Key steps to discovering your style aesthetic
There was a shift, with apparent cause in 2020 from spending our hard-earned cash on overseas holidays to investing and spending on our homes. This investment is likely to say a lot about ourselves. Our homes have always been an extension of our personalities … so before you start renovating or building a new home, how do you find and define your true home personality?
There are a few steps that we walk our clients through in order for them to find their design aesthetic, it is an easy step by step process that will bring great results. Time spent fine-tuning your style before embarking on any renovation or new build project can save a lot of heartache and wasted money in the long run.
STEP 1: Discover your style aesthetic
To find your true home personality, the first step is to ask yourself: What style do I like? Am I classic, neutral or organic? Am I contemporary or rustic and comfortable? Is my style vintage, quirky or arty, or am I coastal, laid-back with a Hampton’s twist? Don't be overwhelmed by the many styles aesthetics and 'looks' out there to choose from. Defining the right style that's inline with your personality will not only result in a stylish looking home, but also one that feels fabulous to live in.
STEP 2: Gather inspiration
Defining a style that speaks to you is as easy as browsing through the online platforms that hold 1000s of images for your inspiration. Remember, don't let yourself get overwhelmed by this exercise, this is the fun part! Just go with the flow & enjoy the smorgasboard of styles!
One platform we use and have our clients share their ideas with us is Houzz . Houzz is a hub for Interior Designers, Architects, Builders, contractors and homeowners to connect. It hosts the portfolios of the professionals in the home construction industry. There are images of completed projects and articles on a great variety of topics relating to home renovating and building. Houzz is a great platform for also connecting with design professionals if you are in the market.
Another place to look is Pinterest. Pinterest is a visual platform for finding home and style inspiration. With billions of 'Pins' on Pinterest, you'll always find ideas to spark your own inspiration. When you discover Pins/images you love, you can create your own board/s & save/pin them to it, keeping your ideas organized and easy to find. This process is basically a virtual version of cutting images from magazines & pasting or pinning to a board for visual reference.
The final platform we as Designers use is Instagram. Instagram is another visual platform that for some, may be a little harder to navigate if trying to save a collection of images. The best way to search for home inspiration on Instagram is via hashtag searches.
When using these platforms, gather lots of visual images and take a close look at the images you collect. You will find there is a common thread in style with the images saved & perhaps there is a particular style that you seem to be more drawn to. This is what sings to you & relates to your lifestyle & who you are. That common theme/look is what you should focus on & base your style on.
TIP: Once you have narrowed down your style aesthetic stick with it! Let it dictate every aspect of your home, right down to the front door handle. By doing this you will ensure your home has a harmonious, cohesive sense of style.
STEP 3: Assess your existing space
Now you have your style in hand, you can fine-tune this within your home. Take a look around your home and decide what you would love to change and what you can work with. Also, consider what your needs within your home are and break it down into how you live in the space … do you entertain a lot, are you indoor or outdoor people? Your home aesthetic should flow through all areas.
STEP 4: Think about your budget
You don’t need to fully renovate your existing home to have a true sense of your personality. Implementing a style can be done within your budget. A kitchen can be painted, cushions can be chosen, a rug can be placed and decorator items can be sourced online or at markets, or you can wait for your favourite homewares store to have a sale to purchase that special piece that says ‘you’. Just make sure that the pieces you select are inline with the common theme.
STEP 5: Pare back
The classic quote by architect Mies van der Rohe “Less is more” is worth recalling when implementing your style. You don’t want to overdo it or you can run the risk of over-theming your home – you want it to look interesting and stylish regardless of your chosen style.
Success is measured by happiness. If a newly created space speaks volumes of your personality and puts a smile on your face when you walk through the door then you have successfully found your true home style.
