Modern farmhouse. Minimalist. Shabby chic. Mid-century modern. Industrial. Traditional. French country. Hollywood glam. Coastal. Rustic. The list of decorating styles goes on and on. And while identifying which of these you like best can seem overwhelming, doing so is a must if you’re looking to create a cohesive, chic and comfortable home that’s truly a reflection of you. The good news? There are some things you can do to hone in on the decorating style that speaks most — to you and for you. Read on for a roundup of six tips aimed at helping you identify your decorating style.
While your personal style can be conveyed by your living space, the concept of personal style encompasses much more. Looking at the big picture is a great place to start.
Recommends home decor blog Making Home Base, “Write down things that make you happy: What experiences, things, places do you love? When you imagine your own personal oasis what does that look like? Can that be translated into home decor?” The more detailed you are in this process, the more options you’ll have when it comes to bringing happy-making elements into your space.
While online quizzes may seem more like entertainment fodder, design style quizzes can yield insights into your style preferences. Check out Apartment Therapy’s “What’s Your Home Decor Personality?” and Lonny’s “What’s Your Decorating Style?” online quizzes. An added bonus? They’re fun!
From design magazines to Pinterest, near-endless examples of home decor are literally at your fingertips. So while you may not be able to express perfectly in words what decorating styles appeal to you, you’ll know it when you see it. (And remember: there’s no right or wrong at this point in the process.)
Start a file of the rooms and homes that draw you in, then consider what they have in common. From colors to lines, these commonalities can give you a much clearer picture of your decorating style.
The world around you is full of beautiful spaces. Paying attention can help you define your design style. When you’re in a store or a restaurant, tune in to what design elements appeal to you? Take pictures and add them to your style file.
Model homes and designer showrooms are also great places to experience many different decorating styles and aesthetics.
There are also plenty of hints hiding in the plain sight of your current living space. What are your favorite things about your home? Your least favorite things? What consistencies exist? Your home may already be on its way to expressing your style.
In addition to noting the furniture, art, and accessories that you love, look at your wardrobe, as well. The clothes you wear are also an expression of your personality. Does your style lean more toward bohemian chic or elegant minimalism? These preferences are likely to carry over to your home decor.
While conceptualizing an entire room or home can be intimidating, starting with a single item can be an effective strategy.
Recommends Real Simple, “Find one object such as a centerpiece bowl, lamp, frame—even a small piece of furniture that you just love. Use it as your design anchor, and style the rest of the room off of that one piece. That way, you have something you truly enjoy to reference back to as you explore other ideas for your home.” And remember: Good interior design is not a race; nor should decorating your home be one.
While it’s possible to determine your decorating style on your own, professional help can be an invaluable resource. Stop by the Design Center at Stowers Furniture today for complimentary design assistance with your home decorating project or furniture purchase.
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