How to Determine Your Decorating Style

Interior decorator and instructor Jan Britt knows how to work with a variety of budgets. This guest room/office was created on a budget, featuring a futon slip cover, coordinated color palette and a make-it-yourself cornice board.

Interior decorating instructor shares tips on choosing a style

This bathroom design is well-lit, sleek and contemporary.

Decorating your home with a cohesive style that reflects your unique tastes is not only fun; it's practical. It's something you can enjoy every day, making your home that much more your own.

But how do you find your style? Jan Britt, instructor of Interior Decorating for the Homeowner, suggests starting with some basic research.

"Look online at different decorating styles available," she said. "It's a good idea to buy a variety of decorating magazines, and then go through the magazines, cutting out pictures that appeal to you. Keep the selected pictures in a folder. As you review all the pictures, do you seem to pick the same type of décor? If the answer is yes, you now know what your decorating style is."

But what if it isn't all the same style? Britt says that may be time to call in a professional who can help determine the best fit for you and your family.

"Or you can bring the pictures to class and I'll help you," she said. "Our next Interior Decorating for the Homeowner course will cover current decorating styles as well as color palettes, furniture trends and some 'green' design ideas."

An interior decorator since 1993, Britt said she shares practical tips for a variety of budgets, styles and home sizes, from do-it-yourself ideas and to creative, functional accessories.


"I love the opportunity to make a difference in my students' lives," said Britt, who's been teaching at KSU for 17 years. "I love that, because they choose to take my class, many times they are able to avoid buying the wrong furniture or choosing. I love that they gain inspiration for how to improve the look and feel of their homes."

The class includes the opportunity to make a storyboard of one room in your home to focus on for decorating. Students also see design ideas in action with a visit to one student's home for an in-person consultation.


Have a question for Britt? Email her. To register or find out more about the course, call 770-423-6765 or visit the website.