How to Find Your Decorating Style
Whether you know it or not, you have a decorating style. Your home may not fully represent that style at the moment, but we all have a style we gravitate toward.
By knowing your decorating style, it can make purchasing items for your home, styling, and staying consistent so much easier! Many home decor retail sites have filters now where you can check your design style and they will show items only in that category—how awesome is that?!
Originally I began creating a quiz, but the more I worked on it and the more design style quizzes I took, the more I realized there is so much room for error! Almost every quiz I took came up with a different answer for me. So, I decided to create more of a guide.
I'm going to just say here though that I have a love/hate relationship with defining a design style. I think it's super helpful, especially when you're getting professional help, but don't let it hinder you creatively! If you want to venture out of your style for a particular piece, do it!
My guide is probably not perfect, but I hope it can help you narrow down your style!
You will first choose 1 foundation style, and then up to 2 descriptive styles. So for instance, I define my style as "transitional earthy eclectic". Let me know what your's is in the comments below!
Choose 1 below for the foundation of your style.
Modern
Clean, sleek and uncluttered define this style. There are lots of straight lines and hard edges. Neutral colored backdrops allow for a clean palette for pops of color in furniture and accessories if desired. Open floor plans are common in modern design. More reading on this style.
Traditional
This style exudes comfort and warmth and furniture is somewhat classic. There's usually a mix of textures, curved, smooth lines in furniture and depth through layering. Traditional rooms are usually symmetrical with purposeful pairing of furniture. It is casual and comfortable. Here's a great in-depth write up of the traditional style.
Transitional
This style is a mesh of modern and traditional. There is a combination of straight and curved lines, a mix of textures and colors meant to create balance in a space. More reading on this style.
Choose up to 2 below for your unique twist on the foundation above.
earthy/naturalist- tones and materials found in nature.
rustic- unfinished woods, reclaimed/weathered pieces, warm colors and sturdy fabrics such as burlap, cotton and wool.
French country- natural materials, distressed paints, upholstered seating, ornate wood details, baskets and rustic flooring and/or ceilings.
eclectic- varying design elements and time periods, mix of textures, layering, unique and handmade pieces.
Moroccan- intricate wood designs, elegance, bold earthy colors, luxurious fabrics, exotic plants and dim lighting
global- pieces inspired or purchased from different places around the world
bohemian- laid back style, many plants, mixing of patterns, textures and materials, a collected home.
vintage- pieces collected from various time periods (thrifted/antique/second hand)
coastal- beach and ocean vibes. natural whites, blues and light wood tones.
mid-century- pieces from the mid-1930s—60s, clean lines, uncluttered, form follows function.
industrial- open floor plan, salvaged materials, repurposed furniture, exposed architecture, clean, strong lines.
cottage- charming, informal and cozy. mixing of furnishings and fabrics, vintage and repurposed items, collectables.
farmhouse- a balance of old and new, lots of character and cozy. practical/hardy furnishings and decor, second hand pieces handed down or collected over time.
scandinavian- minimalistic and clean, muted tones, great craftsmanship, functional, light and bright, woods.
glam- soft textures mixed with metallics, pinks and neutrals, accents of bold prints.
Here are a few examples of what you can come up with:
Modern Farmhouse
This differs from say a "traditional rustic farmhouse" in that the lines are clean and sleek and most of the wood is painted instead of exposed. The seating isn't upholstered and there are no curved lines.
(Traditional) Rustic Glam
I would call this traditional because of the symmetry in the room, rustic because of the rough, exposed beams and glam because of the decorative light fixtures.
(Transitional) Coastal Cottage
Unlike a modern coastal home, this home exudes "cottage" with the mismatching furniture and colors and the very weathered walls along with vintage furniture.