthy tones to mid-century shapes to Scandinavian simplicity. These visuals will help you identify common threads and give you a clearer picture of your style (or mix of styles).
Learn Basic Styles & Consider Your Lifestyle
It’s easier to define your preferences when you understand what each style involves. Familiarize yourself with a number of different styles and see which ones speak to you. For example, Modern style is typically clean lines, neutral colors, and minimal clutter; while Farmhouse style is cozy, rustic, whitewashed and wood-heavy. There are obviously many more styles than that, and a lot of differences between styles.
Of course, you don’t have to commit to just one style, as many people are drawn to different elements from multiple styles. Your design style should work with your daily life, too. If you have young children or pets, you may want durable fabrics and fewer delicate pieces. If you work from home, you may want to create a peaceful and productive space. Style isn’t just about looks – it’s about how a space supports the way you live.
Uncovering your particular design style isn’t difficult, and the recommendations above are just a few things that can get you pointed in the right direction. Working with a designer can also make a huge difference in focusing in on your particular style. For more information on how to find out your design style, reach out to the experts at à la carte DESIGN for a consultation today.
