Have you ever stopped to think about the elements you love. Do you have those elements in your home?
When I was consulting one of the techniques I used to get a better idea of what the client truly loved was to have them pull together 5-7 items that they had for more than 3-5 years that they truly loved. It could be clothing, linens, furniture, textiles, just about any thing as long as they truly loved it, and had it for more than 3-5 years years.
The reason for doing this technique is we can all talk ourselves into liking the newest trend on the block, but if it is not a true love we will tire of it within a two year period, and move onto something else. That is why I use the timeline of 3-5 years as part of the criteria.
Once the client has pulled together their items in what I like to call an informative vignette, I would then look at them, and I would study, style, texture, color and scale. This one vignette would help give me a direction on how to guide them.
This can also be a fun exercise to do for yourself just to make sure you are making choices from your heart, and not just your eyes!!
Over the years I have honed in on my decorating style and have a list of elements that I need to have in my home to make it comfortable for me.
Over the years I have honed in on my decorating style and have a list of elements that I need to have in my home to make it comfortable for me.
Here is my list:
Stripes
CHECKS
BLUE AND WHITE
BLACK AND WHITE
GREEN AND WHITE
SOFT CREAM OR MAIZE
WHITE PAINTED MILLWORK
BASKETS
CUTTING BOARDS
BOTTLES
CHECK FLOORING
WOOD FLOORING
Lots of light both with lamps and natural light
REFLECTIVE SURFACES/MIRRORS
SHUTTERS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE
A TOUCH OF BLACK IN EVERY ROOM
I think this can prove to be a very important, and helpful exercise to help you really hone in on what you should have in your home to make it your very own personal style.
When I am looking on Pinterest I often will look at a few boards of a pinner to get an idea of what they truly love.
I must admit some people are all over the map, there really is no consistency in what they are pinning.
Then there are other pinners that you can immmediately peg their style, they are very consistent.
When you look at your own boards, if you pin, do you see a consistent pattern?
I do a lot of pinning for my blog, but if you take a look at my boards I do believe you will see a pattern in what I truly love.
What elements do you KNOW that you have to have in your own homes?
“Enjoy the Process!” Of:
Making a vignette with your very favorite elements!!
BTW: Don’t forget today is the last day to sign up for the Spring dress giveaway. Go to the top of my sidebar and click on the image to join in on the giveaway! Good luck to all of you who have entered!! I will be announcing the winner on Monday!
16 comments:
I have to head to Pinterest now to see if my pins have common elements. I think my design taste changes occasionally through exposure to blogs, but like you there are certain things that remain consistent.
Clever exercise! I'll have to give this a try!
Have a lovely Friday, Kathysue!
~ Wendi ~ xo
This is such a great exercise. My husband teases that the only consistent in our house is change. . .because I like to switch things around every couple of months. But the core ingredients stay the same. I move out three, move in three, like you did in a recent post with the bottles. I am going to do this exercise; I have a feeling what the keepers will be.
I have things around that I have loved for years and never tire of...like my white couch and white chairs in my sitting room. I love the softly romantic look that room has with its rose floral paintings and antique glass table.
I also love old books and have collected them for many years. I find that I never tire of seeing them in my home....oh...and I love my big feather stuffed floral/striped chair with matching ottoman..and toile...love that!
Great post, Kathysue- xo Diana
This is a great exercise KathySue! Im sitting here looking around my room and I cant find anything I've kept for more than 3-5yrs. I tire of things too easily and dont hold onto them- yikes is that sad??
So agree with you, Kathysue. Doesn't matter how great it looks if the client isn't happy!
Love these images. I'm with you on the stripes and checks!
Happy Friday.
Teresa
xoxo
Yes, we need a whole new look and lot less stuff.
Good post that has me thinking. I have definte patterns of using certain elements, love art, porcelain, blue and white, beautiful textiles...think my style is pretty consistent. It is interesting but a lot of people will say "Tina, that looks so much like you" so I do have a definite style afterall.....fun exercise!
Very very interesting, Kathysue; I am going to think about my own elements. Off to see you on Pinterest now~
Oh this is such a great exercise, I want to make my own list right now!!! I love your list!
Kathysue, your words of encouragement are amazing. You always know the right thing to say, I read your sweet comment over and over. Thank you for your friendship. I'm so sorry I have been absent over here with all my schoolwork getting in the way, it's hard to even post on my blog these days! BIG hugs to you and a happy weekend :)
Nancy xo
I like looking at photos of my past houses - plus ça change...
What a great exercise! As you might imagine, I have many of the same favorite elements. ;-)
What a terrific exercise! I think it's so easy to be influenced by all the beautiful images in magazines and blogs. I love your method of really focusing in on what you truly love. Thanks for sharing.
I have found that having my own blog has done that also. I will have to look at my Pinterest and see if there is a common thread. Great post!
All so very you, Kathysue! I need to try this!...hugs...Debbie
Kathysue...I am one of those pinners who is definitely all over the board!!! That is just how my mind works...but also, one day I love color and the next I want neutrals! Yikes.
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