Are you struggling to find your home decor style? With so many options and trends out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out what truly reflects your personal taste and style. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you!
In this article, I’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to help you figure out your home decor style. From exploring different design aesthetics to discovering your personal preferences, we’ll go through everything you need to know to create a space that truly feels like home.
Why is Finding Your Home Decor Style Important?
Discovering and defining your home decor style is important for several reasons. Here are a few reasons why finding your home decor style matters:
- Personal Expression: Your home is a reflection of your personality and style. By determining your home decor style, you can create a space that feels authentic and represents who you are.
- Creating a Cohesive Space: Having a defined home decor style helps you create a cohesive and well-curated space. It allows you to choose furniture, accessories, and colors that work together harmoniously.
- Improving Functionality: Understanding your home decor style can help you make more informed decisions when it comes to the layout and organization of your space. It ensures that your home not only looks great but also serves your practical needs.
- Saving Time and Money: When you have a clear idea of your home decor style, you can streamline your shopping process. You’ll know what types of items and materials to look for, which can save you both time and money.
- Making the Most of Your Space: Different home decor styles have different characteristics and aesthetics. By identifying your preferred style, you can optimize your space and make it feel more inviting and comfortable.
Overall, finding your home decor style allows you to create a home that truly feels like yours. It helps you make intentional design choices and create a space that reflects your personal taste and preferences.
Step 1: Finding Inspiration in Magazines
Magazines can be a great source of inspiration when it comes to discovering your home decor style. Here are a few strategies to help you make the most of your magazine browsing:
Browse Magazines
Start by collecting a variety of home decor magazines. Look for publications that feature different styles, from modern and minimalist to traditional and eclectic. This will give you a broad range of ideas to explore.
Study Torn-Out Photos
As you flip through the pages, pay close attention to the photos that catch your eye. Tear out any pictures that resonate with you and inspire you. These torn-out photos will serve as a visual reference for your decor style exploration.
Identify Common Elements
After you have gathered a collection of torn-out photos, take some time to analyze them. Look for any common elements, such as color palettes, patterns, furniture styles, or decorative accents. This will help you identify the recurring themes and aesthetics that appeal to you.
By finding inspiration in magazines and studying torn-out photos, you can start to develop a clearer sense of your home decor style. This will serve as a foundation for the rest of the steps in the journey of figuring out your personal aesthetic.
Step 2: Take Online Quizzes to Determine Your Style
Taking online quizzes can be a fun and helpful way to determine your home decor style. Two popular websites that offer quizzes to help you identify your style are Houzz and Better Homes and Gardens. It is recommended to take multiple quizzes for more accurate results, as each quiz may have a slightly different approach or set of questions. Here are some steps to follow when taking online quizzes to determine your home decor style:
Houzz Quizzes
Houzz offers a variety of quizzes that can help you discover your preferred home decor style. Some of the quizzes available on Houzz include “Discover Your Style,” “Find Your Design Personality,” and “What’s Your Decorating Style?”. Each quiz is designed to assess your preferences in terms of colors, patterns, furniture styles, and overall aesthetics. Take the time to answer the questions honestly and consider the images or descriptions provided as part of the quiz.
Better Homes and Gardens Quizzes
Better Homes and Gardens also provides online quizzes to help you determine your home decor style. The quizzes on Better Homes and Gardens may focus on specific design themes or styles, such as modern, traditional, eclectic, or farmhouse. These quizzes typically ask questions about your preferences in terms of colors, textures, furniture, and overall atmosphere. Be sure to read the questions carefully and choose the answers that resonate with your personal style and taste.
Remember, online quizzes should serve as a starting point and inspiration for finding your home decor style. It’s important to consider your own preferences, lifestyle, and budget when making decisions about your home decor. Once you have completed the quizzes, take some time to reflect on the results and identify common elements or themes that resonate with you. This will help you develop a clearer vision of your preferred home decor style. In the next step, we will explore how your wardrobe can provide clues to your style preferences.
Look to Your Wardrobe for Clues
Your wardrobe can offer valuable insights into your home decor style. By examining your preferred color palette and texture preferences in clothing, you can uncover clues that will guide your interior design decisions.
Preferred Color Palette
Take a closer look at the colors you gravitate towards in your wardrobe. Are there certain hues that dominate your clothing collection? Pay attention to whether you prefer neutral tones, bold and vibrant shades, or a mix of both. This will give you an idea of the color palette you may want to incorporate into your home decor.
Texture Preferences
Consider the textures of the fabrics in your clothing. Do you tend to lean towards soft and cozy materials like knits and fleece, or do you prefer sleek and smooth fabrics? This will give you an indication of the types of textures you may want to incorporate into your home decor, such as plush rugs, velvet cushions, or smooth marble surfaces.
By analyzing your wardrobe, you can gain insights into your personal style preferences and use them as a foundation for your home decor choices. In the next section, we will explore how paying attention to exterior home styles can also influence your preferred decor style.
Pay Attention to Exterior Home Styles
When it comes to figuring out your home decor style, one important factor to consider is the exterior style of your home. The architecture and design of your house can greatly influence the overall aesthetic and preferred decor style. By paying attention to the exterior home styles, you can gain insights into what types of decor might work well with your home’s overall design.
Influence on Preferred Decor Style
The exterior style of your home can give you clues about your preferred decor style. For example, if you have a Victorian-style home with ornate details and intricate woodwork, you might be drawn to a more traditional and vintage decor style. On the other hand, if you have a modern and minimalistic home with clean lines and a sleek design, you may prefer a more contemporary and minimalist decor style.
By observing the exterior style of your home, you can identify common elements and themes that can guide your interior decor choices. Pay attention to architectural details, such as the type of windows, roofline, and materials used. These elements can help determine whether your home leans towards a more traditional, rustic, modern, or eclectic style.
While you don’t have to strictly adhere to the exterior style of your home when it comes to interior decor, it can serve as a starting point for finding inspiration and creating a cohesive look. By taking cues from the exterior style, you can ensure that your decor choices complement the overall aesthetic of your home.
In the next section, we will explore step 5: taking inventory of your current decor and how it can guide your future purchases.
Take Inventory of Current Decor
Identify Common Elements
Start by taking a look at your current decor and identify any common elements or themes. Are there certain colors, patterns, or styles that appear consistently throughout your home? This will give you a sense of your existing decor style and help guide your future purchases.
Make Lists of Loved Items
Take some time to make lists of the items in your home that you absolutely love. This could be a favorite piece of furniture, a cherished artwork, or a unique accessory. By identifying these loved items, you can pinpoint the elements of your decor style that resonate with you and incorporate them into future design choices.
Guide for Future Purchases
Once you have a clear understanding of your current decor style and the items you love, use this information as a guide for future purchases. When shopping for new decor pieces, look for items that complement your existing style and reflect your personal taste. This will help create a cohesive and harmonious look throughout your home.
Where to Find Budget-Friendly Decor Options
Finding budget-friendly decor options doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing style. There are plenty of affordable places to discover unique and stylish decor items that won’t break the bank. Consider the following options for finding budget-friendly decor:
- Flea markets: Explore local flea markets where vendors sell a variety of secondhand items, including furniture, decorative accessories, and artwork. You might find hidden gems at bargain prices.
- Consignment stores: Check out consignment stores that offer gently used furniture and decor pieces. These stores often curate their inventory, ensuring good quality items at affordable prices.
- Yard sales: Keep an eye out for yard sales in your neighborhood or nearby areas. You might stumble upon unique decor items that can be repurposed or used as accents in your home.
- Craigslist: Browse online classifieds platforms like Craigslist, where people often sell their gently used furniture and decor items. You may find great deals from individuals looking to offload items they no longer need.
Don’t limit yourself to these options alone. Get creative and explore other local resources, such as thrift stores or online marketplaces. With a little patience and a keen eye for design, you can find budget-friendly decor options that add style and personality to your home.
Repurposing and Shopping in Your Own House
One of the most budget-friendly ways to update your home decor is by repurposing items you already have and shopping in your own house. By taking a fresh look at what you already own, you can discover new ways to use your existing pieces and give your space a whole new look without spending a dime. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Move furniture to different rooms: Consider swapping furniture pieces between different rooms to create a fresh layout and give each space a new feel.
- Reposition artwork and wall decor: Move your artwork and wall decor to different walls or rooms to create a new focal point and bring a fresh perspective to your space.
- Repurpose storage items: Use baskets, crates, or bins that you already have to declutter and organize your space in a stylish and functional way.
- Change up cushion covers: Switch out the cushion covers on your sofas and chairs to give them a new look and refresh the overall color scheme.
- Use curtains in new ways: Repurpose curtains as room dividers, tablecloths, or even as fabric for DIY projects like throw pillows or lampshades.
In addition to repurposing items, don’t forget to shop in your own house when looking for decor items. Take a look in your closets, attic, or basement for items that can be repurposed or used in a new way. By getting creative with what you already have, you can save money and create a unique and personalized home decor style.
Additional Resources for Finding Inspiration
When it comes to finding inspiration for your home decor style, there are a variety of resources available to help you discover new ideas and trends. Here are some additional sources you can explore:
- Pinterest: This popular online platform is a treasure trove of home decor inspiration. Browse through countless boards and pins to discover new styles, color schemes, and DIY projects.
- Magazines: Home decor magazines provide a wealth of inspiration with their beautifully curated photos and expert advice. Flip through the pages of publications like Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and House Beautiful for ideas and tips.
By exploring these additional resources, you can gather a wide range of ideas and inspiration to help you define your home decor style. Remember to keep an open mind and select elements that resonate with your personal taste and preferences.
Conclusion
Discovering your home decor style is an important process that allows you to create a space that feels truly authentic and reflective of your personality. By finding inspiration in magazines, taking online quizzes, looking to your wardrobe for clues, and paying attention to external influences such as exterior home styles, you can start to identify your unique style preferences.
Once you have a better understanding of your style, it becomes easier to find budget-friendly decor options and repurpose items you already have in your home. Don’t forget to utilize resources like flea markets, consignment stores, and Pinterest for additional inspiration. The ultimate goal is to create a home that not only looks beautiful, but also feels like a true reflection of who you are. Happy decorating!