With 3 new projects underway I decided to spend some serious time on Pinterest and add a whole collection of visual inspiration boards to my arsenal. Why? Because all too often, when talking to friends or clients, I find that words just get in the way for one of two reasons. The first is definition. What I consider modern or traditional is exactly that, what I consider the style overall to be. However, I will have a filter and an interpretation just like the next guy. And in most cases, especially if you’re seeking design help, you won’t know how to verbally communicate when something crosses the line from traditional to transitional or mid-century modern to just modern, so why even bother getting hung up on labels unless you’re sincerely after an education in design, which is not a bad thing, don’t get me wrong! But as you can see, the words are almost arbitrary in most cases and just seem to make design cumbersome. And that’s not the goal when creating style that is both approachable and attainable. There’s just no point giving up before all the fun begins!
Adding to the confusion of the well established design styles, today we use words like global, bohemian chic, vintage eclectic and modern glamour (just to site a few) to label a particular aesthetic. Hell, I called one of my boards Girlboss Glam to define a certain look for me. But when you see the pins, and can visually derive the cohesiveness (hopefully) you can understand what falls within a particular genre for me and then the fun begins, collaborating to design to your taste and to your style, not a predetermined definition.
Follow Messy By Design’s board California Cool and Cozy on Pinterest. Follow Messy By Design’s board Girlboss Glam on Pinterest.
Which brings me to case in point number two. Very often people don’t even know what their style is, so how can they be expected to label it, define it and better yet, define it correctly. When on the other hand, it’s very easy to say, yes, I love it! Or “nope, not even close” when presented with images. So step one in my book, is throw out the language and get visual. Show me what you like and what you don’t and let’s build rapport, then from there, we can establish your taste and your style and if we really feel the need, define it. Just remember, every design rule has been broken brilliantly, including defining your style and sticking to it.
But now that I’ve just spent 500 words elaborating on why definitions are meaningless, there are always the overachievers who simply need to know or the trend setters who may wish to connect to some roots. And so here’s a link to all the quizzes worth your time to help you determine which side of geometric modern you fall on and if you call yourself or your home cozy casual or laid back traditional. Take it lightly, take it seriously, but if you do take it, just keep in mind you may fall in line with the textbooks or you may just be your own bag of mixed nuts!
And if you want desgin 101, well, here’s that too thanks to HGTV.com who takes you through 18 of the most popular textbook design styles. …a very comprehensive list via dwellcandy.com… …and yet another must see list if you’re looking for an education from Houzz. I love Houzz’s list because the information, style tips, designer secrets and product images are truly endless. And if you head over to Houzz, make sure to read the style secrets next to each image they feature, the information can unlock many a design mystery and explains why the room works. I love this feature and because it does what words can’t!
As for me, here are some of the boards I’ve been working on that either define a certain style for me or represent a design aesthetic. So take a look and follow along if something meshes. And as always, feel free to leave me any comments, questions or feedback. And should you want any advice or ideas, send me your inspirations and I’ll help you achieve your look or put one together!
Follow Messy By Design’s board South of the Border Style on Pinterest. Follow Messy By Design’s board The Unexpected, Understated and Underestimated on Pinterest. Follow Messy By Design’s board Don’t Forget to Play(rooms)! on Pinterest. Follow Messy By Design’s board Anything But A Wallflower! on Pinterest. Follow Messy By Design’s board Color Crushes, Perky Patterns and Playful Prints on Pinterest.
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