Designing can be overwhelming: so many choices, styles, and input, and the only certainty is that your space isn’t “there” yet.
Add to this, most aren’t starting with a clean slate or an unlimited budget. We still need to “play nice” with our current motley collection. So, where in the world do we start?
Brainstorming.
How do you want to feel in your home? What do you want to think when you open the door?
Grab a sheet of paper (or device, whatever), and note anything that comes to mind as you ponder these two questions.
Clean, warm, modern, vintage, traveled, studied, nature, architectural, cottage, the beach, history, family, mountain retreat, relaxation, poetic, industrial, witty, layered, textured, soft, fun, glamorous . . . ? What concepts or images come to mind?
What is it about a friend’s house, favorite decor shop, or restaurant that makes you feel as if you could spend hours there? Can you pull out an adjective or characteristic? Do this all at once or add to it over time. When your ideas seem complete, review your list and circle the three or four that stand out to you. Which concepts best capture the look and feel you’d like to experience in your home?
These are your guiding themes.
When you make a purchase or when you de-clutter, use these themes to filter your decisions. For example, “Is this lamp colorful, simple, or does it add whimsy to the room?” If you like a variety of styles, it might be helpful to limit your description pool to one room at a time. (ie. I want my family room to have a more casual farmhouse style compared to my dining room, where I’d like some touches of glamour.)
One Step Further . . .
Can you sum up your style with a phrase? A memorable phrase allows you to carry the concept with you at all times, guiding as you go.
For example, my cousin decided the phrase that captures her style best is “Elegant Nature.” Throughout her home, 
rich colors and regal finishes combine with organic beauty: deep reds and greens clothe walls, brightened by gilded chandeliers. The natural stone fireplace, wood floors, and animal-inspired accessories bring the loveliness of nature inside. It’s beautiful, and, most importantly, it’s her.
What words best reflect what you want to experience in your home?
Starting a new year usually inspires clarifying of one’s goals and priorities. Why no
t include some inspiration toward that purpose in your decor? Funny, profound, or encouraging–our most familiar surroundings have extraordinary influence on our emotions. Fairy lights and sparkly snowflakes inspire lightheartedness and are fitting of the wonder we should embrace as we 
step into this year of new
eyes has given me fresh perspective. For example, I’ve grown increasingly aware of a few stuffed animals that arrived circa the toddler years. A special bunny given to my daughter happened to match our family room and eventually became part of the decor. Likewise, a souvenir teddy bear made our living spaces welcoming for our youngest visitors. Fast forward to years that house a teenager and a preteen (and the visitors who have also aged), and it’s just weird. –Because, it’s not relevant anymore.
When Joanna Gaines brought southern charms to mainstream decor my heart went pitter-patter. Cotton stems available at Wal-mart? It’s Christmas for this displaced Southerner! But Southern elements will always be relevant for me because of my heritage—no matter what’s trending.