Do you like so many different things? Country, then Scandinavian or industrial and sometimes also a bit classic. So many combinations are possible, no wonder we ask you: are you struggling to find your personal interior design style?
Even now I am older, I must adjust my interior to today’s needs. More time at home, receiving kids with partners and grandchildren, sometimes being away for some time. This requires creative solutions, while I still want to realize this without sacrificing style.
More about how to find your interior design style here. In this blog there are some simple tips to add personal style.
TIP #1 Gallery Wall
Make your space feel uniquely yours by putting up a gallery wall. Pick pictures, posters, or art pieces that are all about things you love. You can group them by a theme, like travel or nature, or by color. This adds a distinctive touch and brings your interests and style into your home.
As mentioned before, you want to realize things without sacrificing style, even elevate your style. In my hall I have a gallery wall in black and white, on a Grey painted wall (color Purbeck stone from Farrow and Ball). Black and white to keep it calm. The images are themed around important places for me personally, like Utrecht where I was born, Switzerland where I worked, Chicago and New York where part of my family lived and lives, my favorite city Paris and other holiday destinations like Nashville, Zagreb, South Africa, Iceland.
I must elevate this wall; I used the Ribba frames from Ikea. For many years successful and easy to expand each time I wanted to add a new photo. But now the foil on the MDF frame is coming loose. So, I want to see if I can upgrade the frames with paint or look for other frames like wood or steel frames.
One thing is certain; the gallery wall remains because visitors always pause for a moment at the wall. The photos therefore provide an opportunity to talk to visitors about their favorite places. (I use my own photos, which I convert to black and white and print on sturdy photo paper).
More inspiration on Pinterest
TIP #2 Materials Overview
Usually, you will make a material overview of the room if you have all kinds of samples for a built or rebuilt of your room. But to ask yourself the question “which materials do I like” will help you to discover your personal style.
Try to put the things in your house which you really like on a tray. Add what you miss (is there balance in texture, balance in colors, balance in organic versus straight lines). You can use samples or printed pictures to get an overview you really like. Now you can use this overview. Maybe even for your entire house. It makes shopping easier because you can narrow down where you must look for, and well-chosen materials can elevate your room.
It is not easy to choose materials that reflect your personal style but start by collecting what you love. More information about “how to make an interior material overview here.
And in the different blogs about interior styles, you can find material overviews belonging to that particular style.
TIP #3 Add Color
Color plays a significant role in your interior, and it can elevate your room as well as your personal style. This does not mean you have to paint all the walls in the color you love but the repetition of a color in your home accentuates what you love. I love all shades of green, I used to have a green sofa (loved it) but now it is more in the accessories like cushions, candles, and a lamp in the living room, towels, bathmat and decoration in the bathroom and duvet covers in the bedroom. The only green walls are in my home office and in the guest bedroom.
There is another thing color can help you with and that is the atmosphere in your home. Do you prefer a cozy, inviting style (yellow or red undertone) or a calm, relaxing style (green or blue undertone)? By selecting colors that align with the mood you want to convey, you can infuse your personal style into the space.
And it sounds a bit profound 😉, but color can reflect your lifestyle and values! For instance, if you value sustainability, you might opt for earthy, natural tones and eco-friendly materials.
A cohesive color scheme that reflects your personal style makes every element in the room feel intentional and contributes to the overall aesthetic. Color a powerful tool to use for expressing yourself.
Example of a color scheme for a mid century kitchen by woonlookbook.
A touch of green, just color accents are great to show some personality.
TIP #4 Add souvenirs
Bringing back a souvenir from places you visited can enhance your travel experience but at the same time do something for your interior. For example, every time you eat from a plate you bought in another culture it will bring back memories. Because a souvenir is usually chosen based on your personal taste and interests, it will be a unique addition to your home.
There are a few things to remember while looking at potential souvenirs.
- Practically, do you have space to take it with you (plane, car, train, bike). If not, is it possible to ship it (and is that what you want in sight of sustainability).
- Does it fit in your current style? It is nice to see ceramics in huge quantities with very outspoken colors and romantic scalloped edges, this can be a nice addition but if you usually like plain colors and simple lines it might be better to look for something more in line with this style.
- A display cabinet is great for displaying many souvenirs together. And the Gallery Wall mentioned under tip 1 is of course also very suitable for souvenirs on the wall.
- Purchase Handcrafted souvenirs from local artisans and businesses to help support the local economy of the destination you visited. Look at local markets and you are assured that you will not find it in a store in your own hometown.
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Are you struggling to find your personal interior design style? I hope these tips can help you. Enjoy
