What Is an "Interior Designs Style"? And How Do I Find Mine?

Design can feel a bit like ... well... overwhelming—especially when you ask yourself, “What is my design style?” With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming. Modern? Vintage? Eclectic? Minimalist? Do I even have a style? Why am I here? Why is this person talking to herself on the blog pretending to be me? .... Let's answer some of the questions.

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” - Steve Jobs. This quote hits home because design isn’t just about looking pretty; it’s about creating a space that feels like you. Is a good moment to take a look around your house and ask yourself, how do you feel in the space? Happy, sad, demotivated? Put a name in your emotion and it will help you identify the changes you need to make, even before knowing for sure which style it will be.

What Is Design Style, Anyway?

Quick story time: When I was learning English, back in Brazil, my teacher said something that I use as a metaphor for e lot of things. She said: "It doesn't matter what level of English you guys have, I will always begin the year teaching the To Be verb." That means, every time you feel overwhelmed with something new, starts with the basic and go from there.

Now, let's start from the beginning.

Design style is simply the look and feel of your space. It’s made up of colors, furniture shapes, materials, and the overall vibe. Think of it as the personality of your home!

For example, when you see a famous person house on Instagram, all white, almost no clutter and furniture, and it makes you happy and think "I wish that was my house." Maybe you are a minimalist. In another hand, if you love nick necks but also love the minimal look, we can help you to find a middle ground.

Whether you love cozy vintage vibes or sleek modern lines, your style is all about what makes you happy.

Finding Your Design Style: A Fun/Stressful Journey

Let's get to the point, shall we? Trust me for a second and let's analyze your house together! Here’s how to do it:

1. Look Around: Start by checking out your current space. Before I asked you to identify the overall feeling you had, now we will be a little bit more detailed. What do you love? Maybe it's that comfy couch, your colorful art, or those vintage trinkets. In the words of Mary Kondo, "does it sparkle joy?". Maybe make a list with the YAY or MEH columns.

2. Get Inspired: Now you know what you love and really want to keep and what can be replaced at some point. Jump onto Pinterest or Instagram and start scrolling. Create a mood board of images that catch your eye. As you collect these visuals, you’ll likely spot patterns. Are you drawn to bold colors or soft pastels? Cozy textures or clean lines? Sometimes will be a crazy mix but don't worry, there is such a thing as eclectic style!

3. Think About the Vibe: What kind of atmosphere do you want at home? Do you want it to feel warm and inviting, or sleek and sophisticated? Picture yourself walking through your door. What do you want to feel? Do you want to make your neighbors jealous? Or maybe you want a house that is full of storage to put all the mess away in 1 minute and feel clean for the rest of the day. Knowing what your are searching for in an emotional level is half way there.

   
   
   
   

   

   
   

Make It Personal

Let's be cliche for a second and say: your are unique. Not only in the literal sense that you are the only one of you but also in your tastes, life story, hobbies or in my case, the lack of them. Your design style should be a reflection of you, mainly the good and magical parts of you that make you feel nostalgic and safe. It’s like wearing your favorite outfit every day! When I work with clients, I always emphasize the importance of creating a space that feels like a personal sanctuary—your home should tell your story. You don't need to throw everything away, you just need to make the old you to harmonize with the new you.

Once you’ve gathered your ideas on Pinterest ( be careful to not go in the rabbit hole and ended up looking for how to do fried lasagna with Nutella) and start making small changes. Try painting a wall or adding a fun piece of furniture. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your unique style will start to emerge.

If you still fell overwhelmed, contact us. You will probably think that I am trying to sell you my services... and I am. But sometimes we need help and we do know one thing or two about making the process quicker and less stressful for you.

The Big Picture

Remember, finding your design style is a journey, not a race. Enjoy the process! Trust your instincts and let your personality shine through every corner.

I can't wait to see you again!

Grateful,

Carol Alda