A recent email conversation with designer
Danielle Wallinger of StudioD designs, had me thinking about regional style. These images are from Danielle's portfolio, a New York transplant by way of Arizona. Danielle's work reflects the popular decor style of the South West, but she's more than able and happy to give her new clients in this part of the country the interior look they want. Which leads me to this...when deciding on your own decor, do you look to transfuse other styles from across the nation or even world, or do you stick with what's popular in your neck of the woods? Here, where I live, the popular style is mostly New England colonial preppy...how do you set your decor GPS?
Images via: StudioD designs
Living in Queensland Australia where it's so hot that you can fry an egg on the pavement for 10 months per year, there's a definite style. Our style is colourful and relaxed. It suits our tropical climate.
ReplyDeleteI never even thought about regional style when selecting decor. As I'm one who is relatively immune to trends, I think the type of style I prefer is classic enough that works most anywhere.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great question! I really like to stick with a classic style which probably reflects my regional (southern roots). But I definitely think its fun to incorporate design from places that we have traveled... so I guess we have a little bit of a global influence in our casa!! : )
ReplyDeletegreat question, sue. as you can probably tell, I'm trying to break outta my southern mold of dark, traditional mahogany furniture. maybe that's why I'm drawn to the light and airy scandy look. I'm not totally going there, but shooting for a better mix. so hard. would love to have a look that's impossible to define...
ReplyDeleteA question worth thinking about... I guess since I inherited a bunch of European antiques, they set the tome of the house. There's not much straying you can do in a 1920's farmhouse!
ReplyDeletexxoo
Interesting question to ponder...In the NW you see such an eclectic range of decor styles. Maybe it's because there are so many transplanted people here? My design DNA is influenced by my grandmother's style--very traditional, a little English,a fondness for old things. But mostly, I live with what I love. I wonderful if we ever left Seattle how my style would evolve?
ReplyDeleteTerrific question, Sue!
I design with what I love. My style is pretty classic with a little modern and a little french country. It might change depending on where I end up later on, but probably not by much.
ReplyDeleteWe stick with what we are comfortable in. I believe in surrounding yourself with the things you love, so for those who are transplants that sometimes means having decor that is not necessarily "normal" for your area.
ReplyDeleteI design with things that looks appealing to me and mostly, with colors that I love. By the way, I really love the table and bench in the first picture. The bathroom is very gorgeous, too!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
Jessie
That is a most witty way to get us thinking about what defines us! I do know that what I would like to have and what I can afford are two totally different things. So I do the best I can to morph the opposites and hopefully keep it attractive :) XO, Kelly
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting point, I haven't thought about it before. I'm very drawn to Hollywood Regency and living in San Francisco I'm not that far off from the region. However, I do try to pick up pieces when traveling to add some layers of interest. But if I had to pick a favorite look, it's that California beachy every time.
ReplyDeleteI haven't truly begun to style our new home in the Denver suburbs, but from what I've seen here so far (except for in the homes of the very wealthy), the regional style is boooring and tends to fall in one of 2 categories: 1. Go to American Furniture Warehouse and buy an entire room as is, or 2. Recycled mishmash (I say recycled rather than upcycled because so few people seem to DO anything with the furniture they salvage). I won't be including either of those styles as I decorate our home, thank-you-very-much! But, through art and accessories, I do hope to incorporate small touches that nod to the pioneer history of our area.
ReplyDeleteGreat question! I always try to keep with the integrity of the house style. Of course, it's always fun to add a twist. In the end though, if you surround yourself with what you love -that is your unique style and the perfect one.
ReplyDeletetheir design is sooo my style, i love it!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a fabulous question! Well, I don't personally but I love when people do. It says that they love where they live and have fully embraced who they are.
ReplyDeleteWe decorate with things we like. I know what you mean though-it seems people are trend obsessed, or even with decorating styles in their area. My mom always loved the beach, and by golly decided she would decorate with that theme regardless of how everyone around her decorated (traditional, preppy, southern style). I think I probably took my cue from her.
ReplyDeleteI love that high backed red chair. So cool. I love the style in these images. So fun!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Lila Ferraro
I usually like to find one piece that I really love and then design around it -- so the vibe of the room depends on the vibe of the piece.
ReplyDeletexo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com
I don't think I've used regional style in my own home so much, mainly choosing pieces simply for the fact that I love them, with classic style, but an interesting idea! Hope you're having a lovely week, darling ... and a fabulous weekend ahead!
ReplyDeleteLiving in the Midwest, I think this is such an interesting and unique style compared to what I'm used to. I'm not sure that I'd use it much in my own home, I still think it has such a nice, fun, and laid-backed vibe!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great question, and one that I have been struggling with lately! Since we have been in Europe my taste has evolved a LOT to reflect the impressions our time here has had on me...but planning to build next year in Portland, OR makes me wonder...will our European-looking house look strangely out of place or will it look great??!! I am hoping for the latter...I am a big believer in designing what you love, but will the neighbors agree? :)
ReplyDeleteI think my Design GPS has been influenced by all of the places I've lived. And the things I've collected along the way. But, by far, my favorite style evolved in Charlotte - it's when I was able to do entire rooms at once and less mis matched.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog :)
ReplyDeleteMy home is New England through and through, as for my individual decorating style? I think I'm still trying to figure that out. It changes almost monthly!
Interesting concept. I guess I look to the other side of the world since I most love European influences in my decorating.....but being a southern girl at heart there is definitely a true "southern influence" in all I do.....from decorating to the way I like to entertain to the kind of stationary I buy so its a juxtaposition between the deep south and Europe! How about that for a confused design GPS thats "all over the map"!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is sucha good question...its funny but I designed my place around the idea of where I wanted to be rather than where I am actually living.. somewhere warm, welcoming with bits of spanish influence. really enjoying ur blog :)
ReplyDeleteHmmm...I think its designed around our life and the many places it has taken us. :) ...mostly tropical with euro flair.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good point that you make, we are definitely infuenced by where we live. I do think that blogs/shows/mags are making the world a little smaller and we can be influenced on a bigger scale sometimes. Having said that I can see that I swoon over many LA designers work, and I am only a few hours north in Vancouver, so maybe that means something!
ReplyDeleteNancy xo
Great question. I am realizing how regional design really is the more I blog. When I talk with clients in Little Rock, Belgian design, light interiors with the gray which I have grown to love through blogging is not even on most people's radar. Taking people forward here is a process and education. Not that I think this look is what everyone should have or even want, I'm just saying you have posed a great question because design is very regional and we as bloggers are in more of a bubble than we think. Have a great week. Mona
ReplyDeletehmmm...probably classic and traditional with a touch of whimsy, combined with the love of family antiques and heirlooms all from my Southern roots.
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