A More Exciting Way to Discover Your Decorating Style
Not knowing your decorating style is an enormous barrier to creating a home that feels right. Many must subconsciously realize this, because the question I’m asked most often is: How do I find my home decor style? Today I’m sharing with you an easily digestible version of my process for helping clients identify an interior design style that mirrors their personal vibe.
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How to Figure Out Your Decorating Style?
This post has been over a year in the making. Why? Working with a client to determine their personal home style is much easier to do than it is to explain in writing. There are just so many nuances to the process that it’s difficult to capture it all. It was only after testing a scaled down version of my method in Instagram Stories that I became convinced that I should right this article.
Most articles written on the subject of finding a decorating style start with detailed explanation of the major home design styles. There’s nothing wrong with this approach. But a person who hasn’t nailed down a specific style preference tends to get confused when too many choices are presented. To curb this, I like to back into the answer through discovery. My approach is a bit unconventional. But if you’re not afraid to bend your mind a bit you may find this exercise to be exciting.
“Being presented with too many choices is confusing to one who hasn’t yet nailed down a design preference. To curb this, I like to back into the answer through discovery. ”
1. Take Clues From Your Closet
What you wear reveals a lot about your interior decor leanings. Start by selecting an outfit that makes you feel your absolute best. Examine it carefully with all of its accessories. That means hair, jewelry, shoes, bags and briefcases, scarves and ties. Take note of the colors (or lack of), textures and patterns.
Create a list of adjectives to describe your best outfits. Are your clothes:
Glam, simple and minimal, flowery, whimsical, slick, country, thrifted (aka foraged & salvaged), street smart (urban) or dark and moody?
Do you layer your clothes?
Are your garments purchased with comfort in mind or are they more complicated?
Do you follow trends with your clothing, or do you carefully select classic (timeless) lines that can be paired with modern accessories for a fresh look?
The answers to these questions are strong indicators of the types of decor styles a person likes.
2. List Your Top 5 Home Furnishing Stores
This little exercise has a twist. Your list cannot include any discount stores. This means places like HomeGoods, Marshall’s, TJMaxx, Walmart, Ross, and any store like these must be excluded. I know it hurts, but trust me the pain is just temporary. Discount stores are designed to provide a variety of goods to the masses for the cheapest price.
The goal of this exercise is to help you to look at home decor vendors with a specific point of view. Having a point of view is essential for decorating a cohesive home. Zero in on your design point of view by using the list of adjectives you came up with in step 1 to Google higher-end home decor furnishing stores.
3. Study Your Top 5
Now that you have a list of solid home goods merchants to work with, it’s time to study them closely. Check out their online inspiration boards, catalogs and social media pages. Notice how they pull their spaces together using their own wares. Don’t be surprised if you find you already own similar items featured at these stores. After all, you are getting closer to demystifying your personal design style.
4. Head Over to Pinterest
If any of the stores on your top 5 list have a Pinterest page this one will be easy. If you don’t already have one, create a new Pinterest board titled “My Design Identity”, or something similar. Starting with your list of home furnishing stores, save the images that best fit what you researched and discovered in steps 2 & 3.
5. Back Into the Design Style Name
The beautiful thing about the Pinterest algorithm is that it shows you more of what you’ve already pinned. Additionally, many of the pins have a description attached to them. Use the information included in Pinterest pins to locate the keywords that define the style that you’re most drawn to. Make a note of words you’ve discovered that describe your new decor style.
6. Boutique Hotel Search
Now it’s time to see what your new interior design style looks and feels like in real life. Boutique hotels are a rich source of design inspiration. Head to Google and type in <your preferred decor style, ie “eclectic”>, then add the words, “boutique hotel”.
The powerful Google search engines will produce an endless array of choices. If you’re unable to visit these hotels in person, do the the same deep dive into their websites, catalogs and social media platforms that you did with your top 5 stores.
7. One-of-a-Kind Restaurants
As with boutique hotels, unique restaurants can really get your creative juices flowing. They’re also a great way for you get up close and personal with the materials used.
Seek out the one-of-a-kind restaurants in your area. Have lunch there (it’s cheaper than dinner). Pay attention to how YOU feel and interact within the space. Are any of your favorite colors on display? Don’t forget to check out the bathroom (my favorite part). Then take note of the grade of the furnishings. Are they durable and well-crafted? THIS is the vibe you want to bring into your home!
8. Take Inventory of What You Own
With all the hard work behind you, now you can start to take inventory of what you own. Earmark for resale or donation all of the items that no longer fit your desired design style. Over the next few months (or years) you can slowly replace or upgrade your current furnishings to match your new design identity. Keep in mind that some items can be modified with paint, new upholstery, or simple embellishments like nailhead trim.
Remember, designing a home that you love doesn’t happen overnight. Take your time, go slowly and enjoy the journey.
