When building your dream home, one of the first questions we often ask is, “So what’s your style in three words?” More often than not, our clients struggle to answer this question. It’s understandable—you might not have thought about it much, or you feel like there’s a “right” answer. The truth is, there’s no wrong answer, and you shouldn’t feel limited by this question.
The goal is to guide you in figuring out what you want your home to feel like. To help you get started, here are four key factors to consider when determining the style of home that’s right for you.
1. Consider Your Location
Your home’s style should complement its surroundings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative. For example, you might live in Missouri but love the relaxed, breezy feel of coastal homes. Go for it! Just be mindful of your location, and maybe don’t go all out with seashell motifs. Instead, think about how you can subtly incorporate coastal elements in a way that fits your environment.
The location can also affect practical considerations like building materials or layouts. For instance, a home in a hot climate might need better airflow and shaded outdoor spaces, while a home in a colder area might focus on insulation and cozy interior design.
2. Work with Your Lifestyle
Your home’s design should reflect how you and your family live. Think about your daily activities, your gatherings, and how you use your spaces. Do you host big family dinners or prefer smaller, intimate gatherings? Do you love spending time outdoors, or do you prefer cozying up inside with a good book?
Your lifestyle should guide everything from the layout to the materials and furniture choices. For instance, if you have a busy household with kids and pets, you might want durable, easy-to-clean surfaces. If you entertain often, you might opt for an open floor plan with plenty of seating.
3. Incorporate Your Personality
A home should be a reflection of the people who live in it. Think about your personality and how you can express that in your home’s style.
If you love bright colors, bold patterns, and eclectic vibes, incorporate those into your design choices. Maybe you’re drawn to quirky furniture pieces or vibrant wall art. On the other hand, if you prefer calm, minimalistic spaces with soft tones, you’ll likely be more comfortable in a home that feels serene and uncluttered.
The most important thing is that your home feels authentic to you. Don’t shy away from incorporating elements that speak to who you are!
4. How Do You Want Your Family and Guests to Feel?
Finally, think about the feeling you want to evoke in your home. This is one of the most important considerations. After all, a home should feel good to live in, not just look good.
– Do you want it to feel warm and welcoming? You might opt for cozy textures, warm lighting, and inviting furniture arrangements.
– Do you prefer a more energized and lively atmosphere? Bright colors, open spaces, and lots of natural light can help create that vibe.
– Or maybe you want your home to feel like a peaceful retreat. In that case, you might focus on neutral palettes, soft materials, and quiet spaces where you can relax and unwind.
The feeling your home gives off is ultimately more important than following any specific design trend. It’s about creating a space that brings you peace, joy, or excitement—whatever you want to experience when you walk through the door.
Finding Your Three Words
Now that you’ve worked through these tips, take a moment to think about the three words that best define your home’s style. Maybe it’s modern, cozy, and inviting or rustic, bold, and relaxed. Whatever they are, these words can serve as your compass throughout the design process, helping you stay true to your vision.
Comment below—what are your three words? I’d love to hear them!
