How to Find Your Design Style

Your home is a reflection of your personality, and your design style should portray that. However, finding your own design style can be challenging, especially with so many different styles to choose from. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to update your current decor, here are some tips on how to find your own design style:

1. Take Inspiration From Your Surroundings: Look around your home and neighborhood for inspiration. Consider the architecture, natural surroundings, and the overall vibe of your community. Take note of what you like and don't like, and use this as a starting point for your design style. Pay attention to these elements when you’re on vacation, too as architecture can change so much city to city, especially country to country. You may fall in love with a design style from elsewhere in the world and be able to incorporate it in your own home.

2. Create a Mood Board: A mood board is a collage of images, textures, and colors that represent your design style. You can create a physical mood board using magazine clippings or create a digital mood board using Pinterest or other online tools. Collect images that inspire you and reflect your personality, and use these to guide your design decisions.

3. Identify Key Elements: Look at your existing furniture and decor and identify key elements that you love. This could be a specific color, pattern, or material. Use these key elements as a foundation for your design style and incorporate them into your new decor.

4. Consider Your Lifestyle: Your design style should reflect your lifestyle. Consider how you use your home and what activities you enjoy. For example, if you have kids and pets, you may want to choose durable, easy-to-clean fabrics and materials.

5. Experiment: Don't be afraid to try new things and experiment with different styles. Mix and match different elements to create a unique look that reflects your personality. Take risks and have fun with your design choices.

Finding your own design style is a process of self-discovery and experimentation. After discovering what elements of design you enjoy and tend to gravitate towards, you can learn what design category fits your style best. This will help narrow down your focus when designing a space and ensure there is a congruency amongst the items in your home. Remember to have fun and trust your instincts as you create a space that you love. Your home is not anyone else's but yours and your family's to enjoy so be sure to fill it with pieces that reflect this.