You know what you love when you see it. Maybe it’s a cozy nook layered with throws, or a sun-filled kitchen with natural wood accents and marble countertops. But when it comes to describing your interior design style in words? That’s where things can get a little tricky.
If you’ve ever said “I want something modern” and then realized that “modern” means different things to different people, you’re not alone. Whether you’re working with a designer or simply refreshing a room on your own, learning how to define your style can make all the difference. It helps you make confident choices, avoid mismatched purchases, and stay focused on the look and feel you really want.
Not planning to hire a designer? No problem. This process is just as helpful if you’re tackling a DIY room makeover, picking a new sofa, or shopping for wallpaper. Here are a few simple strategies to help you clarify your interior design style—so you can move from “I’ll know it when I see it” to “This is so me.”
1. Get Visual—Pinterest Is Your Friend
When words fail, pictures speak. Start by creating a Pinterest board or photo album where you save anything that catches your eye. That could be full rooms, architectural details, fabric swatches, fashion photos, or even vacation spots.
As your board fills up, look for repeating elements. Are you drawn to curved furniture? Warm colours? Crisp lines? Soft lighting? These patterns help define your interior design style without needing a single design term.
Pro tip: give each board a clear label like “Dream Dining Room” or “Light and Airy Living.” That extra bit of organization helps when you’re revisiting the board to make decisions or explain your vision.
2. Focus on the Feeling, Not Just the Look
Sometimes it’s easier to describe how you want a room to feel than how it should look. Try asking yourself: Do I want this space to feel calm and restful? Energizing and playful? Rich and moody?
Let those feelings guide your choices. If you say you want something “modern,” that could mean a sleek minimalist space—or a comfortable, clutter-free room with soft textures. Describing the atmosphere you want helps you (and anyone helping you) understand your style beyond labels.
3. Be Honest About What You Don’t Like
Knowing what isn’t your style is just as helpful as knowing what is. If you’re not a fan of certain colours, patterns, or design trends, say so. Even if it’s something popular.
For example, instead of saying “I don’t like blue,” you could explain, “I find cooler tones feel too stark in my space—I’m more drawn to warm, earthy neutrals.” That extra detail offers real clarity and keeps your interior design style moving in the right direction.
4. Think About Texture and Materials
Are you constantly drawn to the look of natural linen? Do you love the warmth of wood or the softness of velvet? These preferences say a lot about your design sensibility, even if you’re unsure how to label it.
Take a walk through your home and notice which materials make you feel most at ease. Snap photos of anything you love—whether it’s a vintage mirror, a ceramic vase, or the weave of your favourite throw. These are your personal design clues.
5. Take Inventory of What You Already Have
If you’re planning to keep certain pieces in your space, document them. Whether it’s a cherished armchair, the existing flooring, or your room layout, those elements will influence your style choices moving forward.
Even a quick set of phone photos can serve as a helpful reference. It ensures that anything new you choose fits comfortably with what’s already in place.
6. Don’t Worry About the “Right” Words
You don’t need a design degree or a perfectly defined style to create a space you love. The most important thing is knowing what feels right to you. Share what excites you, what comforts you, and what makes a space feel like home.
Even if you’re not working with a designer, this self-discovery process can be just as powerful. It helps you avoid impulse purchases and build a home that feels intentional and personal.
When you’re clear on your interior design style, decorating decisions feel a lot less overwhelming. You’ll know which direction to go, what to avoid, and how to make your space feel like a true reflection of you.
So whether you’re redesigning a whole room or just replacing a light fixture, take the time to get to know your style. Your future home decisions, and your peace of mind, will thank you.
Photography by Stacey Brandford
