Decorating your style...

There is something magical when walking into a home that appears to reflect the personality of the person living there. It is as though you are introduced into the inner workings of the individual. It gives the visitor a sense of wonder and awe and an appreciation that they are in a unique home. As Nate Berkus, an interior designer says, "Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love” Creating personal style doesn’t have to be expensive or extreme. It is apparent when all the elements in the room work together in harmony and balance. That means that every item in the space is there for a reason, whether functional or aesthetic. The key isn't necessarily to have a room that looks like it came out of a catalogue. An item can be inherited, or from a different part of the world, or even be a unique color. It is best that at least one piece be of the best quality that you can afford. Give it a place of prominence in the room. Beyond that, find ways to express your interests or personality. That can be done with a painting or an accessory or photograph that is meaningful to you. You can also take inherited furniture and reupholster it with a newer unique fabric. Ask yourself, does the piece tell your story? Don’t be afraid to mix old and new. Eclectic is a new design trend of today. Pieces of furniture do not have to match or be part of a set. In fact, it is more interesting if they are not. What's more important is scale, proportion and the best arrangement of furniture. Accessories add color and interest to a room similar to the way jewelry can enhance the look of a dress. If you like a room that you see in a magazine or online, get a sense of the feelings it evokes in you. Do not try to create the exact same room because the layout and architecture of your room may be different. Do pay attention to the colors that inspire you or specific details that appeal to you. Then add your own items to create uniqueness to the room. You want to love walking into the room you live in.