It's not about copying an image or design you've seen on TV or in a magazine - it's about creating real spaces where you and your family can live your lives. Of course, you can use images and designs you've seen as inspiration, but it's all about adding personal touches that characterize how you live.
Your home is your refuge and retreat - you want to decorate it with comfortable furniture and accessories that reflect who you are and where you've been. You don't want it to look like someone else's.
Be imaginative - meld disparate styles and periods by focusing on their commonalities. Unlikely pairings can enliven any space. Casual elegance is not an oxymoron - even formal rooms can have a "kick off your shoes" mentality!
Find your inspiration in a variety of places - it may be in your favorite color, photo or painting. Or maybe it's in your favorite collectible, piece of furniture or window covering.
And while it is all about individuality, there are some purchasing motivators that may help define your style further. Your motivator may be investment - searching for value and concentrating on neutral furnishings that last forever. Another motivator is buying whatever you like, regardless of fashion or price, just because you like it - it doesn't mean being trendy.
Someone who is trendy buys the latest thing, most-up-to-date design - you're more impulsive and thrive on the unusual. Whatever your purchasing motivator, individuality plays a big role in defining your personal style.
Tips for defining your style:
- Evoke feelings of familiarity, comfort and security
- Create living areas that encourage interaction for the family on the go
- Personal needs and lifestyle should be priorities in your room's design
- Be confident - add an individual touch, express your personality, add character
- Surround yourself with things that bring you pleasure
- Mix fun with formality
- Infuse spontaneity into traditional
- Don't be predictable
- Listen to your inner voice
- Create your own design rules
- Create a sense of drama
- Surround yourself with your heritage
- Mix old with new and add in some fun
- Elegant doesn't mean sacrificing family-friendly
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