.webp)
Top things to know about finding inspiration in your closet:
Picture this: You're facing your closet with its multi-colored sneakers, patterned cardigans, and everything in between. Touch your favorite t-shirt and try to remember why it brings you joy—is it the color or the texture? Maybe it brings up a happy memory.
Before I go full Marie Kondo on you, the clothes that bring you joy are a good indicator of your style. Why? The outfits you curate daily are unique to you because they meet your needs and reflect who you are. You deserve to have a home that does the same thing. Keep reading to learn how to use your closet as a mood board for your next interior design project.
It's honesty time. What are you most comfortable wearing? If your answer is sweatpants, that's a good start! You don't need to be a fashionista to know what you like. This could mean you value comfort over aesthetics, so invest your time and energy into crafting a place of safety and serenity. When I look into my closet, I see more heels than sneakers, but that's because hosting is a priority in my space. Every person uses their home differently—lately, it's been our offices—so tune in to how you like to use your couch.
Murals and wallpaper have never been more rental-friendly and can be an easy way to upgrade your space. Before adding to cart, consider the prints and textiles you gravitate towards when you buy a dress or admire a tattoo—perhaps you'd like more floral motifs or geometric patterns in your space. If designers like Farm Rio are an endless thrill (I mean, tigers on a jumpsuit!), play with a tropical-inspired peel-and-stick like West Elm's Bird of Paradise wallpaper. If pulling the trigger on wallpaper feels too dangerous, try adding a citrus shower curtain in your bathroom, like Urban Outfitters' peaches pattern (a personal favorite)—which can safely push you out of your comfort zone while still aligning with your style.
When I worked in retail, there was a strict dress code we abided by called the rule of threes—an outfit wasn't complete until it had three "layers" to it. The third layer could be a statement lipstick color, a fun hat, or a light jacket that elevates the look and feels more purposeful than just throwing on a dress. Apply this rule to interior design, either literally—such as gathering three vases of various heights for visual texture—or finding a statement piece that turns your coffee table from functional to conversation-worthy.(Pro tip: Don't be afraid of incorporating function into your decor—using your tchotchkes frequently means you don't have to dust as often.)
Sometimes your make-up is a good indicator of the colors you gravitate towards—if you're putting it on your face, you must like it! A bright red lip or a pop of bright orange eyeshadow can translate into a statement wall or inspiration for your decor (the funkier, the better). Try contrasting bold colors with more neutral or cool tones to offset chaotic energy. You don't have to be Euphoria's make-up director to pull this off—just let your creativity guide you. If you prefer a more natural look or prefer to keep your home separate from the influence of body glitter, this is your chance to embrace your inner minimalism and design the black & white space you've always craved.
While participating in fast fashion trends is an enticing way to keep up with the design world, how you dress and style your home should stay true to you. But remember, you are constantly evolving, so what you like may change depending on the time of year. Our color wheel spins towards the darker end of the spectrum during the colder months, compared to Spring and Summer. So look around your room the next time you switch out parkas for swimsuits and check in with yourself—does this style still represent me? From there, you're ready to tackle your next home (and self) improvement project.
Top things to know about finding inspiration in your closet:
Picture this: You're facing your closet with its multi-colored sneakers, patterned cardigans, and everything in between. Touch your favorite t-shirt and try to remember why it brings you joy—is it the color or the texture? Maybe it brings up a happy memory.
Before I go full Marie Kondo on you, the clothes that bring you joy are a good indicator of your style. Why? The outfits you curate daily are unique to you because they meet your needs and reflect who you are. You deserve to have a home that does the same thing. Keep reading to learn how to use your closet as a mood board for your next interior design project.
It's honesty time. What are you most comfortable wearing? If your answer is sweatpants, that's a good start! You don't need to be a fashionista to know what you like. This could mean you value comfort over aesthetics, so invest your time and energy into crafting a place of safety and serenity. When I look into my closet, I see more heels than sneakers, but that's because hosting is a priority in my space. Every person uses their home differently—lately, it's been our offices—so tune in to how you like to use your couch.
Murals and wallpaper have never been more rental-friendly and can be an easy way to upgrade your space. Before adding to cart, consider the prints and textiles you gravitate towards when you buy a dress or admire a tattoo—perhaps you'd like more floral motifs or geometric patterns in your space. If designers like Farm Rio are an endless thrill (I mean, tigers on a jumpsuit!), play with a tropical-inspired peel-and-stick like West Elm's Bird of Paradise wallpaper. If pulling the trigger on wallpaper feels too dangerous, try adding a citrus shower curtain in your bathroom, like Urban Outfitters' peaches pattern (a personal favorite)—which can safely push you out of your comfort zone while still aligning with your style.
When I worked in retail, there was a strict dress code we abided by called the rule of threes—an outfit wasn't complete until it had three "layers" to it. The third layer could be a statement lipstick color, a fun hat, or a light jacket that elevates the look and feels more purposeful than just throwing on a dress. Apply this rule to interior design, either literally—such as gathering three vases of various heights for visual texture—or finding a statement piece that turns your coffee table from functional to conversation-worthy.(Pro tip: Don't be afraid of incorporating function into your decor—using your tchotchkes frequently means you don't have to dust as often.)
Sometimes your make-up is a good indicator of the colors you gravitate towards—if you're putting it on your face, you must like it! A bright red lip or a pop of bright orange eyeshadow can translate into a statement wall or inspiration for your decor (the funkier, the better). Try contrasting bold colors with more neutral or cool tones to offset chaotic energy. You don't have to be Euphoria's make-up director to pull this off—just let your creativity guide you. If you prefer a more natural look or prefer to keep your home separate from the influence of body glitter, this is your chance to embrace your inner minimalism and design the black & white space you've always craved.
While participating in fast fashion trends is an enticing way to keep up with the design world, how you dress and style your home should stay true to you. But remember, you are constantly evolving, so what you like may change depending on the time of year. Our color wheel spins towards the darker end of the spectrum during the colder months, compared to Spring and Summer. So look around your room the next time you switch out parkas for swimsuits and check in with yourself—does this style still represent me? From there, you're ready to tackle your next home (and self) improvement project.
We are an online interior design studio for enthusiasts and professionals. Get a real-world design education, easy-to-use tools, job opportunities, and a tight-knit community. All levels welcome.
Join now
