{This is Day 4 of a 31 Days series on “31 Ways to Make Home Uniquely You”. To find a list of each day’s topics, click here.}
Find Your Decorating Inspiration
I was stuck. For the longest time I agonized over what my decorating style was. Was I traditional, classic, modern, farmhouse, beach cottage, or shabby chic? So many choices—and the fear of mixing styles wrong felt paralyzing.
After discovering a wide range of home decor blogs, I stopped stressing about pinning myself to a single label and began doing something simpler and far more useful: I started keeping an inspiration file. I collected images, notes, and ideas I genuinely loved and used that collection as the starting point for every project.
An inspiration file gives you permission to mix ideas without guilt. It lets you see the common threads in what you love so you can make choices that feel cohesive and personal. Below are some reliable sources I use to spark ideas and build that file—places you can use, too.
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Books and magazines
There’s nothing quite like holding a book or magazine and dog-earing pages. As you flip through, mark the photos that make you feel something—those “Ahhh, I love this” moments. Over time you’ll notice patterns: certain color palettes, textures, furniture silhouettes, or layouts. Not only do print resources provide aspirational imagery, they often include helpful details on materials and finishes that online images don’t show as clearly.
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Pinterest and online collections
Pinterest is a powerful tool for organizing photos and ideas. When you see something you love—on a blog, Instagram, or any website—pin it to a board organized by room, style, or project. When it’s time to plan, you can quickly view all related inspiration in one place. Use descriptive board names and short notes on each pin to remind yourself why you saved it.
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Your wardrobe
Your clothes can reveal a lot about the look you naturally prefer. If your closet is full of soft linens, faded denim, and relaxed layers, your home might lean toward casual, comfortable spaces. If you favor tailored pieces and clean lines, your interiors may skew more modern and streamlined. Decorating a room is a lot like assembling an outfit—think about balance, proportion, and color harmony.
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Thrift stores, flea markets, and vintage finds
Exploring secondhand shops is a great way to discover unique pieces that add character. One unexpected item—an old mirror, a worn trunk, or a vintage lamp—can become the starting point for an entire room. These finds often tell a story and can help you blend styles in a way that feels authentic rather than contrived.
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Nature, travel, and everyday life
Color palettes and textures from the natural world or places you’ve visited can be incredibly inspiring. A beach walk might inspire a soft blue-and-sand scheme, while a countryside trip might suggest warm wood tones and layered textiles. Everyday moments—family heirlooms, meaningful objects, or even a favorite mug—can be anchors that make a space distinctly yours.
As you collect images and items, look for repeating themes: similar colors, textures, or shapes. Those repeating elements are clues to your personal aesthetic. Instead of worrying about fitting neatly into a single named style, allow your collection to guide you. Mixing styles is not only acceptable—it can create a more lived-in, interesting home when you do it intentionally.
Some practical tips for building and using an inspiration file:
- Keep both digital and physical inspiration: print images you love and save digital pins or folders.
- Label images with short notes: what you like about the piece and where it might fit in your home.
- Create boards or folders by room or by element (color, fabric, lighting) to stay organized.
- Use your file as a reference before shopping so purchases support the overall vision.
In the end, decorating is about what makes you feel at home. Mix a traditional piece with something shabby, layer modern accents into a farmhouse setting, or pair heirloom wood with breezy linens. If you love it, it’s right for you.
My own style finally felt clear: jeans and bare feet. A little traditional, a touch of beach cottage, some country farmhouse, and a hint of shabby chic—unique, comfortable, and unmistakably mine.
UNIQUE… 
