How To Find Your Decorating Style For Your Home
Let’s be real figuring out your decorating style can feel like trying to order food from a menu that has way too many options. Modern, rustic, coastal, Japandi (yep, that’s a thing), boho-chic… how many styles can one Pinterest board hold?
But don’t worry. I’ve been through this exact chaos (complete with late-night online shopping regret), and I’m here to help you navigate the madness. So, grab your coffee—or wine, no judgment here and let’s talk about how to find your decorating style for your home without pulling your hair out.
Start With Your Gut (Yep, Trust That Instinct)
Ever walk into a room and just go, “Ugh, this feels so… not me”? That’s your gut talking, and it’s surprisingly good at sniffing out your style.
Ask Yourself the Fun Questions:
- What colors do you always wear? (If your closet is 90% neutrals, your home probably won’t be neon green central.)
- Where do you like to hang out? Think about cafés, hotels, or friend’s homes you love.
- What Pinterest images are you obsessed with? If you’ve pinned the same white marble kitchen twelve times… that’s not a coincidence.
Bold move: Trust your first reactions more than your overthinking brain. Your style often shows itself before you even realize it.
Steal Inspiration Like a Pro (A.K.A. Mood Boards Are Magic)
Before you buy a single throw pillow, create a visual style guide—aka your style mood board.
Use Tools Like:
- Pinterest boards (duh, it’s basically the home decor bible)
- Instagram “saved” folders
- Old-school magazine clippings if you’re feeling vintage 🙂
Look for patterns. Are most of your saved rooms filled with wood tones and cozy throws? Hello, rustic farmhouse lover. Obsessed with clean lines and monochrome? Modern minimalism might be your jam.
FYI: Your mood board isn’t a contract. It’s more like a vibe check.
Pick Your “Style Words” and Stick With Them
Here’s a fun little trick I swear by: Choose 3–5 words that describe how you want your space to feel.
For example:
- Warm
- Inviting
- Textured
- Earthy
- Relaxed
Boom, those are now your guiding lights. Whenever you’re shopping or planning a room, ask: Does this couch/table/crazy patterned rug match my vibe words? If not, it’s a no from me, dawg.
Mix, Don’t Match (You’re Not a Catalog)
Real talk: Most people’s style is a blend, not a textbook label.
Here’s how to pull it off:
- Pick a dominant style (e.g., mid-century modern)
- Layer in accents from others (boho rugs, farmhouse lighting, etc.)
- Use color and texture to connect different pieces
IMO, nothing screams “I have no idea what I’m doing” like a room that looks straight out of a furniture showroom. Mix it up it adds personality and tells your story.
Shop Your Own Home First (Seriously)
Before you click “Add to Cart” 37 times, look around. You probably already own some pieces that fit your evolving style.
- That wooden mirror? Hello rustic charm.
- The old metal trunk in storage? Vintage industrial gold.
- Your grandmother’s quirky lamp? Instant character.
Reworking what you already have is not only budget-friendly, but also way more personal. Plus, it’s kind of satisfying to realize you’re already halfway stylish
Take Style Quizzes… but Don’t Marry Them
Those online style quizzes? Kinda fun. Kinda flaky.
They’re great for getting some keywords (Scandinavian, coastal, cottagecore, oh my!), but don’t treat the results like gospel.
Use them as a jumping-off point not a final destination. You know yourself better than a quiz made by a robot that thinks everyone loves shiplap.
Don’t Stress Over Trends (Unless You Love Them)
Listen, just because sage green is “in” this year doesn’t mean you have to paint every wall like it’s a yoga studio.
Decorating is not about impressing your Instagram followers. It’s about creating a space you actually enjoy living in.
Hot take: Trends come and go. Comfort is forever.
If you love disco balls and pink walls go for it. If neutrals are your thing, rock those beiges like a boss. You do you.
Think Long-Term, Not Just TikTok-Aesthetic
Sure, that viral floating cloud lamp might look cute… for a month. But when you’re trying to read under it and it keeps shedding fluff like a sheepdog, it’s not so fun.
Ask yourself:
- Will I still love this in a year?
- Is it comfy AND cute?
- Does it make my home feel like me?
Bold Rule: Don’t buy anything that doesn’t pass at least 2 of the 3. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
Embrace Trial and Error (AKA The Style Glow-Up)
Your first try might not be a home run. So what?
We all start somewhere. I once painted a whole wall teal and hated it by dinner. Lesson learned.
Decorating your space is a journey, not a race. You’ll tweak, adjust, swap out, and finally… your place will start to feel like home.
Final Thoughts: Go With Your Gut, Then Have Some Fun
So, how do you find your decorating style for your home?
- Listen to your instincts
- Gather inspo like a squirrel hoards snacks
- Test, mix, match, and trust the process
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s the fun of it! Your home should feel like a hug when you walk in not a stressful design exam.
And hey, if you ever get stuck, just ask yourself: Would I want to hang out in this room with a pizza and Netflix? If the answer’s yes, you’re doing just fine 🙂
Now go forth and decorate your dream room is just a few paint swatches away.
