Defining Your Personal Style

What do I really like? What do I feel most comfortable in? Do I like formal and conservative or informal and progressive? Casual or elegance? Traditional or contemporary? Or am I eclectic and like a mix of styles?
These are some questions I'm sure you have been contemplating if you are not quite sure of your personal style. In decorating, your personal style is a reflection of you! It's an expression of who you are, what you like, your tastes, your moods, your life experiences, travel, education and so forth.
Most of us do have somewhat of a grasp of what we like. Colors, textures, and styles are all a part of what we display in our spaces to show it.
So the question is, which style would work best in my home? Typically, the style should relate to the home's architecture. Usually you would not see a boat house or ocean theme type styling in a Victorian home, for example. ( Although, for the person who longs to have that look, it is possible. You can achieve that personal style if that is what you like.)
There are really no rules to follow if it is done in good taste. You can even express different facets of your personal style in different rooms of your home. So grab all the design magazines to get started. Clip out pictures of rooms you like and keep a decorating file on hand to inspire and delight your creative senses.
Are you leaning toward a certain color? Maybe warm colors, like reds and yellows? Or cool colors, like blues and greens? How does each color make you feel? Happy? Sad? Comfortable? Uncomfortable? Calm? Depressed?
Experiment with a poster size color sample of the color(s) you are choosing from. Live with them for a day or two. Note the color change from day to night and from artificial light to natural light. Don't worry. You can always change your mind. Experiment.
Keep notes from each picture you are studying. Observe how certain architectural features work together to create a certain look in the space'fireplaces, windows, crown and base mouldings, recessed ceilings, etc.
Note the different lines of furniture styles, surface treatments, like floors and walls, and textures, like window treatments and upholstery fabrics. Take note of the different accessories used and the lighting that was selected. What do you like best or least about these?
Besides magazines, shop furniture stores and designer showcases. You'll begin to affirm what strongly appeals to you and what doesn't. And what you would like to incorporate into your own space. This is your personal style.