How to Get Clear on Your Design Style

August 13, 2019

CHANCES ARE THAT BEFORE STARTING THE RENOVATION PROCESS YOU’VE COLLECTED DOZENS, IF NOT HUNDREDS, OF SCREENSHOTS, INSTAGRAM SAVES, PINTEREST PINS, AND MAGAZINE TEAR OUTS OF EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING THAT CATCHES YOUR EYE.  NOW, LEAVING BUDGET COMPLETELY OUT OF THIS POST, YOU NEED TO SORT THROUGH IT ALL AND REALLY DECIDE WHAT SPEAKS TO YOU AND WHAT YOU CAN SEE YOURSELF LIVING WITH FOR YEARS TO COME.

 

Unless you only have one aesthetic you like, then you probably have inspiration from several different interior design styles.  (To name a few: modern, mid-century, rustic farmhouse, shabby-chic, West Coast inspired, beach house, etc.)  So how do you pick just one and avoid mixing them all together?  We have a few guidelines and questions we ask our clients when helping them choose fixtures, colour schemes, and just a general style for their space.

 

1. What is the style of your décor?

Unless your budget is unlimited, you probably want to keep your current furniture and most of your accessories after the renovation.  It’s ok to want a change, and maybe you have big plans of replacing all of your furnishings in the future, but something drew you to that style of décor at one point and it’s worth asking yourself if you still like the style and/or if it will look good in your new space.  If you’ve collected furniture and décor over the last twenty years that is all “rustic farmhouse” then chances are you won’t soon be tired of this style.  We suggest taking this theme and just muting it when choosing finishes, etc. for your renovation so that your current furnishings will blend in seamlessly but if you wish to change out furniture in the future you won’t need another renovation.

 

2. What is a common theme in all of your saved photos and inspiration pulls?

If you have saved photos or ideas from a few different “styles” then try to find a common thread that ties them all together.  Is it the colour scheme you like?  The layout?  Lighting?  It’s possible to achieve a certain “look” without falling in a trend trap.

 

3. How long do you plan to live in this space?

If you’re renovating with the plan to live in it for a just a year before selling, then following a neutral colour scheme or going for a style a bit more universal might work in your favour for resale.  Planning to live there for 10+ years?  Go with something individual to you and pick everything based on your unique taste because there’s a high probability that whoever moves in next will be renovating anyways.

 

4. When in doubt, simplify.

If you’re really stuck, a safe bet is to go a simple as possible.  Neutral walls, open concept, lots of natural light, and good quality finishes never go out of style.  Keep clean lines and choose whites, light greys, and real wood for flooring, walls, and anything built in – this offers a clean slate and can be accessorized easily to follow trends or can be updated with different fixtures over the years as preferences change.

 

 

If you’re looking for inspiration to start your renovation process, check out our Instagram, Pinterest, or Houzz and start saving some ideas!  We live in a digital age with inspiration at our fingertips from all over the world.  Just stay focused on what feels like home to you.  If you’re going to take a risk or make a splurge, we suggest going for something that can easily be changed out versus a large fixture or installation.

 

If you’re still stuck, we offer free consultations and are happy to take a look at your space and offer our suggestions.  We also work with a few great local interior designers who we trust to take the reins if all else fails.

 

 

A few Instagram accounts we love to follow for inspiration:

 

@westernliving

@peridotdecorativehomewear

@sucasadesign

@gilliansegaldesign

@alexdampseydesign

@puredesigninc

@kellydeckdesign

@vancityhomes

@houseofbohn

@jamie_banfield_design

 

 

 

 

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