Choosing the right interior design style for your home can feel overwhelming - especially with the constant stream of beautifully styled spaces we see online. While inspiration is everywhere, the key to a well-designed home isn’t copying what you see, but blending inspiration with your personal lifestyle to create a space that is both beautiful and functional.
Below, I'll guide you through the steps I walk my own clients through to help them create a home that feels intentional, cohesive, and uniquely theirs.
Step one: Start with inspiration but as the right questions first
I always encourage my clients to gather inspiration photos on Pinterest or Instagram. This gives me a sense of the overall direction they’re drawn to. That said, Pinterest can quickly feel overwhelming when you’re seeing multiple design styles all at once.
Before getting lost in endless scrolling, start by asking yourself a few key design questions:
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How do I want this space to feel? (Calm, cozy, bright, dramatic, grounded?)
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What colours doI naturally gravitate toward - and which ones do I dislike?
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Am I drawn to warm tones or cooler palettes?
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Do I prefer natural textures like wood, linen and stone or sleeker, more polished finishes?
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Do I love bold contrast and statement pieces, or soft, neutral, airy interiors?
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Am I drawn to modern, traditional or something in between?
You may need to do a bit of visual research to answer these questions, and that’s ok. Once you have clarity on what you’re drawn to, Pinterest becomes a helpful tool rather than an overwhelming one.
Step two: Pay attention to what you already love
Think back to spaces you’ve been in that made you feel comfortable, inspired, or instantly at home. This could be a friend’s house, a hotel, a restaurant or even a vacation rental.
Ask yourself:
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What stood out to me about that space?
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Did it feel cozy and layered or clean and minimal?
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Did it feel timeless or more design-forward?
Often, these moments reveal more about your design style than any trend report ever could. Many people naturally gravitate toward traditional, transitional, or layered interiors without realizing it - especially if they love character, warmth and a lived-in feel.
Step three: Think practically about how you live
Great design isn't just about how a space looks - it's about how it functions.
Take an honest look at your lifestyle:
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Do you have kids or pets? Durable fabrics and materials that can withstand daily wear are often more practical than materials that demand frequent maintenance.
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Do you work from home? A functional and well-designed office space may be essential, even if it needs to blend seamlessly into the rest of your home.
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Do you entertain often? Open layouts, comfortable seating, layered lighting and durable surfaces can help your home feel welcoming and effortless for hosting.
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Are storage and organization important to you? Built-in cabinetry, concealed storage and smart layout planning can make space feel both beautiful and functional.
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Do you spend a lot of time in certain rooms? Prioritizing comfort and function in high-use spaces like kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms ensures your design works for you long-term.
Your interior design style should support the way you live day to day, not work against it.
Step four: Don’t design your home around trends alone
Design trends can be fun and inspiring, but they shouldn’t dictate your entire home. Trends tend to cycle what is “out” today but often comes back around in a new way.
I always recommend keeping major, permanent elements more timeless, while using trends in easier-to-swap areas like:
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Paint colours
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Decorative lighting
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Accent furniture
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Textiles and decor
For example, if you love a current trend like colour drenching or bold stone, you might incorporate it in a powder room, feature wall, or through accessories rather than in something costly to change later. This allows your home to feel current without sacrificing longevity.
Step five: You can mix design styles
You don’t have to fit into just one design category. Some of the most beautiful homes blend styles in a thoughtful way.
Popular combinations include:
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Modern organic
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minimalist and cozy
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Traditional and contemporary
The key to mixing styles successfully is consistency by using a cohesive colour palette, repeating materials, and maintaining a balance between contrast and harmony throughout the home.
Step six: Consider working a with a professional
The design process can feel daunting, especially when you're trying to make decisions that will last for years. As a designer, it’s my role and joy to guide clients through this process in a way that feels enjoyable, collaborative and stress-free.
I help translate your ideas and inspiration into a cohesive design plan, ensuring your home feels timeless, functional and truly reflective of you. Oftentimes, clients know what they love - they just need help pulling it all together in a way that feels intentional and well-executed. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh perspective to bring a space to life. If you’re looking for thoughtful guidance, I’m here when you need it!
- The Plumber’s Wife