Maybe you have a faint inkling, but you would really like to
define your style more fully. And, is it possible to have a preference for a
style and not know it?
Here's an easy, hands on way to find out. You will uncover
your real furnishing style The clues to your real furnishing style by simply
going through what you already have. Remember they are everywhere, and not just
confined to your furniture.
Look at the
furniture you already own. Is there something you cannot bear to part with such
as a rickety chair, a table that has outlived its usefulness, or a nightstand
that doesn't match anything. What makes you hold on to it? What made you buy it
in the first place?
Jot down the
reasons as they come to you and don't revise too much.
Walk around and
note what you have on your walls. Old family photographs? Abstract art posters
from the museum? The quilt that you made or inherited?
The content,
colors, and textures are saying a lot about what you really like. Note down
what they suggest to you.
As you take your
walk around the house, look at your latest purchase. Is it along the lines of
what you usually buy, or do you sense a departure? Something radically
different could tell you that you are ready for a style makeover, and willing
to venture into new territory. A single piece that is different from all the
rest can also be telling you this.
Take a good look
at this piece if it is different. What do you like about it?
As you walk around
your home, do you like one room more than the others? Do you tend to spend more
time here than in other rooms?
Chances are you
decorated this room in a style that speaks to you and puts you at ease. Look at
the elements that make up this room, and see if you can repeat them elsewhere.
Do you notice a
lot of repetition of a certain color, shape or texture? Do you see a lot of
objects that are related?
Sometimes you can
build collections without really being aware that you are doing so and they are
a clue to what you really care about.
What if you have
many collections and they are all different? You will still see a theme running
through them. It could be a color, or shape, or something more subtle like
texture, or a mood that these objects evoke.
Make a note of
your favorite store. Not just the one where you buy your furnishings, but where
you buy other things, such as clothes. Where do you like to browse, where do
you go when you want to window shop?
Your favorite
shopping venue tells you a lot about your sense of personal style. Your
furnishing style should grow out of that.
Finally, think
about where you like to go when you travel. What do you like to bring back from
there? What if you could travel anywhere? Where would you go? What would you do
there? What would you bring back?
This can tell you
a lot about what really moves and excites you, and can help you in putting
together the right look for your home.
Look through the
stash of magazines. Don't dwell too long on anything, but tear out pictures
that appeal to you.
Dwelling too long
on any one thing may make you second guess your choice. You have to remember
that there are no right or wrong choices, only an effort to uncover your real
style.
Now you are ready
to wrap up. Go through your notes, and look through your pictures. You are
bound to see certain descriptions and themes come up again and again. And that
is where you will find your real furnishing style.
Tips:
Your style is
traditional if you see a preference for rich, dark wood finishes, and carved
details. You may like fabrics such as chintz, jacquard, damask and brocade.
Your style is
modern if you prefer clean lines, little or no ornamentation, and a range of
finishes. Leather and microfiber appeal to you more than damask and brocade.
Your style is
coastal if you like natural fibers and sea-themed prints, seashells, and
finishes that are light, weathered or painted.
If a homespun
quality appeals to you, your style is country. You may prefer florals, checks,
calicoes and stripes. You may also like mid-toned woods or painted finishes and
vintage fabrics.
An eclectic style
will have elements from different cultures and eras. Strong patterns, colors,
and textures dominate.
What You Need
Paper
Pencil
Travel and design
magazines
An open mind
Time Required: 2-3 hours
Time Required: 2-3 hours
To be continued......
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