Creating A Home To Love | A Guide For Dodging The Trends And Creating Lasting Beauty

This article was originally published in Invest In Style Magazine, contributed by, Judith Taylor, Founder & Principal Designer Judith Taylor Designs B.A.- I.D.D. – IDS Member

Judith Taylor is the founder of Judith Taylor Designs, a Toronto-based award-winning design rm that transforms clients’ homes into personal and meaningful spaces. Judith loves art, colour, pattern, couture details, and most of all she loves to be inspired by what you love.

 

 

When I moved into my first apartment, I promptly painted over the dated wall colour with a shade I thought I would love forever. Except once I was done, new colours were introduced in all the paint collections. The new colours looked so fresh and unexpected. By the time I had completed my de?cor, the rest of the design world had moved on and I was left in a room that quickly looked like I didn’t get the memo.

 

I was chasing after the trends and shouldn’t have been surprised that, as a result, I was falling behind. It seemed like I was on a treadmill that wouldn’t stop, chasing after looks I had seen and fallen in love with momentarily – can you relate? If your answer is yes, you’re probably thinking, “What to do then?” I believe the answer is to design around what YOU love.

 

Great Ways To Develop Your Style

 

Invest Well

Spend your budget wisely. Invest in fewer, better quality pieces. A sofa, for example, should give you quite a few years of enjoyment if the piece is well-made, the textile is graded for good wear-ability, and has stain resistance. Pick a neutral colour that works well for you. Use your artwork or rug for colour cues, and pieces that you already love that will guide you best.

 

Develop A Plan

It is easy to be swayed by what you see in the stores and seduced into a selection that unravels your entire colour scheme. Collect inspiration in the form of images and samples from selections you have already made. They will keep you on the right path when you are looking for that perfect piece to complete your room.

 

Take Cues From What You Love To Wear

 

Do you, for example, lean toward tailored clean lines? Then look for that in your de?cor. Upholstered pieces and window treatments can all reinforce your style when selected with a disciplined eye. By figuring out whether you prefer a look that is more tailored or romantic, sleek, edgy, industrial, architectural, or whatever you feel “your look” is, you will be able to define a cohesive look and one that is driven by your taste.

 

Think Style Not Fashion

What looks do you always find pleasing? Nature, for example, never goes out of style. But a stylized art nouveau leaf motif would be different than a mid-century interpretation, so think about style and the look you want. This “big picture” thinking will keep you on the right path.

 

Add personality – yours!

I’m sure you have seen photos of a room that didn’t look like anyone actually lived there…like it was fresh out of the showroom. To avoid the space looking like it lacks personality, bring in pieces that reflect who YOU are and what YOU love. It can be small pieces picked up on travels, collected on a side table, or pieces of locally purchased art. These additions tell stories in your space, making them timeless.

 

Use Meaningful Art

Show off your personal photos, mementos, and anything that evokes those warm and cherished memories. You don’t have to be a world class photographer. If you’ve been on a trip, consider purchasing art or professional photos that remind you of your travels.

 

Start Small

 

Thoughtfully choose the pieces that truly bring you joy. Then edit, edit, edit. Be ruthless. Display and enjoy YOUR treasures. What good are they packed away in a box?

 

Work with the Judith Taylor Design Team by contacting: hello@judithtaylordesigns.com