Whether it’s because you just moved, or simply for practical or aesthetical reasons, when you decide to decorate your home it’s easy to get lost in the sea of possibilities available on the market. Choosing your home decor style can be a real puzzle, especially if your tastes are a bit more eclectic. With time, I’ve come to realize that what’s most important is to harmonize your elements, and not just stick to one particular style. Everything is simpler and your ideas clearer when you establish a few guidelines. Here are the most important steps to follow when discovering and defining your own personal style.
Start by getting inspired
Pinterest—a never-ending source of inspiration—is one of your best allies. You can save decor ideas, then file them by theme. You can even add images from different websites (such as Instagram) by creating “pins” with URL links. This allows you to group together all your online inspo in a single space.
Personally, I like creating an album for each room. This allows me to quickly and easily find what I’m looking for. Pinterest is a great tool, but it’s easy to get lost in all the ideas and suggestions. I recommend using the app in moderation when attempting to define your style (easier said than done, I know!). I also like to flip through magazines and create inspiration boards, which you can make using a corkboard or as a collage if you’re more the visual type. So grab those scissors and start snipping!
If you’re a budding stylist looking for inspiration, check out my inspiration boards—they’re trendy and easy to accomplish! But don’t limit yourself to my suggestions; use them as a springboard and develop your own ideas from there.
Observe
- Once the Pinterest step is complete, it’s important to take a moment to observe and analyze:
- Do you already have a dominant style in your home or in the room you wish to redecorate?
- Do you have a prevalent choice of colours, materials, textures, or objects?
- Among these, which stand out the most?
- What kinds of materials, colours, and textures do you want to integrate?
- Do you prefer dark or light wood?
- Do you like light and luminous colours, or sombre and subdued ones?
- Do you already detect a particular style throughout your home?
You might already notice a certain harmony in the room or rooms that you wish to decorate.
Observing and analyzing is essential when it comes to taking stock of the things you already own and deciding what to keep and what to toss. Remember that sometimes something as simple as a fresh coat of paint can transform an old piece of furniture into a spectacular piece of art!
When visiting the homes of family and friends, be on the lookout for any style that catches your attention, then try to pinpoint what it is you love about it. This exercise will help you determine and define your own style. You can also think of places you’ve visited in the past. Did you ever come across certain elements or objects that really inspired you, or styles and designs you wished you could bring back home with you?
Research
Make a list of stores that correspond to your style and start with what you know and love best. Do some online research and discover new boutiques. Check out the websites of some of your favourite stores—the items they sale can be a great source of inspiration. Finally, ask for paint and material samples to take home and test.
Inspiration board
Once you’ve found several items, arrange them on a flat surface to give you a better and clearer idea of what you’re working with. If you’re using Pinterest, print up a selection of your favourite images. Don’t hesitate to take photos of coveted objects and furniture to add to your inspiration board.
At this point, your project guidelines should begin to take shape and your decor style should be more clearly defined. Personally, I think it’s important to do a ton of research, without limiting yourself to a single style. Instead, let yourself be inspired by all the images and elements you like. By keeping an open mind, your personal style will develop over time.
Remember that the most beautiful homes are often those that present a medley of styles that really add character and pizzazz to a room. The important thing is to fill your own home with things that you really like, no matter the style. Still not quite sure what your style is? Don’t panic—interior designers and decorators are here to help. ;)
