STAYING TRUE TO YOUR INTERIOR STYLE
HOW TO CREATE A HOME THAT FEELS AUTHENTIC AND PERSONAL INSTEAD OF COOKIE-CUTTER
So often when I open Instagram or Pinterest for interior inspiration, the same thing happens…
Post after post. Design after design. Every space looks completely identical.
Same "must-have" pieces. Same exact styling. Even the same camera angles. Like every home is following the same script.
And I get it...
We're all constantly flooded with images showing what's "in style". Trends cycle faster than ever. Algorithms keep feeding us more of what we've already seen. And somewhere along the way, following what's popular starts to feel safer than trusting your own taste.
But here's the thing...
A home isn't meant to be a carbon copy of someone else's vision. It's supposed to be the most honest expression of who you are. Where every choice has meaning. Where objects tell stories. Where spaces reflect real life, not staged perfection.
And the most memorable homes? They're never the ones that match every trend but the ones that feel authentic and personal. So when you think about it...
It's no wonder that interior design has been leaning more toward individuality in recent years, right? Maybe this isn't just a shift but a return to what makes a home truly feel like home.
But that leads us to a bigger question...
How do you cut through the noise? How do you create a home that truly feels like you, and not just another version of what happens to be popular? That’s exactly what we're diving into in this post.
But before we do, let's clarify something important:
WHAT DOES PERSONAL STYLE REALLY MEAN?
Personal style in design isn't about rejecting every trend or swimming against the current just because. It's about learning to listen to that quiet voice inside that knows what truly resonates with you.
It's about finding your own rhythm in the midst of all that sameness.
And beyond choosing between modern or traditional, neutral or colorful, relaxed or sophisticated, your personal style is also a reflection of:
- The emotions you want your home to evoke
- The stories you want your spaces to tell
- The way you actually live in and use different rooms
- The elements that naturally draw you in, again and again
- The memories and experiences that have shaped your taste
In essence: It's about curating spaces that truly feel like home to you.
Now let's talk about how to bring your personal style to life...
The colors, textures, and atmosphere you’re naturally drawn to are all part of your personal style!
HOW TO STAY TRUE TO YOUR STYLE
01. Start with how you want to feel
Before you save another inspirational image or buy another piece of furniture, ask yourself: How do I want to feel in my home?
It's like creating a mood for your space, just like music sets the tone for a moment.
Maybe it's calm and grounded. Maybe it's energized and inspired. Or maybe it's that warm, welcoming embrace.
Either way, these feelings will act as your compass.
02. Look further than current trends
While trends can be fun and inspiring, building your whole home upon them risks it quickly becoming dated.
So instead of focusing on what's popular, ask yourself:
- What elements have I consistently loved over time?
- Which spaces make me feel most at home?
- What pieces tell a story or hold meaning for me?
03. Use a style filter
A style filter is a set of questions to check in with yourself before making design choices, whether it's selecting a paint color or a piece of furniture. Here are examples that often work wonders:
- Does this align with how I want my space to feel?
- Will this work with my real, everyday life?
- Am I drawn to this because it speaks to me, or because it's everywhere?
- Will this still resonate with me in five or even ten years?
04. Trust your gut
You know that feeling when something just clicks? When a space or piece feels right? That's your instinct talking, and it's one of your most valuable design tools.
And if something doesn't feel quite authentic? It's okay to pass, even if you can't explain why.
Lastly, keep in mind that you don't have to force yourself into a mold.
If both vintage and modern minimalism feel good to you, let them coexist. Remember, there's beauty in contrast.
AND DON’T FORGET!
At the end of the day, the most beautiful, enduring homes aren't defined by fleeting trends. They reflect the people who live in them. And by letting your personal style guide you, you'll create a space that's not just elevated, but deeply meaningful and timeless.
P.S. A version of this post was originally sent out as an email newsletter. Want to get insights like this delivered straight to your inbox? Click HERE to sign up today!