Implement your interior design style with these 4 easy steps!
Ok, so you’ve identified your interior design style (if you haven’t yet, click here for Part 1 of this series!), and you’re like “Well…okay…now what?”
Now this! Keep reading >>
1. identify the key style elements.
Whatever interior design style you landed on, you now need to research it, understand its key elements (what makes that style, that style), and then allow it to influence the type of furniture, decor, and color you select.
Here’s an example to practice:
Mid-century modern is characterized by tapered legs, sleek and simple lines, and warm–dark wood. If you were implementing mid-century modern, which dresser should you pick?
If you said “A”, that’s correct! “A” is correct! The characteristics all match up, so you would choose this dresser if you were trying to implement the mid-century modern style.
2. Start with the big pieces.
Don’t start with small decor pieces, like candles, shelf accents, etc. Even though that is the fun part, it’s ultimately not what everyone is going to see first, yourself included.
Purchase your large pieces first, like major furniture elements. The reason: the main focal point of your space will guide the tone, color, texture, and overall vibe.
Take time with this step.
3. Build your mood board.
After you’ve chosen the major, statement pieces of a room or space (these include couches, dressers, bed frames, etc.), find the ones you want and build a mood board for each room.
The goal is to build off of your main pieces and find the smaller elements that go with them.
Go as detailed as you’d like with your mood board (personally I build mine in Pages on Apple, but you can even do it in Google Slides, Canva, or Photoshop).
A lot of mood board creation is simply Googling, screen-shotting, or copy+pasting your inspo pieces. I usually add some colors/textures as well to help me visualize a theme, and try to include the exact (or very similar) furniture and accent pieces I want.
Mood boards help refocus your vision and make you feel more prepared before you load your shopping cart!
4. Start shopping!
Home takes time, so as you start shopping for your pieces, go slow.
I’ve bought a number of expensive/bad pieces that I later regretted because I was too eager about speedy styling over intentional styling.
Here are a couple ways to get started:
- Research your interior style and see what stores are the leading source for those types of pieces (sometimes this can be the most pricey route, so keep reading for other options).
- Buy thrifted or shop Facebook Marketplace and other sources for used items. I’ve found incredible pieces this way and if you have the patience to wait for some great stuff, you’ll be rewarded!
- Upcycle, DIY, etc. If you can’t shop it, do it yourself! There are so many ways to take a piece that is completely different than your style, and transform it with a new coat of paint or just a little love!
Implementing your interior design style is a satisfying process. If these steps helped you, or if you still have questions let me know down below!
xo, rachlv.
