Tips for Discovering Your Decorating Style

by Jamie

Decorating can seem like a daunting task when you don't have a vision for where you are going. Even experienced decorators can get discouraged when things don't seem to be coming together.
It isn't easy to name your style, especially in this day and age.....We are bombarded with so many images and ideas that it is easy to be confused about what it is that you really like. And most people are leaning towards being more ecclectic and taking on more than one style at a time. But how do you make things cohesive? How to you find what you are really drawn to?
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tips for discovering your decorating style, home decor

Discovering your decorating style is something that can take years and requires both thought and trial and error. I know that I am constantly influenced by other people and things that I see. There is a lot that I LIKE, but that doesn't mean that it fits into my style. So how do you separate your real style from everything that you like? I've put together some tips to help you with the process.

Get a box of colored pencils

Dump out a box of crayons or colored pencils and see what colors and combinations speak to you. With the variety of shades that come in a box, it is easy to see what colors you are drawn to, what colors you don't like, and which you enjoy seeing mixed together.

Make a list

Create a list of words that describe the feeling you want your house and style to have. Choose descriptive feeling words (like cozy, simple, sophisticated) as well as colors words (blue, neutral). Include phrases that you'd be excited to hear a guest say about your space. Does that list describe the things you've pinned or collected from your house?

And while you are at it, list words that describe what you know you don't like. Sometimes it is easier to figure out what you want in your house when you consider what it is you don't want to see. Knowing what you aren't looking for keeps you from being tempted to stray unnecessarily from your style.

Look at Pinterest

For most of us, we don't have to be told to look at Pinterest. But when searching for your decorating style, it is really one of the best resources. Create a Pinterest board filled with things you truly love....not just things that you are pinning because you think you might like them. You may want to make this a secret board since you'll be pinning a lot to it. Go through the pictures you've pinned in the past and repin to this board. Go through other people's pins. Visit your favorite blogs and pin.

Then take a look at everything as a whole. What style are you really drawn to? Do you notice a pattern? Are you pinning things with a lot of color or do you prefer more neutrals? Pattern, plain or textured? Do you seem to be drawn to one decade of style over another? Is there a specific place (farm, France, beach) that speaks to you? It is so much easier to visualize your style when you can look at things you like all together.