Ever scroll through Pinterest or flip through a design magazine and think, “I love this…but what even is this style?” You’re not alone. With so many buzzwords like Scandinavian, Modern Farmhouse, or Eclectic flying around, it’s easy to get lost in the labels.
The truth is, you don’t need to be fluent in design jargon to figure out your personal interior design style. You just need to know what resonates with you; what makes you pause, feel inspired, or think I could live here. So let’s break it down.
And, let’s get one thing straight, you don’t need to label your style. Your style might be so unique that it doesn’t fall into one category but has elements of a few different categories. So, the goal is not to come out of this journey with a label, but rather more of an understanding of what styles call to you.
Step 1: Explore
Before we dive into the official styles, take a moment to scroll through images on Pinterest or Instagram. Don’t think too hard — just save anything that grabs your attention. After collecting 10–15 images, go back and look for patterns:
- Are the spaces bright and minimal or cozy and layered?
- Is there a lot of wood and texture, or clean lines and metals?
- Do you gravitate toward neutrals, bold colour, or moody tones?
This visual gut check can tell you a lot about your style preferences, even if you don’t know the terminology yet.
Step 2: Learn the Basics of Key Interior Design Styles
Here’s a simplified breakdown of a few core styles to help you identify what you might be drawn to:
Scandinavian
This image was generated by interior design AI, Read The Best and Worst Interior Design AI,A Designer’s Review.
Think: Minimalist, cozy, and light-filled. Clean lines, neutral palettes, and natural textures. If you love a clutter-free space with functional beauty, this might be your vibe.
Shops For Scandi Style
Modern Farmhouse
Think: Rustic charm meets clean lines. A mix of wood, metal, and cozy textures — often with black and white contrast. Great for those who like warmth with a modern twist.
Shops for Modern Farmhouse Style
Mid-Century Modern
Think: Sleek furniture, organic shapes, and retro vibes from the 50s and 60s. If you love walnut wood, bold accents, and timeless silhouettes, this style could be calling your name.
Shops for MCM style
Boho (Bohemian)
Think: Layered, eclectic, and full of life. Rich textures, earthy tones, and global influences. If your ideal space feels creative, relaxed, and a little rebellious — this is you.
Shops for Boho Style
Traditional
Think: Elegant, symmetrical, and timeless. Lots of classic furniture shapes, detailed millwork, and muted color palettes. Perfect for lovers of formality and heritage.
Eclectic
Think: A mix of everything, curated beautifully. For those who don’t want to be pinned down — but still want it to feel intentional and cohesive.
Shops for Eclectic Style
Modern Glam
Think: Sophistication meets a touch of drama. Think clean lines, luxe textures, and a refined colour palette, often featuring soft neutrals accented with metallics, velvet, or crystal
Shops for Modern Glam Style
Keep in mind these are just a few popular styles, not meant to be an inclusive list.
Step 3: Mix and Match (Yes, It’s Allowed!)
Most people aren’t purely one style — and that’s totally okay. You might love the clean minimalism of Scandinavian design but want the personality of Boho accessories. That’s where a skilled eye (hi!) or thoughtful curation comes in. You can blend styles if you keep your colour palette and materials consistent.
The key is to take notice of what you like about styles and make a style of your own.
In my personal style, I gravitate toward minimalistic decorating, but I also love the boldness and fun that comes with eclecticism. I often find myself mixing and matching vintage pieces with modern ones, though I’m not into overloading a space with too much decor. I like to think of myself as a maximal-minimalist—I love clean simplicity, but with striking juxtapositions and a touch of the unexpected.
Tools You Can Use To Find Your Interior Design Style
I’ve already mentioned how Pinterest is a great tool for discovering your personal style, but I’d also like to introduce another helpful resource: interior design AI. This tool can be incredibly useful if you’re unsure about what works in your space or which style suits you best. With just a few clicks, interior design AI can generate styled versions of a room, giving you a quick visual to either dismiss or get inspired by—making the decision process a whole lot easier. Read The Best and Worst Interior Design AI,A Designer’s Review.
You can also choose to work with a designer (cough, cough), and we can really get down to business in determining your style.
Final Thoughts: Your Style, Your Rules
At the end of the day, design is personal. There are no rules you have to follow — just tools to help you create a space you love coming home to. Discovering your style is about trusting your instincts, finding what speaks to you, and building from there.
So go ahead — explore, save what inspires you, and maybe even take a style quiz for fun. And if you want a little help pulling it all together? That’s what I’m here for.
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