
Source: habituallychic.blogspot.com
Find Your Style on Pinterest
Yesterday I pinned a living room that really spoke to me. It felt like a place I could come home to — warm, cozy, mostly white but with thoughtful splashes of color. Comfortable yet stylish. That combination is exactly what I find most appealing.
At the same time, browsing Pinterest often leaves me a little puzzled about my own taste.
Maybe I confuse my followers with the variety of things I pin. Maybe my taste simply changes with my mood or whatever inspires me in the moment. Or maybe I just enjoy a wide range of styles.
Sometimes my feed swings from traditional with a modern twist to sophisticated cottage, slightly bohemian, old-world, classy beach, or relaxed spaces with a touch of glamour.
I like white and dark finishes. I like bold color and subtle neutrals. I love texture. I appreciate both peaceful, subdued rooms and lively, energetic spaces.
I appreciate serious design and playful details. I like natural materials and painted wood. I enjoy mixing styles and combining contrasting elements in one room.
I admire dignity paired with a riot of color. I favor pieces that feel collected over time rather than everything from a single store. But I steer clear of anything that feels tacky — and sometimes the line between quirky and tacky is very narrow.

Source: coastalliving.com
I scroll past countless images that don’t speak to me, even though they get repinned widely. I don’t find that I pin a lot of things quickly — I’m picky, but my interests are broad and varied. It just takes me longer to find what truly resonates.
Some people pin the same style in many variations and build a very focused aesthetic. Then there’s me — the eclectic, picky pinner. I do confuse myself sometimes.
Studying lots of images from different styles, however, has taught me a great deal about my preferences. As I compare colors, textures, and compositions, recurring elements begin to reveal themselves and my authentic style becomes clearer, even if it’s hard to define in words.
It also helps to remember that certain styles make more sense in some homes or seasons of life than others. You can admire something without needing it to fit your current lifestyle. Appreciating a look doesn’t mean you must have it — unless admiring pushes you toward discontent, in which case stepping away is wise.
Exploring a variety of styles makes you more creative. While many people use Pinterest to copy rooms exactly, I treat it as a source of inspiration: a way to challenge myself and refine elements of my style. And, admittedly, a place to waste time I could spend being creative at home.

Source: bhg.com
One of the best things about Pinterest for me is that it’s a learning tool. It helps me recognize what I already own that can be used in new ways and to spot affordable pieces that create a similar mood without breaking the bank.
Often after browsing, I feel inspired to close the laptop and experiment in my own home. Seeing images laid out can shift my perspective and lead to imaginative, budget-friendly solutions.

Source: gallery.apartmenttherapy.com
Over the years I’ve learned that beauty and style are subjective. That idea is freeing. It means you can create a home you love within the budget you’re comfortable with instead of following whatever’s most popular. If you love your home, that’s what matters most.
I enjoy being eclectic, even if it means I sometimes confuse myself about what I want. Studying varied designs helps me learn, grow, and make choices that feel true to me.
Do I confuse you? I probably do.
Do you learn about your own style by studying or pinning pictures like I do?
Do you have a clear picture of your style, or do you keep your options open?
On a related note, my ebook about finding authenticity in a Pinterest-driven world is being featured in a book club this week. It’s been lovely to see conversations about how to create a home that feels like you.