Every day we are confronted with floods of different images and ideas about the latest interior trends.
Rather like going on a long shopping trip, it can become overwhelming to the point of confusion. So that you’re no longer sure what you even like anymore.
Do you truly love that particular decor? Or is it just you’ve seen so much of it, that you’ve been convinced you do?
Does it really matter? Wouldn’t it be so much easier to faithfully copy the stylists or interior designers when decorating your home? Why is it so important to have your own interior style? You could simply select an image of a room interior that has been defined as on-trend. Then follow it like a blueprint, from the decorating scheme, to the furniture and right down to all the home accessories.
But that wouldn’t make it your own.
Your home is so much a part of who you are. It is a reflection of you, much in the same way your clothes are. And similarly, just as clothes that aren’t your style don’t feel right. Decorating your home for the sake of fashion, rather than creating a home that you genuinely love is probably going to make you feel uncomfortable. And your home is the one place where you want to feel … well, at home!
Another thing to bear in mind is that a stylist will create a design for a specific room depending on its size and layout. What works for one room won’t necessarily translate the same way in another.
So how do you find your personal interior style?
1) Research
Start by gathering together a large pile of interior magazines. Or, go online and browse design blogs and sites like Pinterest. Keep a notebook and pen to hand.
Look through all the images, but don’t pause or study them for too long. And each time you are drawn to something, tear it out or save it. Then write down the first thing that comes to mind about why you like it. but don’t over-think it.
Likewise, if you see any interiors that you take an instant dislike to, keep a note of those as well. And write down the reason why.
2) Analyse
Within a short time you will have hopefully collected a nice compilation of images. Now it’s time to go through them again. This time in greater depth.
Try to look for similarities and common themes. Read back on the notes you wrote for all of the images. Is there some kind of pattern emerging?
3) Focus
Take a look at these specific areas:
Colour – Is there one specific hue that repeats itself in your images? Or perhaps it’s a colour scheme like neutrals, monochrome, bright or cool shades?
Materials – Do you find that you are drawn to certain materials like warm wood, sleek steel, patterned fabrics or funky coloured plastics?
Styles – Is there a similar decor theme that keeps appearing over and over? Or even two contrasting interior looks?
Perhaps you never considered yourself a minimalist, but find that you’re attracted to the uncluttered look of minimalism. You might discover that the common thread that connects the homes you selected is that they are Scandinavian or industrial style spaces. Or that you love Mediterranean and rustic interiors but also like vintage and Mid-Century Modern.
4) Compile
You have now built up a picture of your interior style. It might be a combination of two contrasting or complimentary looks. There isn’t a set rule. Your personal style doesn’t have to fit in one particular box. And it doesn’t have to have a single name. Remember, all interior themes have evolved and been influenced by what came before.
But there is still more to consider.
What do you love? What inspires you? And where have you been that you were happiest? It might have been your grandmother’s house. Or a trip somewhere exotic. Think about adding some elements that remind you of those places into your home.
You’ll now be able to design your home in your own signature style.
But even once you have found your look, you don’t have to rigidly stick with it. Your ideas will change over time. Let your home evolve with you.
Create an inspiration folder of all the things you love. Be guided by new trends and innovations, but don’t follow them slavishly.
Find interior designers, architects or stylists that you admire and learn from their styles. But instead of copying their look literally, extract the key elements you like and blend them to create something original that is your own.
Inspiration is everywhere. A walk in the forest might inspire you to bring more nature into your home with some plants or even artwork.
A lifestyle change, or a move to a new city may make you re-think your home and how you want it to be.
The most important thing is that your home is a place where you love to be. And one that makes you feel comfortable and happy.
Do you have any other tips for finding your interior style? And which images in this post did you like the most? Please tell me in the comments below.
