The whole idea of “style” as it applies to home furnishings can be an intimidating prospect to consider, particularly if you have no idea of what your style might be or if it even has a name. Take a deep breath and relax! Your style springs from what you love and how you live … and it doesn’t have to have a name.
How do you determine what you like? Simply look around and take notice of the things that naturally appeal to you. A useful strategy is to begin browsing magazines and saving the pages that “speak” to you – even if you don’t know why – and the more the better! Then sort those photos into rooms: living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, etc.
Then look for recurring elements. Is there a color or family of colors that repeats? Have you chosen rooms with a clean, contemporary look, or do you see a more traditional setting with references to historic styles? Does your look contain lots of accessories, or do you gravitate toward a clean, crisp minimalist atmosphere? Do you prefer the feeling of tranquility that greens and blues offer, or do you like the high-energy and warmth of reds and oranges? Or perhaps a mostly neutral palette appeals to you.
You’re now ready to begin defining your personal style. Take your picture collection, notes, ideas and an open mind to a design professional like me, who can work with you to achieve your design goals. It is the professional’s job to interpret your ideas and preferences in such a way that creates a unique and beautiful expression of your lifestyle that offers both comfort and a sense of refuge.
By selecting the pieces you love, rather than by what “matches”, you will ensure that your home is truly an expression of your personality. Then every time you enter your home, you’ll feel that sense of comfort, relaxation and renewal because everything there has been inspired by what you love. My best “style” advice is to go with your heart when selecting a piece of furniture. If you love it, we can make it work.
stuartharris@furniturelandsouth.com
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The Heart of Style
How do you determine what you like? Simply look around and take notice of the things that naturally appeal to you. A useful strategy is to begin browsing magazines and saving the pages that “speak” to you – even if you don’t know why – and the more the better! Then sort those photos into rooms: living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, etc.
Then look for recurring elements. Is there a color or family of colors that repeats? Have you chosen rooms with a clean, contemporary look, or do you see a more traditional setting with references to historic styles? Does your look contain lots of accessories, or do you gravitate toward a clean, crisp minimalist atmosphere? Do you prefer the feeling of tranquility that greens and blues offer, or do you like the high-energy and warmth of reds and oranges? Or perhaps a mostly neutral palette appeals to you.
You’re now ready to begin defining your personal style. Take your picture collection, notes, ideas and an open mind to a design professional like me, who can work with you to achieve your design goals. It is the professional’s job to interpret your ideas and preferences in such a way that creates a unique and beautiful expression of your lifestyle that offers both comfort and a sense of refuge.
By selecting the pieces you love, rather than by what “matches”, you will ensure that your home is truly an expression of your personality. Then every time you enter your home, you’ll feel that sense of comfort, relaxation and renewal because everything there has been inspired by what you love. My best “style” advice is to go with your heart when selecting a piece of furniture. If you love it, we can make it work.
stuartharris@furniturelandsouth.com