In my opinion, people put way too much focus on trying to identify and name their own style. I’ve always felt that you should choose to fill your home with items that speak to you, and they’ll naturally work together. Now maybe that doesn’t always work, but that’s where I started when trying to discover my own design style.
That said, there are definitely steps you can take to help you discover your own style.
Gather inspiration: Start by collecting images, articles, and examples of design styles that appeal to you. This could be from magazines (do those even exist anymore?), blogs, movies, your surroundings, etc. Pay attention to what catches your eye and resonates with you.
Create mood boards: Use the inspiration you’ve gathered to create mood boards or digital collages that showcase different elements of design that you’re drawn to. This can help you identify common themes, colors, patterns, and textures that appeal to you. I have to admit, even after years working in design, my Pinterest boards really helped me discover my own design style and se it as a complete picture.
Analyze your preferences: Take a closer look at the elements you’ve collected. Are there certain colors, patterns, or materials that consistently appear? Are there specific design styles or periods (e.g., modern, minimalist, traditional, eclectic) that stand out to you? Understanding what you like and why can help you narrow down your design preferences.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and techniques. Try incorporating elements from different design styles into your projects to see what feels most authentic to you. Again – the items that speak to you combine to create a style that’s uniquely yours!
Seek feedback: Share your work with friends, family, or mentors and ask for their feedback. Sometimes, others can provide valuable insights and perspectives that you may not have considered. However, don’t take it as the gospel. At the end of the day you have to be true to yourself. I love my home and everything in it, but I know that it isn’t always for everyone.
Reflect on your experiences: Take the time to reflect on your experiences with different design styles. What do you enjoy most about certain styles? How do they make you feel? Pay attention to your emotional response to different design elements, as this can provide clues about your personal aesthetic preferences.
Trust your instincts: Ultimately, discovering your design style is about trusting your instincts and intuition. Don’t feel pressured to conform to a specific style or trend if it doesn’t feel authentic to you. Your unique perspective and personal experiences will shape your design style in a way that’s true to who you are.
Photos via Pinterest
