Finding your personal style can be a challenge. "Style quizzes" and Pinterest boards and instagram - oh my! The inspo-overwhelm and struggle is real. In fact, probably the number one complaint I hear from a new client is, "I just don't know what I like! I have NO IDEA what my style is!" So they freeze and the room sits and no decisions are made. Well never fear my friends, because today we will help you catch your elusive style unicorn. Here's a clue - it's hiding in your closet!
Do you have a few favorite, no fail pieces that are always on heavy rotation? If you had to move to a desert island and could only bring 3 outfits with you, do you know which ones you would take? More often than not, finding your personal style is as simple as looking at your wardrobe. Find the common - ahem- threads and use them to inform your decorating decisions.
Is your closet full of mostly neutral pieces and great pairs of jeans? Look for furniture that's in a similar color palette (white, cream, light gray, beige). Now that you've got your base, accent with neutral textures - supple leathers, denims - and don't forget those small hits of dark to add that much-needed contrast.
Is your closet full of prints and patterns, flowy fabrics, and statement sandals? Boho may be the perfect vibe for you! Create a light and airy feel by hanging items from the ceiling (here, a rattan chair) or by using sheer fabrics. Combine ethnic and geometric patterns that vary in scale. Lastly, look for a color theme in your closet and use that to choose your palette. Here, pinks, reds, and tiny pops of teal (in the artwork and vase) nod back to the favorite outfit.
Wondering what direction you should go with your metals? Look at your jewelry! Wear a lot of gold? Brass could be a great choice.
Are you all about athleisure? Whether you're always off to a yoga class or just a busy mom on the go, athleisure is all about performance materials that create polished comfort. That design directive translates into modern silhouettes, cozy accessories, and performance materials, so you can live an active life without worrying about stains on your beautiful sofa.
Do you have a mostly girlie wardrobe with funky little twist? Seeing lots of pinks, pastels, and florals in there, with a pair of cowboy boots for good measure? Your room could probably go in an eclectic direction! Chose furniture pieces in neutrals to cut the sweetness, and then go to town with the accents! Mix in florals and stripes in varying shades of pinks, with some teals and oranges inspired by the pattern on the dress. And don't forget those leather accents! You need to pay homage to those vintage cowboy boots, after all.
This last one is totally me all the way. My wardrobe is very much black, white, and gray, with lots of vintage band tees and cool booties. This color palette is easy to translate into a space, but how do you achieve the rock n' roll vibe? Here, a leather banquette with a suede cushion adds the edge. The light wood of the table adds some warmth, as seen in the sunglass. The spiky table legs nod to the heels on the booties, and the texture of the vase (as well as its color) brings in the vibe of the jeans. Edgy artwork and unexpected light fixtures put the finishing touches on a rockin' breakfast nook.
Did you ever think to look in your closet to design your living spaces? Well, what are you waiting for? Go on and get in there - get inspired! Your old college t-shirt may be the key to finding your new favorite accent chair.
Have any of you used your killer style to inspire one of the rooms in your own home? Post your pic on Instagram and tag @TheFreshmakerDesign and @klhhomestaging! We love to see your skills!
- Stacey Martin (AKA The Freshmaker) is the Interior Design Lead
at KLH Home Staging. Visit her @TheFreshmakerDesign