Why I Don't Believe in Naming Your Decorating Style
Today I am feeling like a rule breaker (and a rule maker). And, I am taking to take you all along my journey, hopefully you will feel more free when all is said and done.
In the world of home styling and home decor, there is this HUGE drive to find your decorating style and name your decorating style. Once you have figured that out, decorating your home and creating a space that is a reflection of you and your family should be super easy. Only it's not, at least not for me, and I have a feeling I am not the only one out there.
There is so much pressure in the name. Is that really what my style is? What if I don't know what to call my style? What if my style is a little bit of everything? If I name it, then I can't buy anything that doesn't fit that style.
I'm not going to lie, when are looking at your entire home and trying to decide how you want to decorate it, and make it all go together, it can be overwhelming. Adding in the idea that when you name your style, you should stick to that style and not stray too far, making decorating seem hard and not fun.
I have come up with 5 "Rules" that I use and that keep me focused when I am shopping for home decor. I can use this list as a quick way to decide if something belongs in our space.
- Do decide on a color palette for your entire home. Don't get hung up on the number of colors, but try to not list every color in the rainbow. Use these colors as the starting point when shopping for home decor and accessories, if what you are considering is not one of these colors, it better be something amazing that can be used in multiple locations in your home, or it is not an option. Here is the list of colors that I use throughout our entire home: White, Navy Blue, Light Gray, Dark Gray, Spring Green, Tan, Black (accent color), Turquoise (accent color), Golden Yellow (accent color)
- Know what you DON'T like. I think this one is the most helpful to me, and most likely will be the most helpful to you. I know that I do not like victorian, delicate, lacy type home decor. I also do not like super modern, minimalist items, although I am fine with a little touch of modern, like the clean lines.
- Pick what you DO like, regardless of trends. Trends are temporary, style is a timeless reflection of you. If you find something trendy that you really love, then go for it and make it your own, but don't purchase something trendy for your home just because everyone else is doing it too.
- Don't be afraid to mix and match items that are different styles. This is what is going to make your home a true reflection of you and your family. Everything in your home should not be matchy-matchy, you want it to look like you have created this space over time (ideally, it is still being created over time), not like you walked into the furniture store and bought your entire room. Mix something more modern with something vintage or rustic. Put a trendy chevron pillow on your couch alongside a more traditional floral print. Create a playful mix of artwork and photographs on your walls.
- Have Fun! This is the most important one of all. Your home is your space and should look like you live there. Take inspiration from everywhere; blogs, magazines, stores, catalogs, your friends' homes. The key is taking that inspiration and making it reflect you.
These are great tips for those of us who haven't put our decorating style in a box and don't care to do so...thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks Selene!
DeleteGreat post, Stephanie! I love your tips. I am one of those that doesn't really fall into a particular decorating style. There are definitely colors that I am drawn to. Now, I just need to figure out how to make it all work together without feeling like I need to follow the trends. Thanks for linking this up to my Creative Ways Link Party! Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Nici
Thanks Nici!
DeleteThank you for posting this! If I had to name my style it would be modern-industrial-vintage-beach cottage-flea market- style. And who wants to tell people that mouthful? hah! Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristina! I like a little bit of everything too, which is part of the reason I could never find a good inclusive name for my style.
Delete