Choosing the right furniture for your home is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Your selections should reflect your own personal style preferences so your home will give you pleasure for years to come. If you are starting from scratch, think about a total makeover by switching from one style to another. Even if you are working with pieces you already own, you can incorporate interesting pieces in other styles to create a sophisticated eclectic look.
Discovering your Own Personal Taste
Some people are aware of the furniture style they prefer, but others are not so sure. One way to define your own personal taste is to examine the pieces you already have. Tour your home and inspect it top to bottom to notice furniture and accessories like rugs and mirrors. Take note of the pieces you love, even if they have seen better days, and jot down which pieces you would discard in a heartbeat.
Discovering a Pattern
You may have created a consistent look within a particular design style. As you pass from room to room, notice if there is a lot of upholstered seating, natural fibers or floral designs. You may display collections of interesting objets dart, or you may consider them dust collectors and go for a more minimalistic look. Take special note your most recent additions. Do these styles reflect what you typically buy, or are they a departure from the usual? If these recent purchases are a change, you may be ready to alter your style.
Putting it All Together
Now that you have assessed your furniture and noticed patterns, put your knowledge to use. If you like dark wood finishes, carved details and intricate fabrics like brocade and damask, your furniture is definitely traditional, a style that works for people who love formal entertaining. If you prefer furniture with straight lines in microfiber and leather, your style is contemporary, a style that works well for organized people who want a less formal environment. When you see a lot of painted and distressed wood, soft fabrics and a muted color palette of blues, greens and lavenders, you have cottage style, ideal for a beach home and a comfortable, casual lifestyle.
The Eclectic Look
If you appreciate pieces from a variety of design styles, your look is eclectic. The key to an eclectic room is to group furniture pieces that harmonize well with one another to create a stylish, peaceful environment. Arranging furniture around a focal point can help organize individual pieces in different styles.
