HOW TO: Know Your Style

Hey babe, what’s your style?

While this may actually work as a pickup line on us here at design plEASE, if it leaves you scratching your head or wondering what styles like “industrial” and “eclectic” actually mean, read on. 

Although we don’t believe that anyone strictly falls within one interior design style, having a sense of what preference(s) you lean towards can be helpful when it comes to planning out your spaces, shopping for decor, and refreshing for seasons and holidays. Use this information as a starting point, and then mix and match and add in other touches that speak to you to make it your own.

So, how do I find my interior design style?

Start by taking stock of your current space. Look at your furniture and decor, the clothes in your closet, your Pinterest boards, and what you’re inherently drawn to in other places and stores. Take note of what you like, and what you don’t like when it comes to:

• Color Palettes - Are you most comfortable around light neutrals like whites, greys, and beiges, earthy hues like browns and greens, pastel or bright colors, or dark gem tones?
  
  
• Pattern & Shapes - Do you like lots of pattern, texture, and layers, or do you prefer simple, solid, smooth surfaces? Are you drawn to geometric shapes, floral and abstract designs, or clean lines and stripes?
  
  
• Materials - Do natural fibers and materials like wood, linen, and cotton fill your spaces, do you lean towards plush fabrics like velvet and chenille, or are metal, glass, and cement more your vibe?
  
  
• Statement Pieces & Accents - Is your eye automatically drawn to certain pieces like a vintage rug, a rattan armchair, or a Sputnik chandelier? Do you stick to limited, simple, functional objects to keep your space uncluttered, or do you love knickknacks, bold artwork, throw pillows, and antiques?

Now consider how you want your home to feel. What mood do you want to set?

• Cozy and warm, or sleek and spacious?
• Light and airy, moody and dramatic, or bold and expressive?
• Casual and simple, formal and ornate, or raw and edgy?

Hopefully, a picture of your aesthetic is starting to come together. If not, take a little time to gather inspiration from your daily life. Snap photos of spaces or design components you admire, save images from magazines or websites, or browse the style sections to see what calls your name. Don’t overthink it - just collect a few samples, then look for common themes and characteristics to use as a guide.

Okay, so what’s my style?

With the detail you’ve gathered so far in mind, read through the general descriptions of the styles below to identify what best aligns with your aesthetic. Remember that you can always fine tune and adjust, and that there will likely be components of different styles that you may want to combine to make your own unique look.

• Bohemian & Eclectic - This style features vibrant, diverse colors and earthy tones combined with a variety of contrasting patterns, prints, shapes, and layered textures. It emphasizes natural materials like oak, rattan, and houseplants, along with soft textiles. Accents are abundant and often include global influences such as tapestries, lanterns, and candles, creating a free-spirited atmosphere. Furniture is a mix of different looks, making the space feel warm and comfortable, exuberant, and full of individuality.
  
  
• 
  Coastal - The coastal style uses soft blues, whites, and sandy tones to create 
   a light, bright, airy aesthetic. It incorporates minimal patterns and natural materials and fabrics like driftwood, jute, cotton, and linen. Open spaces are complemented by nautical elements, understated shapes and textures, and comfortable casual furniture, resulting in a serene, breezy vibe reminiscent of a relaxing beachfront vacation.
  
  
• Farmhouse & Rustic - This style is defined by neutral, earthy tones such as white, gray, and beige, paired with subtle patterns, cozy layers, and comfortable fabrics. Natural materials like reclaimed wood and stone are key elements, along with vintage pieces and woven baskets. Distressed furniture and fixtures contribute to the warm, inviting charm of a countryside home or cabin.
  
  
• Industrial & Minimalist - Industrial and minimalist interiors use predominantly neutral cool tones like white, black, and gray. Clean lines, geometric shapes, and solids with occasional high-contrast pattern dominate the design, alongside raw, unfinished, smooth materials such as metal, concrete, and glass. Limited, functional accents and furniture along with exposed structural elements create an open, uncluttered, urban, and edgy space that’s all about simplicity.
  
  
• Modern & Contemporary - These styles are slightly more varied and can include
  
  both neutral monochromatic colors and pops of bright color. Sleek lines and organic shapes highlight warm woods like teak and walnut, minimal patterns such as stripes, and uncluttered surfaces. Selective statement pieces in the form of bold artwork or furniture stand out among minimal accents. This style blends mid-century elegance with the cutting-edge sophistication of today, resulting in an open and timeless aesthetic.
  
  
• Traditional - Traditional interiors feature rich, warm colors such as burgundy and forest green, along with intricate patterns and rounded shapes. Luxurious textures and fabrics like silk and velvet are paired with dark woods, ornate details and accents, vintage pieces and antique furniture, Persian rugs and textiles, and plush cushions. The style emphasizes formal symmetry and classic elegance while maintaining a comfortable and inviting charm.

Got it, now what?

Now that you have an initial idea of what your preferred interior design style(s) is, start to browse and try it out! Use our shop by style feature, or make it even easier on yourself and shop by style bundles. Remember that this is just to give you direction and that the most interesting spaces combine different looks, new and old, and purchased items with personal keepsakes to make them unique.

Don't worry about getting it "right" according to any pre-defined description or image, but rather continue to explore, refine, and make tweaks until it feels right to you. And the next time someone asks about your style, you won't miss a beat.

Happy designing!