I wasn’t always the mindful thrifter I am today. My style journey? A chaotic mix of every aesthetic under the sun. Like many, I fell for everything at once—Pinterest boards overflowing, mood swings between minimalism and maximalism. Turns out, too much inspiration can be just as confusing as none at all. It took years of trial, error, and questionable design choices to figure out what truly felt like me. So how do you define your style? What really matters to you? That’s what this part of the journey is all about.
🎨 The Bright Colors & Patterns Phase
As a child, I was drawn to bold colors and vibrant patterns.When I got to paint my room, I chose deep purple without hesitation.Over time, the intensity felt overwhelming, and I realized not all bold choices are livable.
✨ The Glitter & Shine Phase
I moved on to loving sparkle—metallics, sequins, anything that shimmered.Individually, each item was beautiful, but together they clashed.It taught me the importance of cohesion in design.
🖼️ Embracing Vintage Charm
I developed a love for vintage pieces—weathered books, antique frames, and flea market finds.Each item felt meaningful, but without a clear vision, my space felt cluttered.I began to understand that even character needs direction.
At some point, I thought what would my home look like now if I put all those phases together? So I ran the idea through AI, just for fun. And honestly… I wasn’t surprised by the result.
VS 
Left: An AI-generated mix of everything I once loved—bold colors, patterns, glitter.
Right: My real living room now—calm, intentional, and truly me.
“These days, my space tells a very different story.”
Over time, what I have learned not to do is let go of what I love, but to integrate it thoughtfully. Instead of covering my home with each vintage treasure, now I choose those that blend with my style in general:
🔹 Minimalist base – simple shapes, monochromatic colors, and functional elements
🔹 Industrial touches – a dash of raw metal, reclaimed wood, and statement lighting
🔹 Vintage charm – vintage books, brass accessories, and classic furnishings with a history behind them
What I’ve Learned: Your Style is a Journey, Not a Destination
It took me years to get here, and honestly? I’m still evolving. I didn’t have to abandon my past obsessions—I just found a way to blend them into a space that feels calm, cohesive, and truly mine.So if you’re still figuring out your style, embrace the process. Try things, make mistakes, experiment. Your home should be a reflection of everything you love just in a way that feels balanced and intentional.
Before You Fill Your Thrift Cart… Find Your Style First !!!
Before going out to thrift stores and flea markets, you should define your home decorating style. Going into a second-hand store with no knowledge of what you like can be daunting because there are so many choices, and you can end up with pieces that do not complement.
1. Know Your Aesthetic : Minimalist, vintage, cottagecore, or eclectic—knowing your vibe helps you stay focused.I love doing quick “Find Your Style” quizzes online for fun and clarity!
2. Take Reference Photos : Snap pictures of your space—fabrics, wall colors, furniture, lighting.
Pro tip: Take them in soft, natural light (think early morning or golden hour). Harsh sunlight makes everything look good, even if it won’t fit your home vibe later.
3. Create a Pinterest Mood Board: Gather inspiration that reflects your style—colors, materials, room layouts.This helps you visualize how different pieces might work together before you buy anything.
4. Bring a Measuring Tape (Always!): Know your space. Keep notes of key dimensions: shelves, corners, tabletops, wall space.You don’t want to fall in love with a piece just to find out it won’t fit.
5. Quality Over Quantity: Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s worth it.Look for craftsmanship, durability, and character—not just a low price tag.
Not sure what your style is? Here’s how to figure it out—before you thrift.
1. Pinterest & Instagram Inspiration: Scroll through your favorite platforms and save images of spaces you love. Over time, you’ll start noticing patterns.
Recommended accounts:
- @amberinteriors – Boho-chic and eclectic style
- @apartmenttherapy – Small-space and real-life homes.
2. Magazines & Blogs: Traditional resources are still great for curated inspiration and timeless ideas.
Recommended sources:
- Architectural Digest – High-end, modern interiors
3. Take a Style Quiz: If you’re unsure where to start, style quizzes can help you narrow down your preferences.
Recommended quiz:
Finding your home decor style doesn’t happen overnight—and that’s okay. It’s a journey of experimenting, learning, and slowly building a space that reflects who you are.
Note: Images created using AI.
Very insightful blog post! I just realised now while reading that the lightning truly matters. It already happened to me several times that when seeing something in bright sunlight I loved it but later in the night it didn’t fit anymore.. Thanks, now I will keep an eye on that!;))
i love how you managed to figure out your style and all the tricks on how you got there🤩✨