I asked him for some tips he asked me how I define my style as a designer. It has really made me think about my own style. While working with clients my greatest skill is learning about who each person is and what makes them tick. So the style ultimately is driven by my client and what they hope to achieve in their home. As I say this I know that the choices I make are also a reflection of my own taste and what suits the space well.
When I think about my own style, I prefer not to be defined by a particular vision. I have a penchant for antiques and pieces that have a well worn patina and I enjoy re-purposing items to add a unique interest to a space. A little sparkle adds elegance which will be seen in my designs in the form of glass tiles, chandeliers, and crystal decorative items. Color for me is important for setting the tone of a room while the lack of color increases my use of texture in a room. In the end, a warm inviting space is a reflection of the home owner and myself working in tandem.
I am sitting in my olive painted office right now looking at my favorite items, an old door, paint wearing off sitting on a couple of metal saw horses, a glass and stone lamp with a bit of messy fringe hanging from the shade, and two barn wood desks placed at a ninety degree angle to create an effective work space. I have a cayenne colored old vase I found at a discount store and a toile mail holder on the wall that is burgundy and cream. One of my favorite items is a tin can with an organic flower arrangement I threw together in a few minutes time that contains a few red flower accents. When I look of it all put together it is a comfortable space that inspires me and invites me in everyday. Each item is something I love and it all came together out of knowing what I like for myself. It has the old worn look I adore, a bit of sparkle in the lamp and a beautiful color on the walls that came directly from nature. The splash of red and burgundy are the colorful side of my personality.
When working to design a kitchen for yourself the best thing to do is figure out who you are. Where do you like to shop? If money was not an issue what would you purchase for your home? What are your favorite colors? When you see a photo of a room you are drawn to, what is it that you like about it? After answering these questions look at what you assembled on your list and think about the common elements between them. Maybe it is a modern clean line or a metal detail that draws your attention. It could be a lack of color in a room, neutrals that feel inviting to you. I am working with a client now who loves the color blue, it makes her happy. We have designed a cobolt blue back splash with crackled glass tile accents. It is going to be a show stopper. It took us a bit into the planning process to really find what we were looking for so be patient with yourself and do not get discouraged.
I use an in depth questionnaire which helps me to get to know my clients very well at the start of our time together. I am able to get a feel for their personalities, likes and dislikes. Many know their dislikes but only have a vague idea of what they really want in a room. I look at it as an adventure so every space is uniquely reflects their personality and home.
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