I think I could design something in a limited number of other styles. Some I would be lost with though (ones I really dislike).

I feel like there is plenty of inspiration out there for any style. But understanding what someone wants when they don't know/can't describe what they want would be really difficult.

My background is in graphic design. I truly believe that once you understand the principles of design, you can design just about anything. The more diverse experience the better.

If one has a solid foundation of design fundamentals and core knowledge, then it's just another design challenge with research to do, criteria and specifications to meet, and clients to please.

Different scenarios will have unique challenges and that's where experience designing in specific capacities is a huge advantage. If the task aligns with a personal aesthetic then it's serendipity. If it doesn't, no big deal. A good designer will still have a well-rounded arsenal of knowledge and skills to draw from in order to meet criteria, specifications and please the client.

I often wonder about ego and interior design. So much emphasis is put on a flair, an eye, a knack, an intuition for designing that a solid foundation, core knowledge base is totally dismissed or glossed over.

Either because it does not exist at all or because ego steps in and that "signature style" business is awarded more importance than actual knowledge and skill set.

And then there's marketing. I'm sure it's easier to sell a "package". It's easier to make money if you define and package a "signature style" and focus on selling just that one thing. As opposed to trying to market design as a craft, trade, skill set.

For example, you're not buying design services from Candice Olson. Rather you're buying her pre-packaged signature style. One size fits most kinda thing.