Come Out of the Closet……For Design Inspiration

 So you’re finally ready to make some changes to your homes interior.  The only problem is, your not sure what design direction you want to take.  Should you do something traditional and timeless?  Modern and trendy? Southwestern and rugged?  One way to gain some perspective is to take a look into our own closet. Yep. I said closet. The way you present yourself on a daily basis should help personalize you interior design plan. 

Color alone is an easy indication.  Is your dominant color red? Blue? Green? If, like me, your dominant color is black, take your inspiration from the next dominant color or favorite accessories. (A gothic color scheme is almost always a no-no).  The point is, your interior style should mirror your personal style.

If you are a jeans and t-shirt person, you definitely want a casual style. Not to say this look will be sloppy, but by definition, comfortable.  Consider an off white micro-suede sofa paired with a distressed leather club chair, grounded with an oversized honey-pine coffee table.  Accent this look with what you might wear as accessories with this “outfit.”  If you’d pair chunky, turquoise jewelry, then look to turquoise as an accent color in toss pillows, throw blankets, or a rug.

If you prefer a more pulled-together style that includes a crisp, white button down shirt paired with a beautiful black or deep brown trouser, along with a slick pair of heels and tasteful, gold hoops and bangles, then your home should reflect it.  Keep your color choices somewhat neutral (read: classic) with soft beige or taupe walls accented with beautiful, traditional oil paintings.  Furniture should be neither formal nor casual, but something in between.  The aura you want to create is one of sophistication, but not intimidation.  Classic furniture such as wing-back chairs in timeless tweed coupled with a camelback sofa in a paisley-patterned fabric or a rich saddle-brown leather exude the classic/traditional sensibility.   Add Tiffany-style, leaded glass lampshades and you will perfect this timeless look.

Trendy fashionistas will enjoy  an interior with the latest color trends including popular combinations of chocolate brown and acid green, or chocolate brown and aqua blue, or chocolate brown and  white (anyone else getting hungry?)  Add some whimsical accents such as retro-chrome highly arched floor lamps and a shaggy flokati wool area rug.  Large scale geometric patterned wall paper, whether on one wall, or an entire room definitely expresses your cutting-edge tendencies.

Now you get the picture. Check out the wardrobe. Get inspired. Get out of the closet.