Finding your interior design style isn't always straightforward. It takes time and experimentation to uncover what resonates with you. Embrace the styles that catch your eye and stir your creativity.
To begin, focus on what you truly love. Consider your favorite colors or prints that bring you joy. This list will serve as a foundation to identify the design styles that appeal to you.
Austin DePree, co-founder of a design firm, emphasizes that design evolves and should reflect your lifestyle. Aim for a space that enhances daily living while remaining visually appealing.
Interior designers offer invaluable insights, having crafted countless homes for diverse clients. We gathered their best advice on discovering your personal design style.
1. Identify Patterns in Spaces You Admire
David Mann from a renowned architecture firm suggests documenting your preferences through journaling. Combining images and words can help clarify your tastes.
He explains that creating mood boards is a fantastic way to assess your style and priorities, guiding your design journey.
Charlotte Saunders, an interior designer, recommends saving images of interiors you love on social media. This method allows you to discover designers and trends that align with your aesthetic.
Whether you use digital platforms or traditional mood boards, this initial step will help visualize your preferences and link them to specific design trends.
2. Prioritize Your Favorite Colors
Colors can significantly influence your mood and how a room feels. Following the trend of dopamine decor, it's essential to trust your instincts when selecting colors that uplift your spirit.
Helen Shaw, a marketing director for a paint brand, advises understanding the feelings different colors evoke and the intended purpose of each space.
Experimenting with color combinations is also beneficial. Choose a base shade that complements the room, such as soft pinks paired with green for a harmonious look.
3. Assemble a Vision Board
Once you identify your preferred colors, create a vision board. This can be done digitally or by hand using clippings from magazines.
David Mann suggests starting with a narrative that reflects your values and aesthetics. From there, gather images that inspire you.
This process helps clarify your design goals and results in a cohesive and personal reflection of your style.
4. Collect Patterns You Love
To discover your affinity for patterns, start collecting samples that resonate with you. Charlotte Saunders advocates for exploring different designs that align with your color preferences.
Bringing fabric samples to consultations can help in identifying what appeals to you. Patterns can serve as a foundation for your design or update your soft furnishings.
5. Select Meaningful Furniture
Sarah Solis, a design studio founder, encourages investing in pieces that evoke emotion. Thrift stores often hold unique items with personal significance.
Heirlooms can also add character to your space, connecting the past with the present.
6. Draw Inspiration from Eras You Admire
If you're uncertain about your style, consider your home's architectural characteristics, especially when designing your kitchen.
Helen Parker, a creative director, suggests aligning your kitchen design with your property's style while remaining open to mixing modern and vintage elements.
Evaluate the proportions and features of your space to ensure that your design choices enhance its unique qualities.
7. Let Travels Inform Your Choices
Incorporate travel memories into your design. Katharine Kelly Rhudy suggests that your home should reflect your personal journey through color, furniture, and art.
Patricia Duncan emphasizes the value of blending diverse styles to create a curated space that feels like a collection rather than a showroom.
8. Start with a Favorite Art Piece
Begin your design journey with a cherished item, such as a piece of art or a light fixture. Gillian Gillies, a principal designer, believes that the best spaces include elements that resonate deeply with the homeowner.
When in doubt, consult a designer for additional guidance. The most inviting homes reflect the personalities of those who live in them.
9. Embrace Multiple Styles
Don't limit yourself to a single design style. Embrace various influences that bring you joy, creating a space that feels uniquely yours.
Kathy Kuo advises researching design books and social media to identify recurring visual themes that resonate with you. Your style will likely emerge organically.
10. Prioritize Daily Functionality
Always consider practicality when designing your space. David Shove-Brown emphasizes the importance of aligning your design with how you live and interact with your home.
Engage clients in discussions about their daily routines to tailor spaces that serve their needs effectively.
11. Define Desired Sensations
Instead of seeking a specific style, think about the feelings you want your space to evoke. Suzanne Tucker focuses on creating environments that reflect individual client personalities.
12. Consider Architectural Elements
Examine your building's architecture as a starting point for your design. Patricia Duncan suggests designing around architectural features to enhance your space's character.
13. Add Sentimental Touches
Incorporate meaningful items into your design for a personal touch. Jenn Mehrer encourages layering your space with objects and materials that resonate with you.
Explore These Resources to Discover Your Design Style
A charming coffee table book, 'The Big Book of Chic', showcases homes across various styles, providing inspiration.
"Sense of Place: Design Inspired by Where We Live" offers insights into diverse homes worldwide, igniting creativity.
Heidi Caillier's 'Memories At Home' features vibrant interiors ideal for creating a cozy, eclectic space that lasts.
Ultimately, discovering your design style is a personal journey that evolves over time. Enjoy the process, and you'll create a home that truly reflects your unique taste.
