Your home's interiors should be a reflection of your taste
Who says your house has to look a certain way? Your home isn't a movie set, it also isn't museum.
Your home is your home, and it should speak volumes about you. It should say welcome; I like the colors blue and orange, or brown and pink. There are no wrong or right color combinations, it is all in how they are used and juxtaposed together.
Ultimately, your home's interiors should be a reflection of your taste. No apologies, no excuses.
Your home is also much more than just the architecture or the walls that enclose your space. It is both an intimate and public expression of your life, your likes and passions. This is why I always advocate that homeowners do a bit of homework before undertaking the sometimes dangerous process of decorating. Dangerous, because some homeowners may be led by what they may see in a design magazine or book.
What the reader sees generally consists of images of work that has already been completed, and although a very current publication may be featuring someone's home, it may have been done a long time ago.
Following the trends in furniture shops closely can also be a dangerous path. While we like an accessory or color that we are seeing everywhere, it may be too popular, and then your home will look like everyone else's … or you just might get tired of the very popular design trick quickly. This is why I repeat: It is your home, let it reflect you.
The best place to start is by focusing on what is important to you. Are you into overstuffed furniture, antiques, contemporary art? Pick one thing that is extremely important for you to have in your home and take that as your starting point.
It takes a bit of soul searching, but knowing your likes is uber-important. Often, a client will say they have no preferences, until they see your first selection of fabrics and furnishings … and very quickly they will tell you they like or dislike it. So, everyone does know.
It is true that some homeowners can vocalize or visualize easier than others. However, everyone does have a basic knowledge or preconceived idea of what they like or can live with. Being extremely sincere with your designer should make the design process run more smoothly. A good designer should be able to channel your design criteria into a cohesive interior design scheme.
The object is to love your home when you are through organizing and decorating your home. Designing for your home should take into consideration all the individuals that permanently reside in the home. This approach may mean making small concessions or compromises, like re-covering your mother's swivel chair or re-purposing a family heirloom, but it can still be filled with style. Everyone should have a little input so the home is appreciated by all.
A home that is loved by all, is taken care of by all. Thus, lightening the burden of upkeep on one or two members of the family.
• Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida.
© 2016, Creators Syndicate