Ideas to Help You Identify Your Design Style
Your home should be a true reflection of who you are! It should come as no surprise that there are many different ways to "do" design; some designers have a signature style that they are known and sought after for, and others work with the client to bring their dream vision for their home to life. Both produce amazing and beautiful results but I am partial to the latter. I find that most people gravitate to a style even if they don't realize they actually have one. Does this sound familiar? If you are struggling to identify your design style this post is for you!
NO. 1 PIN 'TIL YOU CAN'T PIN NO MORE
Pinterest is one of my favorite ways to pass the time! I enjoy hopping on and scrolling through looking for images that catch my eye or invoke a certain feeling. When I am working on a project I will ask my clients if they use Pinterest, and take a look at what inspires them; often I will find a pattern in their choices and it creates a good starting point from which to begin our discussions. The trick is to not overthink anything - just scroll and Pin what you like.
NO. 2 DO NOT TALK YOURSELF INTO ANYTHING
This is a BIG one. If you aren't feeling something from the beginning, chances are you never will. It's kind of like when you are looking for a home- you KNOW when you walk into THE ONE- if you are not absolutely in love with something from the moment you see it, chances are that it is not your style so don't be afraid to move on and keep searching.
NO. 3 GO "OLD SCHOOL" AND FLIP THROUGH MAGAZINES
In the age of smartphones, computers, and tablets, we all tend to overlook the tried and true tools that we used to use. There is something about tearing out an inspo page from a magazine that just doesn't compare to its digital counterpart. Much like using Pinterest, just take your pages and group them in separate folders by category & you will start to see what you are drawn to. You can also get ideas on how to style things, as well as great information on resources you might not otherwise have known about. All in all, old school magazines are a win!
NO. 4 STAY AWAY FROM TRENDS
Trends come and go so unless you really love something it's best not to get caught up in the moment! Always go with what you are drawn to- if you hate shiplap but see it everywhere and are thinking you may be able to get used to it... DON'T DO IT! If you love something that happens to be a trend, then don't count it out just because it is a trend- if YOU love it then it won't go out of style for you and your family.
NO. 5 TRY THINGS OUT
I used to hate returning ANYTHING! I am not sure why, but it always made me feel guilty for some reason... NOW- not so much. It is just par for the course in design, sometimes things just don't work! Most stores have great return policies so don't be afraid to buy that chair, or coffee table and try it out in your home, sometimes the only way to know is to actually try it out!
NO. 6 YOU CAN FIND INSPIRATION ANYWHERE
I often find inspiration at restaurants and cafes! This is Patisserie, in Charleston SC. When I visited, I was inspired by so many elements in this space! The tile actually became an idea that I incorporated in a design for a client. So keep an eye out when you are out and about!
NO. 7 SAVE YOUR FAVORITE INSTAGRAM PHOTOS
Much like Pinterest, you can find a ton of great photos on Instagram and save them to specific folders that you can go back to and look at to find what you are drawn to. Find your favorite accounts, or go to the search page and just save things you LOVE.
NO. 8 THINK ABOUT YOUR NEEDS AS A FAMILY
(Pinterest)
This is MAJOR! You may be drawn to those exquisite marble floors or countertops BUT if you have kids ( and a constant stream of playdates), or lots of pets you may want to reconsider! NOW, that doesn't mean you can't have it- what I am saying is it all depends on your lifestyle. Be realistic about what you and family need and want & how you want to live in your home- that should help dictate some of your choices.
NO. 9 TOUR MODEL HOMES OR HIGH END STORES
This is not only a good idea, it's FUN! Model homes are often decorated by a professional so they are a great source of inspiration & information! If you see something you like take a picture- love that vase- try asking someone in the model home where it is from! Same goes for high end stores, you will see pieces and designs you like and make you feel at home.
NO. 10 HIRE SOMEONE
Now, you have done items 1-9 on this list and still need a little help tying everything together, then it is a good time to hire a professional. Once you have done your homework you will be better equipped to make decisions when given options by your designer. You will be confident about your choices & that paired with your designer's expertise will bring your vision for your home to life.