vision :: words of reason
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 by {darlene}

In defining what we love, and creating a vision of personal style, vocabulary is so important.

If we can find the words to describe what it is we love,

1. we can communicate that to others, and

2. we can remind ourselves of our goals as our spaces evolve.

In my first post on this topic, I encouraged you to try to NOT use design words to define your style {words such as: ”eclectic” or “country” or “traditional” or “minimalist” or “coastal” or “modern”}.

Instead, today, I am going to encourage you to try to find your style words by using regular adjectives or descriptive words that appeal to you on these levels:

These words should describe:

  1. How you want your home to feel
  2. How you want your home to look, and
  3. The purpose you want your home to serve.

{Sound familiar? It is the same basic list to the one that I shared in this post on how one begins refining your personal style.}

Sooooo, Homework time!:

One.

take out your design style notebook and jot down the first words that come to mind in reference to the above list of 3 criteria.

Two.

After you have written down all of the words that you first think of, refer to the list below, and see if any of these additional words help you to refine your vision.

Three.

Final step?  Think on it, and then, narrow it down to five or so words that best describe what you want from your home.

More Descriptive Words:  {this list is certainly not exhaustive. In addition, why not take a thesaurus and try to nail down the perfect words for your own personal style?}

playful,  vibrant,  comfortable,  lush,  fresh,  flowing,  rich,  bold,  energetic,  peaceful,  serene,  elegant,  simple,  conservative,  adventurous,  unexpected,  order,  neutral,  textured,  showy,  artsy,  flashy,  glamourous,  regal,  formal,  bare,  creative,  sophisticated, wild,  daring,  fun,  welcoming,  uncluttered,  warm,  crisp,  bare,  breathes,  minimal,  reserved,  homey,  natural,  earthy,  cool,  cozy,  earthy,  sparse,  kid-friendly,  rustic,  relaxing,  firey,  exciting,  calm,  open,  colorful,  free,  comforting,  light-hearted,  gutsy,  posh,  plush,  proper,  etc.

Here is my own personal list. I use it whenever I make a design decision for my own home.  This keeps me in check for my overall vision for our home, and it is especially helpful when trying to make purchase decisions:

{darlene}’s words of personal style:

Sophisticated

Simplicity

Glamour

Elegant

Order

Breathes

Comfort

This way, when making decisions or purchases, I can ask myself: “Is it elegant? simple? will it add a touch of glamour or a touch of simplicity? will it help my space to breathe? will it help me unclutter?”

What is on your personal style word list??

Don’t worry if you think that your home does not currently fit into the description that these words offer. In time, as you keep these words of design reason in mind, you will slowly be able to turn your home into a place that you love, where everything serves the purpose of your home and family.



I would love to know your word list. Whenever you come up with it, come back to this post, and share it here in the comments!

* * * * * * * *


{pic. via Jones Design Company }

Labeled: defining your style, lessons in design, vision

15 Comments

  • I would use many of the same words to describe how I would like for my house to feel. I would also add welcoming and comfortable.

    Reply

  • @Red Door Home! So true. What good is a beautiful home if you have no desire to linger there, and you don't want to sit on your own furniture!

    Reply

  • How fascinating! Thank you for sharing your wisdom! After much thought my words are: Inviting, Cozy, Orderly, Preservation, Inspiration, Creative, and Unexpected. :)

    Reply

  • inviting
    comfy
    classic
    clean
    bright

    Our house was built in 1916 so it’s a fine line between wanting it to be classic and toddler/dog/kitten friendly :) . Your website is beautiful thanks for blogging!

    Reply

  • Hi Darlene, I am SO glad I came upon your blog and this post! Since moving last year, I’m really trying to hone in on what my husband and I love and what our family needs from our home. After 15 years together we found our belongings were too traditional for who we are and how we live! I love this approach to figuring out how we want our home to feel, look and function as opposed to choosing a design style and sticking to it!
    So far my list has: casual, comfortable, pulled together, meaningful, organized and welcoming. Can’t wait to read more here. I’ll make sure to take notes! Thanks so much for your advice!!
    PS I absolutely love what you did with Edie’s house. So eclectic and beautiful!

    Reply

  • I love this post! thanks for sending the link. Smile.
    my words::
    Charm
    Alluring
    Natural
    Comfortable
    A Shelter

    Reply

  • I truly wanted to make a simple word to appreciate you for all the awesome ideas you are writing here. My incredibly long internet investigation has now been recognized with really good tips to talk about with my company. I ‘d claim that many of us visitors actually are undeniably endowed to dwell in a fine community with many marvellous professionals with beneficial hints. I feel truly grateful to have come across the webpage and look forward to plenty of more brilliant minutes reading here. Thank you again for all the details.

    Reply

  • wow, such simple advice, yet I feel like I am so much closer to a vision! Thank you!

    Reply

  • Hi, Darlene. A friend of mine pinned your Overcoming Decorating Paralysis post and I love this approach to figuring out what I like. That’s my main issue…I haven’t spent enough time defining that. So, for step one, I found these words:

    funky
    artistic
    musical
    hip
    pop culture
    modern
    unexpected
    organized
    colorful
    creative

    Basically, I think I want my house to look like a Duran Duran music video…that’s cool, right? :)

    Reply

  • I have my list!

    welcoming
    warm
    hospitable
    informal
    quality
    peaceful
    charming
    storied
    relaxing
    kid-friendly
    light
    uncluttered
    open
    airy
    unpretentious
    natural

    Is that too many words?

    Reply

  • Great exercise. My list:
    Light
    inviting
    comfortable
    peaceful
    order

    and I have to “borrow” charming from the above post. originally beautiful came to mind but it seemed too generic. I think charming fits perfectly!

    Reply

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