Do you feel overwhelmed when it comes to decorating your home? Do you need help figuring out where to start with so many choices available? Interior design can initially seem daunting, but figuring out your style is the key to making it more accessible.
Whether you're looking to remodel your entire home or spruce up just one room, you have to first identify your ideal design style. This blog post will help you determine which interior design style is best suited for your home.
How To Find Your Design Style
Finding your interior design style can be a fun and rewarding process. It's about personalising the space to make it your own and discovering which look speaks to you the most.
The best place to start is by looking at the elements in your home that you already love. What colours, textures, patterns, and shapes do you gravitate toward? Are there any common themes or styles that you're drawn to? First, take note of what you already have, then start exploring different design styles to see which one appeals to you most.
Another great way to find your design style is to look at what's trending. But remember, don’t rely on trends alone. Being unique in your choices is also key to having a great space. So pay attention to the latest looks, colours, and popular materials, while exploring which ones reflect your personality.
Next, browse through magazines and design blogs for inspiration. Finally, identify which elements of these designs you like the most and try incorporating them into your home.
Also, remember to look at the basics. Before choosing a design style, consider the size and shape of your room, the lighting, and the furniture in it. Certain types work better than others in each space.
By exploring different design styles and experimenting with different looks, you'll eventually find a style that speaks to you the most and will help make your house feel like a home.
The Different Types Of Design Styles
Design styles are the various visual approaches to design. They can range from contemporary and minimalist to industrial, mid-century modern, Scandinavian, and boho. Depending on the project, a designer may choose one style or mix elements from several styles for an individual look. Here are some of the most common design styles:
Contemporary
This style has a clean, modern look and feel. It is characterised by neutral colours, minimalist shapes and forms, and sleek materials. Contemporary can also refer to popular and trendy designs, like the
Minimalist
Minimalism emphasises simple shapes and forms, with lots of white space and clean lines, neutral colours, and a sparse design aesthetic. The focus is on creating a streamlined look with few distractions — like the
Industrial
Industrial interior design is another popular trend that takes inspiration from urban factories and industrial buildings. Think metal and concrete mixed with rustic wood pieces, exposed beams, and bulb lighting fixtures. In addition, it often relies heavily on potted plants, classic furniture pieces like leather sofas, and intricate details such as carved wood frames or ornate rug patterns. The
Mid-Century Modern
This style has a classic aesthetic rooted in the 1950s. It features bold geometric shapes and natural materials like wood, leather, and stone. An excellent way to set the theme is to embellish the space with pieces like the
Scandinavian
If you're looking for something more relaxed, Scandinavian interiors offer muted tones in natural materials. Scandinavian design is all about simplicity and functionality. Characterised by bright whites, natural woods, and neutral tones, this style creates a light, airy atmosphere. A fitting example is the
Another item would be the
Rustic
The Rustic design style takes inspiration from the outdoors, using natural materials like wood and stone to create a cosy atmosphere. Exposed beams, distressed furniture, and handmade touches complete the look. The
Maximalism
Unlike minimalism, it focuses on bold patterns, vivid colours, and intricate details. This style is often used in home decor to create an eclectic, distinctive look. For example, look at
Graphic pillows, vibrant art pieces and statement furniture are some of the ways to incorporate this style into your design, like
Boho
The boho design style creates a relaxed atmosphere with bright colours, erratic patterns, and vintage furniture. This style is often used in home decor to create a unique, eclectic, yet inviting space. A good piece that embodies this carefree home style is the
What If You Can't Decide On One Style?
If you struggle to narrow down your design style, don't worry – you are not alone! Many people have a hard time deciding on one particular style, and that's normal. However, instead of committing to one style, consider combining elements from different types to create a unique look that expresses your aesthetic.
For example, suppose you like the modern vibe of an industrial-style room and the cosy atmosphere of a traditional one. In that case, you can bring those two together by incorporating warm wood tones and rustic accents into the mix.
You can also create an eclectic look with furniture and accessories. Try mixing and matching different pieces from different styles to make a bold statement. When it comes to fabrics and patterns, try combining classic elements with more contemporary options to give your space some visual interest.
And to help you sort out your ideas, whether it's one or several styles mixed together, forming a mood board can make it easier for you to track what pieces to consider.
A mood board is a collection of images, fabric swatches, and other elements that help to create a visual representation of the look and feel of a space. Focus on one or two specific design styles when creating your mood board.
Start by collecting images online. Think about what elements make you most comfortable and add those images to your board. Consider colour schemes, furniture styles, textures, and accessories that draw your eye in. Assess the lighting, window treatments, and other details you like.
Once you have a few items in mind, use them to create a cohesive mood board that reflects your style. For example, you can use websites like Pinterest or Canva to create a digital mood board or a physical board with items like fabric swatches, paint chips, etc.
After completing your mood board, take some time to reflect on it and make any necessary changes or adjustments. The mood board will be an excellent reference for planning the space and choosing the items.
Choosing The Right Pieces For Your Space
When it comes to interior design, one size does not fit all. Just as each of us has our unique style, our homes should also reflect that. After all, our homes show who we are and what we love. Here are more tips for choosing your style:
Look around your home and take note of the things that make you happy. Do you have a collection of vintage finds? Are there specific colours or patterns that you're drawn to? This can be a great starting point in figuring out your design style.Think about the places that make you feel most comfortable. Then, whether it's a cosy café or a chic boutique hotel, pay attention to the details that stand out to you. These can be clues as to what kind of style you like.Take a look at your wardrobe. Do you gravitate towards certain styles when it comes to clothes? Your fashion sense can be an indicator of your design style preferences.
Once you've taken time to reflect on what you like, it's time to start shopping for pieces that match your style. Here are a few tips:
Remember to mix and match different styles. Just because you like mid-century modern furniture doesn't mean everything in your home needs to be from that era. Incorporating different types can add interest and personality to your space.Pay attention to the scale of the pieces you're buying. Make sure that the furniture and accessories you choose are in proportion to the size of your room. Oversized items can make a small space feel cramped, while too-small pieces can get lost in a large room.Choose timeless pieces. If you invest in quality furniture and accessories that stand the test of time, you won't have to worry about updating your space every few years.
Whatever your preference, it's crucial to find an interior design style that resonates with you and creates the kind of atmosphere you want in your home. With some experimentation, you'll soon find the perfect combination of furniture, colours, and textures to create your style.
Refine Your Style With Pieces from W Atelier
Finding your design style can be as simple as identifying what you like, understanding that trends come and go, and having the courage to stick with an aesthetic you are passionate about. Once you find your match, it will open up new possibilities for personalising your space.
At W. Atelier, we know the importance of creating a living space that fits your needs and represents who you are. Everyone should be able to express their creative side and find their match in home decorating.
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