Courtney Warren is a Texas-based interior designer whose work has been featured in Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, and Today.com. She is a frequent consultant on Fox 4 TV’s Good Day program in Dallas, was ranked in the top 3 percent of interior designers in the US by Houzz.com, and starred in the Dallas episode of TLC’sFour Houses. She delights in helping overwhelmed clients create beautiful spaces—and will never turn down a warm chocolate chip cookie or Diet Dr Pepper.
Finding your interior decor style can feel a bit like solving a puzzle. You know you want a space that feels uniquely you, but pinning down exactly what that looks like can be tricky.
Luckily, with a little guidance, you can uncover the style that best reflects your personality and creates a home that’s truly your own.
At any time, you can take a shortcut. I have a streamlined process that helps clients figure out their design style. You can take the interior design style quiz (bit.ly/whatsmydesignstyle )
Here’s a 10 question guide to help you on your journey:
Think about places you’ve visited—whether it’s a friend’s home, a hotel, or a café—that made you feel relaxed and inspired. Consider what it was about these spaces that appealed to you. Was it the color palette, the furniture, the decor, or the overall vibe? Your answers will give you clues about the design elements that resonate with you.
Your lifestyle plays a huge role in determining your design style. If you have a busy household with kids or pets, you might lean towards a more practical and durable style, like farmhouse or modern rustic. If you love to entertain, you might prefer a style that allows for flexible seating and open spaces, such as mid-century modern or contemporary.
Color is a major component of interior design, and the colors you love can help point you towards a specific style. If you’re drawn to neutral tones, you might enjoy minimalist or Scandinavian designs. If you love bold, vibrant colors, a bohemian or eclectic style might be more your speed.
Knowing what you don’t like can be just as important as knowing what you do like. Whether it’s cluttered spaces, overly ornate furniture, or too much symmetry, identifying your design pet peeves can help you avoid styles that won’t make you happy.
This question can help you determine whether you lean more towards traditional, classic styles like Victorian or Art Deco, or more modern styles like industrial or minimalist. If you like mixing the two, transitional or eclectic styles might be a good fit.
Your personality can influence your design preferences. Introverts might prefer calm, serene spaces with clean lines and soft textures, while extroverts might enjoy bold, vibrant spaces with lots of color and dynamic patterns. Organized individuals might prefer styles that emphasize order and structure, like contemporary or traditional, while free-spirited people might enjoy the playful, mix-and-match approach of bohemian or eclectic styles.
Your interests can be a great source of inspiration. For example, if you love art, you might enjoy a modern or gallery-style home where you can showcase your collection. If you’re a nature enthusiast, a rustic or coastal style that incorporates natural materials and earthy tones might be more your style.
Whether it’s the roaring 20s, the swinging 60s, or the minimalist 90s, every era has its own unique style. Identifying an era that speaks to you can help you narrow down your design preferences. For example, if you love the glamour of the 1920s, you might enjoy an Art Deco style. If you’re drawn to the simplicity of the 1950s and 60s, mid-century modern might be your go-to.
Do you want your space to feel cozy and inviting, sleek and modern, or bold and energetic? This question can help you identify the mood you’re aiming for, which in turn can guide your choice of style. For example, if you want a cozy, welcoming space, a rustic or farmhouse style might be ideal. If you want something more sleek and polished, contemporary or modern might be the way to go.
If there are certain pieces you already own and love, or items you’ve always dreamed of having, these can be great starting points for determining your style. For example, if you have a love for Persian rugs and antique furniture, you might lean towards a traditional or eclectic style. If you can’t live without your sleek, modern sofa, then contemporary or minimalist styles might be more your speed.
Once you’ve answered these questions, you should have a clearer picture of your interior design style. It’s okay if your style doesn’t fit neatly into one category—many people find that they enjoy a mix of styles, which is what makes their space truly unique. The key is to create a home that feels authentic to you, reflects your personality, and supports your lifestyle. Happy decorating!