Every home tells a story - what will yours be?
Hi Home Lovers!
When we talk about telling the “STORY” of your home – what do we mean? Sounds like a great idea, very emotive and personal – but where do you even start?
I’m working with a new client and we’ve just finished making our way through Step 1 – Identifying your HOME-STYLE. I’m going to use this journey to illustrate how important your personal “STORY” is.
So now let me tell you a story…
One of the many mansions from Downtown Abbey.
Working with Kathryn is one of the most interesting style explorations I’ve undertaken. She has a beautiful English Country + Cottage style – think the classic period drama Downtown Abbey. She lives in a classic Federation bungalow which is about to undergo a major transformation – large enough that we can tweak the period style of the home.
As with every client – when we started downloading the mental images in her mind and matching them to inspo pics – I could see her style preferences were made up of SEVERAL homes.
See, you’re not the only one! I know you get overwhelmed with all those competing styles in your head, but it’s completely normal. Our style preferences have been building since childhood – they just need some sorting and clearing out!
I’m strategic in my image selection and I’m pushing her to choose over and over again … and over and over again, two different key styles emerge. One was a cosy cottage feel, the other a formal manor. I called it the “BATTLE OF STYLES”!
When I shared my insights with Kathryn she said – “I know, I know. I can’t decide – I like both upstairs and downstairs!”. BEST CLIENT QUOTE EVER!!
Now you have to be a Downtown Abby fan (like myself) to know what we’re talking about. Upstairs was home to the lords and ladies, downstairs was home to the servant class. Formal luxury VS cosy cottage. But all still English Country.
Downstairs kitchen at Downtown Abbey.
Now the best styles are a blend, but you have to decide which style is going to take the lead and to make this decision it comes down to STORY!
A part of the HOME-STYLE process is the Inside-Out Concept – where we blend the interior style with the exterior and make sure the style of the home flows seamlessly inside and out. I asked Kathryn – “What story do you want to tell the street, your neighbours, visitors – yourselves when arriving home.”
She described a “wholesome and family home, a kind house, a warm house”. This was Kathryn’s story. What more could you ask for?
This story resolved the “Battle of Styles” quickly and we knew the more laid back Country Cottage had to lead the way combined with formal elements of English Manor.
Kathryn’s Story:
“A wholesome family home, a kind house, a warm house.”
DESIGN TIP: HOW TO DEFINE YOUR STORY.
No one just reels off the perfect STORY for their home - we’re not all poets! Best way to start is with key words.
Grab your journal and just start writing, don’t hold back - this is just for you! Ask yourself what STORY you want to tell - feelings, values, personality…
Then look through all that scribble for the words that keep on repeating and make them your framework.
So if you’re confused about styles and getting anxious trying to make decisions about which direction to follow – take a step back and define the family story you want your home to tell.
Linda XO
English Country Style Kitchen - Design Concept (Linda Woods Design)
If you want to create a NO REGRETS dream home and feel super-confident and informed along the way, we’re your perfect partner!
linda woods - interior designer
Want to discover your Home-Style?
I can’t wait to learn your design story and create a beautiful vision for your dream home. Let’s get started!