Time to get some inspiration. Photo: peapodsquadmom via Flickr.
When it comes to home décor, choosing the furniture and accessories that fill your home is just as personal as selecting the clothing you wear everyday.
So, if you’re unsure about what your design sense is, how can you find the style that best suits your taste? Start with the ideas below, and you’ll be well on your way.
Get Exposure: You should start by exposing yourself to as many different styles possible, and note the traits of each style that you do and don’t like. A great way to do this is by frequenting your local home design stores. Set aside a few hours each weekend to peruse. Get a good variety of stores on your itinerary- from modern to classic décor. Browsing online is another great way to check out different styles. Pinterest can be a great resource for collecting images of the rooms you like. Consider creating a board for each room in your house and getting the mobile app so you can take it with you once you’re ready to go shopping.
Your style is just as unique as you. Photo: AndyRobertsPhotos via Flickr
Seek Inspiration: Ideas can be found in so many places, some of them are where you are least expecting them. Try to be aware of all the things you encounter in your life that make you feel at ease. Is it a color scheme of a menu at your local coffee shop? Snap a picture of it with your phone. Maybe it’s a vintage-style lamp post you pass during your commute? Take a picture of that! It is possible to build an entire room off of these seemingly little inspirations. You can find more inspiration at one of my favorite sites: the inspired room.
Take a Quiz: There are several quizzes available that will analyze your answers to help you get in touch with your inner designer. Some of my favorites are
- Sproost- This site gives you a short quiz to determine your style, then finds furniture and accessories you are apt to like.
- StylishHome– This visual quiz will present you with a variety of rooms and activities to choose from, then give you your style results.
- Better Homes & Gardens- Better homes and gardens is an authority when it comes to decorating. This quiz will help you uncover your design personality.
Consult a Friend: A great way to get some tips is by picking the brain of a friend. Of course, make sure you like this friend’s design sense first. Invite them over for a brainstorming session and tour the house to get some ideas; a shelf here, maybe a mirror there? Just begin to get your creative juices flowing. They may have a unique insight or idea that you hadn’t thought of before. If they are willing to go with you to the store, then bring them. They may have a better eye for choosing items that work nicely together and they can give you some good pointers.
Once you get a better feel for your design style, check out our other post, How to Find Furniture Deals for Your New Home, to get the most bang for your buck.
Do you know your home design style? How did you discover it? Tell us!
