What Is Your Decorating Style?

Defining their individual style is probably the most difficult thing clients have to do and not without good reason; Style is often hard to define.  Your style, simply put, is defined by the things you like most surrounding you, including favorite colors and objects whether or not they are pigeon-holed into classic terms like terms like  Modern, Traditional, Country, Contemporary or Eclectic.

You may have a piece of furniture of artwork from a family collection that raises a fond memory from childhood or young adulthood, but it may not represent your particular style at all.  Many clients are confused as to what to do with a treasured piece, beside storing it in a closet or drawer.  They question what to do with a piece that is so clearly from another period that it seems to conflict with their personal style.  These very pieces are my favorite to work with, as they allow me and my client to juxtapose them with a different style and truly personalize a space.

An odd piece of furniture that screams Country, or Traditional, placed in a thoroughly Modern setting, makes for an interesting conversation piece and reminds us of how individual we are.  I had a friend some years ago who hired an Interior Designer to help her make over her living room.  My friend had an exquisite side table that was quite valuable from a monetary viewpoint not to mention its sentimental value.  The Interior Designer tried quite unsuccessfully to convince her that it “just didn’t fit in” with the style they were creating.  Fortunately for my friend, she ignored this woman’s urging and today is delighted with her choice.

You can tame down a very traditional room by adding some more modern or contemporary pieces like lamps or side tables or artwork.  Think of a very Modern piece of artwork set in a Traditional space which helps reduce the room’s formality.  An old country oak bucket or bench in an entry will ease a Modern room into feeling a bit warmer.  A Bonsai tree in a country setting will allow you and your guests to imagine the possibilities and transform you to a serene place if only for a short time.

Making small changes is the easiest way to adjust your designs; remember that you are on a journey and your thoughts will evolve over time. Do not to be hasty to your design style in a box; keep the flaps open to allow you to explore alternative opportunities.