Article:
Finding your design style
By Shelley Anderson
July 2007
One of the most bewildering parts of interior design is deciding what your design style is. Most people today use the term “eclectic” to describe their style. This can be true; however, there is usually one style that trumps all others. Determining just what kind of design you prefer the most isn’t quick or easy and it can even be daunting. However, once you choose your own unique style, the process of decorating your home will be much easier.
Inspiration for your personal design style can come from every aspect of your life and the world around you. Start with your closet. Take a careful look at your clothing and accessory choices. Color, pattern, and texture which are pleasing to you in what you wear will be satisfying to you in your home’s design. Ask a close friend to go shopping with you. Ask them to pick out things that “look” like you.
Purchase home design magazines—even ones you don’t think reflect your style. Tear out every page that you respond to—good and bad. There may be only a color that you like in the photograph, but the design style is not appealing. That’s okay—write on the page what you like or dislike.
As you go about your daily routine or go on vacation, pick up items that reflect the colors, patterns or textures that you like. You might end up with post cards, a silk flower, a clipping of fabric, a piece of pottery, even a stone can be your inspiration.
The next step is to organize all of the items you have collected. Using a binder, put your collection into plastic sleeves organized by like and dislike. After you get a healthy assortment in your binder, it’s time to review everything. Viewing all of your inspirations as a whole, you should be able to get a solid sense of your design style.
Shelley Anderson has been creating interiors in the greater Seattle area since 1990.You may contact her at (206) 719-6814 or email her at
shelley.anderson@shelleyandersoninteriors.com.