Personal style.

This is just a quick word of advice to novices, or those who think of themselves as design-challenged. One of the most talked about issues that people ask me about design is that they feel they don't know their style. Here are some of the things I always tell them. Start simply. If you are moving into a new place, or feel like re-doing a room, envision the space empty. Then, imagine how you want to use that space. For example, do you want to exclusively do yoga there? Have dinner parties for a lot a people at once? Read? Sleep? Cook? Watch tv? On and on. I say that is the easiest way for you to start to figure out what you will need. After that, close your eyes and think about places that you both love to be and places that make you uncomfortable. When you think of these other places, you will immediately have describing words for your style. Again for example: is one of your favorite places a certain bookstore? Why do you like it there? Is it quiet, warm, comfortable? Is one of your favorite places a huge bank lobby? Why that one? Is it uncluttered, sleek, simple? How about places you dislike... possibly work? Why? Is it loud, busy? Do the colors make your stomach turn? Next think of your favorite pieces in your wardrobe. Think about why you like each piece. Do you have a shirt that you feel amazing in? Do you love the color, style, fabric? Is there a type of clothing you would never wear? AGAIN, why? Once you start thinking in this way it becomes easier, and more clear what your personal style is. Your home should be your solace, your place to escape the world, and the place to express your personality. Many people often ask me if this piece of furniture would "go" with another. The best advice I can give anyone is. If YOU like it, and feel drawn to it (no matter what "it" is: furniture, a vase, a lamp, etc.) than I promise there will be a unique harmony in your space. The only way something doesn't "go" is if the object itself makes you feel something bad... ex: it was a gift and you feel obliged to keep it even though you don't need or want it, really. Or, if you bump your leg on it every time you try to navigate from one place to another- it may not be functioning as well as it could for you. Items that do not speak to you in any way and just merely take up space are useless. An old adage is "form follows function". Which is to say, the reason a chair is shaped the way it is, is because it accommodates a person sitting in it. Think of those actions you want to take place in your space again. A bedroom: it's easy to pick a bed when you know how you want to feel in and around it. If the idea of a low, simple, uncluttered bed sounds good... then do it... There is no wrong or right in design. Things do not have to cost a lot. Things do not need to mean anything to anyone else besides you. Don't worry about right or wrong, and you will be free to make decisions that please yourself.

Beddding

Bedding is on my mind today... and springtime and (always renewing our interiors to feel fresh...)

This is the direction I think I might be going: clean, simple, few colors. Browns, whites, cremes, mochas...
And from one of my new favorite places to find "stuff" Etsy has this pillow:

Do you replace your bedding with the seasons, your mood, etc? I'm going to attempt constructing a headboard for our bedroom this weekend, also. I need something that will give comfort and style to our plain "just a bed" bed. I'll try to post pics if this ambition comes to fruition. :)