8 ways to explore your own interior design style

Materials are everything when it comes to interior design! Bricks, stones and wood will more than likely be the basis of any foundation you're working with and these materials deserve respect and perseveration. For example, if you're lucky enough to have raw stone or brick walls in certain areas of your home, consider design concepts and styles that might work well with them. 

Stones and concrete make for great industrial-style homes, and bricks can work well with modern, chic, contemporary and even Scandinavian homes.

If you can't nail down the type of style you have, then think about colours as a way to quickly narrow it down. If you tend to like neutrals and white, then maybe a chic, Scandinavian or modern environment might work for you.

Prefer earth tones and warm colours? Maybe try a rustic or mediterranean look!

This kitchen and dining room has incorporated several bold colours for a perfectly modern look.

Are you living in an incredibly modern home, yet have rustic taste? Or is your home historical and preserved, yet you're looking for a contemporary, Scandinavian interior? You can certainly find ways to mix opposites, but be careful. Certain projects simply won't work well together, and especially when it comes to your budget. Fall in love with your home by working (and appreciating) what it already provides. You'll find that your decisions and projects will move along better this way!

When skimming through websites, magazines and coffee table books, take note of the attention to detail that professional interior designers and architects have. Often, what makes or breaks the style or concept of a room is how well you follow through on the details. Think about lighting,  window covers, materials and small accessories and decor.

Do you travel a lot for work? Or do you work from home? The answer to this question will be a serious one as it will determine how often you spend time in your home, how often you will use everything and even how often you will entertain. If you're hoping to get functionality and efficiency out of your home, then speak to professionals about your options to keep you home and life moving smoothly.

If you've ever travelled then you know that your location and region in the world will greatly influence the type of home you have and perhaps even the way you handle the interior. This doens't mean you have to sacrifice what you want for your hot, humid or cold climate and family heirlooms – but take a look around neighbors and friends homes for more ideas to keep it fun and interesting. 

Interior design and architecture magazines and websites offer a glimpse into the professional and astounding world that you're preparing to enter into. You have to remind yourself not to get too discouraged when viewing professional work – it is, after all, professional. Use these sources as mere ideas and inspiration for how to capture your own look.

Your considerations might change depending on your family situation as well. If you're living alone or with a partner, then this might be slightly easier to handle, as you can openly communicate with each other and find interior design concepts you have in common and compromise. If you're decorating for children or extended family, remember to listen to what they would like too. Interior design is an incredibly personal discipline and all considerations should be taken seriously!

For example, you might imagine this bedroom as a teenager or children's bedroom and you should decorate accordingly! For more ways to figure out your favourite styles and designs, remember that homify should always be your first click!