As spring approaches, many homeowners get the itch to change things up in their houses. They are ready for deep cleaning and renewal and a fresh feeling. One of the most fun ways to give your home a new spring look is to update your take on interior design styles.

From furniture to artwork to paint colors, you can easily switch the look of your home to give yourself a mental boost. Fresh, new spaces always feel good to the soul. 

One stumbling block that comes up for homeowners, however, is where to start. There are so many interior design styles, and you may like a few elements of many of them. You might not be sure how to define or choose your style.

If you want to make some updates but feel unsure how to go about it, reach out to the team at Design Elements NW. From new construction to a cosmetic changeover, we have you covered. 

How Do I Figure Out My Style?

If you put that question into a search engine, you will have at least a dozen quiz options pop up for you to peruse. These are often fun to fill out and can be useful for some people. But for many homeowners, these can add another layer of stress or confusion. They might create more questions than they answer.

Here are some tips to get you started as you settle on a design style for your house.

Learn the Basics About Several Interior Design Styles

If you are just starting the process of picking a style for your home decor, it’s best to familiarize yourself with several of the top choices. As you look through descriptions and photos, pay attention to the colors, shapes, and lines that draw you in. 

Get a feel for the overall vibe of any given style. You might want to curate a Pinterest board or a physical notebook with photos and color swatches that please you.

Take a Look at Your Clothes

If you spend some time looking through your closet, you may find the clues you’ve needed about your style preferences. Keep an eye out for any of these trends:

• Is there a color palette that is common in your clothing choices? Do you prefer bold colors? Neutrals? Mostly black and white?
• Do you see a lot of prints? Perhaps you’ll notice that many of your shirts are animal print, or floral, or geometric. Maybe you have a lot of ironic and quirky t-shirts. 
• Do your clothes have a lot of structure or not much at all? If you lean toward fitted, button-down shirts and tailored pants, that can carry over into home design as well. Or if you are a slouchy clothes aficionado, that can point you in the right direction for your house.
• Are there certain fabrics that make up the majority of your clothing? Do you prefer comfy cotton clothes or snug leather options? Do you have a lot of dry-clean only wardrobe pieces, or mostly wash-and-wear?

Consider a Favorite Piece of Furniture or Artwork

If you already have a statement piece that you love in your home, that can be an excellent jumping-off point. You might have a favorite painting that speaks to modern decor. Or maybe you own a stunning, large plant that has a bohemian feel. Whatever it is, you can use it to help guide your choices as you look at the different design styles.

Do I Have to Pick Just One Style?

One of the other problems people have when choosing an interior design option is that they feel stuck picking only one. The reality is that most people like elements of two or three different styles. And that makes for a perfect blend that fits you just right.

This is your home we’re talking about. It’s your sanctuary and haven. It has to feel right to you, not to some magazine editor who curates photos of perfectly arranged styles. Perhaps you mostly like art deco interior design but also want to incorporate a little industrial edge to it. Go for it! Don’t feel forced into one style or definition. That will never feel right to you.

Top Interior Design Styles

In general, most interior design styles can fit into one of two categories: period-inspired or location-inspired. Period-inspired options have to do with a time frame, such as modern or art deco interior design. Location-inspired styles stem from a place, such as Mediterranean or Asian. And then there are a few choices that don’t fit either section. Let’s take a look at several popular styles among these categories

Period Design

• Industrial – Hearkening to the early nineteenth-century industrial revolution, this style combines some old-world looks with sleek design elements. You will see solid wood pieces with metal fixtures and fasteners. You might see exposed brick, copper fittings, and darker colors. The industrial style is popular in urban lofts and condos but certainly can be part of any home’s decor.
• Art Deco – The Roaring 20s come to life with this design style. If you enjoy bold colors and sharp designs, you may be an art deco fan. With clean lines and an eye toward symmetry, art deco also evokes luxury and glamour. This style is fun to incorporate into any space.
• Mid-Century Modern – Some of the most iconic American design pieces hail from the middle of the 20th century. This style uses simple lines and natural elements as it focuses on high-functioning items. The post-war era was transitioning into the modern one, and this style shows that move away from heavy, stylized pieces.

Location Design

• Nautical or Coastal – This New England-inspired design style is warm and relaxing. It evokes the feel of a cottage on the coast where you can spend time with a book, a puzzle, or a glass of wine by the fireplace. Unfinished wood and linen upholstery make an appearance in a lot of the furniture. Neutral sandy colors with blue accents make decorating a breeze.
• Scandinavian – With similarities to art deco and minimalist design, Scandinavian style uses clean lines and fun pops of color. With gray and white as the primary undertones, the Scandinavian design style is very clean, open, and airy. It relies on textures in pillows and blankets to bring layers of coziness to your space.
• Farmhouse – This style pulls from a rural, country feel. It uses exposed beams and natural wood colors to evoke a sense of simplicity. Light colors and natural elements like wildflowers, fruit, and lavender often complete the feel of farmhouse design.

Neither Here Nor There

Some interior design styles fit into their own category. They do not necessarily rely on a specific time or place for inspiration. 

• Bohemian – To bring this design into your home, look for natural fibers and ethnic patterns or fabrics. The Bohemian style is purposely “messy” rather than streamlined and structured. It suggests whimsy and travel and exploration and can involve trinkets and photos scattered throughout the space. The Bohemian aesthetic is carefree and relaxed.
• Shabby Chic – The shabby chic design style has a soft, feminine feel. It hails from a French style and leans toward vintage furniture and accessories. Floral patterns and muted colors dominate this style. 

Design Elements Can Help You Create Your Perfect Style

Whether you are building a house from the ground up or want help redecorating one room, the expert team at Design Elements NW is here to help. We walk with you on your design journey to make sure your home is the haven you deserve. Reach out today for a free consultation and get started on creating a space you will love to call home.