Mid-century modern, farmhouse, traditional, contemporary, industrial… A quick internet search of “interior design styles” brings up countless buzzwords, and it can feel overwhelming to pinpoint one that feels right. Instead of getting caught up in labels, let’s take a step back and focus on something more meaningful: discovering your authentic style.
As award-winning interior designer Nate Berkus once said, “The best design projects are the ones where people broke the rules.” Breaking away from strict design labels is often the key to creating a space that truly reflects you—your personality, interests, and lifestyle. If you’re ready to forge your own path, here are three steps to discovering your unique style:
Step 1: Visualize Your Ideal Lifestyle
Start by reflecting on your life, your daily routine, and what brings you the most joy. What activities fulfill you? How do you define relaxation? What do you value that you want reflected in your home? This is where personal style begins. It’s less about fitting into a category and more about creating spaces that support and celebrate the way you live.
If you’re wondering how this will translate to your home’s design, consider my friend who recently completed this step. She realized that one of her favorite parts of the day is getting into her bed to finally relax. To elevate the experience even further, she made her bed an indulgent haven of coziness, layered with soft, dreamy textures. *Chef’s kiss!*
Step 2: Search & Save
Once you’ve reflected on your lifestyle, start gathering visual inspiration. Pinterest and Instagram are great starting points, but don’t stop there! Explore other sources, like:
- TV shows and movie scenes
- Hotels
- Nature (color combinations are everywhere)
- Travel experiences
- Restaurants
- Magazines and design books (go to a bookstore and flip through a few!)
Save any images or ideas that resonate with you, even if you can’t articulate exactly why. Over time, a pattern will emerge, helping you define the key design elements you’re drawn to.
Pro tip: Use ChatGPT to describe what you’re looking for in a home. For example, you can ask, “How would you describe an interior design style that’s comfortable, modern, and perfect for hosting friends?” Then Google the result, and refine until you find inspiration that feels right.
Step 3: Reflect & Refine
Now that you’ve gathered inspiration, it’s time to reflect on what you’ve collected. What do you like about the images? What don’t you like? This process may feel abstract at first, but it’s often a helpful way to spot recurring themes or styles.
For example, a few years ago, I worked with a couple on their bathroom remodel project. The husband was having difficulty expressing what he disliked about some of the design elements, so they completed this exercise of reflecting on images of bathrooms to find a pattern. It turned out he didn’t like shiny things… matte finishes for the win!
Through this reflection process, you’ll start to uncover the design elements that light you up. If, at any point, you feel stuck or overwhelmed, this is where a designer can help by bringing fresh eyes and clarity.
When to Bring a Designer on Board
Are the 3 steps above doable on your own? Yes, of course. But if you’re having trouble pinpointing your style or feel overwhelmed by the choices, a designer can help streamline the process. Sometimes, another perspective is all you need for clarity. It’s our job to guide you through your preferences, narrowing down options so you’re not bogged down by decision fatigue.
As a designer, my goal is to take your vision and elevate it, helping you create a home that’s even better than you imagined. We do this through a multi-step process that includes:
Questionnaire: I will provide a thorough set of questions to uncover your goals, lifestyle, and preferences.
In-Home Consultation: We’ll take a full tour of your home to uncover how you live, what works, and what doesn’t. This, combined with your image inspiration, will fuel the direction of the design.
Onboarding Meetings: Expect regular check-ins to ensure we’re on the same page and that the design is perfectly aligned with your needs.
Pssst… Planning a home project but don’t know where to start? I’ve got just the thing to help you gain clarity…
Ultimately, it’s about creating a space that is truly meaningful to you. If you’d like to chat further about how a designer can support your home project, I’d love to connect. Reach out to me here, and let’s begin the conversation.
Warmly,
Kristen
