Home
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best Home Decorating Style?

Alicia Sparks
Alicia Sparks

Several factors can help you choose the best home decorating style for you. Such factors include your personal style, your home’s architectural style, and even your home’s location. Cost, and your budget, will likely help determine the interior decorating theme you choose, as will available resources and aspects such as shopping locally or globally. Once you outline these factors and how they relate to you, you can begin browsing different home decor ideas and choosing the right one for your room or home.

Generally, your personal style will affect how you decorate your home and the rooms within your home. Regardless of how trendy or popular a particular home decorating style is, it makes more personal and financial sense to invest in home accessories that suit your tastes. Doing so will help you choose decorating themes that will be more personally satisfying and longer lasting than styles that follow current trends. Pinpoint some of your personal style characteristics by thinking about the colors and patterns you like, your individual interests and hobbies, and even the types of furniture necessary to make the room functional. Once you do that, you can begin browsing home decor stores and websites for individual home accessories and even overall home decorating style ideas.

Vintage or retro pieces can be fun conversation starters.
Vintage or retro pieces can be fun conversation starters.

Your home’s architecture and even location can play big roles in choosing the best home decorating style. As noted, you can decorate your home any way you like. Still, some architectural details lend themselves better than others to certain interior decorating themes. For instance, if your house is contemporary, you might choose modern home decor items over vintage pieces. Rustic furniture might better serve a cottage located in the country than it would a sky rise apartment in a city.

Different types of plants fit into different decorating schemes.
Different types of plants fit into different decorating schemes.

Note that your budget will play a part in the interior decorating process, but it doesn’t necessarily have to affect the home decorating style you choose. Generally, it’s possible to substitute expensive home decor items for more budget-friendly ones. For example, if you want to decorate your bedroom in an African safari theme, you can save money by using animal print blankets made of synthetic materials instead of real fur. Too, if you decide to give your dining room a formal feel, you can choose glass vases or chandelier pieces instead of costlier crystal versions. Once you decide on a home decorating style, consciously shop for items that relate to that style and fit your budget.

Rustic furniture might best serve a cottage located in the country.
Rustic furniture might best serve a cottage located in the country.

Don’t forget to consider your available resources and how important it is for you to shop locally or worldwide for furniture and other home accessories. If you choose a European home decorating style and you live in the United States, you might consider purchasing furniture from Europe for a more authentic feel. On the other hand, if you’re an environmentally or socially conscious person, you might choose to purchase items from local vendors or those that aren’t produced, or don’t have to be shipped, across the globe.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Vintage or retro pieces can be fun conversation starters.
      By: James Steidl
      Vintage or retro pieces can be fun conversation starters.
    • Different types of plants fit into different decorating schemes.
      By: stillkost
      Different types of plants fit into different decorating schemes.
    • Rustic furniture might best serve a cottage located in the country.
      By: lawcain
      Rustic furniture might best serve a cottage located in the country.