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| DESIGN TIP - Stuart Harris |
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The Heart of Style
The whole idea of “style” as it applies to your home furnishings can be an intimidating prospect to consider, particularly if you have no idea of what your style might be or if it even has a name. Take a deep breath and relax! Your style springs from what you love and how you live … and it doesn’t have to have a name. So, what’s involved in determining which furnishings will work best for you? Take inventory of your interests and priorities with a few questions such as these: 1. Do you have particular areas of interest that impact space usage? For example, do you have special collections? Then you need appropriate storage pieces that allow for optimal and safe viewing. 2. Think about how you utilize each room of your house. Is there a room that is not being used very much – or at all? Why is that? Could it be that you need to rethink the function of that space based on how you prefer (or need) to spend time? Would a home office or an exercise area better fit your lifestyle than a living room that is just for show?
3. Do you have children and/or animals? You might want to consider kid- and animal-friendly colors and textures on furniture that will take some rough-and-tumble wear and tear. Leather or microfiber might work beautifully. They are easy to clean and will take some abuse. Okay, so now you’ve begun thinking about how you spend your time – and where – in your home, and who and what is of primary importance in how you live life there. Now, how do you translate those priorities into furniture, color and feel? A useful strategy is to begin browsing magazines. Whatever catches your eye – even if you don’t know why – is what you pull out. Look at lots of magazines and save the pages that appeal to you – the more the better! Then sort those photos into rooms: living rooms, bedrooms, etc. Do you see recurring elements? Is there a color or family of colors that repeats? Have you chosen rooms with a clean, contemporary look, or do you see a more formal and traditional setting with identifiable references to historic styles? Do you see spare lines in the furniture or large, overstuffed pieces? Are you gravitating toward a minimum of decorative accessories in favor of functionality? Do you prefer the feeling of tranquility that greens and blues offer, or do you like the high-energy and warmth of the reds? Or perhaps a mostly neutral palette appeals to you. You’re now ready to begin defining your personal style. Take the pictures you’ve collected, your notes and ideas about preferences and room functions, and an open mind to a design professional who can work with you to achieve your design goals. It is the professional’s job to interpret your ideas and preferences in such a way as to create a unique and beautiful expression of your lifestyle that offers both comfort and a sense of refuge. By selecting the pieces you love – rather than by what “matches” – you will ensure that your home is truly an expression of you. As a design professional, I can help you make what you love work. Then every time you enter your home, you’ll feel that sense of comfort, relaxation and renewal because everything there has been inspired by what you love. My best “style” advice is to go with your heart when selecting a piece of furniture. If you love it, we can make it work. Call me so we can get started! Contact Information: Please contact him directly: |
Stuart Harris is the son of a furniture designer and claims sawdust runs in his veins. He has been in the industry for 25 years and with Furnitureland South since 2002.