Yes, I'm talking to you. To design simply means to create, fashion, execute or construct according to plan (Merriam Webster dictionary). So as far as I'm concerned we are interior designers; we have a plan, and we will be creating homes that reflect our personalities over the next few months (or years). Have you created your laundry list of rooms and things to redesign as yet? You'll need to, there will be no slackers here! And, if you have created your design plan, or have questions or ideas, please share. This is not a one-way street. In this week's blog, I share with you a tool to find your own design style, as well as my thoughts on shopping for the soul.
Let's Get Started
To get you started on designing your home, you'll need to find your design style. "I already know that Kyla," you say. But do you, really? Let me throw you a curve ball, going to the nearest Macy's, Crate and Barrel, Courts or Raymour and Flanigan and buying the bedroom set you like the most, does not constitute designing according to your style. Never, and I repeat, never do that. Let's be honest, have you ever seen a furniture set you were 100% satisfied with? Most of the time there is something we would change given the opportunity. Take my advice and skip buying the set. Why, you ask? Here's why:
- Savings: You'll get better bargains buying the pieces separately. Those furniture sets are usually overpriced, and the resale value can be low
- Creativity: You'll have more fun picking the pieces to create the perfect room
- Function: You'll achieve greater functionality buying pieces that will fit the structure and layout of your room. Chances are the furniture set will not work very well for your room.
Convinced yet? For me, the biggest win is the savings $$$, what other reason do you need?! For those of you who like to match (or have a theme), buying the furniture pieces individually will not prevent that. Look at the bedroom below designed by Sarah Richardson, one of my favorite interior designers:
Now, for those of you out there that did buy the furniture set, take heart, it's not the end of the world. You have this blog, and together we'll find opportunities for you to redesign your space so it reflects you, without breaking the bank. You may also be thinking, it's way easier to buy the furniture set, without shopping around for pieces, and you've got a point there. However, I'll show you that it's not that hard to shop for pieces you love, and it is so worth the teeny bit of extra time.
Your Design Style
Now, how about that design style. You're not just one type. Yep, as our personalities are multifaceted, so are our design styles. Here is my design style:
I am 50% French Eclectic and 30% Rustic Revival and 20% Cottage Chic. See pics below:
Now, you try; click here follow the instructions on the left and answer the questions at Sproost.com. It should take you less than 5 minutes (promise). The great thing about this diagnostic is that you learn what's your dominant interior design style, as well as the secondary style types. Now you can combine elements from all three styles to create your perfect room.
Shopping for the Soul
So, as you can see, there are several aspects to your design style, and buying a furniture set will not address this. This makes me think about the one stop shopping approach we take to our furniture shopping, is often times the same approach we take to managing our personal and spiritual lives. Imagine for a minute what would happen if we ate from only 1 or 2 food groups daily (e.g. vegetables and carbs). We would become physically malnourished; the same goes for our spiritual lives. We are what we eat, and careful attention should be paid to what we nourish our minds with daily for strong character development. What? You thought character development ended with puberty? LOL, no, far from it. So what can we do to really nourish our souls? Take a careful look at your daily habits. Is there any reflection time built in? What encouraging words do you read? Are any of your resolutions self-development focused?
As a Christian, this means, not only prayer, and reading the bible, but taking a diversified approach to what is read. I have recognized the importance of knowing my Bible. Additionally, going to church once a week will not cut it, take it from me (it's like eating once a week!!!) The same goes for our thoughts, the things we choose to dwell on shape our actions; ever notice a correlation between books we read, or TV shows, and our choices? Food for thought.
1 Timothy 4:15 supports this saying, "Teach these things...immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching." The Message
Comments, questions, or suggestions? Go for it, I'd love to hear from you!
Happy designing,
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