Last year at this time, I had just received my new home and hadn’t started decorating yet.
I saw many beautiful homes online, each with its own style, and wondered which one to choose for myself.

One year has passed, and the hesitation is behind me.
After gathering enough inspiration, I summarized and identified my preferences.

I found that I prefer homes with more minimalist elements, deep brown tones, and a retro or artistic feel.
Step 2: Understand common interior design style terms.
For those new to decorating, these terms might be unfamiliar.
While doing research, gradually learn about popular style terms, such as:

▪ Modern style: Simple and clean, without excessive ornate elements.
▪ Nanyang style: Patterned tiles, rattan, vintage, rich colors.
▪ Natural wood style: White + light wood tones.
▪ Mid-century modern: Dark wood + vintage furniture.
▪ Wabi-sabi: Natural + rough textures (in a positive sense) + Zen influence.
▪ Bauhaus style: Dark wood + colorful soft furnishings in primary colors like yellow, blue, red, green.

▪ French vintage: Creamy white retro + more intricate lines (arches, plaster moldings, curves).
Step 3: Consider practicalities and make choices.
Many attractive styles require effort to find materials and manufacturers, or test your budget and creativity.
With limited energy and budget, and the need for practicality, some styles need to be compromised. For me, Italian style, Wabi-sabi, and Bauhaus were downplayed.

Step 4: However, don’t be limited by styles.
Technical terms are just for convenience in the industry.
It’s hard for ordinary homes to adhere strictly to one style.
Moreover, many styles share commonalities, such as mid-century and Bauhaus / mid-century and new Chinese / modern and Italian styles…
Grasping the subtle commonalities between styles can help create a home that reflects your personal taste.
I’ve seen a friend’s vintage home with both Bauhaus elements and new Chinese elements.

For myself, in the hard decoration part, I chose a style closer to modern within mid-century; in soft decoration, I opted for a more rustic and natural type.
I always believe that as long as the color matching and materials are correct, trying to incorporate your own preferences might bring unexpected surprises.























