How to Find Your Interior Design Style

Let’s be clear: determining your interior design style is essential, and it doesn’t have to feel like a crisis. One day, you may be captivated by cozy farmhouse charm, and the next, you could find yourself drawn to sleek Scandinavian minimalism. This feeling is completely normal.

You’re not alone in this journey. With countless Pinterest boards overflowing with ideas and seasonal trends constantly shifting, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with the critical question: “What’s my interior design style?”

However, there’s no need for a design degree or a million-dollar budget to make it work. What’s crucial is to focus on what you genuinely love and what fits your lifestyle.

Why Knowing Your Style Matters

When you know your design style, every decision becomes easier. Choosing paint colors, picking a sofa, buying decor, it all starts to fall into place. Without it? You end up with a mishmash of things you liked in the moment, but don’t work together.

This is especially true for house interior design, where cohesion between rooms makes your entire home feel calm, lived-in, and intentional.

Step 1: Know What You’re Working With

Before diving into style, take a quick inventory of your home.

• Do you live in a modern condo, a traditional bungalow, or a small studio apartment?
• Are there architectural features that stand out (like archways or exposed beams)?
• What does your current furniture look like, and what do you want to keep?

Your interior design style should complement your space, not fight with it.

Step 2: Think About How You Want Your Home to Feel

Interior design isn’t just about how things look. It’s about how they feel.

Do you want your home to feel:

• Calm and airy?
• Warm and cozy?
• Bold and energetic?
• Minimal and clutter-free?

This step helps you narrow down styles that match your emotional goals. For example, if you’re craving calm, you’ll likely lean toward Scandinavian or Japandi rather than something ornate like Baroque.

Step 3: Collect Visual Inspiration

Now’s the time to scroll. Head to Pinterest, Instagram, and create a folder or board titled “Dream Home.” Save whatever jumps out at you. Don’t overthink it.

Once you have at least 20–30 photos, take a look and ask:

• Are there repeated patterns in color?
• Do you favor clean lines or ornate details?
• Do you see natural wood or bold metals?
• Are rooms full of things or more pared-down?

Patterns will start to emerge. This is your visual taste showing up in real time.

Step 4: Identify Your Top Interior Design Styles

Now that you have a visual vibe, it’s time to get familiar with the different interior design styles. You don’t need to commit to one, but understanding them helps you articulate your preferences.

Here are a few common ones:

• Modern – Clean lines, minimal decor, neutral palette
• Scandinavian – Bright, light wood, functional, and cozy
• Industrial – Exposed brick, metal finishes, moody tones
• Bohemian – Eclectic, layered textiles, plants galore
• Traditional – Symmetry, rich colors, classic details
• Farmhouse – Rustic charm, white tones, shiplap
• Japandi – A blend of Japanese simplicity and Scandi warmth
• Mid-Century Modern – Retro-inspired, clean silhouettes, wood tones

Pro tip: Most people are naturally drawn to a mix of two to three styles. That’s okay. Often, the most interesting homes are those that blend styles seamlessly.

Step 5: Take a Style Quiz (But Use It as a Guide)

Yes, we’re going there. Taking a what’s your interior design style quiz can help point you in the right direction, but don’t treat it as gospel.

Use it to confirm what you already feel drawn to. If the results say you’re “Modern Farmhouse” but you can’t stand rustic details, you’re not locked in. Trust your gut over algorithms.

Step 6: Start With a Mood Board

Once you’ve nailed down a style (or a combo of styles), create a mood board. This can be physical (with magazine clippings and fabric swatches) or digital (Pinterest or Canva work great).

Include:

• Color palette
• Furniture ideas
• Lighting inspiration
• Decor examples
• Textures or materials you love

This helps you keep your style consistent, especially when shopping or planning a full house interior design makeover.

Step 7: Apply It to Your Space, One Room at a Time

Don’t feel like you need to redesign your entire home overnight. Start small:

• Refresh your entryway with pieces that reflect your style
• Restyle your shelves or coffee table with curated decor
• Repaint one room in your new palette
• Replace one major piece (sofa, bed, dining table) to anchor the space

Consistency comes from building gradually while sticking to your core design principles.

Step 8: Be Flexible, But Stay True to You

Styles evolve, and that’s okay. What matters most is designing a home that feels like you.

Don’t chase trends. Don’t buy everything all at once. Let your space evolve with you. And remember: the goal isn’t perfection. It's personality and functionality.

Quick Recap: How to Choose a Style for Your House

• Evaluate your home’s layout and architecture
• Think about how you want to feel in each space
• Collect inspiration from visual platforms
• Learn the basics of different interior design styles
• Take a style quiz (as a guide, not a rule)
• Build a mood board to stay on track
• Implement changes one room at a time
• Trust your instincts—it’s your home, after all