Every year, right after Christmas, I get the itch to brighten up, freshen up and tidy up our home. I’m ready to let go of Christmas decor and I’m ready to start adding springy elements even though Spring is months away.
As we slowly furnish/finish our home in a more permanent way, I’ve learned something about myself.
While I can appreciate so many styles, my style is more simple, classic and traditional than I ever would’ve guessed. The more I embrace that, the less I regret my buying decisions. I’ve had some big “mistakes” in our home including our formal living room (the furniture was all too small), our buffet (I’m just not a midcentury modern girl even though I love it when I see it) and some art. What is your style?
I’ve learned that I love traditional finishes. I’ve learned that our foyer table is the one spot in our home that is exactly “me” when it comes to design style.
I love the clean white combined with some traditional finishes like the legs on the table and I love all of the pops of color and texture in the frames, plus images and phrases that hold meaning for our family.
If my design style could be summed up in one word, it would be “Fresh.” I have started asking myself if the object, art, item I’m about to purchase feels/looks fresh. If the answer is no, it goes back on the shelf. When I say “fresh,” I don’t mean that it’s original or new. I just mean that it feels fresh and bright and light.
It’s funny to look back at really old posts and see what I was going for then and how much my style and design sense has changed.
Our old house, for example, was filled with dark furniture, dark walls and more. This house is bright and white.
It’s always interesting to chat about style. I have a close friend who just built a house who also hast this sense of loving so many styles, but not always knowing her own style. I’m starting to see that some of that comes down to simply accepting that I can appreciate so many styles, but only a few are really styles I want to live with. It’s hard. Every time I look at Amber’s house (click through. You won’t regret it!) I think I want a new modern house with all midcentury furnishings and finishes. It’s just that beautiful!
Let’s hear about your style. What challenge have you had when determining your style? Do you and your spouse or roommates agree on style?
your “friend” needs help! ;) haha! I love this post! You know me well- I love modern, transitional, coastal, etc. I came across a helpful post regarding determining your style on a blog (wish I could remember which one!) and she said, ask yourself how you want your home to make you feel? That question has helped me A LOT. I LOVE color but color energizes, while neutral and white soothes. I have enough energy in my life (in the form of 3 little busy ones) so Joe and I really want our home to feel like a soothing oasis. Hence- moving more toward neutrals and less toward modern and bright. It’s always an adventure in self discovery to design a space! and PS- yes I LOVE Amber’s home. Totally drool worthy!
Both of you ladies are the sweetest!! I was just telling Nick how down I have been about our home. Your words could not have come at a more perfect time! Seriously my heart is just exploding over here! Also you are nailing the bright and white style. I absolutely love how calming your house is, and you have an incredible eye for detail.
your posts are such a bright spot for me in an otherwise corporate back-to-back meeting filled day…I LOVE your home and absolutely get the fresh feeling every time I’m there (ok, that may sound weird, but you know what I mean). I’m not sure how I’d classify my own style, but it’s one of those things that when I see a piece it speaks to me…I get it :) I love creating the warmth of comfort and “story telling” on my walls…hence my over-the-top plaid fascination…whether it’s in style or not, it represents my Scottish background and it makes me oh so happy :) My hubby doesn’t argue with my choices so we’re good there!!