Getting dressed is easy. You do it everyday without even giving it much thought. Over time you develop a style that works for your daily life. Some of us love getting dressed up and accessorizing to the nines, and others prefer a more casual look.
image by luxemix.com
Think of your favorite outfit. The one you’re MOST comfortable in and you feel best represents YOU. What color is it? What are the textures? Is it dressy, casual or somewhere in between? Are you wearing a flowy black blouse, your favorite jeans and zippy orange flats? Are you headed to the gym in a bright pink sweatshirt? Is your look at work crisp and polished? Go to your closet. What do you see there? Solids, stripes, patterns? Neutral colors? Lots of black? A ridiculous number of jeans?
image from Real Simple
Use your fashion sense to inspire your design sense. (Even if you fear you have none, don’t worry, something internal is driving you to reach for that black turtleneck over the ruffled blouse–or vice versa!) If you’re consistently seeking neutrals in your wardrobe, then don’t force yourself to paint your walls orange! You’re not going to be happy! Trust me, I did this and I couldn't wait to paint over my orange kitchen wall. That’s not to say I wouldn’t want an orange throw pillow on my sofa. I’ve learned to work the color in as an accent, just like with the orange flats in the black blouse and jeans outfit. But that’s MY preference. If you have an orange wall that makes you happy. Keep it!
Recently, my friend said, “I’m afraid to decorate. I just like brown. I wear it, and I like it on the walls, so I don’t know what to do!” I looked at what she was wearing. She was so put together in a soft mocha sweater, crisp khakis and shiny brown leather boots. She had three shades of brown going on and three textures. Here’s how her fashion sense might translate into a room.
Thom Filicia Designer Visions Showcase
Tones of brown is all that’s happening here colorwise, but it’s the combination of textures that make it work. The shiny flooring is juxtaposed with the rough rope banister. The edgy natural wood chair/sculpture contrasts with the clean lines of the stair runner.
Another friend loves color. She’s always wearing a pale yellow fleece or a hot pink hoodie. She thinks she isn’t fashionable because she’s pairing these with the ubiquitous black workout pants, but we disagree. She likes color in her house too. Pale yellows and greens, and deep rich blues. Her favorite room might look something like this.
image from calicocorners.com
The long-winded point here is don’t force yourself into decor that’s not you. Trust your instincts and look to the style you already possess to direct your design sense. If you’re a neutral girl, embrace it and throw in a patterned pillow that won’t break the bank if you tire of the color splash. If you crave color and pattern, swathe your surroundings in it. If you are drawn to fur collars and cheetah prints, work those textures and patterns into your decor. Your home should be your comfort zone, so make it a reflection of you.
If you want to truly love where you live, please contact me about design services.
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