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How can I Figure out what my Decorating Style is?

By Sheri Cyprus
Updated May 17, 2024
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Finding your decorating style can be fun! You can keep a small notebook and think about what you like and keep lists. When you see a piece of furniture or a certain color you love you can make a note of it in your book. Better yet, you could keep a scrap book of all types of designs and colors that "grab" you in some way. Buying a stack of decorating magazines and just cutting things out that you love is a great way to help you figure out what your decorating style is as long as you don't think too much about what you're choosing.

Save the thinking for after you’re finished cutting out furniture and accessories you love and take some time to analyze your notes and clippings. You’re likely to see some sort of pattern that can help you figure out what your decorating style is. For example, do you seem to like things with clean lines or prefer very detailed designs? What common thread, if any, seems to tie all your notes and photos together? If your tastes are really varied or eclectic, you may not see much of a pattern, but you'll be able to have a better idea of how you could fit your different styles together.

Window shopping is another great way to get a feel for your style of decorating. You can go to the stores where they have entire rooms set up on display. Think about what you like and don't like in each display. Sometimes, figuring out what you don't like can help you understand your style preferences better.

If you find that you like mostly clean lines and modern styling, that indicates a contemporary style. But if you favor colonial wood and button-tufted sofas, your decorating style may be more traditional. If you seem drawn to sisal rugs and a beach type of look, a tropical decorating style may describe your tastes, while a love of dramatic colors and Oriental pieces indicates an Asian style of interior design.

WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

By subway11 — On Jul 25, 2010

Sunny27- I agree with you. I love IKEA. I also wanted to add that going into different furniture stores gives you an idea of your style and color preferences.

If you place close attention to what you are drawn to, it is probably the same type of furniture in each store.

By Sunny27 — On Jul 25, 2010

I agree that the best way to determine what home design style suits you best is by looking through home design magazines and home furnishing catalogs.

Here you can easily see what attracts your attention. I personally enjoy Scandinavian design that is somewhat modern with clean lines.

I learned this by looking through an IKEA catalog along with a catalog from West Elm. I was inspired by the collections that I saw that I immediately knew I preferred Scandinavian inspired furniture.

I also love the light mint tones on the wall with off-white furniture and brown accessories.

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