Finding your personal {design} style.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the ins and outs of making a house reflect one’s personal style. I don’t know about you, but sometimes, well a lot of times, I find myself up against a {design} wall. I’m beginning to realize that this usually happens when I’m trying to force something that isn’t really me. This got me to do some deep, thinking? Who am I? What do I really like? And how can I transfer these discoveries into the design of my home. {Who knew interior design was so introspective?}.

Here’s a list of some thoughts and questions I recently asked myself. They helped give me perspective and narrowed down my design aesthetic, and I thought they might help you too.

1- What affect do you want your home to have?

It has been said that there is a definite link between color and emotion. This idea should definitely render some consideration, since the colors you choose to decorate with could quite literally affect your mood.

When I was young and energetic in my twenties, it was all about bright colors.

 I loved the color red…which is one of the most stimulating colors on the color wheel.

{freshhomeideas.com}

But now that I am old and in my thirties and life’s beginning to feel a little more hectic, I find myself favoring a more calm and relaxing atmosphere. Consequently, my color of choice nowadays is turquoise…along with a few other bluish hues.

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Interestingly enough, blue just happens to be one the more soothing colors on the color palette. Believe it or not, your surroundings and the colors within them, can have a profound effect on your emotions.

2- Consider your own personal style.

When designing a room, use your clothes closet to help give you some design direction.

Are you trendy…always wearing what’s new and fresh? Or are you more classic…still fashionable and put together, but with a more timeless style?

Do you wear lots of bright colors,

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or do you prefer more muted tones?

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Are you a little quirky {I always reference Zooey Deschanel on this one}

{comohodesign.com}

or do you prefer something more elegant and sophisticated?

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What is your favorite color to wear? What color is most prevalent in your closet?

What is your outfit of choice? Is it something laid back and comfy {think slip-ons and jeans}

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 or do you prefer something a little more glamorous and glitzy {jewelry and heels}?

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These preferences can help you dictate what interior design colors, themes, vibes and aesthetics you will most likely prefer.

To put it into a practical setting, my very most favorite piece of jewelry is a long, chunky turquoise necklace that I wear with almost everything {my whole entire house is accented in turquoise…go figure}. But maybe for you it is your favorite pair of leopard print flats {consider animal print rugs or throw pillows in your home}

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or your favorite gold bangle {consider gold accessories such as lamps and picture frames}

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Whatever it is, figure out how you can translate it into your personal space so you can really make it yours.

 

3- What inspires you?

When you are at the store or surfing the net, what types of things seem to really speak to you?

Do bold, geometric patterns get you giddy,

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 Or is it old, vintage items with stories to tell?

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Are you moved by the clean, simple lines of modern design,

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or inspired by the rustic, earthiness of farmhouse style?

 {ehomee.com}

Are you inspired by nature, or by the hustle and bustle of city life?

Whatever it is, think about it and narrow it down.

What truly inspires you? Consider every aspect of your life: religion, hobbies, interests, family, traveling, etc., and find a way to incorporate it into your design. 

Another technique I’ve started using is to make a collection of rooms that I not only like, but absolutely love…rooms that I would consider my dream rooms {thanks to pinterest for making this a whole lot easier}. Take a moment to see what all of the rooms have in common. Odds are there will be some underlying thread tying them all together. It might be wall color, or the color palette as a whole. It might be the furniture or artwork, or even the overall style: modern, vintage, farmhouse, boho, etc. Once you’ve got it pinned down, you are well on your way to finding your own personal design style.

Do you have any suggestions to add, or thoughts on how you came about finding “your style”? Inquiring minds wanna know, so don’t be scared to share.