What dictates your style?

I think about this rather a lot as I look back at old photos from when we had our flat in London (very modern), teeny tiny terraced house in Surrey (lost of beige and neutrals) to now in our cottage in Sussex (cottage style). Is it the type of house that changes my taste and style or was it there all a long? I know that I have always loved period properties as I was brought up in Wimpy/Clark new-build estate homes and I longed to live in a home with nooks and crannies, a bit of history and a story to tell. I remember going to visit my grandmother who used to live in this very old (I'd say 400+ years old) grade II listed house in Alfriston that burnt down in 1765 and was rebuilt. Ever since then I craved my very own house with an interesting history.

I do think I am a bit schizophrenic in my style tastes though - I would love a warehouse apartment kitted out in the industrial/minimalist style equally as much as I'd love a thatched cottage furnished in a way that would make my grandmother proud! I am also a real purist though - I think you should always accentuate the best assets of the house you live in. I believe to get the best out of your property why not make the most out of its individual features? I live by the rule that a new build should reflect the current era of modern design, and 1960s bungalows look great with a retro-inspired look and cottages look great with a more simple and relaxed look.

If you are really clever than you can mix and match within reason of course (although I've seen some shockers in my time!). Having said all that a home is supposed to be a home and not a museum. I remember on one of my first trips to the Antique shops (just after my Ikea phase) I wanted 'Victorian' antiques only (not sure why) and the shop owner said that of course Victorian homes would have been filled with much older things as well as new things. My home is now filled with all sorts of things, but the main theme (if there is one) is simple and sturdy design - no flat pack rubbish if I can help it!

I just wondered what style rules you adhere to (if any) and what dictates your style? Do you adapt your decorating style to the setting or do you just decide on a style and say 'to hell with it' and not worry about whether it 'goes' in your home?