When I decided to relocate and build a home, I started to focus on design and décor in a way that I hadn’t needed to while renting an apartment. I wanted to approach this opportunity with a new lens, as my style and lifestyle has changed tremendously since my last build endeavor in 2010, and get a fresh perspective on which look to pursue.
Being careful not to over-architect my experience (pun intended), I created a concept board on Pinterest (naturally). Once I had enough images selected, I was able to identify the overarching theme by notating what I gravitated toward in each visual. I realized I am most inspired by black window panes, white walls, soft color palettes and cozy simplicity (and that I have a strong disdain for flushmount lighting and a pedestal sink phobia, but that is a blog for another day). All told, the process revealed that my experiences over the past seven years have resulted in a style evolution, and once clearly identified, I could better execute my vision.
The same approach works for fashion. Case in point: I have a client who had her second child six months ago, and I got the very predictable email urgently requesting a style revamp. She felt frumpy and totally unsupported by her wardrobe. Not knowing where to begin, she pinned. By reviewing her board, it was clear to me that she was gravitating toward classic silhouettes and that the magic was in the mix. Interestingly, she owned almost everything she needed to execute the looks, and with a small infusion of key pieces (pleather leggings, suede moto jacket, ripped jeans) and some styling help, she was able to completely change her sartorial experience.
The moral of the story: whether in fashion or home décor, defining personal style is a multilayered process that can be simplified by letting go of expectations. Collect your thoughts, pin your inspiration and identify commonalities and you will have a clear picture of which direction to move. Any questions – just ask!
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