Sometimes our homes end up looking somewhat of a hodgepodge of themes, usually because there isn’t a particular style we’ve committed to. If you want to make your home look a bit more cohesive, try selecting a decorative style that suits your taste. This will allow you to achieve a specific look in your home while maintaining your personal touches.
Even if you have no experience in recognizing or choosing different interior styles, there are little things you can do to help simplify the process. To start, try going around your home and take notes of all your favorite possessions. What about them do you enjoy the most? As you do an inventory of your home, write down which pieces do little to inspire you and which ones you’d like to see more of.
If you’re unsure how to go about evaluating your existing interior style, here are some questions you can ask:
- What colors do you tend to use? Are they earthy, bright, or subdued?
- Do you tend to stick to certain textures, like silk, linen, cotten, or faux fur?
- Are you a fan of patterns and prints? Where in your home would you like to incorporate them?
- What kind of art do you like, if any?
After getting a better idea of your own decorating habits, you can also take time to flip through magazines or interior decorating examples online and simply observe which styles grab your attention the most. There should be a description such as shabby chic, modern, rustic, or colonial that will help you in defining styles you want to use. Familiarizing yourself with what elements make up different styles, like contemporary or country for instance, will make it easier for you to characterize your own style.
Another factor you should consider when choosing a style is what your lifestyle is like and how you intend on using the space. An example would be that if you have kids or dogs, a white sofa may not be the best choice, or a beautiful ornate rug may not go well in areas of high foot traffic. Paying attention to how each room is used will help you in planning your interior layout. Think about how you will take care of details such as lighting or clutter.
Following these tips should help lead you to choosing the best style for your home. Just make sure that whatever you choose represents your own unique decorating traits and fits into your lifestyle.