Popular interior design from style to startup

How to Find Your Interior Design Style in 5 Steps


Have you moved into a new home, apartment or dorm room and been faced with an endless expanse of white walls?

We’ve been there. Setting up a home and decorating from scratch can be more than a little daunting, especially if it’s your first time doing it. Perhaps you’ve never really felt that you had a particular decorating ‘style’, and you’re unsure of how to discover what yours is.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you! If you want to discover your own interior decorating style for yourself, you’re in the right place. We’re sharing our tried-and-true method for becoming an interior design style wiz with a simple, five step method that you can start using right away. What’s more, you can use this same method to help any of your friends that need home decorating help!

Here are the five steps we’ll cover to help you find your unique interior design style:

  1. Narrow down your decorating style categories
  2. Look for personality style clues
  3. Look for lifestyle style clues
  4. Add in your cultural style clues
  5. Combine your style clues and use them as inspiration for the “big picture” vision for your space

Can interior design style quizzes help you find your style?

‘What about online interior design style quizzes?’, many of our readers ask.

‘Aren’t they the best way to find out your style?’

It’s true that the quickest way to get a read on your personal interior design or home decor style is to take a short online quiz. Quizzes are fun and easy, but they come with a few downsides as well.

The trouble with online interior design style quizzes

Interior design style quizzes are highly popular, and like horoscope and personality quizzes, they can make for super shareable online content. However, having taken more than a few interior design quizzes myself, I have noticed some drawbacks. Here they are:

  1. For one, there is no clear standard for the number of interior design styles that a quiz should include. Some quizzes help you find a style out of five styles, others out of ten or more.
  2. Another problem is that the style that is truly “you” might not be represented by the quiz. Your style might not have been included in the options, or perhaps your style type is fairly unique. You special snowflake.
  3. Different style quizzes can turn up different results. After taking more than one style quiz you might become more confused when you end up with a totally different style each time. True story!
  4. A single image doesn’t represent the nuance of a style type. Some style quizzes rely on images that might not be an accurate representation of the style in question. Don’t fire your decorator just yet.
  5. Sometimes beginners to home decor and interior design don’t know what to look for in an image when deciding whether they like it or not. For example, you might have a modern style, but dislike the color scheme used in the example of the modern room. In this case, it wasn’t modern style that you disliked, but the palette. The more you know.
  6. It’s not easy to judge images as a beginner. Often style quizzes don’t teach you anything about finding your own style because they don’t help you understand how they arrived at the conclusion that they did. One more time, please, but without skipping the important bits.
  7. Many style quizzes rely on generalities and cliches. These types of quizzes don’t take enough factors into consideration when helping you choose a style. Do decorators make these quizzes, or is it all just psychology interns?

Have I convinced you that you don’t need to take a style quiz? Good! I think that learning how to figure out your own style is going to be a lot more rewarding than taking a quiz. By following the five step method I lay out for you below you’ll be well on your way to figuring out for yourself

It’s so much more rewarding, I promise!


Style is subjective, discovery is a process

Now before we get into the specifics of the five steps, a few thoughts on “style” and some pointers you might find useful. Most importantly, remember that style is subjective. In other words, you and might have completely different ideas of what a successful representation of particular style should look like, or even what constitutes “good style” in the first place.

For this reason, only YOU can fully answer the question of YOUR personal interior design style for YOURSELF.


On the other hand, discovery of your personal style is a process. This means that no matter what your personal style, you can come to a better understanding of it when you assess it in a logical way.

So, how do you assess it?

The way to understand your current tastes in style comes simply by asking the questions that will best reveal the answers that matter when determining your style.

The magic of the five step method I lay out below lies in helping you know which questions to ask. The best part about this method is that it will take you through the thought process that allows you to see a room through the eyes of a trained design professional.

Take it from me, if you’re interested in home decor and style, that’s a valuable skill to have. Plus, helping a friend figure out their style in five steps can help make you the most popular person at your next house party.


While I believe that its true that figuring out your own decorating style is much more rewarding than taking a quiz, don’t take my word for it. At the end of this post I share some examples of decent interior style quizzes that you can try out online. You might even cross-reference your own results using my five-step method with a quiz and see if you get a match.


Here’s how to discover your interior design style for yourself

elegant businesswoman with folder in office

1. Narrow down the style categories

I’ve learned that when it comes to defining style its best to work from the outside in. In other words, we want to start with the largest concepts and biggest ideas, and then narrow the options down from there. There’s no point thinking about the nitty-gritties of what decor you prefer when you don’t even know what type of house you’re decorating. So architecture first, then overall vibe, furniture and decor.

In your search for your perfect expression of style for your home it can at first seem like there are an awful lot of things to consider. After all, there are so many style categories that they register in the upper double digits, and then there are many smaller subcategories and style niches, besides.  Also, styles can sometimes be known by different names depending on region or country.  All of this can get very confusing.


Here’s an example: Hollywood Glam is sometimes referred to as Hollywood Regency, but it’s exactly the same style. Another example is how some people will confuse nautical with coastal.

So what to do? The first thing is to make sure you’re getting your information from a good source! On this blog we’ve put together several key style resources that can help you understand the different styles that are out there better.

But I’m going to make it even easier for you. All of the styles that exist in the world can be broken down into just a few categories.

Many interior designers work with the categories modern, contemporary, eclectic and traditional. Write that down. Understanding these key categories can help you find your footing and give you a place to start your style search.


Modern or Traditional?

photo of a bathroombathroom
Photo by Ksenia Chernaya on Pexels.com

The broadest (and arguably most direct) approach to breaking down the task of figuring out your personal design style is to decide if you prefer more historic styles of architecture, furniture and decor, or if you prefer newer and more modern styles.  


Here are some factors that provide clues to which side of the spectrum you lean toward:

If you like a lot of embellishment and fancy decoration in your interior designs, then you might lean toward traditional decorating

If, on the other hand, you prefer clean lines and bolder, more minimalist type elements you might be more on the modern end of the spectrum


Fun fact: In America people seem to be split about halfway, with a slight leaning toward modern.


How do I know if I should go modern or more traditional with an existing interior? 

While its true we want to find our OWN style, we do have to take cues from where we live. Think about the “shell” of your home on the inside and out.  Is it historically-inspired in some way?  


If your home has a lot of historical architectural detailing then you have a more traditional home by default.  In this case, adding traditional furniture will further accentuate a traditional vibe. You are something of a design romantic.


If there is no real style to the room, house or apartment on the inside, and it’s pretty much a white box or a proverbial blank canvas, you can think of the space as being more modern by default. 

In this example, if you use furniture with a traditional look to it in a modern space, it would result in what we call ‘eclectic’, or a mixture of modern and traditional styles. This can look very elegant when done right.


To reverse the example above, if your home’s ‘envelope’ is traditionally-inspired in some way; if, for example, you have some classically inspired wall paneling, baseboard trim or crown moulding, you could deliberately make it an eclectic style by deliberately furnishing it with modern pieces.

The power of eclectic interiors, whether you’re starting with modern and adding the traditional in or beginning with a classic and modernizing it, is the appeal of a little of the best of both worlds.

On the whole, adding modern elements in with traditional elements makes them seem way less stuffy and formal.


To round up this section our last point here to bring it full circle is that if you do have a very modern ‘shell’ to work with and you add yet more modern pieces, you are going for a very modern look, so make sure that’s what you want before committing to your scheme! 


Great.  Now that you know if you are a modernist, a traditionalist or an eclectic rule-breaker, and you’ve paid homage to the architecture, we can move on to the next point.


2. Personality Style Clues

interior of stylish living room with yellow soft furniture
Photo by Joanna Bogacz on Pexels.com

Your own personality can give you a clue as to what style you prefer

It’s a well known designer secret: People like to dress for their personality. What’s more, the same sense that we apply to fashion tends often translates to our taste in home decor, too.  

It makes sense, doesn’t it?


A tale of two style personalities

Example 1: The Introverted Minimalist

Do you tend to dress in plain styles with minimal patterns and avoid bright hues like the plague? You’re probably going to feel more at home with solid and/or neutral design schemes.

interior of light room with empty paint placed near wall
Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com

If this sounds like you, you might be an introvert who prefers a calming environment to a busy one. To find a scheme that works for you, focus on whether you prefer warm or cool tones, lighter or darker values, and go from there.

This point doesn’t have anything to do with modern or traditional, but is separate to it. As an introvert or calm palette-lover you might feel at home with a modern minimalist home. On the other hand, there’s nothing wrong with liking a dressed up, grown up sort of room, either. If you are all about period dramas, there’s a chance you’ll enjoy sticking to the great design classics.

Keep it serene and soothing and uncluttered, whatever your side of the style spectrum and you’ll create a home that you love.


Example 2: The Extroverted Maximalist

If you wear a lot of pattern, and are not afraid of color, you’ll likely be more fearless in your choice of fabrics and wall colors as well. This is the domain of the extrovert.

Without making too many assumptions about you, it’s safe to say that if you consider yourself more outgoing and carefree, then it’s possible that you would veer away from interiors that are too dated or stuffy.

If this sounds like you then it is very likely that you would enjoy something more middle-of-the-road or fun to something that reminds you of your grandma’s house. Think bold contemporary or eclectic. There are many Bohemian lovers in this category.

On the other hand, if you like traditional interiors, then it’s time to turn the volume all the way up. If you are very extroverted you may want to really amp up that color and pattern and go for the bold, original artwork.

Bring it on!

selective photograph of a wall with grafitti
Photo by Toa Heftiba Şinca on Pexels.com

Let’s review what we’ve learned so far. In step one we identified where we fall on the modern-traditional spectrum. In step two we looked at how our personality and fashion choices affect our feelings about color in our home.

In our third step we are going to factor in the vibe we are going after. This will make the difference between a formal, more buttoned-up interior and one that is casual and home-y.



3. Lifestyle Style Clues

It’s no great secret. People who are very outdoors-y or have pets will want a home that can stand up to some extra wear. On the other side of the equation, those who are homebodies may be inclined to invest more in creature comforts, decoration and art.

white bed linen near green plant
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Going back to personality for a moment, consider what activities are important to you and how you are likely to spend your time so that you can prioritize.

Is your home your safe haven, where you want to retreat from the world, work on your private hobbies or set up the ultimate battle station for gaming? How much do you plan to entertain? Do you cook at home?

If you are very outgoing or love to entertain, you might want your home to make more of a statement and set it up for having people over, whereas if you are an introvert, you may crave order and serenity and cozy nooks that help you get away from distractions.

How does this all factor into style? Some interior design “styles” can require a lot more upkeep than others. Traditional styles, in particular, can tend to collect more dust (think of the architectural moldings and chandeliers), and many of the decorative items common in traditional interiors can tend to be precious and breakable.

If you were on the fence about traditional before, but you don’t want to put in a lot of effort toward keeping your home beautiful, you might consider going in a more classically elegant eclectic direction and keep things more streamlined.

Modern homes tend to be easier to keep clean, and modern performance fabrics and textiles add another level of convenience to the mix. They are designed with pets, kids and wine spills in mind. And while we’re on the topic of spills, that cream-colored sofa you liked the look of might not last in its pristine condition for long in your own home. Sometimes practicality can be the nudge we need toward a style that is right for us.


Environmental Style Factors

brown logs on grass field
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Here’s one more thing you can think about when deciding on a style that’s right for you. Where do you live? What’s the regional style in your part of the world? What inspiration can you draw from the local culture and the natural environment?

Beach homes and homes on the coast are more relaxed for a reason! People in warmer climates like to live an indoor/outdoor kind of lifestyle. On the other hand, chalets and A-frames are cozy and stress-relieving with their invitation to curl up in front of the fire. 

What is the climate like where you live?  What mood suits your temperament and expectations for your home life? As you continue on this process of self discovery keep asking: How can I make myself more comfortable at home? 


Some people put the aesthetics of their home first, while some people value comfort. These factors will make a difference when it comes to your choices for fabrics, furniture, and especially seating.


4. Cultural Style Clues

brown white and blue wooden board
The roots of this room appear to be Japanese, Spanish and Danish.

For our fourth step in the process it’s time to look at your cultural “roots”

We each have our own culture and hereditary background. If you’re looking for some key style factors, this can be an interesting place to pick up some style cues.

If you can spare some time for a little reflection, then I highly suggest that you relax with a favorite hot drink, a notepad and pen, and spend a little time thinking about your fondest childhood memories and especially what you enjoyed about the home you grew up in. You might remember some aspects of your earliest concepts of “home” that still ring true for you and are worth incorporating into your own space.

Do you have pictures of your grandparents that you’d like to hang? Can you incorporate some well-loved heirloom into your home and offer it with pride of place? Each item should spark joy,or at the very least, make for an interesting story. Sometimes key pieces of furniture or artworks can provide a starting point for your design journey.

Alternatively, if your childhood home really isn’t doing it for you, try further afield. Your inspiration might be the places you have visited or time spent in foreign lands immersed in another culture

Dig up your old holiday photos!


Throughout this exploration, if you’re reminded of something you love, don’t be afraid to incorporate a little or a lot of that into your home. While I don’t advise blindly or slavishly copying styles that you have no affinity with, if it’s part of your story and you love it, then own it

After all, it’s your style and your space!


5. Combine Your Inspiration to Get an Overall Vision for Your Space

Our fifth and final step is to compile the previous four steps and take all of the data we’ve collected about ourselves and use it to come up with our own unique style. For this I would recommend arranging all of your inspiration in one place. Look through your inspirational resources and see what common denominators or style factors you can find.

In other words, are you seeing that a lot of the inspirational images you selected have certain similarities, such as color, furniture style or overall vibe? Maybe you see a lot of saturated blues, traditional furniture or abstract artwork. Try to discover what threads join the “tapestry” of your style inspo together.

By noticing what commonalities the different images share, you are getting a peek into your style preferences. 

With all this talk of combining inspiration sources, reflecting and writing your ideas down on paper, you might be wondering exactly how you would use this five step method at a party, as we mentioned at the start of this article.


Case Study

To demonstrate how easy this method can be, let’s go through the five steps to finding your interior design style yourself using some standard, simple responses and see what we get.

Question 1: Where do you fall on the style spectrum, traditional, modern or in-between?

Answer: Somewhere in-between.

(Style clue 1: My base style is ‘eclectic’.)

Question 2: How do you feel about color and pattern?

Answer: I like bright colors and pattern.

(Style clue 2: My color and pattern profile are ‘saturated’ with a ‘preference for pattern’)

Question 3: Do you want a space that is dressed up and formal or something more casual?

Answer: I’d like a more casual home interior.

(Style clue 3: My vibe preference is ‘casual’)

Question 4: What cultural elements would you like to incorporate?

Answer: I’d love to include cultural references from the Southwest of the United States where my grandmother is from.

(Style clue 4: My cultural style is American Southwestern).

Putting all of that together, you have a bold, colorful and eclectic South-western contemporary style that is not shy on pattern and has a casual vibe.

I can already picture a beautiful Bohemian space, can’t you?


In Conclusion: Figuring Out Your Style Takes Time to Get Right

Since this article is not a quiz, per se, but rather a method for finding your own style, I hope that you can see for yourself how much more rewarding doing some style self-auditing can be.

At this point you have a much better understanding of some of the key factors you need to take into consideration when determining your own interior design style for yourself.


If you really feel that you need some external confirmation for figuring out your interior design style, then go ahead and take a few online tests. Style quizzes can be a starting point for your eventual discovery.


Personally, I’d do more than one style quiz. 

The reason for doing more than one style quiz is that it’s impossible for any test to be one hundred percent accurate. 

Think about it: the website offering the style quiz doesn’t actually know you and can only work on the basis of a good style discovery formula.  

With a few interior design style quizzes under your belt, however, (and the knowledge you gained form reading this article!), you should be able to tell the general direction that you should head on your own personal design journey!


Here are six design quizzes to get you started, in no particular order:

HAVENLY STYLE QUIZ

MODSY STYLE QUIZ

HGTV STYLE QUIZ

DESIGN BOX STYLE QUIZ

DESIGNER SOCIETY OF AMERICA STYLE QUIZ

BOBBY BERK STYLE QUIZ


Here on Design Baddie we recommend looking at the broader scope of established and well-recognized design styles first.


Interior design and home decor magazines are a good place to start for finding inspiration and beginning to sort out your personal style preferences.  If you are a beginner to interior design style it makes great sense at this early stage to start a collection of images you like. You could start with a physical folder of old-school tear-sheets, or even a Pinterest board.  

Your style mission, (should you choose to accept it), is to start taking note of the interior design inspirational images you are drawn to and see if you can determine what it is you like about them. It also helps if you can really articulate why you like or don’t like something.


Doing the research is the fun part!

In Conclusion

Our interior design style preferences, just like our homes (and even we ourselves), are always going to evolve and change over the years. Don’t be afraid to try new things, and keep editing as you go! Remember that the goal is not to replicate some well-known interior design style perfectly, it’s to find what makes you happy and allows you to live your best life!


If you would like to look at some common interior design style boards to give you some ideas for interior design styles or find what resonates with you, do check out our popular article on the thirty most popular interior design styles here.


We are on a mission at Design Baddie to make basic interior design information accessible and free to all! Get our introductory interior design e-book absolutely free when you sign up for our newsletter.

Good luck and happy style hunting!!

Share this article
Shareable URL
Comments 5
  1. Pingback: The Design Baddie ‘BIG 5’ Style Genre Project – Explained! – DESIGN BADDIE
  2. Pingback: DESIGN BADDIEWhat is the Difference Between Design and Style?
  3. Pingback: DESIGN BADDIE What is the Difference Between Design and Style?

Quick comment

Discover more from DESIGN BADDIE

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading