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The next step is to look at the accessories.

Determine the color and scale of accessories that appeal to you.  Do you like collections of small objects or one large sculpture in the corner? 

Are the walls bare or full of hanging art? One main piece or lots of  smaller related items? 

Are there plants and/or fresh flowers?  Do you think the containers add to the appeal?

Are there pictures and mirrors propped on the floor, mantle or shelves?  Do you like clutter on flat surfaces or prefer lots of storage to keep everything out of sight?

Are there pillows on the furniture or floor?  Large, small, neutral or colorful?

Do the things you currently own fit into the style you have identified?  If yes, are they arranged in a way that appeals to you?  Rearranging small items and purchasing or making inexpensive accessories is something you can do immediately to change the look of your room.

Next lights and lighting …

Once you have a collection of pictures that you like, start looking for themes.  You probably chose the pictures just because you like them.  Now you can determine exactly what you like and be able to tell a decorating professional what feel you want in a room.

Do all of the rooms have lots of windows, bare floors and few furnishings or are they cozier rooms in dark colors with plush furnishings? 

Are the furnishings oversized and down filled upholstered pieces or do you prefer wood, leather, plastic and small scale fabric pieces?

Do your ideal rooms feature blinds and shades or silk draperies pooling on the floor with valances, tiebacks, tassels and yards of trim?

What flooring materials speak to you.  Wall to wall carpeting?   Wood, bamboo, tile, cement?  You can add colorful or neutral rugs to any of them.  Look at your pictures and see what you like best.

Look at the colors.  Have you chosen neutrals, subdued or bright colors? 

Are the walls painted, papered or paneled?  Are there murals or faux finishes?

Soon you will be able to identify things you like even in a room that lacks overall appeal. 

Next accessories …

This is the first in a series of posts to give you some steps you can take to find your own unique decorating style.

You want to redecorate.  You know you don’t like the look and feel of your home.  You want something new and you have no idea what to do about it.  Find your decorating style and it will be much easier to make changes with confidence.

Does Country appeal to you?  American, English, French, Scandinavian?  Or some variation of all of them?  Southwest, Oriental?  Maybe you are more Traditional or love some of the Mid Century pieces you see.  If you like a little of each — you have an Eclectic style.

The name of the style is not as important as identifying the overall look you like

Where do you begin?  Which style is yours?

Start with decorating magazines.  If you don’t know which ones you like, go to the library and review several.  They each have their own look.  Once you find a few that appeal, buy the latest edition.  Start your idea file by tearing out pictures that interest you.

Clip pictures of whole rooms or specific elements such as furniture, lamps, accessories or colors.  Look at the ads as well as the articles, you will often find your ideas there.

Also collect pictures of rooms you really do not like.  If you decide to work with a professional, the “don’t likes” will tell her as much about your style as the pictures you love.

Next time … identifying your style.