Here’s Why Most Interior Design Style Quizzes Don’t Work (And What To Do Instead)

Have you completed too many design style quizzes from all around the internet, only to come away thinking, “That doesn’t feel like me”? I did that for a long time—trying to squeeze myself into these pre-defined styles like "Industrial" or "Boho". But it never worked!

I’m sure you know the quizzes I’m talking about. They’re quick, easy and fun. But they miss the whole point! You, my dear human - will never be one design style, and one design style will never be you. Here’s why:

5 Reasons Why Design Quizzes Don’t Work

Look, I know they're fun, and (seemingly) no harm done - but let's have a little chat about just why a simple design quiz is not going to help you get the home of your dreams:

1. Too Generic: Design quizzes rely on broad categories that don’t account for the nuanced ways you live and what truly resonates with you. Labels like "Mid-century Modern" or "Shabby Chic" might give you a starting point, but they don't help you understand what makes a home feel right for you.

2. Trends Don’t Equal Timelessness: Most quizzes focus on what’s hot rather than what lasts. Just because “Farmhouse” is trending doesn’t mean it reflects your personal design style—or that you’ll still love it in a year - or 10 years! What matters more is what stands the test of time for you.

3. Ignoring Function: Your home isn’t just about looks—it’s about how you live. Quizzes don't go deep enough to cover essential factors like family life, pets, or how you use your space. Your design style is about more than just aesthetics; it's about creating a home that works for your real, everyday life.

4. Lack of Depth: Design is so much more than a surface-level aesthetic. It’s shaped by your experiences, preferences, and values. Basic quizzes reduce this richness to a limited set of predefined boxes, making it hard to create a space that feels truly personal and meaningful.

5. They Are So Rulesy! The thing I loathe MOST about trying to stick to a specific design style, is the rules! Many of us (I'll raise my hand, here) are born rule-followers. Whether it's out of our own lack of self-confidence, or just some habitual thing we learnt in school, we think everything we do needs to get an A grade and please the teacher. I see no difference here. I mean, have you ever asked if 'this item would work in my French Country Kitchen'? Or asked Google if you can put a roll-arm sofa in your Modern Farmhouse living room? Maybe read a post from an Interior Designer saying 'this is SO WRONG in your Art Deco bedroom' and thought, oh no, I'm breaking the rules... I'll have to change that... Ok, so I'm going off on a rant now. But do you get the point? This is YOUR home! Get yourself a good understanding of your OWN design style, and you can mix art deco with modern farmhouse if you want. Here is your permission to let go of what anyone else tells you that you 'should' or 'should not' do, and start creating your very own meaningful home today.

5 Reasons Knowing Your Authentic Design Style is a Game-Changer

When you break free from trends and labels, you open up the possibility of creating a home that feels cohesive, functional, and deeply personal. Here are five reasons why discovering your authentic design style is so foundational:

1. A Clear Vision
   Knowing your personal design style—or what we call your Authentic Design Character—gives you a clear vision of what you want your home to feel like. This brings so much clarity, making every decision (and we know there are a million of those!) about your home - décor, furniture, colours and the rest - so much easier and less overwhelming.

2. Confidence and Clarity in Your Decision-Making
   Once you understand your design style, you’ll stop second-guessing every choice. Instead, you’ll be able to confidently pick items that align with your style and vision, saving you time and reducing decision fatigue. It's so much easier to say “yes” or “no” when you have a solid foundation to work from.

3. Your Home Home Will Feel Cohesive
   A home that follows a vision feels harmonious and intentional from room to room, not a random collection of trends. It’s a space that feels thoughtfully curated and uniquely you.

4. Save (So Much!) Time and Money
   Let’s be honest: buying décor on a whim because it’s trendy (or you just fell in love) is fun—until it doesn’t fit with anything else in your home. Knowing your style helps you avoid expensive mistakes and impulse buys. You’ll stop wasting money on trends that don't last and start making choices that have long-term value.

5. Bring Real Meaning to Your Home
   This is more than just making things look good—it’s about crafting a space that's deeply personal and intentional. When your home aligns with your authentic self, it becomes a place that supports your values and lifestyle, where every item holds purpose and brings you joy. Not just another “Instagram-worthy” shot that will fade in less time than it takes to create, but a sanctuary that you'll look forward to coming home to every day.

3 Simple Steps to Discovering Your Authentic Design Style

Now that you understand why quizzes aren't the real, foundational answer, let's talk about what actually works. Here's how to uncover your authentic design style:

1. Reflect on How You Use Your Home
   Think about your lifestyle. Do you love hosting big gatherings or prefer quiet nights with the family? How does your home need to function for you? This will give you a foundation for creating a space that not only looks great but works for your daily life.

   Step 2: Identify What Makes You Feel Comfortable
   Look at your wardrobe or spaces you love being in—what colors, textures, or styles do you gravitate towards? Are you drawn to natural materials or sleek finishes? This can help you uncover design elements that truly resonate with your personality.

   Step 3: Prioritize Functionality and Emotion
   Your design style isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that supports your life. Think about what matters most—whether it’s having a family-friendly space, a cozy retreat, or a functional home office.

   
   

So, What Really Is The Quickest Way of Figuring Out My Design Style?

Start NOW!

Tired of quizzes that didn't go deep enough, but too impatient for the traditional methods of 'note-taking' and 'photography' for months on end... I sat down and created my own process for defining your Personal Design Style. It's a deephish dive, designed to be completed in one or two sittings.

The goal? You'll have a written definition of your own Authentic Design Character, and be given steps to create a visual version. This is your starting point - it can be used right away, and will evolve with you for the rest of your life!

Free Guide to Finding Your Authentic Design Character:

Next up: How to How to Plan Your Space: The Secrets to Furniture Placement
Stay tuned for next week’s post where I’ll reveal the secrets of perfect furniture placement so you can plan your space like a pro!