How to Determine Your Home Design Style

Decorating your home is a deeply personal experience. Your home should reflect your tastes and lifestyle and should bring you joy. Whether you’re furnishing your first home or simply looking for a refresh, identifying your personal home design style is the key to creating a space that feels truly like you.

Design trends are constantly changing, leaving some people struggling to find their personal style. As soon as you filled your home with white Joanna Gaines-style ship lap, cottage core started to emerge as the trend du jour. Eventually, that trend will end, too, and something different will become popular.

The key to designing a space that resonates with you year in and year out is to silence the noise and focus on what you like, even if it’s not trendy at the moment.

If discovering your style feels overwhelming, I can help. This step-by-step guide will help you discover your style, avoid fleeting trends, and stay true to your preferences which will result in a more cohesive and satisfying home.

1. Start with Inspiration

One of the best ways to determine your home decor style is to collect inspiration. There are many sources to explore, including:

• Pinterest – Create a board and start pinning images of interiors you love. Over time, you’ll start to see your style emerge.
• Magazines & Books – Interior design books and magazines offer curated ideas and expert advice.
• Social Media – Follow home decor influencers and designers on Instagram for real-life inspiration.
• Your Surroundings – Look at hotels, restaurants, friends’ homes, and other spaces that make you feel comfortable and inspired.

Once you have a collection of inspiration images, take a step back and analyze them. Are there recurring colors, textures, or furniture styles? Do you gravitate towards minimalist, cozy, or eclectic spaces? Recognizing these patterns will help guide you in defining your style.

2. Assess Your Lifestyle and Needs

Aesthetics are important, but your home decor must fit with your lifestyle. Here are some things to consider:

• Do you like to entertain? You might need open layouts and lots of seating.
• Do you have kids or pets? Soft, durable fabrics and easy-to-clean surfaces will be essential.
• Do you prefer a clutter-free space? You may be a minimalist designer in training.

As the mother of two kids, I know how important it is to design a home that is beautiful, comfortable, and washable! Be realistic about how you and your family use your home so you can design a home that is beautiful and functions well for your life.

3. Define Your Color Palette

Colors play a crucial role in home design and can dramatically impact the ambiance of a space. Start by identifying shades that make you feel happy and at ease. Are you drawn to earthy neutrals, bold jewel tones, or soft pastels?

Notice the colors you frequently lean toward when picking out clothes. Often, the colors you love wearing are the ones you’ll feel most comfortable living with.

Once you choose a base palette, use it as a foundation throughout your home. This doesn’t mean every room has to be the same color, but having a cohesive color scheme will make your home feel like it goes together.

4. Identify Key Elements You Love

Think about specific design elements that you’re consistently drawn to. Some popular design styles include:

• Modern: Clean lines, minimal decor, neutral tones
• Bohemian: Eclectic mix of patterns, plants, vintage finds
• Industrial: Exposed brick, metal fixtures, reclaimed wood
• Traditional: Classic furniture, warm tones, elegant details
• Scandinavian: Light wood, white walls, cozy fabrics

You don’t have to fit into one category perfectly. Most people blend elements from multiple styles. The key is recognizing what resonates with you and incorporating those features into your space.

5. Avoid Following Trends Blindly

Trends come and go, and what’s popular today might feel outdated in just a few years. While it’s fun to incorporate trendy elements, they shouldn’t dictate your entire home’s style. Here’s how to ensure your space remains timeless:

• Invest in classic pieces – Opt for high-quality furniture with classic shapes. I buy a lot of my furniture from thrift and antique stores so I can get beautiful, classic pieces without breaking the bank.
• Use trends in moderation – Incorporate trendy colors or accessories in ways that are easy to update.
• Stay true to your instincts – If a trend doesn’t resonate with you, ignore it.

Instead of chasing fads, focus on what genuinely makes you feel at home.

6. Stay True to What You Love

Your home should look and feel like you—not be a carbon copy of someone else’s Pinterest board. To create a truly personal space:

• Display meaningful items like souvenirs from your travels, family heirlooms, DIY projects, and family photos.
• Mix old and new—pair vintage finds with modern pieces to add character.
• Design with your emotions in mind—choose elements that make you feel happy and comfortable.

When you stay true to what you love, people will notice. Your home will feel authentic and warm. That is something no trend can replicate.

7. Test and Adjust Over Time

Finding your decor style isn’t something that happens overnight—it’s an ongoing process. Start small, experiment with different arrangements, and don’t be afraid to tweak things as you go. Your home will evolve with time, just as your personal tastes will.

If you’re unsure where to begin, start with one room and build from there. Gradually, your home will take shape in a way that feels uniquely yours. It’s impossible to get this wrong, so just keep trying.

8. How a Defined Style Creates a Cohesive Home

Once you’ve determined your personal home decor style, you’ll notice how much easier it becomes to design a cohesive space. Here’s why:

• Easy Shopping – You’ll have a clear vision, making it easier to choose furniture and decor without second-guessing. Plus, you’ll waste less money on things that don’t fit your home.
• Style Consistency – Your home will feel balanced and connected, and each room will feel like part of the whole.
• Comfortable Living – When your home is well-designed and aligns with your taste, it will feel comforting and inviting.

If you’ve been living in a dark cloud of style confusion, you really should take the time to figure out what you like most. Defining your style makes home design easier and helps you achieve a home that looks and feels like you belong in it.

Finding your home design style is about discovering what truly speaks to you. By gathering inspiration, considering your lifestyle, defining a color palette, and staying true to your preferences, you’ll create a home that feels authentic and cohesive.

The best homes aren’t those that follow every trend but those that reflect the personalities and passions of the people who live in them. Take your time, trust your instincts, and enjoy the process of creating a space that feels like home.

If you’re struggling to define your personal style, I can help! Contact me to learn more about my home design services.