Some people already have a defined style. They know exactly what suits them and what they like, and that is what they always gravitate to in all areas of their life. It might be a design style from a certain era, or perhaps a style from a particular country, or even more specific, by a professional interior designer. These people don’t have to worry about whether their design ideas will work, and they don’t have to spend lots of time working out which one to go for; they just know.
Other people find it much more difficult, and perhaps you are one of them. If so, there is nothing to worry about! Many people are in the same situation as you. After all, there are so many different, beautiful styles, each one with its own unique attractions, that it can be extremely hard to determine just which one is going to be best for you and your home. Having this problem in deciding which style to opt for can cause delays in your home renovation, and it can make it more expensive if you decide on one style and then change your mind.
There are some ways to make this all-important decision much easier, however, and we have put together some of them for you to try.
Look At Your Life
Although you may not think you have a dominant design aesthetic because you seem to like everything from antique furniture styles to the most modern of designs, there will be some clues as to what, deep down, it truly is that you like the best. When you start to look around your home at the furniture and objects already in it, or even at your clothes and preferences in literature and music in some cases, you will discover a common theme.
What is your taste like? Is it bright and colorful, full of vibrancy and excitement? Or is it more muted and elegant, sophisticated in its look and feel? This is the best place to start as, whatever is already in your home is clearly something you can live with at least, and at best it is something that you already enjoy.
What Do You Do?
Once you have determined the look of your current home. it is time to look at how you will use that knowledge. Do you spend most of your time in your home because you work there, for example? Are you hardly there at all due to a long commute? Do you enjoy going out with friends as much as possible? If you are home more often than not, then it might be that comfort is your main priority. If you are out a lot more, then the design can come first (although, of course, there are many items of furniture that can be both stylish and comfortable).
Think about each room individually. Then use the results to come up with a style that will link everything together. Your kitchen might be functional or fancy, depending on how much you enjoy cooking. Your bathroom might be designed to be a sanctuary, or simply a place for a quick wash and check in the mirror.
Find Inspiration
If you’re having trouble coming up with any ideas, leave your home completely so that you’re no longer surrounded by it. Go for a walk or a drive around your neighborhood. When you’re out, you can take the opportunity to look at other people’s design ideas. We don’t mean sneaking around in other people’s yards and looking through their windows. However, as you’re passing by, you might spot something that would work perfectly for you. Perhaps give you the inspiration you need to design everything else to go along with it.
Read Magazines
Alternatively, there are dozens of design magazines you can browse through. You can then take your time to look at the pages and see if anything strikes you as ideal. Or use the internet to search for different ideas; there are thousands out there!
When looking at the magazines, tear out the pages or images that interest you the most and put them together in a collage or a scrapbook. Don’t look at them right away; wait until you’re finished with your magazines and then look at what you have collected. It is likely that you will see a theme emerging from the images that took your eye. Maybe it is a color that links them all together or a shape. Perhaps an era that each style comes from, or it is the soft furnishings that have made you interested. Using this predominant style as your basis for your new design you should be able to come up with something wonderful.
Try A Quiz
While you’re online, an internet design style quiz might help you. These are in no way scientifically based, but they are quite a lot of fun! In the process of completing the answers, you will be able to think truthfully about what it is you want in your home which will narrow down your choices considerably. You might even find out a little more about yourself and your likes and dislikes, helping you even more. Be careful not to input any personal data, however, because identity theft can happen so easily online.
Ask An Expert
If you are completely confused about what kind of design style you should choose, then speak to an interior design expert to get some ideas and help. You will need to pay for this service, but their expertise will enable you to live in a beautiful home that suits you perfectly. It will depend on your budget and how much help you need.
This post is a collaboration and may contain relevant affiliate links. All opinions are our own and for informational purposes only.