Before we get into the nitty gritty of 15 minute decor ideas, we have one little housekeeping task on the list. Because the truth is you can recreate all the ideas on Pinterest but if you haven’t nailed down your personal style then you won’t love what you’ve done– and what’s the point of that? Finding your personal style is easier than you think, and it can be done in– wait for it– 15 MINUTES.
I bet you saw that one coming.
Earlier this year I wrote about how to make a signature style board, but here’s an even quicker way to do so. Having a handle on your personal style will make decisions much easier about what to buy, add, and/or take away decor-wise. I might share an idea you LIKE, but let’s get to the root of how you can make it your own to really and truly LOVE it. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about decorating, it’s to use what you love. Everything else will be a regret. Out shopping, and not sure whether to buy something? Ask yourself one question– do I love it? If the answer is no, that decision is much easier.
Back to your style board. Here’s mine from January:
Funny thing. Without quite realizing it, I’ve emulated this board in my home over the past few months. I bought those green earrings, used the honeycomb pattern for my business cards, and this tickles me but I bought a small silver owl at the thrift store as seen in my family command center!
Here’s how you can find your own signature style, in under 15 minutes. Head on over to Pinterest. Probably you already have an account, but if not, start one. Then, create a My Style (or name it something fun & fancy) board. Now, pin! Visit your various boards and pin your VERY FAVORITE THINGS. The images that make your heart sing, the things that you LOVE. If you want, visit your favorite catalog or magazine online and pin from there. Where do you love to shop? A place you love to travel? Favorite food? Pin away! Try to keep it under 15 minutes, that way you won’t waffle on whether to include something or not– if you love it, you’ll pin it to your board.
Here’s my Personal Style pinboard. When I see it, I go ‘ahhhhhhhhh’. To get an overall view, you can zoom out and it narrows all your pins into one place– or, almost one place. I had a lot of pins. 😉 To do this on my computer, I go to the View menu and there’s a zoom command listed.
Take a look. What themes do you see again and again? Here’s what I want you to jot down, make a big ‘ol list:
- colors that repeat
- the dominant metallic
- patterns- which ones do you see?
- any themes or symbols?
- what’s the overall style?
- what words pop into your mind when you see your board?
Here’s my list:
- colors: neutrals, yellows, whites, blues
- metal: gold
- patterns: honeycomb, triangles, stripes, faux bois
- symbols: items from nature– bees, leaves, feathers
- overall style: vintage with a modern spin; casual
- words: clean, simple, fresh, happy
Now that you know your style, we can move forward with tons of 15 minute decor ideas. If you don’t like something I spraypainted gold, you’ll know you’ll love it more if it’s oil rubbed bronze. Hate that I dip dyed something blue? You might love it pink! You can ignore my honeycomb fabric but know you’ll love the same fabric in stripes. You have the key for a totally customized PERFECT FOR YOU look!
By the way, everything I learned about signature style I learned from Darlene of Fieldstone Hill. Browse her site to get to the heart of designing with what you love. Her design tips are brilliant.
Now go forth and FIND YOUR PERSONAL STYLE! Leave a link here to your board so we can find it and learn your style. That’ll help me tweak the ideas in my series, too. Which words define your personal style?
Find links to all the 31 Days of Fifteen Minute Decorating Ideas Here.
This is so good and so true. I’ve been very careful to only buy things I absolutely LOVE for my home and this has resulted in a clean look that I enjoy. Every rom isn’t done and my pickiness means i dont have a coffee table, but I am happier in a slightly bare room with things I love rather than a room full of crap I don’t. This is gonna be a fun series!
xoxo
YES! The coffee table will find you, and when it does you’re going to love it. I almost bought a kitchen table I only sorta liked the other day because the price was right, but when I put a picture in my head of what I wanted vs. what I almost bought it didn’t match up. I’m so happy I held out, I know the right table will find us someday! Until then, we’re using our old one and continuing to save to buy what we love. 😉 Love the idea of a slightly bare room vs. a room full of crap you don’t like. I’m stealing that line!
Thank you for this series! I found your blog on Pinterest and I look forward to catching up on your posts. I love to decorate, but I think pinterest has really stiffled my abilities. Comparisons, homeade junk that starts to look cheap…etc! I’ll be following!
Thanks for following! I TOTALLY agree about Pinterest. I can hardly go on there before I start to feel anxious about what everyone else is doing. I think that’s why finding your personal style is so important so you can turn off the computer and find inspiration in other places. Thanks again for following along and I can’t wait to see what you make!