THE STYLES | Style can be interpreted in so many ways. Each of us has a clothing style, a hairstyle, a style of mannerisms and habits that are unlike anyone else’s. Our preferences are the lens we look through to determine the things we like or dislike. Even if we can’t always identify them concretely or put them into words, they’re there, informing our daily choices. In this chapter, I break down a different kind of style, but one I believe truly matters. It’s defined by how we feel when we enter a room—the things we notice, feel drawn to, or even find ourselves resisting. These subtle prompts help to inform our own personal design bent. And once we understand what that is, we can work to create a home that is not only inviting but feels meaningful to us as well.
In this chapter, I want you to get to know the characteristics and qualities of the six foundational styles I’m featuring in this book. As you find yourself responding to a certain look of a room, this will help you put language to what it is that you’re seeing and feeling. This is by no means an exhaustive list—I’m unpacking these genres using generalizations and terms that may not fully define your style. Still, I do think they will serve as helpful guardrails as you work to define a look that is all your own.
My hope is that what you discover about your preferred aesthetic will enable you to better define how you want to approach the design of every part of your home. What you will take away is a foundation, a combination of styles, or even simply a list of words that you’ve seen used here to describe something that speaks to you.
THE HOMES | I believe that visual examples are helpful when it comes to identifying your preferred design approach. Following the six foundational styles are twenty-two homes that represent a range and combination of those looks. I’ve given a descriptive name to each house and identified the primary styles it represents. Very few, if any, of these houses will be just one look or genre. They tend to be more eclectic than that. Every space you see in this book will reflect that notion because I believe that a gathered approach is essential to creating spaces that are a true representation of you and the people who share your home.
FARMHOUSE
[farmhouse]?: the main dwelling place on a farm.
KEY DESCRIPTORS
NOSTALGICCOTTAGEDISTRESSED
CASUALAUTHENTICEXPOSED BRICK
THE STYLES | Style can be interpreted in so many ways. Each of us has a clothing style, a hairstyle, a style of mannerisms and habits that are unlike anyone else’s. Our preferences are the lens we look through to determine the things we like or dislike. Even if we can’t always identify them concretely or put them into words, they’re there, informing our daily choices. In this chapter, I break down a different kind of style, but one I believe truly matters. It’s defined by how we feel when we enter a room—the things we notice, feel drawn to, or even find ourselves resisting. These subtle prompts help to inform our own personal design bent. And once we understand what that is, we can work to create a home that is not only inviting but feels meaningful to us as well.
In this chapter, I want you to get to know the characteristics and qualities of the six foundational styles I’m featuring in this book. As you find yourself responding to a certain look of a room, this will help you put language to what it is that you’re seeing and feeling. This is by no means an exhaustive list—I’m unpacking these genres using generalizations and terms that may not fully define your style. Still, I do think they will serve as helpful guardrails as you work to define a look that is all your own.
My hope is that what you discover about your preferred aesthetic will enable you to better define how you want to approach the design of every part of your home. What you will take away is a foundation, a combination of styles, or even simply a list of words that you’ve seen used here to describe something that speaks to you.
THE HOMES | I believe that visual examples are helpful when it comes to identifying your preferred design approach. Following the six foundational styles are twenty-two homes that represent a range and combination of those looks. I’ve given a descriptive name to each house and identified the primary styles it represents. Very few, if any, of these houses will be just one look or genre. They tend to be more eclectic than that. Every space you see in this book will reflect that notion because I believe that a gathered approach is essential to creating spaces that are a true representation of you and the people who share your home.
FARMHOUSE
[farmhouse]?: the main dwelling place on a farm.
KEY DESCRIPTORS
NOSTALGIC? COTTAGE? DISTRESSED
CASUAL? AUTHENTIC? EXPOSED BRICK
PRIMITIVE? INVITING? SHIPLAP
ORGANIC? AGED? ?WIDE PLANKS
GATHERED? SIMPLE LINES? PORCHES
Historically, farmhouses were primary residences in rural or agricultural settings that were often passed down generationally. If you are drawn to a farmhouse style, you appreciate items that are homemade and authentic. Like the traditionalist, you appreciate the story behind a piece. However, you don’t want it to feel ostentatious but rather grounded and humble. Instead of choosing pieces with embellishment and added detail, you prefer the inherent texture of aged materials.
MODERN
[mod-ern]?: of or relating to present and recent time; not antiquated or obsolete.
KEY DESCRIPTORS
MIDCENTURY? MONOCHROMATIC? ANGULAR
CONTEMPORARY EDITED? ARTISTIC
RETRO? STRAIGHTFORWARD? AVANT-GARDE
OPEN CONCEPT? STARK? MINIMAL
SCANDINAVIAN? HIGH CONTRAST? ?TEXTURED
The modernist prefers a minimal look. You are contented when a space is pared down to the essentials. You prefer clean lines in your furniture, cabinets, and light fixtures. The modernist warms up a space with texture and textiles, but isn’t afraid of abstraction. For you, the beauty is in the simplicity of your space. Everyday items that are displayed are practical, not excessive. The modernist isn’t as interested in story or sentiment. Instead, the comforts you surround yourself with tend to be more focused on form and function.
