Do you sometimes feel at a loss when someone asks what design style you prefer? Finding and explaining your personal style can sometimes be a bit tricky. If you are like most people, you probably don’t like just like one style, but prefer a mix of styles and tend to blend two or three. After all, isn’t that what makes your particular style distinctive and unique? This can, however, make it difficult to explain your vision to a designer when you’re working on your home remodel. , We will share a simple three-step process that will help you identify your personal style and make it easy to communicate your preferences to a designer or anyone else who might be helping you with your home renovation.
Step One: Take a Look Around
A lot of clues regarding your design preferences are probably hiding right in plain sight. Start by taking a look around your house and making a note of the things you love and the things that you don’t really care for. Observe the big picture first. Do you prefer dark tones or light? Is your style a bit busy or more minimalistic? Does the overall feel of your home reflect your personality? Make a note of what you do and don’t like, and make s a list or take photos of the items you love. Don’t worry about analyzing why you do or don’t like a certain item or design element; you’re just collecting information l right now.
Step Two: Browse for Inspiration
Now, grab a glass of your favorite beverage, find a comfortable chair, and get ready to be inspired! There are many ways to find inspiration online, and one of our personal favorites is Houzz because of its focus on homes, decor, and ease of use.
Start with a broad search, like Farmhouse Kitchens or Modern Bathrooms. As you see things that you like, save them in your Ideabook.
After adding several items to your Ideabook, you can begin to narrow your search. start For example, search for glass tile accents or a modern slipper tub. Again, save things as they speak to you, and don’t worry too much about analyzing them. Have fun with this, collecting ideas as you go.
Step Three: Notice the Patterns
Now it‘s time to go back and look at the photos and ideas you have saved. Start by looking at each one and noticing what you like about it. You can use the note feature in Houzz to jot down your thoughts.. Maybe it’s just the overall feel, or perhaps it is the hardware on a particular cabinet. No matter how broad or detailed it is, note and identify what’s speaking to your sense of style. As you continue, you will begin to see a pattern. Did you save a lot of photos with white or cream colored cabinets? Dark countertops? Wood floors? Are the wall colors in the rooms you like consistent? Patterns will invariably repeat as you go through the images, and an overall design style will begin to appear.
Don’t worry if your style does not fit into any one category. It just needs to be YOU.
Your Ideabook and the notes you have accumulated will be invaluable tools when you’re speaking with a designer or even someone at a showroom trying to help you find just the right piece for your home.