If you have been following along (and if you haven’t I suggest you check out how Creating Your Signature Decor Style, Part 1, and The Importance of Defining Your Signature Style, Part 2) then you have read and followed some of the steps my two previous posts and are ready for Part 3. In Part 1, we discuss how to identify what decor elements inspire you. In Part 2, we discuss why giving your style a name is so important, and how it can save you time and money, and now we are ready for Part 3, Achieving Your Signature Style.
How to Achieve Your Signature Style
Now it’s time to put everything we have talked about into practice—this is the fun part! But before you start putting on your shoes to rush out and go shopping, let’s pause for a minute: What did you discover about your signature style? Did anything about it surprise you? Did you take time to notice what elements or pieces in your home are your favorite?
For myself, I have found that my favorite pieces are the collected ones—the pieces handed down from family and friends. It’s the art from arts festivals and crafts shows I’ve visited. It’s the unique items from crafts shows and yard sales, flea markets and antique stores that have all come together to create a style that I love, and that also feels like me. It has taken time and it will take more time to further curate my style. Along the way I’m sure my style will change, and as life evolves in our household (decorating is a tad different with a toddler!), certain decor elements will change also.
When we moved into our house six years ago, I desperately wanted our home to be cute, curated, and comfortable. It was none of these things for the first few years. Over the years it has slowly come to look like what I originally envisioned when we first laid eyes on it. It took time—I wanted to rush it, but you really can’t rush the collection of items that reflect your style if you just rush out to Home Goods (yes, I do love that store) or Pottery Barn.
Not long after we moved into our home, my mother wanted to get rid of the piano they had. I had taken lessons while growing up, and really liked the five foot tall, slightly battered upright piano from the early 20th century. I begged her not to get rid of it and instead to let us have it. We were barely settled into our home when the piano movers were scheduled and the piano was delivered. Something really neat happened as soon as that piano arrived. My house started to feel like a home. There was something in my home that instantly felt like me, that had memories attached to it, and had a sense of heritage to it that is so important to me. I knew right away I wanted more items like this in my home.
The other thing I learned along the way is that if I want my home to have unique things collected from craft shows, or vintage markets, then I have to go to vintage markets and crafts shows in order to stumble across these items.
How Does this Look Actionably?
The first thing to do is to go through your home and curate it. Pull out, take down, and gather everything you’re not absolutely in love with. Gather up all the items in vignettes that you feel aren’t quite working. Let your house rest.
Myquillyn Smith, author of “The Nesting Place,” and “Cozy Minimalist Home,” talks about quieting your home. She goes really far with this, even taking out furniture that you aren’t using very often. Then you wait. Live in your home for a little while, and see what you miss.
As you notice that you are starting to miss something, pull it back out and put it on display. What items are you holding onto that could go? Just because someone gave you something doesn’t mean you are obligated to keep it forever—especially if you don’t love it!
If you come across things that you love but need something to make it work, make a list! Maybe you have a gorgeous pot but no plant; maybe you have a piece of art for which you need a frame—make a list. Then start keeping your eyes open for the right item to fill these gaps—remember, don’t rush! No one is going to judge you for taking a little longer to find the right piece that speaks to you just in order to fill a decor gap.
Put Yourself Out There!
When you get a sense of the items you are missing, maybe a large piece of art, or a comfortable chair, make an effort to visit places that might just have what you are looking for. If you like craft shows, go to craft shows! If you like vintage, go to flea markets and antique malls.
Above all, be patient! Just because you don’t stumble across the perfect thing doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist!
I hope this little series has been enlightening and given you actionable steps to clarify and curate your decorating style and to create a home you love! Remember, if you have found this post helpful, the kindest thing you can do is to share this post with someone you know—this helps me to be able to continue creating these posts for you and your friend will be touched that you thought of them! Thanks in advance!
Disclosure
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