As an interior designer, developing a unique interior design style is key to setting yourself apart in a competitive industry. While trends come and go, a designer with a distinct voice will always stand out, attracting clients resonating their vision. But how do you cultivate a style that is authentically yours? In this blog, we’ll explore practical steps to help you define and refine your aesthetic. While drawing inspiration from some renowned interior designers who have carved their own paths in the world of design.
1. Understand Your Inspirations
The first step in developing your unique interior design style is understanding what inspires you. Spend time exploring a variety of sources—architecture, nature, art, fashion, and different cultures. Your personal interests and lifestyle choices can also shape your design preferences. For example, if you’re passionate about minimalism and eco-friendly living. Your style may lean towards sustainable, sleek designs with a focus on simplicity and natural materials.
Pro Tip: Create a mood board or an inspiration journal where you can collect images, colors, textures, and ideas that spark your creativity. This will help you identify recurring patterns or themes that may become the foundation of your style.
2. Master the Fundamentals
Before you can develop a unique interior design style, it’s essential to master the basics of interior design. A solid understanding of design principles, such as balance, harmony, proportion, and color theory. It will give you the tools to innovate within your own style framework. The best designers are those who know how to break the rules—after they’ve learned them.
Many renowned designers have built their styles on deep knowledge of traditional design techniques, allowing them to push boundaries in their work.
3. Explore Different Design Styles
While it’s important to have a distinctive approach, studying various interior design style can provide a wealth of inspiration. Whether it’s Art Deco, Scandinavian, Bohemian, or Mid-Century Modern, each style has its own strengths and elements that you can adapt or blend to create something unique.
4. Find Your Signature Elements
One of the most effective ways to develop your unique interior design style is by focusing on signature elements that define your work. It could be the way you use color, your approach to lighting, or the materials you prefer.
For example, Kelly Wearstler, one of the most famous interior designers, is known for her bold, eclectic style that often blends luxurious textures with contrasting patterns. Her work often includes statement pieces and a fearless use of color, which has become her trademark in the design world.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different elements in your projects and see which ones resonate the most with you. Over time, you’ll discover a set of consistent elements that naturally reflect your design sensibilities.
5. Embrace Personal Experiences
Your personal journey plays a critical role in shaping your interior design style. Think about where you’ve traveled, the experiences you’ve had, and how your background influences the way you see spaces. Drawing from personal experiences allows your style to evolve in a way that is authentic and reflective of your persona.
One of the most effective ways to develop your unique interior design style is by focusing on signature elements that define your work. It could be the way you use color, your approach to lighting, or the materials you prefer.
For example, India Mahdavi, an acclaimed interior designer known for her playful use of color, often draws from her multicultural background, incorporating elements from her Iranian, Egyptian, and French heritage. This has led to her recognizable style that marries vibrant hues with modern, sleek forms.
6. Learn from Renowned Designers
Looking at the journeys of established designers can provide valuable insights, inspiration for developing your own unique interior design style. Here are a few prominent interior designers and how they’ve cultivated their design aesthetics:
Kelly Hoppen: Known for her minimalist yet luxurious designs, Kelly Hoppen has mastered the balance between clean lines and warm textures. Her work often blends Eastern principles of harmony and balance with Western comfort and sophistication. Learning how she draws inspiration from various cultures can inspire you to explore beyond your comfort zone.
Jean-Louis Deniot: A master of timeless interiors, Jean-Louis Deniot is known for creating spaces that feel layered, curated, and highly sophisticated. His use of classical elements in modern settings has made his work internationally recognized. He carefully combines antiques with modern furnishings, proving that mixing old and new is key to a unique aesthetic.
Nate Berkus: Famous for his accessible design philosophy, Nate Berkus is a pioneer in creating spaces that are personal and functional. His work focuses on telling a story through interiors, using sentimental objects and vintage pieces that add depth and character to any space.
7. Practice and Evolve
Your style will not emerge overnight. It takes time, practice, and a willingness to evolve. Work on personal projects, experiment with new techniques, and always seek feedback. With each project, your style will become more refined, and your voice will grow stronger.
The most iconic interior designers are those who constantly push their boundaries and evolve over time. Don’t be afraid to take risks and make bold choices—this is where innovation happens.
8. Build a Strong Portfolio
As you develop your style, it’s important to build a portfolio that showcases your unique approach. Whether it’s through personal projects, internships, or freelance work, ensure that your portfolio reflects the variety of your skills. While highlighting the elements that make your style distinctive.
An online portfolio or blog is a great way to document your journey as a designer and attract clients who align with your design sensibilities. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are also ideal for sharing your creative process and connecting with others in the design community.
Conclusion: Your Unique Style is Your Superpower
Developing your unique style as an interior designer is a journey of self-discovery and constant evolution. By mastering the fundamentals, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, and learning from the best in the industry, you’ll be able to craft a style that is truly your own. Remember, it’s not about following trends, but about creating designs that resonate with your personality, experiences, and creative vision.
Your unique style will set you apart and open doors to exciting opportunities in the ever-evolving world of interior design.