Find your interior design style with these expert tips
Does your home feel like a reflection of you? Is it a space that serves your everyday needs and also motivates you to invite others inside? If not, it might be time to reevaluate your interior design.
For tips on where to start, we asked KDR Designer Showrooms’ Lisa Davis how homeowners can develop or hone their personal style. Davis is the visual merchandising specialist who designs and constructs displays for the showrooms in St. Louis and Kansas City.
Seek out and save inspiration.
Find design inspiration in the pages of magazines, on social media, in TV shows and movies, in antique shops and in local showrooms. “Start by researching interior design inspiration photos that speak to you, and ask yourself [what you like about them.] ‘Do I prefer clean lines or ornate styles? What are my favorite colors?’” Davis suggests.
Whenever you see something compelling, save it. Pinterest boards are a great online option for saving and organizing photos, or you can get crafty and create a physical mood board.
Design by the Mark Alexander luxury fabric and wallcovering brand; photo courtesy of KDR Designer Showrooms
Observe trends and functional elements.
When looking at your inspiration board, take note of consistent features across the photos, like repeated colors, patterns and textures. List adjectives that describe how it feels to be in your dream space. When deciding what will fill your home, refer to these ideas.
“Remember to consider your lifestyle and how you want to interact with the space,” Davis adds. Think about the furniture and beloved pieces you already own and how they might fit with any new elements.
Design by Baker Furniture; photo courtesy of KDR Designer Showrooms
Consider a neutral color palette.
For consistency and flexibility, consider a neutral color palette and lighter paint colors like cream, white and taupe. “This makes it easier to change your style with furniture and accessories without having to change the entire room. If you’re wanting to bring in more color into the space, you can always do so with fabrics, drapery, accessories, wall art, area rugs, etc.,” Davis says.” Scandinavian minimalism can be a great style to reference, as it combines neutral color schemes with rustic materials like wood, stone and leather.
An understated starting point also offers more room for the whole household to weigh in with their own tastes. “It’s important to mix a little of [each homeowner’s] style together when designing a room or an entire house, but still make sure the rooms flow together,” Davis says.
Design by Baker Furniture; photo courtesy of KDR Designer Showrooms
Designing a home – or even a single room – can be overwhelming. KDR has a team of professional designers eager to help lighten the mental load and offers a St. Louis-area showroom with a curated selection of furnishings, lighting fixtures, window coverings and other home goods. Walk in and browse or schedule an appointment at kdrshowrooms.com/contact.
“A professional designer can help by managing the project within a budget and addressing any unique challenges of the space,” Davis says. “It’s important to choose the right size furniture for the space, and a designer can help with that by providing expert advice on a room layout and the overall flow so it looks cohesive.”
KDR Designer Showrooms, 11660 Page Service Drive, St. Louis, 314-993-5020, kdrshowrooms.com
link
