Thinking about a design project? Defining a project is step one, and this info will point you to some initial decisions.

Quickly following defining the project, consider the biggest guiding parameter: “what’s my style”?

How do you define your style? Ideally, your new design will dovetail with and reflect the design and architecture of your home, both inside and out. Your neighborhood or development, and perhaps even your community, may also guide the development of your project and design.

That said, a myriad of styles blend with a myriad of other styles, if skillfully combined, designed, and executed. Surprising, innovative, and playful hybrid designs result. The effect is often rich, layered, and intriguing. So don’t feel locked into one style or what you currently have.

Although a guideline, don’t let trends make your design choices!

THE CHALLENGE

The real directive I’m suggesting here is to do some research. Good designs don’t happen by themselves, and patience, as is often the case, pays big! Wrapping your mind around defining your style can start with:

Think about where are you now.

What style is your home now? Interior/ Exterior? What do you like about it. Just as important and telling is what do you dislike?

Where would you like the new design to go?

How do you define your preferences? What styles and designs appeal to you?

DESIGN STYLES

• Transitional
• Traditional
• Old World
• European – French country, Tuscan, Provincial, Mediterranean
• Asian
• Bohemian
• Romantic
• Eclectic
• Art Deco
• Arts & Craft
• Western
• Modern Farmhouse
• Contemporary
• Midcentury
• HGTV — wait, that’s not a style!

Because styles are ever changing, have subtle nuisances, and have evolved over time, I could expand the list into tomorrow.

While your defining, consider what is the style of your current home? Find some help and ideas through on-line searches and in the magazine rack at the bookstore. You may not think it has a style, but I’ll bet it does if you look a little deeper and notice the details.

Remember, there is nothing new under the sun. Everything is a variation of something from the past. Styles come and go, and history reveals that what’s old and tired today will most likely be new and chic tomorrow.

Get the juices flowing with a fun “what’s your style” decorating quiz from Better Homes and Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/decorating/decorating-style/decorating-style-quickapp-nonauto-ps/

The media, advertising, retailers, and HGTV have an incredibly strong influence on home design. But I’m offering this query as a challenge. Think of this exercise as an opportunity for you to dig a little deeper, and find out what really speaks to you.

What makes your heart sing? Your style can be yours, not someone else’s!

Photos from joybird.com

Related posts:

Interior design styles — defined…