Decorating with Your Style

12221608_SIf you want to determine your style, start with looking in the mirror. How do you wear your hair? What types of clothes do you like, casual or dressy? Do you tend to wear colors or neutrals?

You choose your personal style to represent who you really are. You may find yourself drawn to retro sundresses in bright cottons, or a simple silk shell and pencil skirt. For a man, would you feel more comfortable in polo shirts and khakis or a t-shirt and jeans? Evaluating your style is a good first step when planning your home, since your taste should be just as reflected in your surroundings as it is in your wardrobe. This woman demonstrates a classic retro-40s look, with high-fashion hat and gloves and a classic black and white dress. Luxury and careful planning also show in everything about this woman’s look. So, let’s determine what sort of space would suit her style.

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How about this room? Black and white starts the look, but it’s the style of the room that mirrors this woman. Notice the black chandelier. It’s classic, but the black updates the fixture and adds an unexpected level of sophistication.

The rug picks up the blond hair and the light flooring provides contrast with the white/ivory upholstered furniture. If this woman walked into this room, she would have just the right look for it.

Does your living room reflect your personal style? Remember that a home that matches your style comfort zone is a home that will make you happy.

 

Let Your Personal Style Lead in your Home

When you’re not sure where to start when decorating your home, let your closet give you ideas. The style choices you make in your wardrobe can start you in a good direction.

The clothes in this store window speak to a specific style, feminine with an old-fashioned country touch.  The pastel and white colors are common.

Think about creating a room in your home with some of the same taste and style. While you can’t totally recreate the look, you can make choices that will remind you of your preferred clothing.

The bath below offers some of the charm of the clothes in the window. There is a generous use of white, the cabinet and light fixture offer some old-fashioned ruffles and the flooring carries that theme through the space. The only hint of color comes from the artwork on the walls and items in the small cabinet to the right.

This bathroom carries us back to a simpler time with its classic pedestal sink and traditional medicine-cabinet mirror. The crown molding finishes the look.

Take a peek in your closet. Do you have a preponderance of green? Are you drawn to darker jewel tones? Does your wardrobe lean toward beige? Are you surprised by the amount of red in there? Anything you discover can be used as a starting point for your home’s design.

So grab your favorite sweater and those shoes in your favorite shade of brown and let your wardrobe lead the way to your dream home.