How do we know our style?
If you have trouble finding you design style you are certainly not alone. So many shows, images, advice…it can be sensory overload…its easy to loose focus and want to try it all!
But, whether we realize it or not, everyone has a preference. So, if you are drawn to a mix of many styles and need help narrowing down or can’t quite articulate your aesthetic, asking yourself a few questions can help zero in on your tastes and give you a roadmap for your design journey.
What surrounds you..’?
Be aware of your surroundings wherever you are…that may be a favorite restaurant or cafe, hotel, travel location, boutique or even a friend’s house. When you notice something that you are drawn to, ‘take it in’! Look at everything and ask yourself what stylistic elements you’re drawn to, whether it be the colors, patterns, lines, or textures and light.
Be a student!
One great tip I can offer is collect all your ideas in one place! Study design magazines, follow brands and designers on Instagram, travel, shop interesting boutiques. The more you expose yourself to different design styles, you’ll begin to discover more of what you’re drawn to and start to see a common thread. I love using Pinterest to make a ‘mood board’ of all my inspiration and finds! Don’t think too much about the ‘why’…just go with it!
Look for the details..
Now you can zero in on all the ‘surface’ details that you respond to..
Do your favorite interiors have soft or hard surfaces? Are there matte or shiny details? Are there geometric or floral patterns? Do you have mostly solid tones? Is the décor highly detailed or minimal? Tracking these details, as minute as they might seem, really helps you form a design language to communicate your personal style.
How do you feel?
After you have all the details and images we can start to see a story emerge. So, ask your self “How do these make me feel?” Do you feel relaxed or sophisticated or fancy or exhilarated? Get really personal! Is it nostalgic? Does it give you a sense of peace and calm? Discovering the emotion or vibe behind your images and items can help you discover a design style you didn’t even realize you were consciously drawn to…but it’s all inside!
How much ‘stuff’?
Are you a minimalist or a ‘I want it all’/maximalist or somewhere in between? Collected and more is more or everything needs to be put away in its place in a curated way? Knowing this will help your decide your design sense.
How many styles can I like?
Maybe everything gives you all the feels! An interior designer can be very helpful in this process, especially if you find the seemingly endless choices overwhelming. A designer can help bring a vision and focus and knows when and how to apply a little restraint If this sounds like you…one way to tackle this is with COLOR! Sprinkled throughout a space, it can have a unifying and impactful effect.
We all have a unique point of view that should be embraced! Your home should reflect you and your family, more importantly, it will evolve with you as well! Whatever your design aesthetic, having the language and details narrowed down to be able to express your personal style sense is what it’s all about! Creating a haven and a place you can call your own where you feel your most authentic self is icing on the cake!