How to decide on a theme for your home decor

Does your home still look like a mish-mosh of random items and tattered furniture, better suited for a college student’s apartment? Do you find yourself wandering into big box stores and randomly purchasing décor items whether they match anything else in your home or not? You’re not alone. Many people wish they could have a cohesive theme for their home, one that looks “put-together” and not accidental, but they don’t know where to start. Follow along, and we’ll point you in the right direction towards deciding on a theme for your home décor.

Look for Inspiration from Within

Every homeowner has a different lifestyle, and choosing a theme that works well with your day-to-day needs is an excellent place to start. Look at your preferences and interests, such as what kind of art you like, clothing you choose to wear and activities you enjoy doing for a good way to zero in on the way you want to present your home as well. By blending the needs of your family and home life with the tastes and style you love, you’ll be able to get a cohesive idea for a theme for your home.

Is your family always on-the-go and a little chaotic, and you simply don’t want to spend your down time cleaning and organizing? Adopting a Minimalist style could be just the type of décor your home life needs. Minimalist style can be characterized by clean lines, monochromatic furnishings and clear, uncluttered spaces. The result? You’ll have fewer obstacles when it comes to dusting, sweeping and putting things away. The Minimalist style also works really well with Feng Shui principles, and can be blended with this interior design philosophy to help create total harmony in your home.

Are you always dreaming of ocean views and long walks on the beach? Coastal home décor style may be what you’ve been looking for. The Coastal style consists of beachy, yet sophisticated themes, materials like driftwood and colors found on the shore, like sandy beige, turquoise and white. Lightweight materials like linen and cotton are also essential to this theme. While you don’t necessarily have to hang framed watercolor sunsets on your wall to achieve this overall look, seaside accents don’t hurt to really drive the Coastal theme home.

Would you rather spend your time in the country, but still have access to a good cup of coffee and Wi-Fi? A Farmhouse theme is just the home décor style for you. This wildly popular design style features contemporary country motifs married with rustic vintage charm. Leather and cotton in earthy tones and bright white accents are the hallmark of Farmhouse style. Oh, and don’t forget lots of weathered metal accents and ship lap wall paneling!

Do you have an adventurous, free spirit and find exotic lands from far away calling your name? You may be a Bohemian at heart. Bohemian style is free of restraints, and can feature anything from vintage furniture mixed with Persian-style rugs to eclectic lamps, wall hangings and lots and lots of color. For Bohemians, more is always more, and no metals, materials or motifs are off-limits if mixed together in a tasteful way. Think embroidery, tassels and unique finds from around the globe to round out the mood of a Bohemian themed home. For more information, check out the interior design site, House Tipster.

Window Shop

Sometimes immersing yourself in a staged setting is exactly the inspiration you need when it comes to choosing a home décor style. Window shopping offers you a unique experience and lets you see the whole picture of what your dream space could look and feel like. Your favorite furniture show rooms and home goods stores typically feature perfectly put-together spaces to show you how their wares will look in your living room, bedroom or kitchen. By simply occupying a space, you’ll easily know whether that particular style makes you feel at ease, inspired and simply … at home. Plus, when you see a sofa or light fixture you like, you can ask a sales associate if they know what décor style that piece would go with and take note!

You can also “window shop” when you visit your favorite restaurants, cafes, breweries and boutiques. These businesses often employ the most popular décor themes of the moment to outfit their spaces to help keep their brand fresh and modern. Love the look of the rustic materials, exposed pipes and metalwork in your neighborhood pub? Then you’ll love an Industrial style. Does your favorite bakery use rose gold accents, tufted velvet seats and vintage, feminine touches? Art Deco may be the sweet style you’ve been craving. Inspiration for your future home décor is all around if you just know where to look!

Do Your Research

Is there a home décor style you’ve seen in magazines, online or on your favorite DIY television show, but you can’t quite put your finger on it? Break out a pad of paper and a pen, because it’s time to do some research. Take some time watching different home makeover shows, and when you see something you like, jot it down, and see if the hosts mention what type of décor they are using. Home renovation shows aren’t just a guilty pleasure; they also offer a great opportunity for learning.

The library is another great resource for finding a wealth of home décor information. You’ll be able to view a wide selection of interior design magazines and books at your leisure, and even get in-depth information about styles you may never heard of before. Certain home décor styles like Mid-Century Modern and Scandinavian can be hard to tell apart, but by researching works written by the experts, you’ll get the background information you need to make an informed decision.