How Do You Know Your Design Style – And How to Find It
Have you ever walked into a beautifully designed space and thought, “Wow, I wish my home looked like this!” But when you try to recreate it, something doesn’t quite feel right? That’s likely because it’s not your style. Understanding your personal interior design style is essential to creating a home that reflects who you are, supports your lifestyle, and makes you feel truly at home.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through how to discover your interior design style, why it matters, and how working with a professional interior designer can transform your space and save you time, money, and frustration.
Why Your Interior Design Style Matters
Your home should be your sanctuary—a space that aligns with your personality, values, and lifestyle. When your home is designed with intention, it’s not only more beautiful, but also more functional and relaxing.
Knowing your design style can help you:
Make better furniture and decor decisions
Avoid costly design mistakes
Shop more efficiently
Create a cohesive look throughout your space
Feel more connected to your environment
But how do you figure out what your style is—especially when you like a little bit of everything? Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Understand the Core Interior Design Styles
Before identifying your personal preferences, it helps to understand the foundational styles that dominate the interior design world. Here are a few popular ones:
1. Modern
“Modern luxury living room with neutral palette, textured wall panels, built-in shelving, walnut cabinetry, and sculptural pendant lighting.”
Clean lines, minimalism, and neutral color palettes define this style. Think open spaces, sleek furniture, and a “less is more” philosophy.
2. Traditional
“Elegant traditional living room with a white carved fireplace, landscape painting, floral arrangements, and classic furniture in a soft neutral palette.”
Classic furnishings, rich color schemes, and ornate details are hallmarks of traditional style. It’s elegant, timeless, and comforting.
3. Transitional
“Modern minimalist living room with curved white boucle sofas, round coffee tables, neutral color palette, and open-concept wood kitchen design.”
A blend of traditional and modern, transitional design features curved lines alongside clean silhouettes, offering the best of both worlds.
4. Bohemian
Eclectic, colorful, and full of personality. Boho style embraces layered textiles, global-inspired patterns, and a relaxed vibe.
5. Mid-Century Modern
“Modern dining nook with curved mustard velvet banquette seating, round stone pedestal table, gold pendant light, and minimalist framed abstract art.”
Retro yet timeless, this style is known for its organic shapes, tapered legs, and earthy tones. It’s functional and stylish.
6. Industrial
“Modern industrial loft living room with exposed brick wall, open mezzanine, metal staircase, mid-century furniture, and cozy layered rugs in neutral tones.”
Exposed brick, raw materials, and utilitarian design are key features. It’s rugged, edgy, and perfect for loft-style living.
7. Coastal
Light, breezy, and inspired by the beach. Expect soft blues, sandy neutrals, and natural textures like rattan and driftwood.
8. Scandinavian
“Modern minimalist living room with neutral-toned sofas, large flat-screen TV, natural wood accents, and Scandinavian-inspired decor with indoor plants.”
Minimalist, functional, and cozy. Think white walls, wooden elements, and simple forms.
Step 2: Audit Your Existing Space and Lifestyle
Walk through your current home and ask yourself a few key questions:
What do I love most about my current space?
What frustrates me or feels “off”?
Which rooms do I spend the most time in, and how do I use them?
Do I prioritize comfort, function, aesthetics—or all three?
Also consider your lifestyle:
Do you entertain often?
Do you have kids or pets?
Do you need a space that supports remote work or creativity?
Your design style should not only reflect your personality but also support how you live.
Step 3: Seek Inspiration
Visual research is key to discovering your design style. Try the following:
1. Pinterest Boards
Create a board and start pinning rooms, furniture, color palettes, and materials you love. Don’t overthink it—go with your gut.
2. Magazines and Books
Interior design magazines like Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, or House Beautiful are filled with curated inspiration.
3. Instagram and TikTok
Follow designers, stylists, and home influencers. Look for hashtags like #InteriorDesignInspo or #DreamHome.
4. Real Homes
Take note of what you like when visiting friends, hotels, or Airbnb stays.
Pro Tip: After you’ve gathered a decent amount of images (20-30 is ideal), look for patterns. Are there recurring elements? Do you see a lot of clean lines, bold color, or vintage pieces? That’s your subconscious telling you what you love.
Step 4: Take an Interior Design Style Quiz
Sometimes it helps to get a bit of guidance. Design style quizzes can be fun and informative. While no quiz is perfect, it can help narrow down your preferences to categories like:
Modern Farmhouse
Urban Industrial
French Country
Minimalist
Maximalist
Art Deco
Look for results that feel right—don’t force yourself into a box. Most people are a blend of styles, which leads us to the next step…
Step 5: Identify Your “Style Mix”
Most people are drawn to a hybrid of two or three styles. You might like the clean minimalism of Scandinavian design with the warmth of traditional touches. Or perhaps you love boho layers paired with mid-century furniture.
Naming your mix can give you clarity. Try phrases like:
Modern Coastal
Rustic Glam
Eclectic Minimalist
Industrial Bohemian
Use this style mix as your filter when shopping or making design decisions. It keeps your space feeling cohesive and uniquely you.
Step 6: Define Your Signature Elements
Now that you know your style mix, get more specific by identifying key elements that appeal to you:
Favorite colors and materials (wood tones, metals, stone)
Furniture shapes and finishes (rounded edges, matte black, brass)
Textiles you love (linen, velvet, wool)
Types of decor (abstract art, plants, vintage finds)
Use these as guidelines—not rules—when decorating your space.
Step 7: Start Small and Experiment
If you’re still unsure, start with one room or even a small corner.
Create a reading nook with a new chair and lamp
Restyle your bookshelf or coffee table
Swap out your bedding and curtains
Seeing real changes in your space will help you fine-tune your preferences and boost your confidence.
Step 8: Hire a Professional Interior Designer
Even if you have a good sense of your style, translating that vision into a polished, functional space can be overwhelming. That’s where a professional interior designer comes in.
💡 Why Hire a Professional Interior Designer?
Here’s what a designer brings to the table:
✅ Expertise
Interior designers are trained to balance aesthetics, function, and flow. They know how to make your home work for you.
✅ Budget Strategy
Designers help you avoid costly mistakes and get the most value for your investment. They know where to splurge and where to save.
✅ Time Savings
Coordinating materials, furniture, trades, and timelines can be a full-time job. A designer takes care of the details so you can enjoy the process.
✅ Access to Trade Resources
Designers have access to exclusive furnishings, custom pieces, and trusted vendors that you wouldn’t find on your own.
✅ Cohesive Vision
You might know what you like, but a designer helps you pull it all together into a unified, professional look.
🎯 Make Your Dream Space a Reality
Your home should reflect you—not just what’s trending. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to refresh your space, discovering your personal interior design style is the first step.
If you’re ready to bring your vision to life with clarity and confidence, consider hiring a professional interior designer. It’s not just about luxury—it’s about creating a home that supports your lifestyle, elevates your everyday experience, and makes you proud of your space.
Ready to find your style and transform your space? Let’s talk. Schedule your interior design consultation today and let’s build something beautiful together.
“Serving Newport Beach, California, and all of Orange County—plus clients nationwide—contact us today to get expert service wherever you are!”