Walk around your house like you’re visiting an open home. Assess your current interior – notice the colours you use and if there’s an overarching style or a mash-up of several.

Look for areas and pieces that you love and hone in on those you don’t.

Think about your personality and how you want to feel at home – are you a flamboyant extrovert who craves bright colour or a creative introvert who wants a calm palette?

Be perceptive and open – write everything you see and think down (swear words are totally acceptable).

And remember to go easy on yourself — be thankful and proud of what you have, the space you live in and what you have achieved to be there, even if it could do with some improvements!

Now it’s time to focus on your favourite pieces of furniture, art and fashion.

Notice the natural colour schemes and designs you seem to favour (it might be in a treasured antique rug, a statement painting, or a favourite dress. Sometimes an entire interior palette can be inspired by one piece!). There will often be a neutral, a main colour and an accent colour, which is a perfect combo for interiors.

You can also analyse your hobbies and habits to help you notice what style you’re drawn to. Look at your favourite books, travel destinations, movies and restaurant interiors and you’ll start to see patterns… note these down when you do.

Next up, create a collection of imagery that captures the essence of the information you’ve established. You can create your own mood board digitally or physically, and include images, words, swatches, colours and materials that show the style you vibe with.

Not only does a mood board help you define your concept, it’s also a handy tool you can give to suppliers and trades when you’re shopping or planning a reno to help them understand the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.

Now that you see a style emerging, give it a name and include it on your mood board. It could be Urban Organic, Palm Springs Resort, Beachy Bohemian, Farmhouse Chic or Coastal Retreat.

Giving something a name brings it to life, makes a statement about the overall look you’re going for and helps keep everyone involved in future home projects accountable to this style.

Write a list of keywords for your style.

Palm Springs Resort, for example, might have something like this: white paint, breeze block, pale oak, brushed brass, dusky blue, seafoam green, clean lines, natural stone, cosy textures, palm trees, organic shapes, vertical cladding, mosaic tiles, floor-to-ceiling windows, mid-century modern.

These keywords can be kept to yourself or shown to experts you may be using. They’re also useful search terms when you’re scouring Pinterest or online shopping.

Do an instant declutter of things that don’t fit, and start taking your moodboard and keyword list with you when you shop. Applying your style could take years and that’s fine – your dream home is a journey, after all!