***Edited April 24, 2014***** Originally posted March 14, 2012******
This is another oldie but goodie that I would like to share as today’s post. I often run into situations where clients are unsure of what their design style is. Hopefully this post will shed some light on the subject. Enjoy!
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I recently met with a young couple for an interior design consultation. I walked into an empty, unfurnished house because they just got married and literally had closed on the house the day before. They owned nothing but a jumbo bean bag (that’s on its way out if I have anything to do with that decision) and they seemed a bit baffled about the style direction they wanted to take.
Walking into a furnished home usually gives me a clue as to what style or aesthetic my client is drawn to, but in this case there was nothing! Well the obvious thing to do was to ask what their design style is, but asking that question doesn’t always get you a straight answer, because clients simply don’t know exactly what their style is or how to define what they like. The next best thing was to ask lifestyle questions like how they like to live in their home, their hobbies and interests, how they like to spend their free time, long term family goals and goals for the home, and what type of fashion in clothing they are drawn to.
Although not always, the way we dress our bodies often correlates with our taste in home fashion. After all, much of interior design trends is taken directly from the runways of Paris, Milan, New York and translated into home fashion. Whether it’s the color trends or style trends, we can always look to fashion, especially when in doubt.
Let’s Look at some examples of how taking cues from your closet can help you define your interior design style, and help you decorate with confidence.
Casual Beach Chic
If you would rather wear a bathing suit than a cocktail dress, or if your closet is filled with board shorts and t-shirts, then you may appreciate an interior that is comfortable, casual, light, airy and beachy. You would naturally gravitate towards sandy neutrals and bright blues, yellows, greens and corals….colors that can be found by the ocean.
To apply this style to your interior environment go for natural materials like natural woven wood window coverings, reclaimed woods for furnishings, casual fabrics like linens and cottons, comfortable slip covered upholstery, jute and sisal area rugs, painted floors. Add accessories that hint at the beach without going overboard or getting too literal. You want to create the feeling of the beach and not a thrift shop.
You don’t always have to use “beachy” colors to give that feeling, just go for comfy and casual
Manhattan Chic
If a sleek, fashion forward “LBD” (Little Black Dress) is more your speed, then you may like a more contemporary, elegant, sophisticated and dressed up space, but still comfortable and liveable.
To apply this style to your environment, look for really tailored and clean lined pieces, it’s safe to use exquisite fabrics such as silks, mohair, velvets but balance them carefully with leather. Tufted upholstery is a great touch but keep it contemporary, adding original art is a great way to give the space a sophisticated cultured feel
Boho Chic
If you are more of a free spirit, and like to mix unexpected pieces, chunky jewelry and just have a vintage, collected feeling to your wardrobe then you may enjoy a boho chic interior. Strong colors and mixing vintage pieces in an unexpected way defines a boho chic space. Take a look
To apply this style to your environment, think eclectic, vintage, collected. Pieces have to have a feeling of having had a past life with an interesting story. It should feel like a personal expression of who you are and the stages of life you have gone through.
Updated Traditional
This style may appeal to someone who likes classic and timeless fashion, or possibly someone who is keen on having certain “staple” pieces in their closet and then are able to add an accent piece, whether a jacket or scarf or a piece of jewelry to update the look – Like a simple black dress that can be dressed up or down and can transition effortlessly from the office to an evening affair.
To apply this style to an interior environment, look for classic pieces that you won’t get tired of easily. Furnishings that hint at the past but still have a timeless appeal. Look for prints like houndstooth, paisleys and damasks. Uphostery pieces like a wing back chair or a chesterfield sofa done in leather are a great addition to an updated traditional space. Alot of wood work and moldings is an integral part of a traditional room, along with an interesting wallcover. Wallpaper has come a long way and can be just the right touch in an updated traditional room.
Shabby Chic or Cottage Chic
This style will be appealing to you if you love comfort and ease over all else. Shabby chic is very feminine and feels very casual and lived in, like a worn pair of jeans with a vintage t-shirt and a linen scarf. The use of floral prints, washed linen and cotton fabrics, and vintage jewelry are hallmarks of this look.
To apply this style to your interior space, look for very casual and comfortable upholstery pieces like a wonderful white slip covered sofa, vintage linens on pillows, floral prints with very feminine colors like pink, mint green, baby blue. Furniture pieces and accents are often flea market finds with very worn patina.
If you enjoy the French country feel look, you will probably like a shabby chic or cottage chic look
So these are just a few examples of how your personal style can influence your interior design style. Of course, there are many variations to this and it is not always the case. But chances are, if you are stumped as to what style direction to go in for your interior décor, then you should try looking to your closet.
No matter what your decorating style, make every room a fabulous extension of your personality and lifestyle. Create the perfect home that reflects who you are, and what you love. Just have fun with it, and if all else fails, give me a call
Wishing you all a fabulous weekend!
Be Inspired!
Veronica Solomon, Casa Vilora Interiors
VeronicaSolomon.com
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