It took us a long time to really get clear on our home decor style. Arno and I moved in together when I was 21, and I’m 30 now and I finally feel like we’ve got a handle on our style and I’m confident in choosing pieces for our home. So, in hopes that I can help streamline the process for you guys, I’m sharing everything I found helpful in narrowing down my style!
Use Pinterest!
There’s a good chance you’ve heard this before, but Pinterest can be so helpful in finding what speaks to you in the images you like. I love using it just like a moodboard.
First, just start pinning interior photos you like. These can be from blogs, Instagram, or just search Pinterest itself. Don’t think too much about what you’re pinning; if the photo makes you go all heart-eyes, pin it! Then, step back and look for patterns. Here’s a screenshot of my Home Decor Inspo board:
Clearly the images I’ve pinned show some patterns of what I like: a boho vibe, white walls galore, lots of neutrals but also warm rusty tones, texture, plants, pops of black, natural materials, lots of accessories but not full maximalism.
Looking at your own board, what common elements do you see? Do the spaces feel airy and minimal? Is there lots of color? What materials keep popping up? Are the images fairly consistent, or are they eclectic?
Ask Yourself:
Take a look around at your current home decor. Is there an area or piece that really feels like you (even if the rest of your decor isn’t there yet)? If so what do you love about it? Get curious: are you drawn to a color that you don’t have much of? Maybe a material? Is there one corner of your home that’s particularly cozy, and how can you bring that feel to the rest of your home? For example, when I did this a few years ago, I really loved the neutral pieces in my home, especially pieces made from natural materials, even though I didn’t have many of them. Knowing that, I went thrifting specifically for baskets, wooden bowls, and handmade ceramics which really warmed up the space.
Conversely, what in your home sticks out to you in a negative way? Is one color overwhelming the space? Does it feel too cold, or too cramped? For me a few years back, the furniture felt too heavy and there was too much clutter. So, I knew I needed to put away some of my stuff and switch out some pieces. Tip: when looking for furniture that doesn’t feel heavy, go for things with thinner legs, lighter colors, and space underneath. Our old couch had a skirt and looked so bulky, but the space under our current one makes the whole room feel more open. Of course, most of us can’t run out and buy all new furniture, but knowing what’s not working and why makes shopping so much easier.
Shop Intentionally
I’ve noticed for myself that there’s sometimes a difference between liking something and it being a good fit for my home. So, when I go shopping, I like to go armed with a strong idea of what I’m looking for, even if that’s just a mental list of colors, textures, or patterns. It’s also super helpful to have some photos of your home on your phone, so you can really picture the piece in your space.
Also, while I certainly get the impatience to just buy something to fill the space, I’ve never regretted waiting for just the right piece. When we first moved into our apartment, we bought a lot of stuff in a short amount of time, and within a few years we realized we weren’t all that into it. So give yourself time to really find what speaks to you, and save yourself some buyer’s remorse. It’s worth the empty space!
