How to find your design direction
If you’re considering a renovation, or redecorating project, it can be hard to know where to start. There are so many decisions you’ll need to make that the whole process can feel very overwhelming.
I renovated my own home, a cute 2 bedroom villa in Brooklyn, Wellington, NZ. I wanted the renovation to be a restoration and the style to pay homage to the era of the original villa, built in 1910.
There is one thing that made the whole process much easier for me, and it can help you too!
Pick a fabric that represents your style
When designing the style of my home, I used a piece of Designers Guild Fabric on which to base my overall theme. I used this reference to make all of my design decisions.
From paint colours to flooring, drapes to door hardware, light fittings to bathroom tiles - each decision was made with this fabric in mind.
The fabric design, texture and colours represented how I wanted my space to feel, and really helped to in making all my design decisions. It definitely helped that the fabric tied in with a number of existing items, which meant I was able to create a calm and relaxing sanctuary that seamlessly incorporated pieces I already owned.
Is there a fabric, a cushion or even a rug that you love that can act as an anchor for your decorating decisions? A fabric is a great starting point. Not only does it help in choosing colours that work with it, but the texture also suggests a particular look and feel, and the pattern suggests either an era or a particular style.
how my style came together
Each item chosen for my renovation linked back to this fabric in some way. Paint colours and fabric textures worked well with the colour and texture, while other items were chosen because they worked well with the “era” or style of the fabric - door hardware, bathroom tiles, tap ware and light fittings were chosen for their heritage value, so they not only sat well against this fabric, but also worked with the style and era of my villa. I even found original kauri doors and kept them timber, which contrast beautifully against the paint colours chosen.
The pendants hanging in my hallway added a more contemporary edge mixed in with more traditional pieces - giving my space the eclectic, relaxed styling that I love.
I love combining old and new - I love contrast - I love colour.
I love my home!
So whether you’re planning a major renovation, or simply redecorating a room, try this trick and see how much simpler life becomes when you have a clear starting point for your new style. I’d love to hear how you get on.
Good luck!