Finding Your Home’s Style
Over the years, I’ve moved more times than I can count, from a charming Victorian home in Massachusetts to a mid-century apartment in Virginia, and everything in between. Each place had its own unique architectural personality, and I’ve learned that embracing that character is the key to creating a home that feels authentic and comfortable.
When I lived in the Victorian house, my light academia aesthetic fit perfectly. The warm tones, vintage accents, and timeless charm perfectly complemented the home’s ornate details. But when I moved into my sleek, mid-century apartment in Virginia, that same aesthetic suddenly felt out of place. The clean lines, natural wood, and abundance of light called for a completely different approach
The Best Advice: Live in the Space First
If you’ve just moved and feel uncertain about your design direction, don’t rush into decorating. Take time to actually live in the space. Observe how the light changes throughout the day, where you naturally spend the most amount of time, and what storage or functionality quirks emerge.
Maybe your living room fills with beautiful morning light that’s too good to waste on a TV setup, or perhaps your dining nook doubles better as an office. These discoveries will help you create a space that feels intentional, functional, and uniquely yours.

As you settle in, ask yourself questions like:
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Which areas feel the most inviting, & why?
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Are there corners that never get used & could they be repurposed?
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How do you actually move through the space day to day
Let Style Evolve Naturally
Once you understand the rhythm of your home, your style will start to reveal itself. You might discover that your new space calls for something minimalist and modern, or maybe you’ll blend old and new elements to create something entirely your own. 

Your home should reflect not just your taste, but the story of the space itself.
Start Planning with a Moodboard
Once you’ve spent some time getting to know your space, the next step is to start planning. Whether you’re working with furniture and decor you already own or starting completely fresh, creating a moodboard (or design board) is one of the best ways to bring your ideas together.
A moodboard helps you visualize how your pieces, colors, textures, and styles will work together before you start rearranging or buying anything. Think of it as a visual guide that helps your design stay cohesive and purposeful. You may find that certain pieces clash, while others, like a specific sconce, can bring unexpected harmony to the room.
You can keep it simple with a digital collage on Canva, or even use a physical board with fabric swatches, paint samples, and printed photos. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s clarity. When you can visualize how everything works as a whole, your space will start to feel more curated and uniquely yours.
Moodboards
Mid-Century Modern
