Beyond Trends: What Makes You Feel At Home?
In an era where Pinterest, Instagram, and Google offer an endless stream of curated interiors and perfectly manicured gardens, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that style is something you choose from a menu of trends. But true personal style isn’t about copying what’s popular—it’s about creating a space that feels like home in the deepest sense of the word. I have a cousin who romanticizes life in the most beautiful way. She asked me once, “Where do you feel deep home?” I hadn’t ever thought about it before but I have thought about it ever since. Where do I feel deep home? Well for me, I need lots of green surrounding my home. Seems hard to come by in the desert but we have managed to live in an agricultural community with over 15 fruit trees, real grass that gets flood irrigation, where I plant roses, and lavender, and veg all year long. I think about my interiors and I need comfort and beauty so I have lots of places to sit and put your feet up, under windows so you can read and feel the sun and shade dance across your face. I collect art so my walls are stacked with photographs, vintage pieces, and commissioned work. These are elements of a deep home.
Your home and garden should be a sanctuary, a reflection of your lived experiences, memories, and natural inclinations. Instead of chasing aesthetics that look good online, focus on how you want to feel in your space.
1. Remember Where You’ve Felt Most at Home
Think about a place where you’ve felt deeply comfortable and at peace. It doesn’t have to be a house—it could be:
A grandparent’s kitchen filled with the smell of homemade food
A secluded mountain cabin with wood and stone finishes
A cozy bookstore with soft lighting and worn-in furniture
A Mediterranean garden with lush greenery and dappled sunlight
These places leave impressions because they engage more than just our eyes. They evoke memories, scents, textures, and emotions. What elements from those spaces could you bring into your own home? When I travel, I try and create some awareness around where I am and what is intriguing to me. I enjoy photographing spaces when I “feel something” and then I record what it was I felt. It is kind of a magical practice of mine and I encourage you to try it.
2. Focus on the Senses
Personal style isn’t just about how a space looks—it’s about how it feels. Take a sensory approach:
Sight: Do you prefer light, airy spaces, or cozy, dimly lit nooks? My mom and I are different here. I open all the shutters and she closes them and lights lots of candles. I love that each space feels special. You can ask yourself these kinds of questions to help you determine what you like looking at. Are you drawn to natural materials like wood and linen, or do you love sleek surfaces like glass and polished stone?
Touch: Do you like soft, layered textures, like wool throws and plush rugs? Or do you prefer clean, smooth finishes with minimal clutter? My little sister loves velvet and would upholster her whole house in it if she could as my brother will not use velvet in any finish in his home as he says it feels to him like nails on a chalkboard sound. Isn’t personal style interesting? We are all so different.
Smell: Are you drawn to the scent of fresh herbs in a garden, the grounding aroma of cedarwood, or the crispness of citrus? My sweet little cousin says she loves coming to my house because it smells like vanilla and coconut. I don’t even know why! I use so many different scents here but it is what she smells and I love that she loves coming in and smelling my house!
Sound: Do you love the quiet hum of nature, the rustling of leaves, the echo of an open-concept space, or the warmth of a room with books and textiles absorbing sound? I am a sound girl. I love playing music and will almost always have Spotify playing Elle Fitzgerald radio during the day. I love a life soundtrack and hope that one will be what people remember about being in my home.
These garden spaces in California awaken more than just your sense of sight. You can feel the sun on your skin, smell the fragrance of rosemary and lavender, and the sound of a splash for a refreshing dip in the pool. Its immersive. It’s intentional. It’s personal.
When you start thinking about your space beyond just how it looks, you’ll discover a deeper sense of personal style that goes beyond trends and reflects who you are and your preferences.
3. Define Your Energy
Different spaces give off different energies, and certain environments naturally resonate with different personalities. Ask yourself:
Do I thrive in bright, energizing environments with lots of natural light?
Do I crave a cocoon-like retreat with dim lighting and deep colors?
Do I love structured, symmetrical gardens, or do I feel more at peace in wild, organic landscapes?
Rather than designing around a "look," start designing around the energy you want your space to hold.
I love the energy of this space from Alana Fletcher Interiors out of Toronto. This home is stunning AND lived in. The piano, the family photos, the cat on the stairs. Real people with real lives live in this home with bouncy, sunny energy! You could gather that they entertain and enjoy connectedness. But why? I will let you answer that.
4. Look at Your Everyday Preferences
Your personal style already exists—you just may not have recognized it yet. Look at:
The clothes you feel best in (are they structured and tailored, or loose and natural?)
The types of hotels, cafes, or restaurants you feel most comfortable in
The materials, textures, and colors you naturally choose in other areas of your life
Heidi Callier leaned into the nature loving side of her clients by helping them curate a home that felt among the trees. I love how dark woods didn’t scare them and make this space even more impressive. Look at more of the project here.
These small daily choices often reveal deeper design preferences and make a house feel like your home.
5. Trust What You’re Drawn To—Even If It’s Unconventional
Some of the most interesting personal styles don’t fit neatly into a category. Maybe you love minimalist interiors but also have a deep attachment to antique furniture. Maybe you adore modern architecture but feel most at home with warm, vintage textiles. Allow your style to be an honest reflection of who you are, rather than what "makes sense" aesthetically.
This VIP client leaned into her individuality and pushed the boundaries of what is conventional. The tiled pool, the mix of saltillo and flagstone, the vintage fireplace surround. Our aim was create an intimate place to gather and I think we can all agree there will be a lot of gathering happening here.
Your personal style isn’t something you find on social media—it’s something you remember about yourself. The goal isn’t to create a space that looks good for others; it’s to craft a home that feels undeniably you. With years of experience guiding clients through the design process, I’ve learned that the most timeless interiors aren’t built on trends—they’re built on self-awareness. When you understand the principles of design and trust your instincts, you create a home that not only looks beautiful but also tells your story with depth and authenticity.
