5 Steps to Define Your Home's Aesthetic

(So You Actually Like the Results)

Scrolling Instagram or Pinterest for design ideas is fun… until it turns overwhelming. Scandinavian or farmhouse? Minimal or cozy? Neutrals or color?

The truth is, most DIYers don’t get stuck because they lack inspiration, they get stuck because they haven’t defined their style. And without that clarity, it’s incredibly easy to waste money on pieces that don’t work together (or work for the way you actually live).

Before you grab the paint swatches or make another “hope this works” furniture purchase, here’s 5 steps to finally get clear on what you love — and design with intention.

Step 1: Get Clear on How You Want to Feel

Forget trends for a second. Instead, ask:

• How do I want this space to feel? (Relaxed? Energizing? Polished? Playful?)

• What will I be doing here day-to-day?

• How do I want guests to feel when they walk in?

This emotional clarity sets the tone. A room designed for cozy reading looks and feels different than one meant for hosting game night.

Most successful spaces are designed around a feeling—not just a style label.

Step 2: Create a Focused Mood Board

Gather your inspo—but then edit.

Pick 5–10 images that speak to you most, and ask yourself:

• What’s similar about these spaces? (Color palette? Natural textures? Clean lines?)

• What elements do I keep gravitating toward? (Vintage pieces, matte black finishes, warm woods?)

Then drop your favorites into a mood board (we love Canva or Pinterest for this). Seeing it all together reveals patterns; your aesthetic is probably already in there.

Want help? My upcoming eBook, Renovate with Purpose, includes workbook-style worksheets to help you build a mood board that aligns with your long-term goals.

Step 3: Name Your Aesthetic Your Way

You don’t have to fit neatly into one design category. Instead, try combining 2–3 words to describe your look, like:

• Cozy Modern Farmhouse

• Minimal Meets Organic

• Eclectic but Polished

• Rustic Contrast

This gives you a flexible guide for choosing pieces without boxing yourself in.

Step 4: Match Style to Function

Now that you’ve got visual direction, ask: does this style support your lifestyle?

Love the all-white look, but have pets and toddlers? You may want to swap in warm mushroom tones or stain-hiding patterns. Obsessed with bold color? Use it in accent pieces you can swap out later.

Good design balances beauty and practicality. Don’t sacrifice one for the other.

Step 5: Shop with a Filter

Before you buy anything, run it through your style lens:

• Does this fit my “3-word style”?

• Does it work with my mood board?

• Can I mix it easily with what I already have?

If the answer isn’t a strong yes, skip it—or find an alternative that’s a better match.

Ready to Get Started?

We’ve created a Room Makeover Starter Sheet to help you clarify your “why,” define your style, and stay focused as you plan your space. It’s printable, simple, and totally free.

And if you want deeper guidance, keep an eye out for Renovate with Purpose, my upcoming eBook designed to help DIY homeowners create spaces they love without overspending. It’s packed with designer secrets, real-life examples, and step-by-step worksheets you can actually use.

Need help sooner? Book a quick design consult—we’ll build a custom style direction and project plan tailored to your home and budget.