How to Define Your Personal Design Style
Finding Your Authentic Interior Voice
Do you flip through design magazines feeling overwhelmed by beautiful but disconnected styles? You're not alone. Many clients come to us knowing they want a change but struggle to articulate exactly what they like.
Your personal design style isn't just about following trends—it's about creating a space that feels authentically you. Here’s how to start uncovering your unique interior voice:
Look at What You Already Love
Start by examining your:
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Home decor and furniture choices
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Wardrobe style and favorite fashion pieces
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Preferred restaurants, hotels, or cafes
Ask yourself:
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What colors, textures, and patterns repeatedly draw my eye?
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Do I gravitate toward clean lines or ornate details?
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Do I prefer bright colors or subdued tones?
These preferences offer valuable clues about your authentic style.
Create a No-Rules Inspiration Collection
Forget about what "goes together" and simply collect images of spaces, objects, or colors that speak to you. Use:
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Pinterest and Instagram for digital boards
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A physical folder for magazine clippings
After gathering 20-30 images, step back and look for common elements—you’ll often discover patterns you didn’t consciously recognize.
Consider How You Live
Your design style should complement your lifestyle, not fight against it. A pristine white sofa might look stunning in a magazine but won't serve a household with young children or pets. The most successful designs balance aesthetic preferences with practical needs.
Identify Your Non-Negotiables
What elements make a space feel like home to you? Consider:
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Abundant natural light
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Cozy reading nooks
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Space for entertaining
These non-negotiables should form the foundation of your design plan, with style elements building around them.
Give Yourself Permission to Evolve
Your taste will naturally evolve over time, and that's perfectly fine. The most interesting homes reflect their owners’ journeys rather than adhering rigidly to a single design doctrine.
Work with an Expert
At Willow Street Interiors, a premier interior design company in Queens, NY, we excel at helping clients discover and express their personal style - even when they find it difficult to put into words. Through thoughtful conversation and our unique ability to "channel" your vision, we create spaces that feel distinctly and wonderfully yours.
Ready to Discover Your Personal Design Style?
Contact us today for a consultation and let’s bring your vision to life!
