Finding Your Style…
One of the most important things about decorating and designing your space is finding your style—and by style I don’t mean the latest trends, whatever is featured in popular magazines, what your best friend does, and certainly not what your mom did while you were growing up. So often, people approach a space like they do a high school dance—“Show me what’s popular and I’ll make it work.” When it comes to decorating, trying to make something work usually ends up turning into a big, unfinished mess. After all, you decorate your home for yourself and you want to feel comfortable there, so ask yourself: “What do I like?”
Find an Inspiration Piece
Start by finding something that inspires you—a paint color, a swatch of fabric, a vase, a picture—this is your inspiration piece. You are more motivated to finish and more excited to pull the look together if it starts from something that you really love. Plus—you know what you want it to look like—you have a vision. The trouble comes when you try to make your home into something it’s not. For moms, we have to remember that we are going to have legos on the floor and toys spilling out of baskets—it’s just a part of life. However, there are so many ways to balance design and function, especially when it comes to children. The picture above is a picture of my daughter’s room–I was unsure of the direction I wanted to go until I found that apple and pear fabric. After sewing a few shams and creating some artwork, the room came together beautifully.
So, where to start? Look though magazines and walk though stores—don’t ever buy anything that you don’t love. Always start with an inspiration piece—otherwise you will just be stuck on a never-ending decorating goose chase where nothing comes together the way you want. It doesn’t have to look like a magazine or a showcase, but it does have to be yours—you have to own it. When you choose something you love, verses something you think you are “supposed” to do, you will be so surprised with the outcome—you will love it. That is why I always say there are no rules when it comes to decorating—you want to mix two “unmixable” colors—do it! You just better do it well! For more ideas or some tips, visit my website at www.inspiredva.com.
About the Author I am a stay-at-home Mom (who never stays at home) of three (mostly) sweet children–ages 5, 4, and 2. I enjoy friends, church, family, decorating and painting, hair bows, working out, photography, scrapbooking, and shopping. I dislike laundry, unloading the dishwasher, and cooking dinner. Some days I start counting down the hours until nap time the second I open my eyes in the morning. Most days I loose my temper with my children (although I try to hide it.) Every day I thank God that he has chosen to bless me with more than I could ever ask or imagine--and that I get to do it all again the very next day. I love my husband and children, and am always overwhelmed by how much they love me back. In my spare time (is there such a thing...) I am the co-owner of an Interior Design company--Inspired Design (www.inspiredva.com.) I love paint and color, fabrics and texture and I love creating new things. I believe that your home is a reflection of you--it has to be comfortable, functional, and meaningful. There are toys and sippy cups and super hero pajamas with capes--that's just a part of life. However, there are so many ways to deal with these things through planning, organization, and smart design. I believe that everyone should love thier home--the place where memories are made and family times are shared. Read more from this authorRelated posts:
Well, I certainly didn’t find my style in the master bedroom. I totally picked out the wrong paint color.
was the color too dark? sometimes I find that it is best to pick the color you like or that matches, and then go up one to two shades on the color strip. Good luck!