Do you REALLY know your design style?

I hear ALL the time from friends and clients alike, “I love modern” or “I hate modern, I love traditional,” but after asking a few probing questions, they realize there’s more to that than they think.

Modern

Technically, “modern furniture” is furniture from circa the early 1900’s to around the 1940’s. Think the Wassily chair or Design Within Reach. When I give clients this example and show them images, they realize what they really mean is they have a more “contemporary” (i.e. styles of present day) style.

Conversely, when I hear “traditional” especially from some of my younger clients, I doubt they know that era is characterized by damask fabrics and skirts on chairs, couches, lamps…or anything else you can drape fabric around.

Traditional

Here’s the thing about traditional design - To some, it feels dated or “old world.” To others waves hand frantically it’s timelines and elegant. In my opinion, a dark-oak stained study will ALWAYS be my favorite character of any home. Just the sight of one in Architectural digest makes this non-smoker want to pick up a cigar, an encyclopedia, and throw on my best British accent. However, as a designer, I’m seeing more homeowners move away from this design aesthetic.

Country

My personal favorite, and a current trend we’re seeing A LOT, is the country designed home. What’s interesting (and gives me a chuckle every time) is how many people don’t realize their style is country. Did you know that Farmhouse (my literally obsession), industrial (hello RH lovers) and Shabby Chic all fall under Country Design? When some people hear “country,” they think gingham patters and doilies. Yes, it can be that too, but we’re seeing a lot less Sweet Home Alabama and much more exposed beans and piping. I must admit, something about the 90 degree angles and perfectly symmetrical windows on a farmhouse, makes my OCD heart smile. chefs kiss

Ok, Dee…so how do I know my style then?!?

In 95% percent of my clients, the answer is a little of column A and a little of column B and C. It’s not uncommon for people to love Queen Ann legs (traditional) on a chair with boucle fabric (contemporary) next to a tulip pedestal side table (modern).

So, the next time you’re trying to understand your personal design style – give yourself freedom to color outside of the box vs sticking to just one design era. However, if you’re worried your home might end up looking like “who did it, what for, and please don’t do it again” (look Ma, I used your saying), that’s where The Love Edit Interiors can help.

Xoxo

D