Have you been saving magazine clippings, watching home shows, perusing online showrooms … but can’t decide on a an interior decorating direction or style. Open your closet doors for inspiration!
I recently saw a webinar on just this topic. The decorator suggested you pull together a few of your favorite outfits – including clothing, shoes, jewelry and any other accessories like scarves, belts, and hats. Lay them out on your bed and look for commonalities.
What cues do your wardrobe present about your overall style? Is it formal or casual? Classic and traditional? Relaxed and sporty? Is there a strong feminine flair to your clothes? Trendy? Vintage, boho and artsy? Or even grunge, punk, or urban cool?
Do you see any colors or color values like a preference for light, darks, or brights appear? Have you chosen garments with a recurring pattern like florals, stripes, plaids, herringbone, paisley, etc.? Do the fabrics or accessories have any texture to them like a fringe bottom on your wool sweater or a lacy camisole peeking out under your blouse? Are you seeing any similarities in the structure of your pieces – are they loose or form-fitting?
Is your closet full of comfortable cotton sweatshirts and jeans or glamourous silk dresses? Did you choose a leather jacket as one of your favs? Is your jewelry made of shiny or understated materials? Are your wardrobe staples monochromatic but you add pops of color with an orange shawl or red boots?
Say you see a pattern of casual clothes, predominantly neutral but with pops of color in a blue leather pocketbook and headband, a bit of glam in your oversized silver necklace, and a preponderance to layer fabrics. Of course, you don’t need to be literal in translating your wardrobe style to your decor but it should provide you with ample guidance. So, consider this plan. Buy a beige leather sofa with rounded arms and back, a comfortable faux fur throw, and a three soft, blue pillows to adorn it. Lay down a blue area rug and a hammered, silver, round coffee table on it. I think you get the picture.
There is great overlap between the fashion and decorating worlds. They have the same building blocks of color, pattern, texture, fabrics, comfort and style. That’s why fashion designers Ralph Lauren also create bedding, wallpaper, and furniture.
With many satisfied clients since 2008, Barbara Graceffa owns and operates Secretary of the Interior in Quincy, MA offering creative decorating services at reasonable rates. If you have a blog topic to suggest or need professional help with decorating, downsizing, decluttering, or home staging and relocation services, please contact her via her website www.sec-interior.com or phone 617.921.6033.
Secretary of the Interior: Decorating Blog 