Don't fight your style, Find it!

So you found a great house - you love the location, the price was right and now it's time to put your stamp on it, so now what? Take a look at the architecture of your home and that will give you a direction to move in - is it traditional? modern? sunny rooms? somber rooms? etc... Use those aspects of the home (or room) as a starting point, that will give your design some direction and intention - don't try to fit a square peg into a circular hole. When you fight the natural flow of a home (or room) it is obvious and rarely works.

Once you have really connected with the style of your home, next is too look at it empty and come up with a plan. Placement of furniture (existing or new) and figure out what goes where and possibly what you'll need to purchase or purge.

Think colour - don't get to specific but have an idea of the tones that will work in your home. I was in a beautiful chalet in the Laurentians which has the original wood beam ceilings and unfortunately the owners painted them a fire engine red because they wanted a funky colour - that funky colour would have worked better in a blanket, throw pillows or other accessories. The wood beams would have added some charm, warmth and maybe even a lofty feel.

So if you have a traditional home but like the look of modern what can you do? A LOT!! Take traditional shapes for example a wing back chair but upholster it in a pattern fabric. Add elements of sparkle like a funky mirror over the fireplace mantle. Don't go too over the top but splashes of modern in a traditional home is very chic and a truly personal style.

Last step is to shop, look around at all sorts of stores to create your one of a kind personalized look. Don't make your room or home look a like an image out of a catalogue but something from a stylish decor magazine.

When you work with the existing style of the home and mesh it with your personal taste you really end up with something fabulous and fun!