What is My Interior Design Style: 1 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.

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:

Color: Do you prefer light colors or dark, moody tones? Do you lean towards neutral shades or vibrant pops of color?
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 cozy, 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.

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

Color: Soft neutrals like white, gray, and beige, often with small pops of muted colors.
Shape: Clean lines, simple forms, often rounded or soft edges to create a calm environment.
Materials: Natural wood, soft fabrics like wool or cotton, light-toned furniture.
Vibe: Light, airy, and minimal. Scandinavian style is all about creating a peaceful, functional space with minimal clutter.
Where to Find Inspiration: Check out IKEA for affordable Scandinavian designs or look into designers like Alvar Aalto. Scandinavian home magazines and Pinterest are great for visual inspiration.

French Provincial

Color: Soft pastels, muted neutrals, and warm creams.
Shape: Curved furniture lines, often with intricate detailing.
Materials: Distressed wood, wrought iron, stone, and soft linens.
Vibe: Elegant, romantic, and rustic. French Provincial interiors feel lived-in but classy.
Where to Find Inspiration: Look into designers like Pierre Yovanovitch. French country home magazines and antique markets also offer plenty of inspiration.

Minimalist

Color: Mostly neutral tones—think whites, grays, and blacks—with very little color.
Shape: Simple, clean lines with very little ornamentation.
Materials: Natural materials like wood and stone, paired with sleek, modern finishes.
Vibe: Less is more. Minimalism is about stripping away the unnecessary and focusing on functionality and simplicity.
Where to Find Inspiration: Look at architects like John Pawson or browse minimalist home decor blogs. Pinterest is filled with minimalist interiors for inspiration.

Industrial

Color: Darker tones like black, gray, and brown, often with exposed brick or concrete.
Shape: Sharp lines, metal finishes, and rugged, unfinished looks.
Materials: Metals, concrete, reclaimed wood, and exposed piping.
Vibe: Raw, edgy, and urban. Industrial design is perfect if you like that warehouse or loft vibe.
Where to Find Inspiration: Check out designers like Le Corbusier or browse industrial furniture suppliers. Flea markets often have industrial-style pieces, too.

Hamptons

Color: Light blues, whites, and natural tones, inspired by the beach.
Shape: Soft, rounded furniture, often with classic lines.
Materials: Wicker, wood, soft fabrics like linen, and white-painted furniture.
Vibe: Coastal and relaxed, with a touch of luxury. The Hampton style is all about bringing the beach into your home.
Where to Find Inspiration: Look at designers like Ralph Lauren or browse coastal home magazines. Homeware stores like Pottery Barn often carry Hampton-inspired decor.

Image from Est living A Mordern Hampton bedroom

Oriental

Color: Rich tones like red, black, and gold, often paired with natural wood and stone.
Shape: Clean, symmetrical lines, with an emphasis on balance and harmony.
Materials: Bamboo, silk, paper, and dark-stained wood.
Vibe: Tranquil and zen-like. Oriental design often incorporates elements of nature and simplicity.
Where to Find Inspiration: Look into Japanese or Chinese home decor designers and traditional Asian architecture for inspiration.

Mid-Century Modern

Color: Bold colors like mustard yellow, teal, and avocado green, often paired with wood tones.
Shape: Sleek lines, organic shapes, often with a retro feel.
Materials: Wood, plastic, and metal, with a focus on function over form.
Vibe: Retro yet timeless. Mid-century modern is about combining form and function in a way that feels fresh and contemporary.
Where to Find Inspiration: Look at designers like Charles and Ray Eames. Mid-century furniture stores or websites are great for finding authentic pieces.

Country/Rustic

Color: Warm, earthy tones like browns, greens, and reds.
Shape: Simple, sturdy furniture, often with a handmade feel.
Materials: Natural wood, stone, and soft, cozy fabrics like wool or linen.
Vibe: Cozy and homey. Country or rustic style brings a sense of warmth and comfort, often inspired by nature.
Where to Find Inspiration: Look into designers like Joanna Gaines or browse country living magazines. Antique shops often carry rustic-style furniture.

Traditional

Color: Rich, warm colors like burgundy, navy, and gold.
Shape: Classic, ornate shapes with a lot of detailing.
Materials: Dark wood, luxurious fabrics like velvet or silk, and intricate patterns.
Vibe: Elegant and timeless. Traditional design is all about comfort and luxury, with a nod to the past.
Where to Find Inspiration: Look at designers like Michael S. Smith or browse traditional home decor magazines.

Contemporary

Color: Neutral tones, often with bold pops of color.
Shape: Sleek, clean lines with a focus on simplicity.
Materials: Glass, metal, and natural fibers.
Vibe: Fresh and modern. Contemporary design is about staying current and reflecting the trends of the moment.
Where to Find Inspiration: Look at designers like Kelly Wearstler. Contemporary home decor blogs and Pinterest boards are full of ideas.

Japandi

Color: Neutral tones like beige, white, and muted earthy colors.
Shape: Minimal, clean lines with a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics.
Materials: Natural wood, stone, and soft textiles.
Vibe: Calm and serene. Japandi combines the minimalism of Scandinavian design with the tranquility of Japanese interiors.
Where to Find Inspiration: Check out designers like Norm Architects or Muji. Japandi is all over Pinterest and home decor blogs right now.

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, color 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 specialize in natural materials like wood and linen. Look for suppliers that focus on simplicity, such as IKEA or local design shops that emphasize 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 specializing in classic, decorative pieces.

Let me know if you’d like me to write a list of styles along with local suppliers. Feel free to email me or DM me on Instagram!

2. Pick the Colour Scheme: Consider Looking at Artwork First

Choosing the right color scheme is key when it comes to your interior design style. Start by looking at artwork that resonates with you. Often, the colors 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 color scheme around it.

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 woods, and neutral-colored 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.