Christopher Guy & Marge Carson Chairs

Is it possible for people to appreciate many different genres of design?  Of course!  Personally, I love all things modern with clean lines that emphasize subtle changes in structure and contour.  However, I also appreciate the intricate beauty that is found in hand-carved, old world craftsmanship usually found in more traditional styles.  So what do I do when I want to furnish my home and still have it “speak my language”?

Defining your style – In my opinion, there is too much emphasis on defining your specific style.  Who says you have to pigeonhole yourself into one category or another?  Whether you are a design connoisseur with a flair for texture, color and shape, or you are completely intimidated by everything related to interior design, there is no specific defining factor in creating a beautiful room.  So to put it simply, if you can’t make a decision on “your style,” don’t.

Did I scare you yet?

Define your context – This one actually is important.  Your home is your context.  If you are in the process of building your dream home and therefore have a clean slate to work with, then you obviously have more freedom to define your context.  However, if you already live in a home, it is important to determine the style of its architecture in order to give yourself a starting point.

And then basically…

Play by the rules–or break them completely!

Millender Robert Adam Oval Back Chairs

If your home is older, say historic, you may want to go the traditional route with your furniture. 

ChristopherGuy 60-0231 Chair

Or, if you are sick of the “matchy, matchy” (not that there is anything wrong with that), then break the rules!  Go modern, but still make sure to look for pieces that have historic roots. 

 Pay tribute to the era in which your home was born, but get a fresh feel at the same time. 

Century Furniture

There is something truly dynamic about thick, beautiful moldings and ornamental ceilings contrasted with the sleek nature of contemporary furniture.

If your home is much more modern, or even transitional, you can still break the rules.  However, this must be more carefully done. 

Century Furniture

For example, if you are designing your dining room, focus on a few focal pieces such as a dining table that has more of a traditional beauty in detail and show.  Then for the other complimentary furniture, such as chairs, buffet, etc., add simpler pieces following the same muted color scheme or finish.

Trust your instincts – If something feels weird, it probably is.  Remember, design is subjective.  Something you may love, someone else may hate.  Ultimately, it is your furniture, your home, and YOU have to live with it.  It is okay to step out of your comfort zone, but if something is just not “sitting right”, then nix it, plain and simple.

And then…

Trust your Designer – We love this stuff!  We know color, we know shape, we know texture, we know textiles, and most importantly, we know space planning and how to select the right size furniture to fit the size of your rooms.  Trust us.  However, if you think we are completely off our rocker, then tell us!  You won’t hurt our feelings. 

More than anything, we want you to love your space so you can show it off to all of your friends.  It is our reputation on the line, and we are only as good as our last design.  Like most things in life, communication is everything with the relationship between you and your designer.  To put your mind at ease, we have a great track record here at Furnitureland South, and we are obsessed with putting a huge smile on your face!

johannakjesbu@furniturelandsouth.com

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