How To Choose The Perfect Design Style For Your Space, According To Our Interior Design Expert

Once the chaos of remodeling or moving into a new place subsides, you're left with a big decision — interior design. Designing your blank slate is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming or slightly intimidating. After all, your scheme will reach every corner of your space, and you will be living amongst your decisions for awhile if all goes well. Choosing a design style doesn't have to be stressful, and our interior design expert has exclusive tips just for House Digest readers on how to elevate and decorate your dwelling perfectly. Brad Smith, CEO and Interior Designer of Omni Home Ideas, explains that the most important factor when plotting your interior is to "reflect personal narratives."

Your home is your sanctuary and one of your crowning achievements. It should be a reflection of your personality, and Smith notes: "I always encourage individuals to integrate elements that reflect their personal stories." These can be anything from a prized piece of artwork to a captivating article of furniture. According to Smith, "Whether it's a family heirloom or a piece from their travels, these items bring a unique character to the space." The most important part is that whatever you choose is meaningful to your life and story, and brings your personality to the interior. "Personal narratives create a sense of belonging and identity in the space, making it truly 'yours,'" Smith adds. There should always be a piece of you incorporated into your home design.

While building a personal narrative within your home can help make your design process easier, it's also important to consider functionality when incorporating pieces. During an exclusive House Digest interview, Brad Smith of Omni Home Ideas emphasized that finding balance is a must. "It's crucial to find a harmony between style and practicality," he explains. "For instance, a beautiful piece that doesn't serve a functional purpose might not be the best choice for a small apartment." If you are working with less square footage, or even if your home is large but you prefer a minimalist approach, avoiding items that take up space and don't offer any benefits is a great way to steer clear of clutter in your home.

An oversized sculpture or a large piece of furniture could reflect your personal décor style, but if it gets in the way of day to day activities, limits how many people can be in one area, or keeps you from adding other beloved items, it might not be the best fit for your interior design scheme. "Balancing function and aesthetics ensures the space is not only visually appealing but also livable and comfortable," Smith notes when discussing walking the line between these two important factors. A good example would be a love of books. Built in bookshelves will allow you to display your treasured collection without taking up too much floor space. Smith also suggests considering your home's layout. "Don't Ignore the space's natural character. Each space has its own personality, influenced by factors like natural light and architecture."

Of course, there are exceptions to interior designer Brad Smith's suggestions regarding functionality and aesthetic, especially if you have a lot of empty space that can accommodate random pieces that would otherwise create clutter. However, for most homes, he recommends to "avoid overcrowding" your rooms. Not only will this detract from your style designs, but your personality could get lost among the jumble, creating chaos rather than a well-structured layout. He added that "trying to incorporate too many styles or pieces can lead to a cluttered and disjointed look."

While speaking exclusively with House Digest, Smith provided some tips for those working to balance style and functionality. "Less is often more." You can still mix pieces that are meaningful, but leave room to grow and live, remembering that empty areas are good too, and could even help enhance the existing items you've selected to represent your style. Smith left a parting reminder for those designing their homes: "Remember, design is an evolving process. It's okay for your space to change and grow with you. Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust over time."