Uncover Your Design Style

Any time I meet with a new client and start on a project, before I do anything I first take the time to help them navigate through the different “design styles”. This process involves pointing out key features of each so that I can then decipher together what style they fall into. It’s a process of elimination and for many they already know what they love and gravitate towards, but for others, seeing pictures of all the different styles only confuses them. There are some simple ways to uncover what you like and dislike.

There is nothing worse than being in your own home and not feeling like it belongs to you because it is not expressing who you are. Achieving a style that suits your personality can be such a great feeling. It really can transform how you feel about your home, making it unique to you, reflecting who you are and a place you can be proud of. Finding your own style will create a sense of attachment with your home.

LIFESTYLE

Obviously we would all love to live in a beautiful pristine home but the reality is if it doesn’t fit within your lifestyle, it simply will not work. It needs to be conducive to your family and how your family operates. This straight up can not be ignored! I mean you may love a white leather couch, but if your children can’t sit on it in case they spill their juice, then what is the point?

DECLUTTER

Take a good look at all your possessions and consider whether they are worth keeping. Get rid of anything that is broken and beyond repair. Donate to charity anything that you haven’t used in a long time or don’t feel like it’s “you”. The first few items to get rid of are the most difficult but once you have started you will find it easier as you go along. When you have got rid of the clutter your mind will be free to focus on those items you love and really want to keep.

RESEARCH

Have a look at what styles are out there to help you find your inspiration. There are some great sites like Houzz or Pinterest where you can put a mood board together from images that inspire you. Instagram is also very popular, where many interior designers share their latest projects and their own style and taste. Design magazines are a great source of inspiration, you can go through and rip pages out of what you like and put the pictures onto a mood board format so you can see them all together. Very quickly you will see what you are drawn too. Go through the items that you like that you already own as you can build a theme around a specific item-this could be some detailing on the actual item, it’s shape or color that attracts you to it. This will really give you a feel for what your style is.

BUILD A BASE FOR YOUR TASTE

Once you more or less have an idea of what you like and dislike, now it’s time to look for the main pieces of furniture which will start to give shape to your style. If you are going to replace any of these larger pieces you are better off investing in quality that you will have for many years.

As you try to determine what exactly your own personal style is, look to the obvious. Look to those things that inspire you. Look to those things that make you smile and the things that you are most passionate about. In your own home, look around and take note of the items that bring you a sense of calm, of the things that make your home truly feel like home.

EXPERIMENT

Play around with items and see how they fit in with what you already have and how they reflect your personality and how they make you feel. Keep in mind not everything needs to match to the same color scheme and texture. You can mix and match objects you feel drawn too, your style does not have to fit into one category. In fact, the mixing of styles creates interest and can end up telling a story which reflects your personality. Don’t force yourself to stick to a look just because it is on trend, you need to discover what you love.

At the end of the day, your style—like your personality, relationships, and outlook on life—is always evolving.

Strip it Back

My personal style is simple, so I have always gravitated toward minimalist design. Paring things down to the basics and ditching the unnecessary can do wonders for your well-being, not to mention it looks super sophisticated and sleek. From monochromatic minimalism to laid-back luxury, this simple approach to interior design is one of my favorites.

This most basic principle of minimalism is about doing more with less and carefully selecting the items that work well and complement one another without the need for excessive decorative elements. Clear the clutter and ask your self what can be eliminated, most of us have unneeded things in our space, we need to focus on what needs to be there, in this case minimalism encourages purpose. The goal here is to have a sense of order, simplicity, calmness and restraint. Minimalism design often stems from these characteristics and concepts -refined lines, monochromatic colors, open light-filled spaces, simple detailing and uncomplicated cladding and wall finishes. It is important however to introduce some features to prevent your space becoming an overly sterile atmosphere. Natural elements like wood, metal and plants and a monochromatic scheme are common essential s in this design. They add color, texture and character to any room. It really is about enhancing the sense of space and embracing open surroundings.

Live the life of simplicity!