Seven Ways To Emphasize A Décor Style By
Julie Dana, The Home Stylist.
After searching decorating books, using
trial and error decorating, and growing
up a little bit, you have finally found
the style of decorating that you really
love. Your style could be Arts & Crafts,
French Country, Asian, or Metro Hip. If
you are still searching for your style
or want a second opinion on what your
general home style really is, try taking
the fun style quiz on www.thehomestylist.com.
Now that you have identified a décor
style, the challenging part may now be
to implement that style and make it substantial
enough so others will notice. There are
seven simple elements that will really
help you emphasize this great look.
1. Choose a focal point that will reflect
your décor style. This signature piece
is usually the most dominate item you
see and sets the tone of the room. If
this piece is not your specific style,
the room will not look its best. An example
could be a beautiful Queen Ann armoire
for a Classic Traditional style or a large
rustic log mantel for the Mountain Lodge
look.
2. Use colors that are common to that
specific style. Different décor styles
are usually shown with a collection of
colors that are prominent for that palette.
Make sure your room has those colors.
For example, French Country is well known
for its pretty yellows and blues. Americana
Style would not be the same without red,
white and blue.
3. Collect in a theme that emphasizes
that style. Every ones needs a conversation
piece or collection that demonstrates
the owner’s personality and interests.
A collection also doesn’t need to be
large just 3 to 5 objects. Ginger jars
for the Asian Décor or cute porcelain
teapots to emphasize an English Garden
style.
4. Frame an authentic object that is
original to the country or era. This simple
task does not have to be expensive. Old
Postcards from Italy for your Tuscany
Villa Style or wine labels from France
for a European Look will add authenticity
and personal touch to the décor.
5. Purchase a large coffee table book
to demonstrate that décor. Large beautiful
books can subtly emphasis the style you
enjoy. The book does need to be a decor
books but rather a topic that is related
to the style. For example, a Vintage Advertisements
for the Shabby Chic look, or Andy Warhol
book for the Metro-Modern look.
6. Use plants or flowers that coordinate
with the décor. The greenery can be real
or artificial as long as they look healthy.
Nothing spoils a designer-look like a
dying plant. Use cactus for the Southwestern
look or a great palm tree for the Tropical
style.
7. Review all you accents and accessories
to make sure they blend with your new
found style. By reviewing each element
individually to see if it blends (not
necessary perfectly matches), you can
make sure you have a well-coordinated
look. Look for a geometric patterned pillow
for a Modern look; search for fringed
lampshades for an Old World style.
Remember decorating is a process. Searching
for those perfect accessories to emphasize
your style is part of the fun. These tips
will help you add the style you want to
the home you love.
Julie Dana is a professional Interior
Redesigner and Accredited Staging Professional
with www.thehomestylist.com.