HOW TO DEFINE YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN STYLE
a clear Roadmap to finding your style and Make Designing your home more SIMPLE and enjoyable
I know, I know, there are about a million different ways to describe your “style.” And there’s probably the same number of quizzes, guides, and trend roundups that’ll tell you which style is “yours” based on a few color choices or favorite furniture types. So why another guide?
Because here’s the thing: Defining your design style isn’t really about those categories or fitting your taste neatly into a box. One person’s idea of “modern” or “neutral” is totally different from someone else’s, and no quiz can capture the full range of what you really love and why.
That’s why this is a guide on how to get clear on what you want your space to feel and look like—WITHOUT sticking a label on it. So, let’s dive into a simple few steps that will help you define your OWN interior design style.
How Do You Want Your Space to Make You Feel?
Before thinking about any specifics, like color or furniture selections, ask yourself this key question:
How do I want this space to feel when I walk in?
It’s all about finding the mood or “vibe” that feels just right for you in a home. To dig a bit deeper, ask yourself this:
Should my home feel calm and peaceful, or more dynamic and fun?
Do I want my space to feel cozy and a bit enclosed, or more open and airy?
Am I drawn to a timeless, classic look, or something with a fresh twist that feels more current?
Do I prefer a formal vibe, or does a more relaxed feel suit me better in a home?
Why this matters: The feeling you’re aiming for is an important guide when making choices for your home.
For example, if you want a calm, peaceful space, you will probably have to choose more soft colors, simpler furniture shapes, and less decor compared to a more energetic vibe, where you might opt for things like rich colors and standout artwork.
Look Around and Notice What You Already Love
Now, take a good look around your current space and notice the things that make you feel good. What are the colors, textures, or pieces you truly love? Sometimes, your style is already there in bits and pieces.
Questions to ask yourself:
What colors or materials do I keep coming back to?
Which items feel like “me”?
Is there anything that feels out of place or doesn’t fit?
Spotting what doesn’t work can be just as helpful as knowing what does. For example, maybe you’re tired of a certain color that feels too much or outdated, or a material that feels too cold.
Why this matters: Taking a closer look at what already feels right gives you a solid base to work from. It’s like setting up a filter that naturally guides your choices, and decisions feel more true to you.
find Your Inspiration—But Be Selective!
Now for the fun part: Gathering inspiration! Head to Pinterest, Instagram, or flip through those design books. But here’s the trick: don’t save every pretty picture. Be a little picky! For each image, ask yourself, Does this feel like something I’d truly want in my home?
If the answer isn’t a clear yes, keep scrolling.
Pro Tip: Be mindful about what’s in style or trending. If you’re saving something just because it’s everywhere, it might not be your style. Remember, trends come and go fast, but your home is a long-term project.
Bonus: Try gathering your favorite images into a curated moodboard. It’s a great way to clarify your style visually and a helpful tool to revisit when you need a reminder of the direction for your home. If you need a little help with structure, you can download my free moodboard templates HERE.
Take your time to search through inspiration to find what truly resonates
it’s time to connect the dots
Once you’ve gathered some meaningful images, step back and look for patterns. You’re not aiming to fit into a label like “modern farmhouse”—it’s more about finding common threads in what you love. For example, you might see lots of earthy colors and natural materials. Or maybe a more classic look with intricate patterns and decor.
Here are some questions to help analyze your images:
Do the spaces feel open and airy, or cozy and layered?
Are colors vibrant and bold, or calm and neutral?
Is there a lot of contrast, or is the palette mostly one tone?
Are shapes sleek and modern, or more detailed and traditional?
Is the styling minimal, or are there plenty of decor?
The patterns you notice here are your style “anchors”—the core elements of your personal interior design style!
define Your Style in a Few Key Words
Now that you know the vibe you want, what you love (and don’t love) about your current home, and the patterns that keep showing up in your inspiration, it’s time to define your style in a few simple words or phrases.
These words will act as a quick guide and reminder whenever you need it throughout the design process. Oftentimes, this is key to keep your space cohesive and true to your taste.
Here are some examples of how you can phrase it:
Warm, layered, and colorful — a mix of textures, old and new, colors, and personal items that feel cozy.
Modern simplicity with organic elements — clean lines, lots of natural materials, and a focus on simplicity.
Cozy and traditional with a twist — classic shapes, traditional pieces and a few playful and refreshing accents.
Bright, minimalist, and relaxed — open spaces, soft colors, and an uncluttered feel that’s still inviting.
Earthy, grounded, and rustic — natural textures, rich tones, and a focus on comfort and connection to nature.
Reminder: There’s really no right or wrong way to describe your style, and someone else might label it differently. As long as it makes sense to you, it’s doing its job.
PS. Don’t Forget to Let Your Style Evolve
With these steps, you now have a clearer sense of what feels just right to you in a home. However, designing a space you’ll love for years is also an ongoing process. As you go, you will likely keep discovering new possibilities and refine your taste even more.
It’s perfectly normal and totally okay if things shift along the way.
Remember: Going through these steps and creating a strong foundation for your style will give you direction without boxing you in. Let your style guide you, but allow it to grow with you.
