How to Find Your Interior Design Style: Finding your signature

When I first started out in interior design, one of the most common questions I heard (and even asked myself) was: “What’s your style?”

At first, I didn’t have a clear answer. I loved the clean lines of minimalism, the coziness of rustic homes, and the timeless elegance of traditional interiors. How could I possibly choose just one?

If you’re new to design, chances are you’ve felt this too pulled in different directions by different styles, wondering which one is “yours.” The good news? You don’t need to fit into one neat little box. Finding your style is a journey, and it evolves over time.

But having a sense of direction makes design much easier, whether you’re decorating your own home or starting a project for a client. In this post, I will be showing how you can find, define and refine your interior design style so your spaces always feel like you. If you are new to Shiloh Interior, check out 7 things I wish I knew before my first styling. That will give you a bit of foundation.

1. Why Style Matters in Interior Design

Style is more than just picking furniture or paint colors. It’s the story your space tells. Think of style as the personality of a room:

• Minimalist spaces say: I value clarity and calm.
• Boho spaces say: I’m free-spirited and creative.
• Traditional spaces say: I appreciate history and timelessness.

When you understand your style, you design with confidence. Decisions feel easier, and your home (or your client’s home) feels cohesive instead of mismatched.

2. Start With What You Already Love

The first step in finding your style is to look around you.

• What colors are you drawn to when you shop for clothes?
• Do you love crisp white spaces, or do you gravitate toward earthy tones?
• When you flip through a magazine, which rooms make you stop and stare?

Tip: Create a “style folder” or Pinterest board. Save every image that catches your eye, even if you’re not sure why. Later, you’ll start noticing patterns.

3. The 7 Core Interior Design Styles (and How to Spot Yours)

There are many styles, but most fall under a few main categories. Let’s break down the ones beginners often connect with:

Modern

Clean lines, neutral tones, functional spaces. Think sleek sofas, glass tables, and minimal clutter.

Contemporary

Similar to modern but more fluid and current. Think sleek sofas, glass tables, and minimal clutter.

Minimalist

“Less is more.” Neutral palettes, simple shapes, plenty of negative space.

Scandinavian

Bright, airy, functional, and cozy (“hygge”). Light wood furniture, white walls, soft textiles.

Bohemian (Boho)

Eclectic, colorful, and layered. Patterned rugs, rattan furniture, plants, and global-inspired décor.

Traditional

Classic furniture, symmetry, and timeless décor. Rich wood tones, elegant fabrics, detailed moldings.

Rustic/Farmhouse

Warm, natural, and inviting. Reclaimed wood, cozy textures, stone, and vintage pieces.

4. Mixing Styles: Yes, It’s Allowed

Here’s the secret most beginners don’t realize: you don’t have to choose just one style. In fact, many of the most beautiful homes are a blend. For example:

• Modern + Rustic = Modern Farmhouse
• Scandinavian + Boho = Scandi-Boho
• Contemporary + Traditional = Transitional

The key is to choose one style as your “foundation” and add another as an accent. This prevents your space from feeling chaotic.

5. How to Test Your Style Before Committing

If you’re unsure about your style, don’t rush. Try these low-commitment steps first:

1. Play with accessories – pillows, rugs, or art are easy to swap.
2. Experiment digitally – use mood boards or design apps.
3. Try one room at a time – instead of redoing your whole home.

This way, you get to “test drive” your style without big financial risks.

6. Designing Around Your Lifestyle (Not Just Aesthetics)

Your style should reflect not only what you like, but also how you live. Love minimalism but have kids? You’ll need practical storage solutions. Adore rustic style but live in a city apartment? Use rustic accents instead of full log-cabin vibes.

Are you drawn to luxury glam like me but on a budget? Mix high-street finds with a few statement pieces. Design works best when style and lifestyle meet.

7. The Power of Color in Style

Color is often the fastest way to spot your style. Neutral palettes lean modern, minimalist, or Scandinavian. Earth tones lean rustic or boho. Bold jewel tones lean traditional or glam.

Tip: Create a “signature palette” of 3–5 colors that you consistently use. This becomes your personal design fingerprint.

8. Building a Capsule Collection for Your Home

Just like fashion, you can create a capsule collection of home pieces that always work together.

Examples:

1. A neutral sofa or base seating.
2. A versatile rug.
3. Quality lighting.
4. Functional storage.
5. Accent pieces (art, pillows, throws) that reflect your style.

This ensures your space always feels pulled together, no matter how trends change.

9. Don’t Be Afraid of Evolution

Your style today may not be your style five years from now—and that’s okay. Design is personal, and as you grow, your spaces should grow with you. What matters is that your home always feels like a reflection of you, not just a copy of a magazine page.

Finding your interior design style isn’t about forcing yourself into a single box. It’s about uncovering the look and feel that makes you feel at home.

Whether you’re a minimalist who loves calm, a boho soul who craves color, or someone who enjoys mixing styles to create something unique your home should always feel authentic to you.

So start exploring, experimenting, and most importantly trust your instincts. The style you’re drawn to is already inside you. All you need to do is bring it to life.