By Cathy Hobbs / Tribune News Service
DEFINING personal style for some can be a daunting and overwhelming task. Creating a personal style can also be an evolution. As an ASID interior designer, I am so often faced with clients who don’t know where to start. I often ask them to help me determine their design style by asking them to literally rip images from a magazine and use them as inspirational images. It is often a great start, but since often clients don’t know how to define their own design style, here are three basic tips to help get started.
- Begin with identifying whether your personal style falls into one of these four categories.
- Country chic
- Contemporary
- Modern
- Global
I find that nearly everyone’s design style falls into one of these four categories, and then there are subsections from there.
- After identifying your basic design category, it is time to narrow it down more and define your style more specifically.
From here I always suggest picking one signature piece that you feel defines you most. It can be an area rug with a big, bold graphic pattern, a fabulous piece of artwork, or a gorgeous chandelier. Whatever piece you choose will serve as the anchor for the room and help to fill in the rest of the blanks of your decor.
For example, if you choose a large overstuffed sofa with white shabby chic slip covers, it will serve as the foundation for your space decorated with other pieces that are country chic. If you choose a sleek, leather sofa with polished chromed feet, this will serve as inspiration for what has all the makings of a modern décor scheme.
- Purchase large pieces first, then accessorize. Once you have selected the signature piece you feel best represents your personal taste and style—and will serve as your inspiration—from there choose your largest pieces, then your accessories. Remember, your furniture enhances the space, and the accessories enhance the furniture.
***Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert. Visit her web site at www.cathyhobbs.com.