How to Choose a Design Style That Suits You Best

Last updated on May 10, 2024

Dozens of unique interior designs have probably caught your attention in the past. You might have even imagined most of them would look fabulous when implemented in your living space. However, thinking that an idea is suitable for you is entirely different from it actually being the best choice in your case.

No matter what decor style you deem worthy of implementing in your home, it might end up feeling wrong once you do so. For this reason, it is vital to reevaluate your priorities and determine what kind of interior space would truly suit you.

Before you spend your hard-earned money on things that may result in a less-than-ideal payoff, you might want to consider if you prefer a modern or vintage look, what type of furniture you gravitate towards, and how many colors you like in a space.

Here is a list of questions that will help you decide which design style will express you best.

What Is Your Favorite Type of Furniture?

statement coffee table

When you see a piece of furniture that catches your eye, what do you like about it? Is it the subtle curves or the bold shape? Does it have a unique texture, or is it smooth to the touch? Answering these questions can help you decide on a design style for your home.

In many cases, people’s preferences in terms of style can be reflected in their choice of furniture. So, if you always gravitate towards smooth, sleek, modern pieces, you might prefer a more contemporary design style. The same applies to people who are drawn to old-fashioned styles, e.g., wooden, worn-out-like items. If that is the case, you might want to consider decorating your home with traditional, maybe rustic pieces.

Next time you check the best cheap coffee tables, consider paying extra attention to their specific designs. Doing so might help you learn more about your preferences and pick the most beneficial items for your space.

What Colors Do You Like?

You might not be aware of it, but your color preferences reveal a lot about you in general and can also point you to the design style that fits you best. Some people like to use neutral tones and go for simplistic elements, while others choose vibrant colors and contrasts.

You may be an energetic person who loves bright, vivid colors or an artist who prefers bold shades and hues. On the other hand, maybe you enjoy soft and neutral tones that other people refer to as a true romantic with a taste for pastels and white.

Whether you like to surround yourself with complementary colors that create harmony or be surrounded by one primary color that creates a focal point, the choice is entirely up to you.

Of course, while there is no right or wrong answer here, you should take your preferences into account. Typical questions you might want to ask yourself include: which colors make me feel most comfortable? Is there a color that I can’t possibly live without? Am I drawn to the shades used in nature?

What Is Your Favorite Design Era?

A design era is a period of time during which particular aspects of the design were most popular. The main difference lies in the manner in which those elements are implemented. For instance, one design style might focus on adding more colors through the use of colorful furniture, while the other can use various accessories like rugs and pillows to reach a similar goal.

If you prefer the look of Victorian-style furniture, you might want to add a more traditional feel to your home’s interiors. Similarly, if you love the look of cottages or Colonial homes, you might be a fan of the vintage style. Yet, if your heart flutters when you see contemporary apartments and lofts, you most likely prefer the modern design.

Feel free to choose the style you prefer most or think would suit your home best. Still, you should avoid mixing different eras together because it would take away from the desired look.

What Do You Like About Different Decor Styles?

You might have developed a taste for particular design styles because you believe they look good. However, there is more to this than meets the eye.

Maybe you like the coziness and warmth of a vintage look, the sleekness of a modern one, or how an eclectic style mixes both to bring out the best of each. Ask yourself what you like most about these decor styles.

Here is a short description of modern and vintage styles to help you make the right choice:

Modern design is characterized by clean lines, monochromatic spaces, and maximum functionality. It is an outstanding option if you don’t like clutter and want the freedom to arrange your furniture in whichever way suits you best. You can even experiment with different patterns or textures since they will be nicely complemented by an absence of color.

Vintage style is all about incorporating personal touches into home decor. It often relies on a mixture of old and new pieces, adding accents with handmade decorations, or even repurposing things from thrift shops into new furnishings. You could opt for one of the vintage styles if you enjoy a more eye-catching design and have many knick-knacks.

The Takeaway

To achieve the best result from your interior design project, you need to plan everything properly. Whether you are doing it yourself or hiring a professional, you have to ensure every detail is up to your standards.

Be prepared for some obstacles, and keep in mind that there are no “perfect” interiors out there. Even the ones you see in magazines and social media might not be entirely true to life. The whole purpose of this exercise is to help you determine what exactly you want and need.

If you want to create a stylish, modern-looking living space, remember that less is more. On the other hand, if you aim for a more vintage look, you can use patterns and mix-matched furniture to make your space stand out. Go with your heart but think about each decision twice.

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