We?ve got expert advice for defining your interior style and wrangling your mismatched furnishings into a cohesive look When I had my first opportunity to live alone, it was in an apartment that measured less than 250 square feet. My furnishings consisted of a hand-me-down bed, a pair of folding chairs, a futon, a wall-mounted Ikea table, and Elfa shelves. It was heaven to have a place that was mine and mine alone, but it was hardly a temple of style. However, some of those early choices were indicative of my style today. That bed frame is still kicking around (thanks, Mom), and I still gravitate toward lighter finishes in my woods and walls.
I don?t know if I ever truly defined my solo style before shacking up with my partner and merging our belongings, but I sure could have used some help refining my tastes in those years between roommates and partnered life. It would have helped me avoid some ill-advised purchases (ahem, clichéd posters) and one god-awful paint choice (a sickly green wall color in my bedroom chosen after a big break-up). Finding your own interior style is hard in today?s digital-first world, in which platforms like Instagram and Pinterest seem to steamroll any individual flair or quirks into one homogenous style. But your home?s design should be personal, especially if you live alone and have no one to compromise with. I talked with four designers to get their tips and tricks for defining your personal style. Don?t rush. Live in your new place a ...