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How to Choose the Right Interior Design Style for Your Home

  • Writer: Ирина Колб
    Ирина Колб
  • Jun 20
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jun 27

Choosing the right interior design style is about more than just aesthetics — it’s about creating a space that supports your lifestyle and reflects who you are. Whether you're remodeling a single room or starting a full renovation, finding your ideal style will help you make smarter, more cohesive design decisions.


In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the interior design style that fits your home — and your life.


Woman thinking with a hand on her chin, looking upward — decision-making or interior style inspiration concept.


Why Your Lifestyle Should Guide Your Interior Design Style


Before picking colors or shopping for furniture, take a moment to think about how you actually live:


  • Do you entertain guests or prefer a quiet retreat?

  • Do you have young children or pets?

  • Do you work from home?

  • Do you crave clean simplicity or cozy, layered comfort?

The best interior design style will support your routines, not complicate them.

Example: A sleek minimalist home looks stunning — but it might not work well with a toddler and a Golden Retriever.


Define the Mood Before You Choose an Interior Design Style


Each interior design style communicates a mood. Instead of chasing trends, focus on how you want your home to feel:


  • Calm and peaceful → Japandi or Coastal

  • Warm and nostalgic → Modern Farmhouse or Mid-Century Modern

  • Bold and expressive → Eclectic or Art Deco

  • Elegant and timeless → Transitional or Contemporary

Ask yourself: Do I want my home to energize me or calm me down? The answer leads straight to your ideal style.

Cozy Coastal-style living room with a large sectional sofa, rustic wood beams, natural textures, and canal view through tall windows.
Coastal-style interior

Match Your Interior Design Style to Your Home’s Architecture


Choosing a style that aligns with your home’s natural features creates harmony — and saves money on unnecessary modifications.


  • A 1920s bungalow may lend itself to Craftsman or Rustic styles

  • A downtown loft naturally pairs with Industrial or Minimalist aesthetics

  • A classic suburban house offers flexibility: Transitional, Modern, or even Traditional

Trying to force a high-gloss ultra-modern style into a cozy Colonial layout often leads to costly disconnects.


Can You Combine Multiple Interior Design Styles? Yes — If Done Right


Most real homes aren’t textbook examples of a single style. The trick is combining them with intent.


  • Do: Pair Scandinavian lightness with Mid-Century shapes

  • Don’t: Throw together Rustic, Glam, and Boho with no plan

Limit yourself to one dominant style and one supporting influence. Use color palettes, textures, and layout choices to tie everything together.

Flat lay of a Coastal-inspired moodboard featuring soft neutral tones, textured materials, natural stone, coral, and color swatches.
Interior designer moodboard

Use a Mood Board to Identify Your Interior Design Style


A mood board is one of the most useful tools for finding your style. Here’s how:


  1. Save 20–30 images that truly resonate with you

  2. Step away for a day

  3. Revisit and analyze:

    • Are the spaces open or cozy?

    • Do you prefer neutral tones or bold colors?

    • Are there repeating materials — wood, stone, glass, fabric?

You’ll likely see patterns that point to a specific interior design style — even if you didn’t recognize it at first.


Need Help Choosing an Interior Design Style? Talk to a Pro


Even a one-hour consultation with a designer can clarify your direction and prevent costly mistakes. A designer can:


  • Help you define a consistent style

  • Suggest materials and layouts that match your goals

  • Translate your preferences into a practical renovation plan

It’s a small investment that can make a big difference.

Soft Contemporary living room with sculptural chandelier, marble fireplace, round glass coffee table, and natural warm-toned decor.
Soft contemporary living room

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Interior Design Style


There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best interior design style for your home is the one that feels natural, looks cohesive, and fits your daily life.

Take your time. Get inspired. Don’t be afraid to edit. A great space doesn’t follow rules — it follows you.



Know your style — but need help making it real? We bring your vision to life through high-quality renovations across Chicago and the northern suburbs. Contact Us for a Free Estimate

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