Your home is not just a place where you reside; it's a reflection of your personality, tastes, and style. It should be a place where you feel happy and comfortable. But let’s face it, even for the most fervent design enthusiasts it can be difficult to articulate what their design style is.
When faced with the need to define what we want to do with a space, we fall into the trap of “the paradox of choice”: there are so many choices that we can’t make any decisions.
In my experience, most people like multiple styles, some elements from one style, and others from a different one. It’s really difficult to look at one particular style and say I love this and ONLY this. So we wind up using terms like "eclectic". But when faced with the challenge of designing your space, what does eclectic really mean, and how does that help you move forward?
The most important part of the work that I do as an interior designer is to get to know my clients, intimately. I seek to understand their stories, how they live, and what’s important to them. My goal is not to impose any interior design aesthetic, but to help my clients visualize what they love, and then elevate it and execute it.
My client questionnaire currently includes over 50 questions. I am constantly editing it, adding new ones, since there are learnings from every project. I won’t pose the 50+ questions here, but I will give you a few things to get you thinking, as you begin to uncover and refine your unique interior design preferences, and not put it in a box.
If you’d like to schedule a call for a free interior design consultation, click here.
1) Become more aware of the spaces that you are attracted to and make note of what you love about them.
One of the questions I always ask clients when we start working together is, what places have you traveled to more than once, and why do you think you always want to go back to the same place? Is there a hotel that you love, or a restaurant that you can’t stay away from? Surely, the service and the food offering will be important, but how you enjoy the physical space has just as big an impact on your desire to return.
It has been so much fun working with a client who takes inspo from travel very seriously. They showed me picture of a chair that they fell in love with at a hotel lobby in Venice. It was a very modern chair set in a very traditional space, but it caught their eye, and although we did not use that exact chair, it served as inspiration for the design of an entire room.
When we are out and about in the world, we are exposed to lots of different environments, all with very different styles. Take note of the details that draw your attention, you can always incorporate them, or similar items, in your spaces.
2) Find inspiration in arts and media.
There are lots of places to find inspiration. Browse through design magazines, websites like Pinterest and Instagram, visit property open houses and home decor stores. Go to museums, note what art inspires you. When you’re watching TV, are there images of spaces that you see that you would like to replicate? Take note of the colors, patterns, textures and furniture styles that appeal to you.
3) Take a look at your wardrobe and personal belongings.
Your fashion sense often reflects your taste in interior design. If you gravitate towards classic pieces and timeless styles in clothing, you might prefer a traditional or transitional interior design style. On the other hand, if you love experimenting with bold colors and patterns in your attire, a contemporary or eclectic style might resonate with you.
4) Identify the common elements and themes of what you have collected
Once you’ve gathered your inspiration, begin to identify recurring themes or elements that attract you the most. Do you find yourself drawn to minimalistic spaces with clean lines and neutral colors? Or perhaps you prefer cozy, rustic environments with natural textures and earthy tones? Understanding these preferences will help you hone-in on your own design style.
5) Consider Your Lifestyle:
Your interior design should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and practical for your lifestyle. Consider how you use each space in your home, and what may frustrate you about your space today. For example, if you entertain frequently, you might prioritize comfortable seating and a spacious layout in your living room. If you work from home, creating a dedicated workspace that enhances productivity could be essential.
6) Seek Professional Advice:
This all sounds like a lot of hard work, and you still don’t feel confident, or you simply don’t have the time to do it? An interior designer will guide you and work with you to analyze your preferences, define your unique aesthetic, and create a home that is comfortable and authentic to you.
If you’d like to schedule a call for a free 30 minute interior design consultation, click here.
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