How to Develop Your Personal Style
Hey Everyone!! First, I’d like to start by saying you all simply showed up and showed out on me with my dining room reveal. I honestly did not think I would have gotten such rave reviews and wonderful compliments. It REALLLLLY made your girl feel good. I sometimes feel weary about how my style may be received but I push through, let it evolve, put it out there and see how it goes. I must admit when I look back at some of my décor, I think to myself (did I really like this look) lol… luckily I have a sense of humor with myself and I’m a thrifter, so changing and evolving into my style is easy. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been taking more and more chances stepping out of my comfort zone. One thing I believe is I’ll always have an appreciation for antiques and I could never imagine not having a single piece in my home. In fact, I have some happy news to share with you…I was recently asked by Heather Bien at MYDOMAINE to share my favorite vintage find. Guys, seriously, I had to pinch myself that I was actually featured on such a huge platform (again) – my first huge platform was a home tour in Flea Market Décor Magazine) and to share a vintage item… WOW!! I was featured with seven other designers and you can read the entire article on MYDOMAINE.
I’ve never professed myself as a designer (no formal education), but I do consider myself a decorator. I’ve always loved decorating and seeing beautiful homes but didn’t ever pursue it as a career (silly me). But over the years, I’ve learned a few things – through trial and error – on what I love and how I evolve my spaces. I’ll share a few tips that has helped me and hopefully will be helpful to you to.
Tip 1 – I Don’t Get Stuck on Trends
It’s great to have a few pieces/items but I try to curb my enthusiasm with trendy items because they’re not around for long. It’s just a fad. I can’t tell you how many countless pieces from Home Goods, Pier One, Ross’s etc.. I’ve seen in thrift stores. In fact, it’s becoming harder to find the good vintage pieces that use to once grace the shelves and give me sheer delight.
Tip 2 – I Hit Fabric Outlets
I get a lot of my inspiration while shopping for fabrics. Mixing patterns is extremely fun and also allows the freedom to think outside the box.
Tip 3 – I Hit Nurseries
Plants not only help clean the air in the home, but they’re also great fillers. They help add charm and life to dull areas in my home.
Tip 4 – I Look for Inspiration
I buy used Home Décor magazines & books, read other blogs and do Google searches to look for styles that excite me. I didn’t think layering rugs was going to be so exciting until I started seeing them and decided to give it a try.
Tip 5 – I Buy What I Love
Bad habit – maybe – but since I thrift 99% of everything, if I later decide I’m not going to use it, I can sell it (sometimes I turn a profit, sometimes I break even) either way, I don’t lose out. You know by now, nothing haunts you like the TOTGA.. {the one that got away}.
One absolute important TIP that is a must-do is “BE TRUE TO YOURSELF”. Follow your gut and go for it. Only YOU know what YOU like and want to see in YOUR home. Find it, style it, love it and be happy decorating your home. It’s nice to have someone to bounce ideas around with and get their opinions, but in the end, the final decision is yours. Again, I hope my few tips helped you understand how I found my style and will be helpful to you.
Thank you again for being so supportive of my blog and following along as I thrift my house into a home!
CIAO!!!
I loved this article and your style. Design is an ever evolving process and when you find your true self you find your true style. Keep evolving lady. You have the magic touch. Eureka!
Jamala, what I love most about your home is that it so uniquely you. I feel like I am wandering around some fabulous shop that has collected things from all over the world. You blend high/low seamlessly. And although I don’t know you personally, I get a sense of what you truly love and who you really are. Keep it up, my sister.
You look Fantastic!! . . . Stay True to yourself is the best mantra for us all.
Great pic at the end! I agree with you 💯: Stay true to yourself when decorating the space you call home. It’s a sanctuary and should be designed first and foremost for your personal comfort and joy. Secondarily, the comfort of visitors is to be considered. NEVER should the decorating be at the whim of fashion. Fads come and go. What’s hot today is often ice cold tomorrow. The sign of a home decorator who is true to their own style is when they can sort through what they TRULY love and what’s a mere impulse buy. I’ve been collecting blue and white chinoiserie pieces for decades. You can only imagine my dismay when it became a part of this while “grandmillennial” decorating thing. It is a part of classic design and has passed the test of time. I’m fearful of how this current fad may devalue its place in the long run. I will continue to love and collect it long after the hoopla has died down and the dust has settled…because it is something I have always admired and treasured as a part of my personal decorating style.
YOU fully embrace your decorating style, and I so admire that! You can walk into a room and feel overjoyed and comfortable. You have fun with it. You take the time to seek out pieces that being you that joy associated with YOUR style. I salute you, and congratulations on completing a work of art in your home!
What a great way to cap off all the hard work you did for the Design Challenge! Thank-you for the tips too, especially for fabric. The fabrics you choose always look so lux!
You do a wonderful job with your textures colors and layering of items. It is no surprise to me that you were featured congratulations.
I have enjoyed following along for a few years now! I love your style!
Congratulations on being featured… you deserve it!