The Style Dial
Turning Your Personal Style Up A Notch
October 5, 2011
Style, by definition, is a distinctive appearance, typically determined by the principles according to which something is designed and place into an interior element. Whether eclectic-Goodwill-chic or polished contemporary it all boils down to our own individual comfort level of what motivates and inspires us rather than a particular designer name or where it was purchase.
Individual style derives from our own unique personalities that have been previously shaped through our childhood, our peers, our generation and most importantly the powerful American media. Regardless of nature versus nurture, if you are considering turning up your own personal style, than read the 4 major points below to determine if you can transform yourself from a 2 into a 10 on the style dial.
Fashion & Interior Design – Take heed of what colors and textures you put on your body in the way of clothing. Do you like your attire tailored or do you prefer a more relaxed and loose fitting garment. The clothes that you dress yourself with say a lot about what makes you feel comfortable. Those that don form-fitting clothing will most likely like a streamlined and modern interior style where those that prefer a more casual dress will be more fond of interiors that appear more inviting and lived-in.
Vintage vs. Mass Production – Do you enjoy the rush of a bargain or the thrill of the hunt? If you do, you may be one that prefers an interior that is a one-of-a-kind mixed and matched style. Or are you one that prefers to shop online, from catalogs or from retail establishments that set the trends for the latest and greatest in design for us choose from. Maybe you are ambidextrous in both? No matter what side of the coin you find yourself on the possibilities are all correct as well as endless.
Wood vs. Metal – Do you find that you are more comfortable surrounded by the naturalistic feel of wood or do you like objects made of metals? Many who were raised in the Midwest region of North America tend to prefer the organic nature of wood in their personal environments where those reared in larger metropolitan areas appreciate metals in finishes of rust, chrome or metallic. No need to fret over one or the other as today’s style marries the two materials seamlessly.
Underdone vs. Overdone
Do you prefer interiors that are void of excessive furniture, accessories and artwork and only have the fundamental requirements of the space? If so, you could be referred to as a minimalist on the style dial. On the other hand, if you are one that prefers their interior environment to be adorned from wall to ceiling with very few empty places, you may well be what is commonly considered as a maximalist on the style dial. If you do not find yourself to be one or the other above, than your personal style is one of the hundreds located between.
Finding one’s own design style can be a life long journey for some and very simple for others, depending on the time and attention you put into it – like everything else in life. Some have the ability to tap into their inner-self to find their own style while others require the assistance of a professional interior designer.
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