How can I Figure out what my Decorating Style is?

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.