So nice to meet you! I’m Darlene Weir, the principal interior designer for Fieldstone Hill Design, an eDesign and interiors firm. I am also a style blogger, and I am delighted to be posting here at the BHG Style Spotters Blog. Today’s topic happens to be a passion of mine: helping people to discover their own signature style.
Defining your signature style can take a little bit of work, but it is completely worth the effort. By becoming a student of your own style, you will eventually save yourself both time and money, as you confidently move toward having a home you LOVE, not just “like.” You can get started by taking the following steps {these are some of the same steps I use with my eDesign clients}.
1. Determine your style words:
Select 3-5 descriptive style words that illustrate how you want your home to feel and look. Remember the words you select, and keep them in the front of your mind as you make choices in your home, and even when you are shopping.
My top style words are glamour, simplicity and comfort. You can see these words reflected in the image below, which is a room I happen to love:
2. Study favorite pictures:
Photo inspiration is a key tool to helping you define your signature style. Pull favorite images out of magazines of rooms you truly adore, and scour design websites for spaces you love. Then, once you have collected your favorite spaces, study what common themes these rooms share. Do they all have light walls? Do they all have pops of color? Look for any commonalities and then take note of what you discover.
I also like to search by room, as my style is a little different from room to room:
3. Determine your favorite colors:
This may seem obvious, but not everyone knows their favorite colors! I consider a “favorite color” one that has travelled the miles with you. If you have only loved turquoise since it started cropping up all over the internet, it may very well be a passing phase. But, if you have loved turquoise ever since you set your eyes on it in the box of 64 crayons, then you can be sure this color brings you joy. Are you consistently drawn toward certain colors? Take note!
Is turquoise a favorite? Or is that a passing phase for you?
4. Have the guts to decorate with your signature style:
As you begin to see style themes surface, take note of them. Then, confidently move forward in your decision making. For you, this might mean finally buying a bright orange pillow. Or maybe, now that you are armed with a pile of velvet pink sofa images, you will have the “guts” to just go for it! The point is, it is time to stop questioning what you love. If you love it, fill your home with it!
Is it time to throw an orange pillow on your sofa?
Once you have taken the time to study your loves, take these thoughts with you whenever you need to make choices regarding your interiors. With each new decorating decision you make, add things to your home that you truly love, and edit out things that are so-so. Soon, you will see your own beautiful signature style emerge within the walls of your own home.
As you move forward in this way, you are well on your way to a home you love; a home that reflects the signature YOU!
- Darlene Weir, Fieldstone Hill Design
Source: Better Homes and Gardens Style Blog
