Developing your own design philosophy will help you define your distinctive style and reflect it in your attire and decor. This post will show you how to find your own style in 5 simple steps.
Step 1. Uncover Your Unique Style
Take some time to explore your likes and dislikes, values and aspirations. Think about the colors, textures, and styles that resonate with you. Consider what makes you feel comfortable and happy, and what emotions you’d like to evoke in your spaces and clothing. Your design philosophy should also reflect your core values and beliefs. What matters most to you? Sustainability, minimalism, creativity, comfort, or uniqueness? Understanding your values and developing responses to these prompts will help you lay the foundation for your design philosophy.
For example, I feel myself most comfortable in clean lines and bold contrasts, yet a touch of whimsy and eclecticism makes me happy. I love an elevated, chic look. Blacks, whites and neutral hues are most prominent in my wardrobe and decor, but I’m also drawn to deep blues, greens, orange-reddish and copper tones so I’ll inject these colors here and there as well. In my spaces, I want to evoke calmness and inspiration. I aspire to be more sustainable in my purchases, so I endeavor to be more selective, buy secondhand and avoid fast fashion. What colors and textures do you like? How do you want to feel in your spaces? And what do you value?
Step 2. Gather Inspiration with a Mood Board
Creating a mood board can be a powerful tool for gathering inspiration. Collect images, magazine clippings, and Pinterest pins that represent the style and atmosphere you want to create in your home and wardrobe. This visual collage will help you identify common themes, colors, and patterns that resonate with you, providing valuable insights into your design preferences. As a starting place, it helps to identify your personal style icons.
For example, I’ve been influenced by Athena Calderone’s “live beautiful” design philosophy. Everything she creates, be it a meal, table setting or kitchen remodel is so visually appealing. Her style is simultaneously calming and bold, and so influential that it’s now seemingly ubiquitous. I covet Sarah Sherman Samuel’s clean yet feminine lines in the furniture she designs, and I love Victoria Beckham’s striking, sharp and elevated take on women’s professional attire. Today, my mood boards would look a little something like this:
Decor Mood Board
Attire Mood Board
Step 3. Set Clear Intentions
With your preferences and values in mind, set clear intentions for your design projects. What do you want to achieve with your home and wardrobe design? Write down specific goals and objectives. For your home, this could be creating a tranquil sanctuary or a vibrant, welcoming space for social gatherings. In your wardrobe, it might involve curating a versatile, timeless, yet sustainably crafted collection that pays homage to your cultural identity.
A few years ago, my intention was to stage our condo with furniture I wanted to take with me. I wanted to create a look that was welcoming, warm and accessible yet elevated. Below was the result.
Step 4. Curate Mindfully and Cohesively
Curate your spaces and closet intentionally and make choices that align with your design philosophy. Consider the impact of each addition or removal on the overall aesthetic and functionality of your space, while striving to create visually cohesion. I have made so many mindless purchases overtime, and they frequently end up being huge wastes of money. I’ve found that practicing restraint will not only help you curate a better space / wardrobe, but also your bank account.
Step 5. Embrace Change
Your tastes may change over time; be open to the change. It may be sparked by the need for something new and different. Embrace the idea of evolving your design philosophy as you grow. Stay inspired by exploring latest design trends. Incorporate fresh ideas into your spaces and wardrobe while staying true to your aesthetic and values.
Comment below and share your design philosophy. What emotions do you hope to evoke in your home? How do you want to feel when you walk down the street? And if you need a little design inspiration, check back in for some ideas here.
