Finding Your Design Style Before You Renovate: How to Choose (and Stick To) a Look That Lasts

When planning a renovation, one of the most common mistakes homeowners make is diving into selections without first defining their design style. The result? A mix of finishes that don’t quite work together, spaces that feel disjointed, and costly changes down the road. The truth is, your renovation will look more polished, timeless, and valuable when you start with a clear vision of style and carry it through every detail.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to discover your design style, how to stay consistent with it throughout your renovation, and I’ll also break down some of the most popular styles we’re seeing in today’s homes.

Step One: Discover Your Personal Style

Before looking at product samples or paint decks, spend some time getting inspired:

• Collect visuals: Use Pinterest, Instagram, or design magazines to gather images you’re drawn to. Don’t overthink it — just save what you love.

• Look for patterns: Do you keep pinning airy white kitchens? Dark moody bedrooms? Organic textures? These repeats are clues to your true style.

• Choose keywords: Narrow it down to 3–4 descriptive words (e.g., “modern, warm, minimal” or “natural, cozy, timeless”). These will become your compass when making selections.

Source: Decorilla

Step Two: Understand Popular Design Styles

Knowing what’s trending (and why) helps you narrow down your look. Here are a few styles that are popular right now — and timeless enough to stick around:

• Modern Farmhouse: Bright, open spaces with white walls, black accents, wood beams, shiplap, and rustic-meets-modern finishes.

• Transitional: A balanced blend of traditional details (like mouldings and classic furniture) with modern elements. Perfect if you love timelessness with a fresh twist.

• Scandinavian: Minimalist, light-filled spaces with pale woods, simple lines, and an emphasis on function and coziness (think “hygge”).

• Modern Organic: Neutral palettes, layered textures, natural woods, stone, and greenery. It’s all about calm and grounded living.

• Mid-Century Modern: Clean lines, bold shapes, warm woods, and retro-inspired furniture that still feels current.

• Industrial: Exposed brick, metal, and raw textures paired with modern touches for an urban vibe.

• Traditional Elegance: Symmetry, rich colours, ornate details, and timeless sophistication — ideal for those who want a more classic, curated look.

Source: Home & Garden

Step Three: Translate Style Into Selections

Once you’ve identified your style, it’s time to bring it into reality:

• Floors & Walls: Start with your base materials — flooring and paint should reflect your style foundation.

• Cabinetry & Tile: Choose pieces that align with your vision and keywords. For example, “organic” might mean a textured tile or white oak cabinetry.

• Hardware & Fixtures: These finishing touches (matte black, brass, chrome, or natural bronze) can make or break the style consistency.

• Lighting: Don’t overlook it — fixtures are often where style shines the brightest.

Source: The Boutique Handle Co

Step Four: Stick to the Plan

Renovations bring endless choices, and it’s easy to get sidetracked. Stay consistent by:

• Referencing your keywords and inspiration boards before saying yes to a product.

• Creating a master palette with samples of all finishes together — this way, you see how each choice interacts.

• Working with a designer who can guide you through options and keep your vision on track.

The Takeaway

A beautiful renovation doesn’t happen by accident — it happens by intention. By identifying your design style before you begin, you create a roadmap that makes every decision easier, keeps your budget focused, and ensures your home feels cohesive and timeless. Whether you lean farmhouse, modern, or somewhere in between, the goal is the same: a home that reflects you and feels just as good as it looks.

The 5 Interior Design Mistakes That Are Quietly Devaluing Your Home (and How to Fix Them)

As a real estate agent and interior designer, I’ve walked through hundreds of homes—some that stopped me in my tracks (in a good way), and others that made me think, “This could’ve been stunning… if only they’d made better design choices.” The truth is, not all design is created equal. And while your home should reflect your personality, it should also be a space that grows with you and protects your investment.

Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want to make smart design decisions, here are five common interior design mistakes that could be quietly chipping away at your home’s value—and how to fix them.

1. Overly Bold or Trendy Colour Choices

The Mistake:
A statement wall in magenta? A lime green kitchen? Bold colours have their place, but when they're plastered across large surfaces, they can overwhelm—and limit—your home’s appeal.

The Fix:
Opt for timeless, neutral backdrops and add personality through art, textiles, or accessories. Think soft whites, greige, taupe, or sage as a starting point. These tones photograph beautifully and appeal to a broader range of buyers, while still giving you flexibility to layer in bold accents.

Source: Time & Place Interiors

2. Cutting Corners on Finishes in High-Traffic Areas

The Mistake:
Using builder-basic or low-quality materials in kitchens, bathrooms, or flooring might seem like a budget saver, but they wear out faster—and it shows.

The Fix:
Focus your investment on the areas that matter most. Choose durable, mid-range (or better) options for countertops, tile, and flooring. Quality doesn’t always mean high-end; it means materials that last, function well, and elevate the overall look.

Source: Viva

3. Poor Lighting Planning

The Mistake:
Relying solely on one overhead light fixture (hello, dreaded boob light!) can leave your space feeling flat and uninspired.

The Fix:
Layer your lighting. Combine overhead lights with sconces, floor lamps, and under-cabinet lighting. It not only improves functionality—it adds depth, warmth, and that designer feel people instantly connect with.

Source: Kagu Design

4. Skipping Scale and Flow in Furniture Layout

The Mistake:
Too much furniture, pieces that are either oversized or too small, or awkward layouts that make a room feel cramped or disconnected.

The Fix:
Before buying anything new, measure your space and create a floor plan. Aim for breathing room around furniture, clear pathways, and layouts that invite conversation. When in doubt, less is more.

Source: Pinterest

5. Forgetting About Curb Appeal and Exterior Cohesion

The Mistake:
You’ve got a beautiful interior—but the exterior hasn’t seen love in years. Buyers might not even make it through the front door.

The Fix:
Update exterior paint, lighting, house numbers, and your front door colour. Make sure your landscaping is tidy and intentional. And where possible, ensure the design language of your interior and exterior flows—it creates a more cohesive and high-end impression.

Source: Pinterest

Final Thoughts: Design with Both Heart & Strategy

Your home should be a reflection of you, but smart design means thinking beyond today’s trends. If you’re ever unsure whether a design choice is adding value—or quietly taking away from it—I’d love to help. Whether you’re planning to renovate, sell, or simply love your space more, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s chat about your next project—big or small. Your home should be both beautiful and a smart investment.

How to Choose the Right Colour for Every Room in Your Home

Choosing paint colours can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. The key to creating a space that looks beautiful and feels just right is to start with one simple question: How do you want the space to feel?

This emotional starting point is more telling than you think. Whether you're craving calm, creativity, energy, or warmth, colour plays a powerful role in shaping the atmosphere of a room. For example:

• Soft neutrals and cool tones create a calming, restful vibe—ideal for bedrooms or quiet reading nooks.

• Warm tones like terracotta or buttery beige evoke comfort and coziness—perfect for living rooms or dining areas.

• Bold hues like navy, forest green, or charcoal can add drama, focus, or intimacy—great for home offices or powder rooms.

Source: SheerLuxe

Lighting Changes Everything
Once you've defined how you want the space to feel, the next step is understanding how lighting will affect your colour choice. Natural light shifts throughout the day, while artificial lighting (especially the difference between white/blue vs. warm/yellow bulbs) can dramatically change how a paint colour reads.

A crisp white might feel clean and airy in daylight, but turn stark and cold under cool-toned artificial light. Meanwhile, a soft grey might pick up purple or blue undertones you didn’t expect, depending on the time of day.

Source: DIYBUNKER

The Power of Undertones and Hues
Undertones are subtle, but they make or break a room. Beige with a pink undertone will feel completely different than a beige with a golden undertone. The same goes for greys, whites, or even bold hues—each colour family has variations that can steer the mood of the room in a different direction.

Don’t skip this part: always test 3-4 sample colours that you’re drawn to, and paint small patches on the wall. Live with them for a few days and observe how they shift with the light from morning to evening. What feels bright and clean at noon might feel shadowy and cool by dinnertime.

Swatch Cards vs. Reality
Swatch cards are a great starting point, but the way a colour appears on a 2-inch sample is completely different from how it will feel when it's taking up an entire wall. Once painted on the wall, you'll get a much better sense of scale, depth, and undertone.

Source: Better Home & Garden

Bonus Tips for Choosing the Right Colour:

• Use large-format peel-and-stick samples if available—they’re more accurate and easier to move around.

• Hold your colour samples next to key elements like flooring, cabinetry, and countertops.

• Don’t forget the ceiling and trim—choosing complementary tones here can elevate your entire scheme.

• When in doubt, go a shade lighter than you think you need. Colour intensifies once it covers a full room.

Choosing the right paint colour is about more than just picking what looks good in the store. It’s about understanding how colour interacts with light, mood, and materials. By taking the time to sample and observe, you'll end up with a home that not only looks stunning, but feels just right.