What's your design personality?

Are the holidays putting you in a social state of mind and do you want to explore how to jazz up your home decor affordably and authentically to suit your unique design personality? Unless you are a professional interior designer, you won’t likely know how to describe your style. The truth is, you do have a style and you will feel comfortable with your space if you use it as a foundation. Follow this formula to ensure that new purchases will work with your existing furniture and that your new interior design makes you happy.

To get started, decide on the space you want to redesign. A foyer, family room, or dining room are all good candidates because you can make a big impact with a few well-selected items, and these areas usually have furniture and fixtures you already own that you can easily liven up with lamps, plants, artwork, window treatments, throw pillows, and area rugs.

Next, examine your space with a critical eye. Remove all visual clutter and strip the space down to the essentials. Grab a few boxes and clear all horizontal surfaces of knick knacks; throw away old mail and magazines; remove throw pillows; and roll up area rugs that may not match your new design scheme.

Now that you have a clean slate, it’s time to determine your design personality. According to Trinity Homes, there are five design styles: Scandinavian, Minimalist, Modern Farmhouse, Classic and Modern. Which one matches your personality and point of view?

• Design Style: Scandinavian

Personality: Friendly, stylish, interested in culture and elegance

This simple and uncomplicated interior design style contains an abundance of style and comfort. Minimalistic and functional is the key to achieving this look in your home.

• Design Style: Minimalist

Personality: Introverted, organized, methodical and efficient

Less is more is the key to this interior design style.  Minimalism design utilizes pared-down aesthetic design elements, stripping everything down to its most simple qualities.

• Design Style: Modern Farmhouse

Personality: Trendy yet classic, lively, chic

Rustic aesthetics are embraced in this trendy yet classic interior design style. New life is breathed into pieces of furniture with pops of color and new finishes.

• Design Style: Classic

Personality: Poised, elegant and balanced

Traditional, yet timeless décor is featured in homes with this interior design style. Dating back to 17th century Europe, classic design embraces history and heritage.

• Design Style: Modern

Personality: Driven, organized, professional

Modern design style embraces clean architectural lines and cubist forms. Primary colors are pure colors black, white, and neutrals with vibrant primary colors used as accents.

Now that you know your design personality, it’s time to curate on-trend lamps, plants, artwork, window treatments, throw pillows, and area rugs that fit your style and will instantly update and enhance your home décor.

For fun, explore on Pinterest, what trendy tastemakers are using to enhance their homes and see what may work for your space. Here’s a snapshot of what’s trending in 2019 :

• Mustard Yellow

• Textile Art

• Bold Prints

• Cactus and Succulent Arrangements

Some of my favorite home decor sources are Ballard Designs, Room and Board, Home Goods, Joss and Main, Wayfair, West Elm, Pier One, Target, IKEA and Home Depot. If you are tactile and like to see, feel and touch fabrics, art and accessories, go to the store. But, feel free to shop online too, just check out the return policies before you order.

When you know your design personality, reinventing a room can be a fun, rewarding experience to share with your friends and family this holiday season and for years to come.

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Tracy Wick, SRES, MUP is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist in Michigan with over 25 years of experience as a real estate consultant and client advocate. Tracy is an Associate Broker with Keller Williams and she can help guide you through your new home search ensuring that your most important transition is the right one for you. Find more articles on home buying, selling, elder transition and estate settlement at TracyWick.com or contact her directly at 248-912-7407 or twick@kw.com