How can you tell what your furnishing style is? 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.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 2-3 Hours
What you’ll need: Pencil, Paper, Travel/Design Magazines, and an open mind.
Here’s How:
3. As you take your walk around the house, look at your latest purchase. Is it like 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 an unfamiliar 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?
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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 must remember that there are no right or wrong choices, only an effort to uncover your real style.
9. 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 repeatedly. 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, checkers, calicoes, and stripes. You may also like mid-toned wood or painted finishes and vintage fabrics.
An eclectic style will have elements from different cultures and eras. Strong patterns, colors, and textures dominate.