Forget the “Style” Labels—Let’s Design for Feeling This Year

Hello Decor Friends

New Year, new beginnings! As we step into a fresh year, I have to ask: do you have any decorating goals for the year ahead? Maybe it’s finally finishing that room you’ve been “getting to,” or maybe it’s less about doing more and more about creating a home that truly feels good to live in. Either way, this is the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and reset—not just your calendar, but your spaces too.

One thing I want to gently remind you of as we kick off the year: your home does not need to fit neatly into a labeled “style.” You don’t have to choose between modern, traditional, coastal, or farmhouse and stick to it forever. In fact, some of the most beautiful, soul-filled homes I’ve ever stepped into don’t follow a rulebook at all. They follow a feeling.

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Designer Tip 

When you walk into a space in your home, how does it feel? Is it aligned with how you want your home to feel? Does it reflect you? Your story? If the answer is no, you have a starting point.  Begin filtering your design decisions through that “ feeling”.

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When I begin any design project, I don’t start with a style quiz or a trend report. I start with a question: How do you want this space to feel? Calm? Energizing? Cozy? Collected? Welcoming? The feeling becomes the north star, guiding every decision that follows.

Think about a living room that emits a sense of calm. Soft, layered textiles. A neutral palette with warm undertones. A comfortable sofa you actually want to sink into at the end of the day. Maybe there’s gentle lighting, a worn-in rug, and a few meaningful objects that tell your story. Nothing fussy—just a space that quietly says, “You can exhale here.”

Now imagine a kitchen designed to feel energizing and joyful. This might mean brighter light, a mix of materials, and a layout that encourages gathering. Open shelves with everyday items within reach. A favorite piece of art or a pop of color that makes you smile first thing in the morning. It’s less about perfection and more about movement, connection, and life happening.

Bedrooms are another great example. The goal here is often rest and restoration. That feeling can come from layered bedding, muted tones, and a sense of visual calm. Clear surfaces, soft window treatments, and textures that feel good to the touch can do more for sleep than any trend ever could.

Even a home office can be designed around feeling. Want to feel focused but inspired? Think about a balance of order and personality—closed storage paired with a pinboard, a comfortable chair, good lighting, and a few items that spark creativity without overwhelming the space.

As you think about your decorating goals this year, I encourage you to release the pressure to “fit in” to a style and instead tune in to how you want your home to support your life. Homes are deeply personal. They should reflect your rhythms, your memories, and your everyday moments.

So here’s my New Year wish for you: may your home feel like you. Warm, welcoming, layered, and lived-in—in the very best way. 

Until next time, happy decorating and happy New Year.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or not quite sure where to begin, you’re not alone. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh set of eyes—and a listening ear—to help things click. An online consult is a great way to talk through your space, your goals, and your ideas, and start forming a design and decorating plan that actually feels doable. If that sounds helpful, you can sign up through the link—I’d love to help you get started. 

Until next time,

~Tatum