Finding Your Personal Style: Tips for Discovering Your Interior Design Preferences

Discovering your personal design style is an exciting journey that allows you to create living spaces that truly reflect your unique personality and taste. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to redefine your current aesthetic, understanding your design preferences is key to curating a space that feels like home. We have put together some helpful tips to guide you in finding your personal style and creating spaces that resonate with you.

Explore Inspiration

fashion photography girl standing in vintage phone box in designer tracksuit and heels — *Image Source: Elle Magazine US*

Begin by gathering inspiration from various sources. Browse through design magazines, websites, social media platforms, and even visit art galleries or home decor stores. Save images that catch your eye, noticing recurring patterns, colors, and themes. This will help you identify the elements that appeal to you and start shaping your style preferences, even if you aren’t sure how to apply them yet!

Reflect on Your Lifestyle

empty concrete room with built in bench, and foldable doors to patio — *Image Source: Design Boom*

This is a big one! Consider your lifestyle and how you want your space to function. Are you drawn to a minimalistic and streamlined approach or a cozy and eclectic mix of textures? Reflect on your daily activities, hobbies, and how you use your living spaces. Understanding how you want your space to support and enhance your lifestyle will guide your design choices.

Take Note of Favourite Places

tropical, modernist warehouse with split level, built in wooden shelving, full glass walls, hammock and styled with tropical plants — *Image Source: Dezeen - Brutalist Tropical Home in Bali, Indonesia, by Patisandhika and Dan Mitchell*

Think about your favourite places that evoke a sense of comfort or inspiration. It could be a charming café, a luxurious hotel, or even a serene garden. Pay attention to the colours, textures, and overall ambiance of these spaces. Extracting elements that resonate with you will help define your design preferences and create a similar atmosphere in your own home.

Identify Key Patterns and Colours

styled room with wall tapestries, round bone inlay coffee table and modernist furniture — *Image Credit: Kat and Maouche*

Look for recurring patterns and colours in your favorite clothing, artwork, or even the natural environment around you. This can give you insights into your preferences and guide your choices when it comes to selecting patterns, textures, and colour palettes for your interiors. Whether you're drawn to bold and vibrant hues or soft and muted tones, these choices will help define your personal style.

Experiment and Refine

contemporary apartment with eclectic modern dining table, framed photography, styled shelves and living room — *Image Source: Flack Studios (Nth Fitzroy)*

Don't be afraid to experiment with different design styles. Start by incorporating small elements that align with your emerging preferences. Rearrange furniture, swap out accessories, or introduce new textiles to see how they impact the overall vibe of your space. Over time, you'll start to refine your style, discarding what doesn't resonate and embracing what truly reflects your taste.

Trust Your Instincts

styled seating area in landing to metal staircase with two upholstered armchairs, side table and potted tree — *Image Credit: Soho Home Norton Armchair, Pierre Frey Tsomba, Ecru US*

Remember that your personal style should be a reflection of your own preferences, not just the latest trends or what others might expect. Trust your instincts and choose what makes you feel happy and comfortable. Your home is an expression of your identity, and embracing your unique tastes will result in a space that feels authentic and welcoming.

Discovering your personal design style is a process of self-exploration and creativity. By exploring inspiration, reflecting on your lifestyle, and paying attention to your favourite places, patterns, and colours, you can start defining your design preferences. Remember to experiment, trust your instincts, and create a space that truly feels like home. Embracing your personal style will lead to a living environment that brings you joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging.