What is My Interior Design Style? 5 Simple Steps to Find Your Perfect Style
Before starting any project—whether it’s a renovation, decoration, or new build—it’s super important to figure out your interior design style. Having a clear idea of what you like (and don’t like) will make the entire process smoother, especially if you’re working with an interior designer.
Why Defining Your Style Matters
If you hire an interior designer, you’ll need to communicate your preferences clearly. This doesn’t mean you need to know every single detail upfront, but having an understanding of your style will help your designer create a space that reflects your taste. It’s the first thing I ask about in a design consultation, and the people who arrive with even a rough sense of it get far more out of the ninety minutes than the ones who don’t.
Even if you’re not working with a designer, I hear people say all the time, “It looked amazing in the store, but once I brought it home, it just felt off.” This usually happens because you haven’t identified your style. You’re just picking things that look good online or in a showroom, and in the end, none of it really fits together. This is a fundamental part of interior design—knowing your style from the start prevents that mismatch and helps everything come together.
Where to Begin: Focus on What You Don’t Like
Don’t stress if you’re not sure what your style is yet. Sometimes it’s easier to start by figuring out what you don’t like. You might notice you dislike certain colours, patterns, or materials—and that’s just as valuable as knowing what you love.
Start by browsing any platform that gives you home inspiration, like Pinterest, Instagram, or interior design blogs. As you scroll through, create two lists: one for things you love and one for things you hate. You’ll quickly start to see patterns in your preferences.
It’s also a great idea to ask friends or family for input. Sometimes, they know your style better than you do!
Breaking Down Your Style Preferences
Once you’ve gathered some ideas, start noting down the key features of what you like and dislike. Keep it simple; don’t overthink it. Here are a few areas to consider:
- Colour: Do you prefer light colours or dark, moody tones? Do you lean towards neutral shades or vibrant pops of colour?
- Shape: Are you drawn to organic, flowing shapes, or do you prefer geometric and sharp-edged designs?
- Materials: Do you like wood, metal, or brass? Soft fabrics, rustic tiles, or marble?
- Overall Vibe: Do you prefer a minimal, clean look? Or are you more into cosy, warm spaces? Maybe you love a strong, dramatic impact.
By defining these aspects, you’ll already have a strong foundation to communicate with your designer or guide your own design choices. If you want to go a level deeper, those four headings are more or less the 7 elements of interior design — space, line, form, light, colour, texture and pattern — which is the framework designers are quietly working from every time we judge a room.
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Popular Interior Design Styles
If you want to dive deeper, here are some popular interior design styles. See which one resonates with you the most—it might just help you discover your style!
Scandinavian
Colour — Soft neutrals like white, grey and beige, lifted by small pops of muted colour.
Shape — Clean lines and simple forms, with softly rounded edges that keep a room feeling calm.
Materials — Pale timbers, light-toned furniture, and soft natural fabrics like wool, linen and cotton.
Vibe — Light, airy and pared back. Scandinavian design is about a peaceful, functional home with very little clutter.
Where to find inspiration — IKEA is the most accessible starting point. For the design history behind the look, the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto and the Danish designer Arne Jacobsen are the names to know. Nordic interiors magazines and Pinterest are good for visual reference, and if this is the one that resonates, I’ve written a full guide to a Scandinavian colour scheme that goes through the actual palette.
French Provincial
Colour — Soft pastels, muted neutrals and warm creams.
Shape — Curved, generous furniture lines, often with carved or moulded detailing.
Materials — Distressed timber, wrought iron, stone and soft linens.
Vibe — Elegant, romantic and gently rustic. French Provincial rooms feel lived in without feeling casual.
Where to find inspiration — Charles Faudree is the designer most associated with the French Country look, and his books are still the best single reference. Beyond that, French country interiors magazines, antique fairs and brocante-style markets will give you far more than a catalogue ever will.
Minimalist
Colour — Mostly neutral — whites, greys and blacks — with very little colour used at all.
Shape — Simple, clean lines and almost no ornamentation.
Materials — Natural materials like timber and stone, paired with sleek modern finishes.
Vibe — Less is more. Minimalism strips away anything unnecessary and leaves function and proportion to do the work.
Where to find inspiration — The British architect John Pawson is the definitive reference, and the Belgian designer Vincent Van Duysen is a warmer take on the same idea.
Industrial
Colour — Darker tones — black, charcoal, grey and brown — often set against exposed brick or concrete.
Shape — Sharp lines, metal finishes and a deliberately unfinished look.
Materials — Steel, concrete, recycled timber and exposed pipework.
Vibe — Raw, urban and a little bit edgy. Industrial suits you if you like a warehouse or loft feel.
Where to find inspiration — The style comes out of converted warehouses and factories rather than any one designer, so start with loft conversion projects. British designer Tom Dixon is worth following for lighting and furniture in this vein, and salvage yards and flea markets are where the good pieces actually turn up.
Hamptons
Colour — Soft blues, whites and natural tones, borrowed from the beach.
Shape — Relaxed, rounded furniture with classic proportions.
Materials — Cane and wicker, timber, white-painted joinery, and soft fabrics like linen.
Vibe — Coastal and easy, with a touch of luxury. Hamptons style brings the beach indoors without tipping into theme.
Where to find inspiration — Ralph Lauren Home is the origin point for the look, and Pottery Barn carries the more affordable version. Worth noting that Hamptons style has been adapted heavily in Australia, so local interiors magazines will show you a version that suits our light and our climate.
Asian-Inspired (Japanese and Chinese)
Colour — Rich reds, blacks and golds in the Chinese tradition; quieter, more muted palettes in the Japanese one. Both sit against natural timber and stone.
Shape — Traditional Chinese interiors lean on symmetry and formal balance. Japanese interiors do the opposite — deliberate asymmetry and natural irregularity are part of the philosophy.
Materials — Bamboo, silk, paper screens and dark-stained timber.
Vibe — Calm and considered, with a strong connection to nature.
Where to find inspiration — Look at traditional Japanese and Chinese architecture directly rather than at Western interpretations of it. A note on language: this style used to be labelled “Oriental”, but that term has fallen out of use because it is now widely considered dated and offensive. Naming the actual culture is both more accurate and more respectful.
Mid-Century Modern
Colour — Confident colour — mustard yellow, teal, burnt orange and olive green — grounded by warm timber tones.
Shape — Sleek lines, tapered legs and organic curves, with a distinctly retro silhouette.
Materials — Timber, moulded plywood, fibreglass, moulded plastic and metal.
Vibe — Retro, and still somehow timeless. Mid-century modern is about form and function carrying equal weight, which is exactly why it has never really gone away.
Where to find inspiration — Charles and Ray Eames are the obvious starting point, along with Danish designers like Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen. Mid-century dealers and auction houses are the best source for authentic pieces, and a good few of the shapes you’ll recognise from this era turn up in my round-up of the 30 most iconic chairs of all time.
Country and Rustic
Colour — Warm, earthy tones — browns, greens and reds.
Shape — Simple, sturdy furniture with a handmade quality to it.
Materials — Natural timber, stone, and cosy fabrics like wool and linen.
Vibe — Warm and welcoming. Country and rustic interiors are about comfort, and they take their cues from the landscape around them.
Where to find inspiration — Joanna Gaines popularised the modern farmhouse version of this look, which is worth knowing is a specific American take rather than the whole style. Australian country living magazines and second-hand shops will get you closer to something that suits a local home.
Traditional
Colour — Rich, warm colours like burgundy, navy and gold.
Shape — Classic, ornate forms with plenty of detail.
Materials — Dark timber, luxurious fabrics like velvet and silk, and layered patterns.
Vibe — Elegant and timeless. Traditional design is about comfort and quality, with a clear nod to the past.
Where to find inspiration — Michael S. Smith is the reference point at the top end, and traditional interiors magazines will show you how the look is layered in practice.
Contemporary
Colour — Neutral bases, often with bold pops of colour.
Shape — Sleek, clean lines with an emphasis on simplicity.
Materials — Glass, metal and natural fibres.
Vibe — Fresh and current. Contemporary isn’t a fixed style the way the others are — it simply means what is being designed now, so it shifts.
Where to find inspiration — Kelly Wearstler is worth following for a bolder, more layered take on contemporary. Interiors blogs and Pinterest will keep you across where it is heading.
Japandi
Colour — Quiet neutrals — beige, white and muted earthy tones.
Shape — Minimal, clean lines that sit between the Japanese and Scandinavian traditions.
Materials — Natural timber, stone and soft textiles.
Vibe — Calm and serene. Japandi takes the restraint of Scandinavian design and the tranquility of Japanese interiors and finds the overlap.
Where to find inspiration — Norm Architects in Copenhagen and Muji are the clearest examples. Japandi is everywhere on Pinterest and interiors blogs at the moment, so there is no shortage of reference.
How to Apply Your Chosen Interior Design Style to Your Home
Once you’ve identified your interior design style, the fun part is applying it to your home. Here’s how to get started, focusing on the key elements: supplier, colour scheme, materials, and mixing styles. Remember, the goal is to create a space that feels right for you.
1. Searching the Right Supplier
Finding the right supplier is crucial to bringing your interior design style to life. Whether you’re going for a Scandinavian minimalist look or a rustic country vibe, sourcing the right products will make all the difference.
For example, if your style is Scandinavian, you might want to look for clean, functional furniture stores that specialise in natural materials like timber and linen. Look for suppliers that focus on simplicity, such as IKEA or local design shops that emphasise form and function.
If you’re going for a French provincial style, look for suppliers that offer ornate furniture with a vintage feel. Think about antique shops, or brands specialising in classic, decorative pieces.
2. Pick the Colour Scheme: Consider Looking at Artwork First
Choosing the right colour scheme is key when it comes to your interior design style. Start by looking at artwork that resonates with you. Often, the colours in the artwork you love can inspire the palette for the entire room.
For example, if you’re drawn to Mid-Century Modern style, think about rich, earthy tones like mustard yellow, burnt orange, and olive green. You can start by selecting a piece of artwork with these tones and then build your colour scheme around it. If building a palette from scratch is where you get stuck, start with the basics of interior design colour theory — and whatever you land on, test it properly on the wall before you commit. A colour behaves completely differently depending on which way your windows face.
For a Hampton style, go for a more coastal palette with soft blues, whites, and light greys. A beautiful seascape painting could inspire the calm, airy feel you’re looking for.
3. The Right Material: You Already Know What You Like
Materials play a massive role in defining your interior design style. By now, you know what materials you’re drawn to, so focus on incorporating them into your home. Whether it’s marble, brass, wood, or fabrics, choose materials that align with your chosen style.
For example, Industrial style leans heavily on raw materials like exposed brick, metal, and reclaimed wood. You can add to this vibe with furniture that features metal finishes or wooden shelves that highlight a rough, unfinished look.
If your style is Japandi, you’ll want to stick to natural materials like bamboo, soft timbers, and neutral-coloured fabrics. Focus on creating a calm, minimalist environment with organic textures.
4. Mix and Match Styles
Don’t hesitate to mix and match styles! It’s completely normal to be drawn to more than one interior design style, and blending them can give your space more character and depth. In fact, some styles complement each other so well that the combination enhances the overall look of your home.
For example, Scandinavian and Minimalist styles pair beautifully together. Both emphasize simplicity, clean lines, and functional design, making them a natural fit. You can create a calming and clutter-free space by combining the cozy, light-filled aesthetic of Scandinavian design with the streamlined, no-fuss approach of Minimalism.
However, not all styles work seamlessly together. For instance, French Provincial and Japandi can be tricky to blend. While French Provincial is known for its elegance, ornate detailing, and vintage charm, Japandi focuses on minimalism, simplicity, and a more rustic, natural feel. These opposing vibes may clash instead of harmonize, so be mindful when mixing contrasting styles.
Ultimately, if the combination feels right to you, go for it! The beauty of interior design lies in personal expression.
5. There’s No Right Answer: If It Feels Right, It’s Right!
At the end of the day, there are no strict rules when it comes to applying your interior design style to your home. If it feels right to you, then it is right! Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to experiment.
For example, if you want to mix Minimalist style with some Mid-Century Modern touches, go for it! A clean, minimalist room with a few bold pieces of furniture from the Mid-Century era can create a unique and balanced look.
Ultimately, applying your interior design style to your home should be fun and personal. Whether you’re sticking to one style or blending a few together, make sure your space feels like you.
Still Not Sure What’s Right for Your Own Place?
Here’s the part nobody says out loud: style is the easy half. No palette, no timber tone and no perfectly chosen armchair rescues a room whose layout is working against you. If you’ve settled on a style and the space still feels wrong, it usually isn’t the style — it’s the plan. That’s exactly what my Fix My Floor Plan service is for: $297 a room, you send through photos and a floor plan, and you get a layout that actually works back within five to seven business days. No meeting, no site visit.
And if it’s bigger than one room — a whole house, a renovation you haven’t started, or you simply want a second opinion before you commit to a direction — a 90-minute design consultation is the place to start. We go through your photos and plans together and you leave with a written report and clear next steps. It runs online, so it works wherever you are. Either way, it’s worth reading the 7 principles of interior design first — style tells you what you like, the principles tell you why a room does or doesn’t work.
Still not sure what’s right for your own place?
That’s the part I do — and there are two ways in, depending on how much you need sorted.
Fix My Floor Plan — $297 a room. Send me your floor plan and a few photos. I’ll tell you what I’d change: where the furniture goes, what’s making the room feel awkward, and the practical next steps to fix it. Back with you in 5–7 business days, and there’s not a single meeting involved.
Or a Design Consultation — $550. Ninety minutes on your whole space: layout, colours, materials, joinery, storage, or just a second opinion before you commit to something expensive. Online, wherever you are in the world.
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