What Does Your Home Say About You?
Every now and then, I receive a call from a homeowner who has just purchased a home. They’re anxious to set up house and move in. And when I ask about their favorite design style they’ll say something like “Our style is Mid Century Modern” or “We love the Mediterranean Spanish style”.
…Soon after, I‘ll learn that the home they’ve just purchased is built in a style that conflicts with their personal taste. A French Colonial home filled with Mid Century Modern furnishings isn’t going to feel quite right. Or sleek, contemporary metal and glass furnishings in a Cape Cod style house won’t feel right either.
Caution! If you want to achieve an overall flow to your new home, it’s a good idea to consider the architectural style of the home you are about to purchase. You’ve heard the expression, “from the inside out”? Well, it goes both ways. You don’t want your friends and family to feel as though they’ve been transplanted to another time and place when they cross your threshold do you? Probably not. So, unless you plan to start from scratch and ditch your belongings, buyer beware.
Ok, I get it. The home you just purchased was irresistible for other reasons, like price, school districts, etc. Let’s talk about how to “bridge the gap” between two opposite design styles.
Here are 4 Ways to Bridge the Gap
Pay attention to the form or line of features such as a stair balustrade or the shape of the doorways. Mimic these lines or shapes in the furnishings you use. An arched doorway, for instance works well with curvy sofa legs or a round cocktail table. Or perhaps the pattern on the fabric you’re considering has lots of curves as well?
Maybe the front porch offers brick and iron. Reface the fireplace in a similar brick or even the pattern of the brick will help to bridge the gap.
Bring in new furnishings if you need them and let them act as accents or even “art” in the room. This will also help to blend opposing styles.
Use a color scheme throughout that works with the exterior of your home. Try to keep it limited to 3 or 4 colors and just vary the shades to make it feel like more. If you work in one color from one room’s scheme to the next, this will also improve the flow.
If you’re wondering what your style is, you can take my style quiz to figure out what it is and get some designer tips from me.
