What's Your Interior Design Style? A Friendly Guide to Finding Your Perfect Look

Ever walked into a room and just felt instantly at home? Or scrolled through design photos wondering why some spaces make your heart skip a beat while others leave you cold? Let's chat about finding YOUR perfect interior design style – no design degree required!

Did You Ever Wonder Why Some Spaces Just "Feel Right"?

Have you ever noticed how certain rooms instantly make you feel comfortable, while others might leave you feeling a bit... off? That's not just random! It's because we all have natural preferences when it comes to design – colours that energize us, shapes that calm us, and spaces that somehow just speak our language.

But here's the thing – many of us live with décor choices that don't actually match who we are. We inherit furniture, follow trends that look great on Instagram (but don't feel right in person), or simply never take the time to figure out what truly resonates with us.

Sound familiar? Don't worry – you're not alone!

What's Holding You Back from Your Dream Space?

"But I don't know the first thing about interior design styles!"

I hear this all the time, and honestly? You know more than you think! Consider this:

• Ever complimented a friend's home? (You recognized something you liked!)

  
  

• Ever felt uncomfortable in a certain space? (Hello, design preference!)

  
  

• Ever saved a photo of a room you love? (Your style is speaking to you!)

  
  

The truth is, you've been collecting data about your design preferences your entire life. Now, we just need to connect the dots!

Ready for Some Fun Style Detective Work?

Let's play a little game. Grab a notebook (or open your notes app) and jot down your answers to these questions:

1. What's your gut reaction to these words?

• Antiques: Charming treasures or dusty old things?

• Minimalism: Peaceful simplicity or cold emptiness?

• Bold color: Energizing joy or overwhelming chaos?

• Patterns: Playful interest or busy distraction?

• Symmetry: Satisfying balance or boring predictability?

  
  

2. Peek inside your closet – what do you see?

Your wardrobe often reflects your design preferences! Do you gravitate toward:

• Classic pieces in neutral colours? (You might love timeless, traditional spaces)

• Flowy, natural fabrics like linen? (Hello, coastal or bohemian vibes)

• Bold statement pieces? (Modern or eclectic spaces might call to you)

• Vintage finds with history? (Consider industrial or traditional styles)

• Clean lines and simple silhouettes? (Contemporary or minimalist might be your jam)

  
  

3. Where do you feel most relaxed on vacation?

• Cozy mountain cabin? (Rustic or farmhouse style might be for you)

• Sleek city hotel? (Look into modern or contemporary design)

• Historic B&B? (Traditional or vintage styles could feel like home)

• Beachside retreat? (Coastal or bohemian might be calling)

• Luxury resort? (Glam or traditional might suit your taste)

  
  

"But I Like Different Things From Different Interior Design Styles!"

Can I let you in on a little secret? The most interesting homes aren't strictly one style! In fact, slavishly following a single design aesthetic often results in spaces that feel like showrooms rather than homes.

Your home should be a mix that reflects YOU – your travels, your heritage, your interests, and yes, the design elements that speak to your soul.

Let's call it "[Your Name] Style" – the unique blend that makes your heart happy!

The Style Spectrum: Finding Your Design Neighbourhood

While no one fits perfectly into a single category, understanding the major design styles can help you identify what elements you're drawn to. Think of these as neighbourhoods where your personal style might reside:

Photo by Pipcke on Unsplash

Modern

Clean lines, minimal ornamentation, emphasis on function

You might love modern if: You prefer simplicity, appreciate technological innovations, and find beauty in clean, uncluttered spaces.

You might not be a modern fan if: You feel cold in spaces without soft textures or find yourself wanting to add "just a few" decorative touches to every surface.

Photo by Rural Explorer on Unsplash

Traditional

Classic details, symmetry, rich textures, timeless appeal

You might love traditional if: You appreciate history, craftsmanship, and spaces that feel established and enduring.

You might not be a traditional fan if: You find yourself wanting to "update" antique pieces or feel stuffy in rooms with lots of formal furniture.

Photo by Collov Home Design on Unsplash

Farmhouse

Rustic textures, practical elements, comfortable simplicity

You might love farmhouse if: You're drawn to cozy, unpretentious spaces with character and natural materials.

You might not be a farmhouse fan if: You find yourself cringing at distressed finishes or wanting more polished, refined elements.

Photo by Cole Keister on Unsplash

Bohemian/Boho

Eclectic textures, global influences, expressive and personal

You might love bohemian if: You're drawn to unique pieces, love mixing patterns, and prefer spaces that tell stories.

You might not be a bohemian fan if: You feel anxious in busy spaces or prefer coordinated, planned design.

Photo by Hà Nguyễn on Unsplash

Coastal

Light colours, natural elements, breezy and relaxed

You might love coastal if: You're drawn to spaces that feel fresh, relaxed, and connected to nature.

You might not be a coastal fan if: You prefer dramatic, cozy spaces or find yourself wanting more colour depth.

When You're Still Not Sure...

Still feeling stuck? Try this:

1. Create a "yes" pile: As you scroll through home photos online, save ONLY the ones that immediately make you think "YES!" Don't overthink it – just go with your gut.

   
   

2. Find the common elements: After collecting 15-20 images, look for patterns. Are they all light and bright? Full of plants? Featuring vintage furniture? These commonalities are huge clues.

   
   

3. Start small: Test your emerging style in one room or even one corner before committing to a whole-house makeover.

   
   

4. Live with it: Give yourself permission to try things out. Live with a new arrangement or color for a few weeks before deciding if it truly works for you.

   
   

Let's Get Personal

Did you know that some of the most common questions I get are actually seeking permission rather than advice?

"Is it okay if I don't want all-white everything?" "Can I mix metals in my kitchen?" "Am I allowed to paint my brick fireplace?"

My answer is always the same: It's YOUR home! The only person who needs to love it is you (and maybe the people you live with). Design rules are helpful guidelines, not strict commandments.

So tell me – what style elements are speaking to you right now? What questions do you have about finding your perfect look?

Drop a comment below, and let's chat about creating a home that feels authentically, wonderfully YOU!

Quick-Start Style Quiz: In the comments, tell me which word in each pair speaks to you more strongly:

Cozy or Spacious? Colourful or Neutral? Vintage or New? Patterns or Solids? Formal or Casual?

Your answers might reveal more about your style preferences than you realize!

House+Decor = Your Home

A special shout out to all our new members ❤️