3 Tips to Help You Define Your Style.
Photo: Aimée Mazzenga
When it comes to interior design, trying to figure out what design style best represents your personality can be challenging. But did you know there are subtle hints all around us that can help identify our likes and dislikes and get us one step closer to narrowing down our fave design styles? And yes, I said styles (plural). You don’t have to limit yourself to just one style. In my home, I love to mix mid-century modern and a little boho with modern farmhouse and industrial. And if I get crazy, I throw in a little vintage. The key is knowing how to put it all together in a cohesive way. That’s where a designer can help. But first, let’s cover some fundamentals.
Here are 3 tips to help you define your style:
TIP #1: LOOK IN YOUR CLOSET
How would you describe your wardrobe? What colors do you see? Do you gravitate toward patterns or solids? Don’t forget to check inside your jewelry drawer. Do you prefer statement jewelry, vintage pieces or understated delicate jewelry? Often times, your personal style is the same as your interior style. For example, if you like to wear statement earrings, you’d be up for a big bold piece in your home that draws attention. Maybe a colorful accent wall or large gingham upholstered couch.
TIP #2: ANALYZE YOUR PINS
Go to Pinterest and start pinning anything that speaks to you. Don’t think about anyone or anything else. What jumps out at you? It doesn’t have to make sense, be cohesive, in a certain color palette…none of that. Just pin it!
When you’re done, step back and look at some of your favorite pins. Do you see anything in common with these photos? If you examine your inspiration photos, often times you’ll find a common thread running throughout them. Also, make sure to remove any inspiration photos that don’t resonate with you anymore. Our tastes change and what we liked a year ago may not be our style anymore. Remove anything that doesn’t represent you right now.
In the example to the right, I would consider this design style Modern Mediterranean. Clean lines, brass & black hardware, concrete, texture, hand-painted tiles, & stucco.
TIP #3: WHERE DO YOU LOVE TO SHOP?
If you could shop anywhere for your home decor, where would you go? Me? Schoolhouse, Rejuvenation, Anthro Home, Room & Board are just a few of my faves. I’m a sucker for the classics, something with a clean line that serves a utilitarian purpose, and a touch of quirkiness. When on a budget, you can find me walking the aisles of Target, World Market or the occasional pop in to the local boutique. But if you call me and ask me to join you
When you shop, how would you describe the items your fav shop sells? How does it make you feel when you shop there? What do you notice about the decor, lighting, furnishings, etc.? If these stores aren’t in your budget, you can still use the style as inspiration when looking for something less expensive for your home.
Let’s take a look at some popular design styles.
FARMHOUSE:
A farmhouse design style is rooted in actual farmhouses or shelters that were built specifically for farmers. It’s a style that prioritizes practicality, simplicity, and rustic charm.There are two distinct aesthetics: ClassicFarmhouse and Modern Farmhouse.
CLASSIC CHARACTERISTICS:
- Vintage Pieces
- Reclaimed Wood
- Rustic Charm
- Neutral Color PaletteApron Sinks
- Exposed Wood Beams
- Open Shelving
- Mismatched Furniture
- Barn Doors
MODERN CHARACTERISTICS:
- All Elements of Classic, With a Few Added Modern Twists
- Minimalist Decor
- Shiplap
- Modern Statement Lighting
- Smooth, Clean Lines
- Industrial Touches
INDUSTRIAL:
Today, the industrial aesthetic can be seen in both modern and contemporary design schemes.Incorporating raw materials such as steel, wire, concrete, etc. and exposed architecture like wood beams & ductwork are all staple elements of this intentionally unfinished yet cohesive style.
CHARACTERISTICS:
- Wide Open Spaces
- Statement Lights with Exposed Bulbs or Caged Pendants
- Repurposed or UpcycledFurniture
- Mix & Match Metals with Glass
- Concrete Slab Counters
- Live-Edge Tables or Shelving
- Dark Tones
CALIFORNIA CHIC:
This design style is a dreamy, pillowy, breezy escape that lends itself to bright, light hues, comfortable fabrics and understated luxury. This popular design style emphasizes clean modern lines with a touch of texture and rustic charm.
CHARACTERISTICS:
- Neutral Color Palette
- Bright & Airy
- Various Light Wood Tones
- Casual Vibe
- Warm LightingCrisp White Linens
- Natural Fiber Textiles
- Soft, Comfortable Furniture
- Natural Stone Elements
MIDCENTURY MODERN:
This style originated during the middle of the 20th century, 1940s-1960s, and embodied the need for functional, simple, clean lines indicative of what the world needed at that time. Home design in the mid-1900s perfected the execution of seamlessly carrying the MCM design aesthetic from the home exterior to the interior spaces. This distinct style differs from a straight forward modern design through its use of bright accent colors and its fresh retro vibes.
CHARACTERISTICS:
- Simple & Functional
- Curved Plywood
- Molded Fiberglass
- Graceful, Organic Silhouettes
- Neutrals & Bold Pops of Color
- Minimal Aesthetic
- Innovative Furniture Design
- Wood Veneers
- No Embellishments
SPANISH:
Spanish interior design is full of texture & natural hues that look like derivatives of organic pigments. Terracotta orange, burnt red, white & sand hues. The warm, earthy & welcoming aesthetic is known for its architectural interests;curves juxtaposed to clean lines, ironwork, handpainted tiles & tall ceilings.
CHARACTERISTICS:
- Dark Floors
- White & Lighted Colored Walls
- Stucco & Stone
- Arches
- Curved Windows
- Colorful Decorative Tiles
- Wrought Iron
- Warm Hues
- Natural Materials Like Wood
BOHEMIAN:
Boho style unleashes color, texture and pattern that offers a free-spirited and relaxed aesthetic. This style mixes different cultures and artistic expressions into an eclectic style with an emphasis on layers, organic elements, and nature.
CHARACTERISTICS:
- Lots of Layers
- Mix of Textures & Patterns
- Eclectic
- Global-Inspired
- SO Many Plants!
- Bold Colors
- Vintage Pieces
- Versatile
- Mix of Furniture
I hope this information helps get you started on defining your design style. An extension of my business, Ascend Design Home is an opportunity for me to help homeowners create beautiful living spaces that represent who they are and their design style. If you need help with your home design, book your discovery call today or read more about my design services here → AD Home
