How to Find Your Personal Design Style: An Interior Designer's Guide
If you've ever found yourself saving hundreds of Pinterest images but still aren't sure what your design style is, you're not alone. One of the most common questions we receive from homeowners in Medfield, Norfolk, Wellesley, Dover, Needham, Walpole, Westwood, Sherborn, and surrounding New England communities is, "How do I figure out my design style?"
At Laurel Wreath Homes, we believe that creating a beautiful home starts with understanding what truly resonates with you not simply following the latest trends.
Start Gathering Inspiration
The easiest way to discover your design style is to start collecting images that catch your eye. This can be done online using programs such as Canva and Photoshop, or with actual materials laid out in front of you. Whether it's a kitchen, living room, bathroom, or entire home, save spaces that make you stop scrolling.
After you've gathered a collection of images, look for common themes. You may notice that you're consistently drawn to:
Light and airy interiors
Warm wood tones
Classic New England architecture
Coastal/nature inspired textures
Traditional furnishings
Clean, modern lines
Neutral palettes
These patterns often reveal your personal style more clearly than any design label.
Think About How You Want Your Home to Feel
Great design isn't just about appearance, it's about creating a home that supports your lifestyle.
Ask yourself, “Do I want my home to feel….”
Relaxed and casual?
Warm and welcoming?
Sophisticated and refined?
Bright and family-friendly?
The feeling you want your home to evoke should guide your design decisions just as much as the visual elements.
Pull Inspiration From Your Home
You may already own pieces that reflect your style. A favorite piece of artwork, an antique family heirloom, a comfortable sofa, or a beautifully crafted dining table can all serve as the foundation for your home's design direction. If there are already pieces in your home that are “non-negotiable”, that is a clear direction to move along on the path to defining your style.
Many homeowners think they need to choose between styles like traditional, coastal, farmhouse, or transitional. In reality, the most beautiful homes often blend multiple influences.
You’ll likely find your favorite pieces all fall into adjacent style categories, for example:
That colorful, original circa 1970 piece of art you’ve picked up along your travels? Depending on the subject, this could be seen as Boho, Eclectic or even “Cottage core” style. Chances are, you’re drawn to all those styles and can easily combine them for a beautiful interior that feels very personal.
Focus on Timeless Design
Trends come and go, but thoughtful design lasts.
When selecting cabinetry, tile, furnishings, lighting, and finishes, consider whether you'll still love them years from now. Investing in timeless design choices often leads to a home that feels more cohesive and valuable over time.
At Laurel Wreath Homes, we encourage homeowners to prioritize quality materials, thoughtful layouts, and classic details that stand the test of time.
Create a Vision Before You Renovate
Before starting a renovation or redesign project, take the time to define your overall vision. Consider:
Your preferred color palette
Materials and finishes
Furniture styles
Lighting preferences
Architectural details
Having a clear direction helps ensure every decision supports a cohesive final result.
Need Help Defining Your Style?
Finding your personal design style can feel overwhelming, especially when planning a renovation, building a new home, or furnishing an entire space. Working with an interior designer can help simplify the process and give you confidence in your decisions before making significant investments.
At Laurel Wreath Homes, we work with homeowners throughout Weston, Norfolk, Wellesley, Dover, Needham, Westwood, and the surrounding communities to create timeless, personalized interiors that reflect how they live.
Not located nearby? We also offer 1:1 virtual design consultations for clients anywhere. These personalized online sessions provide expert guidance on layouts, furnishings, finishes, color palettes, and styling, helping you create a cohesive vision for your home no matter where you're located.
Ready to discover your design style? Contact Laurel Wreath Homes to learn more about our interior design services and virtual consultations.