Your Design Style in 8 Steps
Often we have a difficult time making decisions when it comes to decorating and furnishing our homes because we like many things, but just because we like style, décor, or furniture pieces, it doesn’t mean that they’re right for the way we want to live.
For example, I see many styles that I love—it’s my job to keep my eyes open for beautiful pieces that I can work with.
That said, I’m drawn to the very minimal dark, and moody brutalist style and drool over anything on the Local Projects channel--yet I know I’m sentimental and desire a warm homey feeling from my home to support and nurture me.
My style is a blend of light, airy, fabrics, woody rustic pieces, and minimal and vintage artwork, combined with modern, brutalist-style pieces. I like to call it the Artist Retreat style.
So you see, no two styles are the same; they are as unique as you. When we try to adopt a “one size fits all” we are rarely happy because we leave out the most important ingredient—YOU.
Now that I’ve said all that, let’s get into my 8 Tips to determine your decorating style:
YOUR FIRST IMPULSE
Our first step is to consider your long-term preferences. Trends aside, you must begin to ask yourself, which things feel like “soulmate pieces?” Consider your preferences with materials, colors, and patterns have you always been drawn to?
THE MOOD
What atmosphere or vibe do you want to create in your space? Do you like a cozy nurturing feeling, something airy and bright, perhaps moody dark or a colorful energetic?
CAPTURE THE VIBE
Do you have things in your home already that inspire you? Do you have a chair that you love, a vibrant piece of art, or perhaps some beautiful textiles that emulate the feeling you want to recreate?
Take photos and keep them on your phone (or make a mood board) as a point of reference. We have clues all around us that reference our style. These can tell you exactly the direction to move towards and reveal patterns in your taste and style.
VISUALIZE
If you could purchase anything for your home, what would it be? Allow yourself to dream big and without concerns over budget. Create a dream board or gather images of the furniture, artwork, décor, accessories, textiles—and anything else you would love to have in your home. Take a moment to consider the style you are gravitating towards.
CONSIDER YOUR SURROUNDINGS
Where do you live? What is the environment outside like? Look for inspiration in your surrounding area. Designers often make references to a home’s location in the design.
TRAVEL
Very often we are inspired by our travel experiences or dream destinations. Consider the culture, landscape and architecture and how these may influence your preferences.
CHECK YOUR CLOSET
You wardrobe is a big indicator of your style and often decorators will ask to view a client’s closet to gain an understanding of their personal preferences.
What colors or patterns do you wear? What do the materials tell you about your style? What about the style of clothing? Does it align with your home vision and vise versa?
WORK IN REVERSE
Some clients have difficulty identifying what they love but they certainly know what they don’t like! Reverse engineer your approach by weeding out a décor style that doesn’t work for you.
Remember, when decorating your home, there is no wrong or right style—only personal preference. If something feels authentic to you and it brings you joy, then why not go for it?
XOCD