As the new year begins, I find myself reflecting on how my interior design style has evolved. It got me contemplating the interior design process itself. And I figured when’s a better time to help you find your interior design style then in the New Year. After all the New Year is a great time to revitalize your space in a way that truly reflects your individuality right and today I’m going to help you do that!
Read more: 9 Easy Tips To Help You Find Your Interior Design Style In The New Year!Interior Design Inspiration or Noise?
Before I get into my own personal experience trying to figure out what my interior design style was, I want to touch on some topics that have created a lot of noise in interior design in 2023. For starters, social media has greatly influenced the way we approach interior design. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have made it easy for us to curate our own style and get inspired by others.
With social media, home decor is no longer confined to magazines or television shows; it’s now accessible in the palm of our hands. Additionally, we’ve all felt the urge at one point or another to jump on a trend or replicate a design that we are enamored we’ve seen on social media. However, I believe that true interior design style comes from within and is not solely based on trends or what others are doing.
And listen, unless you are living under a literal rock, it would be virtually impossible to not be somewhat inspired by the things we are seeing day to day. And in fact, even in another’s style we can see a little bit of ourselves at times. For instance, you might find yourself loving a particularly trend. Or maybe you feel really inspired by a particular interior style.
I’ll share my own experiences for example, I was over the top in love with all the chrome and steel home details. Silver, steel and chrome were huge in 2023 and will probably continue to be! However, I had to stop myself from going chrome crazy. Ultimately, what I learned from that was that I have such an appreciation now for material and texture that I might not have had before. My style had in fact evolved right before my own eyes.
Another example I can share is that my home towards the end of the year started to be reminiscent of some European elements. At least to myself! I’ve spent so much time in Europe and Scandinavia that I dreamt of cozy dining room libraries and sleek material focused bedroom furniture. In some ways I had subconsciously started to pull some of those details that I loved in places I’ve seen before. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Inspiration can lie in our subconscious until we start to think about the reasons why a style speaks to us.
In fact, finding your own unique interior design style can be a journey of self-discovery. It’s about understanding your personal preferences, lifestyle, and values and translating that into the way you decorate your home. It’s not about copying what’s on trend or what others are doing, but rather finding a style that truly reflects who you are as an individual. So let’s jump into some helpful tips in finding your interior design style in 2024.
#1 Start with a Blank Canvas
The first step in discovering your interior style is to start with a blank canvas. This means removing any items that don’t spark joy or belong to your previous style. This will help you appreciate the style you already have and also give you room to layer a new perspective. Begin with the furniture, which is the foundational aspect of any room, and consider keeping pieces that you love and ditching those that don’t tie you in aesthetically. A blank canvas will also give you the opportunity to evaluate your wall color and flooring options.
#2 Research and Gather Inspiration
Once you’ve cleared your space of unnecessary clutter, start gathering inspiration for your interior style. Gather inspiration from various sources such as magazines, Pinterest board, and blogs. Inspiration can come in many forms: a statement piece of furniture, a color scheme, a unique texture, or even a favorite plant. Inspiration can spark creativity and bring new ideas that you never thought you’d love. Remember the idea is not to copy, rather to draw motivation and create a cohesive style that you’ll adore.
#3 Consider the Purpose of Your Space
Your interior style should not only be visually appealing, but also practical. Consider the purpose of your space and how it will be used. For instance, a family room will require durable furniture that can withstand wear and tear, while a bedroom needs a calming atmosphere for you to rest in. This can help you to choose the right decor, color scheme, and style to create an ambiance that suits your needs.
#4 Consider What You Want To Feel
When designing your interior style, it’s important to consider not just how you want the space to look, but also how you want it to feel. Your home should be a reflection of your personality and should evoke emotions that make you feel comfortable and at ease. Think about what kind of atmosphere you want to create in each room and choose elements that will help bring that feeling to life.
#5 Play With Color
Color can greatly impact the mood and atmosphere of a space. Experiment with different color schemes to find the one that best represents your style and evokes the desired emotion. Start by choosing a base color, then add accent colors for interest and depth. Don’t be afraid of bold colors, but also consider incorporating neutral tones for balance.
Using the color wheel when selecting colors for your space will create a sense of balance and harmony. However, don’t be afraid to add a playful hue to your room, and mix it with soft-toned colors to create a unique blend. Understanding whether you want cool or warm tones in a particular room can make a difference and decide what colors to go with in the room as a whole.
#6 Mix and Match Patterns
Incorporating patterns into your interior style can add texture and visual interest. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different patterns, just make sure they have a common color scheme or theme to tie them together. Consider using patterns on accent pieces such as throw pillows or area rugs to add a pop of personality without overwhelming the space.
#7 Make Sure There Is Always Balance
Balance is key in creating an aesthetically pleasing space. Make sure to distribute visual weight evenly throughout the room by mixing larger pieces with smaller ones, and incorporating different heights and textures. Also, consider symmetry when arranging furniture or decor to create a sense of order and balance.
#8 Don’t Forget About Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and atmosphere of a space. Make sure to incorporate different types of lighting, including ambient, task, and accent lighting. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles of light fixtures to add interest and personality.
#9 Display Your Personal Touch
Finally, a great way to create an atmosphere in your home is to showcase your personal touch through accessories and decor. These features are a reflection of your personality and a chance to infuse your space with character and charm. Whether it’s artwork, photographs, textiles, or plants, these details help to communicate your style and tell a story about who you are.
Discovering your interior style can be an exciting and fulfilling process. It’s a chance to create a space that is uniquely your own and that you’ll love spending time in. By starting with a blank canvas, gathering inspiration, considering the purpose of your space, mixing and matching, and displaying your personal touch, you can create an ambiance that is not only visually appealing, but also practical for your lifestyle. Take the new year as an opportunity to embrace the challenge and create a space that feels welcoming, comfortable, and puts a smile on your face.
