How to Define Your Personal Style in 6 Easy Steps

It can take a lifetime to find your personal interior design style because your aesthetic is a direct reflection of your own personal journey. The good news is that finding your personal style can be a celebration of your individuality—rather than an epic search for one defining design style or genre. Even though our tastes are always changing, there are easy ways to take stock of our ebbing likes and dislikes, and there are so many different interior design styles to identify with. Here are 6 easy ways to get the ball rolling on finding your personal style.

1. look at your current furniture

Take inventory of the current furniture in your home to understand what lines and textiles you enjoy. Is your sofa a traditional piece with rolled arms, or does it have clean, modern lines? Is your sectional covered in a mahogany leather, or is it upholstered in a dove tweed? Start to uncover the common threads between the fabrics, shapes, and colors you admire.

2. curate items you cherish

Finding your true personal style is more about curating than decorating. Take note of the objects you cherish in your home. Do they remind you of meaningful events? Do they evoke a certain mood? Take some time to reflect why these objects are important to you.

3. peek inside your closet

Believe it or not, our wardrobes can reflect our interior design tastes. Do you stick to neutrals, or do you wear bold, bright colors? Is being cozy a big priority for you, or do you sacrifice comfort to rock stilettos every day? Are you a minimalist or a maximalist? What feels comfortable to you? Look at the colors, patterns, textures, and silhouettes in your closet to get a better idea of your personal taste.

4. take stock of your interests

Think about your passions and hobbies to help narrow down your personal tastes. Are you an avid yogi? Do you have pets? Are you a gourmet chef? Introspection is crucial in the design process to ensure your space feels like home and is aligned with your priorities and passions.

5. consider your home’s location

Your home’s location is a part of its design narrative. Do you live in a vintage greystone beauty, or in a modern high-rise? What’s the history behind your space? While your home’s architectural style doesn’t need to dictate your interior design, it can influence both your lifestyle and aesthetic.

Most importantly, think about how you want to feel in your home.Thoughtful design can help us architect our moods and support our goals. When defining your style, it’s helpful to consider the emotions you want your home to evoke. Do you want to feel peaceful, inspired, or energized? Is your home a zen retreat or a lively party house? Our homes can influence the way we feel, so it’s important to be intentional about our design choices.