Article Posted: 2011-01-27

Finding Style & Inspiration

Article by: Christian Braid, Category: Design

Style is the way one expresses him or herself, it's an individual choice.  And it can be seen through a variety of forms... through fashion, music, or in how you carry yourself.

But when it comes to home decor, style for some can be a constant pursuit. And people are willing to spend money on it in order to find it.

The market for bed, bath and home furnishings is forecast to reach $27 billion in North America by the end of 2015 according to the Global Industry Analysts Inc.

So before you become a big spender... exactly how do you find style?

"It's each to their own"... according to Design Expert Heather Seale of Braid flooring. Seale says there really is no right or wrong when it comes to style, it's very individual.

Seale understands when designing a new home or just making renovations trying to determine a style can be a daunting task.

So where do you start?... "Find inspirations," says Seale.

"Take a look around you. There's always a certain piece of furniture or some type of art work that might inspire a certain style," says Seale.

A piece of art could either dictate a modern or contemporary look; it could inspire a cottage feel or one that's more urban chic. Or perhaps it's a statue that you bought in Europe, or the colours of the favorite Mexican restaurant that you go to weekly. Inspirations can come from anywhere, and Seale says all you have to do is open your eyes to it.

The design expert says when working with clients who are trying to find their style one of her favorite things to do is to send them to their closet.

"The test... take a look at your clothes that are hanging in your closet and pick out three pieces of clothing that you love." Seale says from that she usually can determine what people might like when it comes to personal style. For example - a crisp white shirt means you're more formal, tailored, and traditional.