Finding your interior design style isn’t about putting a label on your taste or choosing between “boho” and “farmhouse” like they’re Hogwarts houses. It’s about learning how you want to feel in your home—and letting the details follow. Style is personal, lived-in, a little bit messy, and (good news!) totally figure-out-able.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to bring your Pinterest board into real life, here’s how to find your interior design style—and actually make it work for your home, your budget, and your real life.
Why Interior Design Style Matters
This isn’t about sticking yourself in a style box. It’s about giving yourself a creative compass. When you know your interior design style, you’re less likely to impulse-buy that trendy mirror that looks amazing on Instagram but doesn’t work with anything else you own.
More importantly, it helps your home feel intentional. Like a place that reflects you, not just the sale section at Target (no shade — we love a Target run).
Look at Your Life, Not Just Pinterest
Sure, you can take a million “What’s Your Style?” quizzes — and we’ll link a good one below — but the real clues are in your everyday life.
Ask yourself:
- What outfit do you reach for when you want to feel like yourself?
- Are you drawn to clean lines or cozy textures? Neutrals or bold color?
- How do you want your space to feel at 7 p.m. on a random Tuesday?
A friend of mine, Sara, realized her dream kitchen didn’t need subway tile and black grout (though it is pretty). What she really wanted was a sun-drenched space that smelled like cardamom and felt soft around the edges — so she leaned into creamy tones, open shelving, and a vintage table passed down from her grandmother. Her style? Quietly Scandinavian, with a twist of nostalgia.
Popular Interior Design Styles
You don’t have to memorize these, but it helps to recognize them — especially when you’re describing your dream vibe to a partner, a friend, or even just your future self at HomeGoods.
Modern
Clean lines. Minimal clutter. Think neutrals, metal, glass, and furniture that looks sculptural. If you hate knick-knacks and feel calm in a space with negative space, this might be you.
Bohemian
Layered. Collected. Cozy chaos in the best way. Lots of color, plants, and pieces with soul. A boho home tells stories — from the vintage rug to the thrifted lamp that’s just a little bit weird (and perfect).
Farmhouse
Not just for Joanna Gaines stans. It’s warm, welcoming, and full of charm — with wood accents, soft textiles, and a bit of rustic grit. Think linen aprons, iron hooks, and big tables made for real-life meals.
Mid-Century Modern
Retro without being kitschy. This style features low-profile furniture, warm woods, and bold shapes. If you love Mad Men, teak, and graphic pops of color, you might be here.
Traditional
Classic and tailored. It leans on symmetry, rich textures, and timeless details. If you feel your best in a wool coat and leather boots, your home might like dark woods, framed art, and solid upholstery.
Scandinavian
Light, simple, and airy. Scandinavian interiors focus on function and beauty — think white walls, natural wood, soft lighting, and pieces that do more than one thing (like a bench with hidden storage).
Transitional
A happy mix. If you like both new and old, clean and cozy, neutral and bold — this flexible style might be your best fit. It plays well with others and works great for real life.
Spot Your Style in Everyday Clues
Sometimes your interior design style is already showing up — in your closet, your favorite cafés, or even your wedding Pinterest board from 2016.
Try this:
- Look at your go-to outfit. Is it polished and neutral? Colorful and playful? That vibe translates to decor.
- Scroll your Instagram saves. What do your dream kitchens feel like?
- Peek at your dishes, candles, or even throw blankets. Patterns and palettes matter.
If you love warm amber candles, soft linen napkins, and earthy tones, you might be leaning toward rustic or organic modern. If you’ve got a soft spot for velvet, jewel tones, and symmetry, traditional could be calling.
Can You Mix Styles?
Here’s a secret: most beautiful homes don’t stick to just one style. In fact, the most interesting rooms usually blend a few. The trick is balance. Anchor your space with one dominant style (say, 70% mid-century modern), then sprinkle in accents from another (30% boho, maybe a colorful kilim or macrame wall hanging).
The key is cohesion — think shared color palettes, repeating materials, or matching energy. Your space can be eclectic without being chaotic. Just give each item a “why” for being there.
Find Your Style on a Budget
You don’t have to redo your whole home tomorrow. Start small — and see what sticks.
- Mood board it: Use Canva, Pinterest, or just a folder on your phone. Save what you love, then look for patterns.
- Shop your home: Rearranging furniture or swapping art between rooms can totally shift the vibe.
- Try peel-and-stick decor: Wallpaper, tiles, even backsplash — all renter-friendly and commitment-lite.
- Thrift + FB Marketplace: Amazing for finding unique pieces that speak to you, not just what’s trending.
Also, no shame in a solid IKEA run. Style isn’t about price tags — it’s about how it all comes together.
Take an Interior Design Style Quiz
When in doubt, try a quiz to point you in the right direction. This interior design style quiz from HGTV (free, fun, no weird sign-ups) is a favorite around here. Pair it with your gut feelings and you’ll have a solid foundation.
Final Takeaway
Your home doesn’t have to be a showroom. It’s allowed to change — with the seasons, with your moods, with your life. The goal isn’t to copy someone else’s aesthetic. It’s to create a space that feels like home when you walk in the door.
So trust yourself. Try things. Let it be a little imperfect. And above all — make it yours.
