Does your home and interior design have a personality? Or is it a point of confusion you can’t quite seem to wrangle? Determining what your style preferences are and how they work with your home’s existing features doesn’t have to be a struggle.
Courtney Esch knows how it’s done. She has a passion for interiors, hosting, events, and creating environments that feel both elevated and lived-in, and is Founder & Owner of Guest & Gather, a new curated home and hosting boutique in Ada that’s rooted in the idea that our spaces should support meaningful moments.
GETTING STARTED
“Your home already has a personality—it’s just a matter of identifying it,” Esch explained. “Ask yourself: What does this home already have? Is it warm and traditional? Minimal and modern? Slightly eclectic? Your goal isn’t to override those cues; it’s to understand them so you can work with them.”
Esch recommends examining:
- Architectural details (molding, ceiling height, window styles)
- Fixed elements (flooring, cabinetry, fireplaces)
- Natural light and how it moves through your space.
“Cohesion comes from respecting what already exists and then layering intentionally,” she said. “Instead of fighting your home, echo existing tones, repeat materials or finishes in small ways, and use scale and proportion that feels space-appropriate. For example, a home with traditional bones doesn’t need to be filled with traditional furniture, but removing that character might not lead to a natural-feeling outcome. Think of it as a conversation between the home and what you bring into it.”
FINDING INSPIRATION
Get excited about harnessing your own creative freedom when it comes to nailing down your home’s style.
“Starting by saving 20-30 images you’re drawn to—without overthinking why,” Esch advised. “Notice what repeats (colors, textures, shapes) and what you consistently don’t like. Look for patterns in what you’re consistently attracted to but don’t force yourself into one box.”
From your picks, Esch recommends identifying two or three words that describe the overall feeling, thinking in categories if that feels easier.
- Mood (calm, bold, moody, airy)
- Structure (minimal, layered, tailored, relaxed)
- Influence (modern, vintage, traditional)
“From there, build slowly. Style isn’t something you assign overnight, it’s something you refine over time through thoughtful choices,” she said. “Starting with one anchor piece—like a sofa, rug, or dining table—and building around it can make the process feel much more manageable.”
BLENDING STYLES
“The best way to blend styles is to anchor them with consistency,” said Esch, noting this is what most often makes a space feel the most personal and elevated. “Stick to a cohesive color palette; think about rooms being related and within the same family; repeat materials within those spaces, even if they’re in completely different applications (woods, metals, textiles); and maintain a consistent level of formality (casual vs. refined).”
Esch provided some examples to show exactly how it can be done, noting balance is key.
Mid-century modern in a traditional home: “Pair clean-lined furniture with classic architectural details, but soften it with warm woods, textured textiles, and a few vintage pieces so it doesn’t feel too stark. Layer in sculptural accessories and bold artwork on a wall with traditional molding.”
Minimalism in a more ornate space: “Keep the palette restrained and let the architecture be the ‘detail,’ rather than adding more visual noise. Focus on fewer, better pieces so the space doesn’t feel stripped but instead feels calm and intentional.”
DON’T PUT YOURSELF IN A BOX
“I think people often feel pressure to ‘get it right’ when it comes to their homes … but the best spaces evolve over time and are truly just a combination of pieces you love,” Esch said. “A home should feel collected and intentionally curated, not decorated in one pass. Letting your space grow with you and evolve over time is important, too.”
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
This article originally appeared in the Summer ’26 issue of West Michigan Woman.
