HOW CAN I FIGURE OUT MY DESIGN STYLE?
As a professional interior designer in Bergen County, NJ, I often encounter confusion when first meeting a new client. They are not sure about what they want their home to look like. They have not selected a design style they feel comfortable with. Or, sometimes, they have lived with a style for many years and want to change to something new.
Your home is more than just the building you live in. It’s a place where you welcome your friends and family come to visit you and where you want to feel most comfortable. You want to create that feeling from the moment you open the front door.
This is not something that happens on its own. You need to know how to express your style.
#1. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR DECOR STYLE IS?
When you look at photos of other’s homes, you can appreciate their beauty. You see plenty of stuff you admire and perhaps wish you had. What style do you gravitate towards?
To figure that out, you need to be your own detective before you sit down with your interior designer. Doing a bit of research will help you to get informed. It could take some time, but it is pleasant time.
You will need to make a collection of the images of what you like. This could be from online images or magazines you look at. Even the brochures from various décor firms will help you in your detective work.
Then look at these critically. Do you see any similarities in the photos you have collected? Are the lines all straight? Or, are they curvier? Are there patterns? Stripes? Solids? Neutrals? Bright colors? Quiet and soothing? Bold and exciting? A mixture of a bunch of things?
When you look closely at these images, which ones make you feel most comfortable? Can you envision yourself living in that space?
See the things you don’t like in those spaces too. Maybe the color or texture of a fabric? An area rug style? This is an exercise that helps to figure out what is best for you.
#2. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DÉCOR STYLES YOU CAN SELECT FROM?
This is the list of names of styles. We are not going to delve into them deeply here, just give a brief description.
Contemporary.
This falls between Minimalist and Classic. This style is elegant, sophisticated, and streamlined. Colors used are often jewel tones. Art Deco and Art Nouveau are usually considered in this style.
Minimalist.
This style is about less. The lines are straight, sharp, and clean. It is orderly and sober. Colors are neutrals with a pop of color here and there. Geometric forms are popular.
Modern. (also called Mid-century)
This is what is trending today. Its from the 50’s and 60’s and is urban, with square shapes. Splayed, thin legs support seating that is curved. Colors are blunt. Clean lines, with lots of light- colored wood. Kind of Scandinavian.
Classic. (sometimes called Traditional)
The items selected in this style are refined, enduring and lasting. They give off a comfortable, more historic vibe.
French country. (Shabby Chic is also in this style)
This is more sophisticated than shabby chic. It has curves and carving but its not heavy. A bit less formal. Floral patterns prevail. Kind of homey and slightly rustic. Shabby chic is less formal and shabbier!
Eclectic. (sometimes called Transitional)
By combining different ornamental styles, colors, and time periods, you get a unique feeling. If not done properly, you get a mishmash!
Bohemian. (Moroccan falls under this style)
This style uses object found from different places, so it seems like you have traveled all over. (Perhaps you have! Lucky you!) It is relaxed with lots of different textures and patterns used together. This one is hard to do well too!
Coastal. (sometimes called Beachy)
This is a seaside vibe even if you don’t live by the beach or water. The white and blue theme is popular with wood, linen, and lots of light.
Farmhouse. (sometimes called Rustic or Industrial)
We certainly love Waco Texas! Joanna has created a huge demand for shiplap! It may look great in Texas but in Western or Eastern cities, it may not look as well. So that is a consideration. If you want farmhouse there are details you can add to give your home that rustic or industrial look.
Figuring out what you DO like and what you DON’T like is super important and will save you a tone of time if you can communicate that to your designer.
