Defining Your Design Style
Mid-Century Modern, Industrial, Nautical, Scandinavian, Bohemian, Farmhouse, Urban Modern, Shabby Chic, Traditional, Transitional, Contemporary … the list goes on. And it can be overwhelming!
If you are uncertain what Design Style you are, don’t worry as you really don’t need to fit into one category.
Design is a mirror. Your Design Style should really be all about YOU. Who you are, where you have travelled, who you love and cherished memories you don’t want packed away.
That is your Design Style. Making your home personal and embracing all that you are and everything that makes you happy.
I’ve worked with many clients over the years who always want to know what is ‘trendy’ or ‘in’ for colours and styles and I always tell them that it really doesn’t matter what is ‘in’ or ‘out’ right now, the look and feel of your home has to reflect your personality and current lifestyle.
My goal when working with clients is to make sure they love their space when we are done. Whether you are doing a major renovation, a smaller face lift or a redesign with a change in paint colour and rearranging furnishings, there are a few basic things to keep in mind.
- Functionality – what is this room being used for? Does it make sense at this time in my life? Can it be repurposed into something more useful or current that suits my lifestyle today?
- Colours – creating warm, welcoming and soothing spaces is so important in this busy world we live in. Going home to something that gives you comfort at the end of your day is a welcomed thing. Or you may need more colour to inspire you in a room. Whatever you need, paint is the most cost-effective element that will change a room and bring a new vibe into your space.
- Furniture – is it time to get rid of Grandma’s table that you have hung on to just because it was in your family forever? Would you prefer to change it to a more transitional piece that suits your current preferences? Or, maybe you can have fun with that piece and paint it bright turquoise! Whatever change you are looking for don’t be afraid to make your home reflect your personality. You don’t need to fit into someone else’s criterial for style.
- Accessorizing – is easy and fun to bring in some new accessories such as art, toss cushions, flowers, area rugs and light fixtures. It’s amazing what a transformation in accessories will do to your home. There are so many places to shop now on line that if you are not close to a big shopping center, no problem as almost all retailers will ship directly to your home.
- Redesign with what you have already – I am a huge fan of doing this! If you are on a limited budget and crave a change, use what you’ve got to create a whole new look. Start by stripping down your room by removing the art off the walls and everything out. You may be surprised to see how well that chair from the living room works in your master bedroom now. Or that art from the den looks great in the guest bedroom.
The bottom line is, you have to have fun making these changes.
Design is about you and what makes you feel good. I personally crave and enjoy change and am always looking to mix things up in my own home. Some of my most favorite pieces are ones that were found at yard sales years ago, or from my favorite stores, and these continue to move around my house providing different functions for storage or a new look in a room.
So have fun creating your own Design Style!
