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Sunday, March 11, 2012

Do You Have A Name For Your Design Aesthetics?

 


  I Do! and you can too, just keep reading on to find out how I came up with the words to describe my design aesthetics.


SIMPLE- UNDERSTATED- ELEGANCE





Do you usually think of Simple, or Understated when you think of Elegance?

If you have read my blog for very long you will read the term, Simple Elegance or Understated Elegance allot.

I thought I would define what that means to me and show you some examples of what it looks like. Of course this is just my opinion, but it is a look that I am always trying to achieve in my own home.
When we think of simple we don’t usually think of elegant.

Simple means: having few parts or features; not complicated or involved

Elegant means: luxurious or opulent in a restrained, tasteful manner.

You will notice that both definitions have something in common, restraint, uncomplicated, tasteful. I think these are the words that best describe what
 Simple- Understated- Elegance means to me.

I am going to show you some images of rooms that display Simple-Understated-Elegance. I understand that design will always be subjective, but I also feel that it is important to understand what types of design and why we are drawn to a particular look.

The look I feel most drawn too looks like the following images:


This first image has a wonderful simple design in its straight lined furniture pieces, and yet it has a soft elegance to the room by having a soft curve to the upholstered pieces. 

It also has beautifully framed windows, and millwork. The  sophisticated artwork also adds to the elegant feel in the room. This room has a serene feel to me. How does it make you feel?



A lovely little nook. Simple? Yes! Elegant? Yes!!
Simple in its uncomplicated straight, and simple lines and colors. Elegant with its oval window with curved grill work, and the beautiful, traditional brass sconces. Simple Elegance at its best.


This works space has a rough hewn desk and natural finished floors. How could this possibly be elegant? 

Look at the windows, the curve of the simple chair, the lovely vase of flowers. The soft lavender colors also add to the elegance in this image. Soft, subtle, simple, understated elegance.


T
his room has a simple, and casual elegance. The table, and chairs have simple lines as do the two matching chest on each side of the fireplace.

 A plaid rug will always have a simple and casual feel, so what are the elegant elements in this room?  Look at the mill work, simple straight lines, but it offers up a bit of elegance.

 Notice the mirror frames, they definitely give a nod to elegance. The chandelier has beautiful elegant curves. This room has the best of both worlds, Simple- Understated- Elegance!!



Checks, rough hewn beams, the coffee table all very casual in feel. The gentle curve of the settee and the stately curve of the wing back chairs give this room its feel of understated elegance.

 The jewelry of the room, the chandelier, is graceful and elegant in its design.

The Conclusion:
You will notice a common thread throughout each  of the rooms description I have given you.

As I am diagnosing each room I am learning something about my own design aesthetics.

  • I like straight lined mill work with a nod to the past. I want my walls, and windows and doors to have some kind of mill work. 

  • My furniture pieces need to have clean, simple and sometimes curved lines. 

My elegant elements will be brought in with the lighting and mirrors. Fabrics will need to be solid or simple lines such as checks or stripes. 


What You Can Do To find your own definition:
 
    Are you learning anything about what you require in your own rooms to make them perfect for your own design aesthetics?

    It helps to define your style, give it a name like I did.
    Make it  two-three words that define it.

     Now go  look for rooms that visually describe those words. Make a collage.

     Pinterest is a great place to do this. Step back, look at your collage, and analyze the elements in each room that you like. 

    You will start to see a pattern, just like I did in describing each of the above images.

    If you had to describe your design style in 2-3 words what would your words  be?


    “Enjoy the Process!” Of:

    Defining your Design aesthetics and giving it a name!

    BTW:

    If you would like to see more of what I consider Simple Elegance you can go to my Pinboard HERE!

     

    14 comments:

    Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

    Perfect name for your style, Kathysue! The photos are gorgeous! You know mine...three words...Charles Faudree wannabe! lol But on a VERY limited budget! Happy Sunday...hugs...Debbie

    NanaDiana said...

    Kathysue- Your style is very much the same as mine. I don't have as much white as I used to, but I love the simple and the understated. Although I might have a room that would veer from that occasionally. Great post.

    I do love looking at all kinds of styles though, and can appreciate them for the person they please.

    Hope you are having a great weekend-xo Diana

    Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

    Create three words. Mine in a nutshell give or take a few days when I go color bananas.
    You have impeccable taste and you love blue.
    Happy Sunday.
    Teresa
    xoxo

    Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt said...

    Kathysue, I love your style and these images are gorgeous. In my home I have more of a transitional style with a mix of vintage pieces.

    Patti said...

    Great post. You know I love your style Baby. I like to think mine is also simple understated elegance. I've got the simple part I'm working the elegance.

    Anne said...

    Just beautiful! Lovely blog ~ I'm a new follower ~ I think my style would be "Eclectianne"! :)
    Best, Anne ♥♥

    helen tilston said...

    Hi Kathysue

    A great post and one that makes us all reflect on our style.

    Thanks for sharing

    Helen

    Wendi @ Classic Chic Home said...

    Another great post, Kathysue! I agree that it's important to be able to identify our design aesthetic, and describe it in a personally defined, key phrase. My signature style is and always will be Classic Chic Design!
    Have a beautiful evening,
    ~ Wendi ~ xo

    Karen said...

    I always learn something new from your posts Kathysue. (I want that plaid rug!)

    Ann from On Sutton Place said...

    I could live in any of these rooms and be totally happy. Just lovely. My design style is changing a bit. I am leaning towards a Traditional Farmhouse look. Not there yet but I'm working on it!

    Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

    I love your style Kathysue! I feel like mine is the same which is why I'm so drawn to your blog and photos. Your images are my top repins!

    Terri~terrileeauthor said...

    Great post.
    My design style is captured in the title of my blog
    The Dressed Up Cottage.
    To me, that means not too fussy, not too shabby, but a littel more elegant, nice antiques mixed in with some beautiful flea market finds.

    Anonymous said...

    Your style is sooooo calming. Understated elegance may be my goal but I'm afraid I might be stuck in "Contemporary Contemptible". Jo @ Let's Face the Music

    SHERRY HART said...

    I love that style also....throw classic into the mix and I'm there!!!