How do you recognise your interior style?
Inspiration is everywhere: in magazines, on Instagram, on TV shows. Everything looks appealing, but what truly fits a home, its residents, and daily life? What looks beautiful isn’t always what works. And when too many styles are combined, the result quickly feels chaotic. This blog helps you identify your style preferences and shows how to translate them into an interior that works.
Style reflects how you want to live
An interior style is more than a preference for a certain look. It reflects lifestyle, comfort and character. Here are some common styles and the kind of atmosphere they represent:
Scandinavian
Light, airy and functional. This style combines natural materials with calm colours and plenty of daylight. Think pale wood, wool throws and simple shapes. For those who love tranquillity and simplicity with warmth.
Industrial
Bold and raw. Concrete, steel and weathered wood set the tone. Furniture is robust, details are often visible. Perfect for those who want character in an interior that can take a knock.
Mid-century modern
Shapes from the 1950s and ’60s — timeless and elegant. Slim furniture, warm woods, soft curves and the occasional colour accent. For those who love design classics without feeling too retro.
Minimalist
Less is more. Clean lines, a limited colour palette and carefully chosen objects. No excess, just calm. For those who enjoy living in a tidy, uncluttered space.
Country
Warm, inviting and comfortable. Think wood, linen, soft colours and vintage pieces. For those seeking an atmosphere that feels like home — soft, calm and full of texture.
Bohemian
Playful, expressive and personal. Lots of colour, patterns, souvenirs and natural materials. For those who value freedom over rules, and like to tell stories with their interior.
Japandi
A blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian warmth. Natural colours, simple shapes and attention to detail. For those who want balance: simple but not cold, warm but not cluttered.
Case study: finding balance in Amsterdam
For a client in Amsterdam, identifying a style was a real challenge. He loved both classic and modern interiors, and drew inspiration from his frequent travels to Asia. The result: a colourful collection of ideas that didn’t add up to a whole. Together we focused on what truly mattered to him: the calm and elegance of modern design, enriched with warm materials and a few carefully chosen Asian accents. By bringing these elements together in one plan, we created balance. The apartment now feels both personal and serene, with space for his stories and travels.
Five ways to recognise your style
Finding your own style doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Often, preferences are already visible in unconscious choices. These steps help make them clear:
Look at what already works
Which furniture gets the most use? Which corner feels good? What works in the current home often says more than random images.
Collect images
Create a moodboard — digital or on paper — with everything that appeals. Don’t worry if it matches. Later, patterns in colour, material or shape will emerge.
Check your wardrobe
Parallels often appear. Those who choose calm, natural fabrics in clothing often make similar choices at home. Those who love colour or vintage show it in many areas.
Ask the right questions
What atmosphere should the home express? Which materials feel good? Is there a preference for colour or calm? Should the space be lively or restful? And which practical needs play a role?
Test on a small scale
Style can be tried out. With accessories, textiles or a new wall colour. Small steps that help you find direction and experience what truly fits.
From preference to a coherent interior
Knowing what appeals is one thing. Creating a cohesive interior where style, function and comfort come together is another. That’s the strength of a well-thought-out design. A house with clear preferences can still feel like a mix of unrelated pieces. A style only comes to life when the layout works, sightlines are clear and there’s balance between materials and atmosphere.
Modern Chic as a solid foundation
At Choc Studio we work with the principles of Modern Chic: timeless, refined, comfortable. Clean lines combined with rich textures, neutral tones with elegant details. No excess, but a sense of luxury. No fleeting trends, but lasting quality. Modern Chic stands strong on its own, but also blends easily with other influences. The result is an interior that feels personal while radiating calm and unity.
From style to realisation
Style preference is the starting point. Choc Studio translates it into an interior that fits, both visually and practically. Through a clear step-by-step process we guide you from first idea to final delivery. Because an interior that feels right begins with recognising your own preferences and comes to life in a considered design that brings calm and cohesion.
Searching for your own style?
Are you unsure which style suits you, or overwhelmed by too much inspiration? We help clarify your preferences and translate them into a design that truly works. Get in touch for an initial conversation.