3 Steps to Define Your Personal Interior Design Style
There’s absolutely nothing better than coming home to a space that truly reflects your unique design style. A home that feels authentic to you brings comfort, inspiration, and tranquility to your everyday. In fact, a thoughtfully tailored interior design can elevate your overall well-being. On the flip side, not having a clear understanding of your personal style can lead to overconsumption and uninspired design choices, leaving you dissatisfied.
If you're tired of following trends and want to discover your true interior design style, you’re in the right place! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to find your design aesthetic without relying solely on algorithm-driven platforms like Pinterest or Instagram. Scroll to the end to download my Design Inspo Analysis Guide which will lead you through the process.
Design by Reath Design, Photographer Unknown
1. Collect Design Inspiration Over Time
Rather than rushing through an online quiz that promises to reveal your design style in five minutes or less, it's important to take your time in discovering your true design preferences. Here's how to get started:
Duration: I recommend collecting inspiration over a period of about 3 months. This will give you ample time to gather a diverse array of ideas and styles.
Where to Look for Inspiration: While Pinterest and Instagram are great tools (and I love using them!), they shouldn't be your only source of design inspo. The algorithms on these platforms tend to show the same types of content repeatedly, which can limit your creative options.
Design by Chris Loves Julia, Photographer Unknown
Pro Tip: Incorporate both digital and analog sources. Some excellent alternatives include:
Shelter magazines (home decor/design publications)
Design books both old and new; I love to pick up older design books from secondhand bookstores because there’s such good stuff in them that you can’t find on any corner of the Internet!
Movies and TV shows (Wes Anderson fans, anyone?)
Take a look at what’s in your closet. Fashion is a great source of inspiration.
Take cues from moments in everyday life that inspire you, such as architecture, fashion, and nature.
Your favorite restaurants, hotels, or travel spots—take note of how these spaces make you feel!
Anything that gives you an emotional reaction is design style inspiration and therefore fair game for this exercise.
Organize Your Inspiration: Whether you prefer using a Pinterest board, creating a mood board, or compiling a photo album on your phone, save all your inspiration in one place. Having everything in a centralized spot will make it easier to recognize trends.
Source & Photographer Unknown
2. Analyze Your Inspiration & Identify Themes
After gathering your inspo, it’s time to look for common themes. When I work with clients, we often find 3-5 recurring patterns that reveal their true design preferences. Here's what to watch for:
Color Trends: Do you notice certain shades coming up repeatedly? Maybe you’re drawn to burgundy or calming neutrals.
Textures & Materials: Perhaps you love velvet and suede, or natural materials like wood and stone.
Styles & Emotions: Are you into traditional design with a modern twist? Or do light, airy spaces make you feel at peace while moody interiors spark intrigue?
Once you've identified the themes, give them a name. Naming these themes will serve as a guidepost when making design decisions. For example, you might ask yourself, “Does this design feel earthy, feminine, and traditional?” Defining these characteristics helps ensure that your style remains cohesive throughout the design process.
Tip: Don’t worry if your design words or themes don’t seem to go together perfectly—mixing styles can create unique tension and balance that make your space more personal and interesting.
Design by Vivir Design, Photo by AI
3. Refining Your Design Style Through Language
This process is similar to the TikTok series by Allison Bornstein, where she helps people define their personal fashion style through descriptive language. We’re doing the same, just with interior design! Once you've put language around your style, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to bring that vision to life in your space.
Need help getting started? Download the Design Inspo Analysis Guide below which will lead you through developing descriptive language for your design preferences, ultimately leading you to uncover your personal design style.
Photo & Flat Lay by Renee Mueller Art
Conclusion: Start Designing Your Space!
Now that you’ve defined your personal interior design style, use those themes as a north star during the design process. And if you get stuck, don’t forget to download the Design Inspo Analysis Guide below. Trust me, taking the time to discover what truly resonates with you is worth the effort.
