Wonderful interiors have one element in common, style. Style provides the constraints to which the essence of a room is defined. This is the starting point for every interior. The fun thing about style is we each get to choose our own. It is kind of like food, we select our own flavor. 
One can choose the casual beachy vibe from Ralph Lauren’s Jamaican retreat. Photo: Architectural Digest 
The traditionalist might be more apt to choose something with a bit more sophistication and glamour. Photo: CA Home & Design 
For someone tuned into history, their interior might represent a more classic flavor. Photo: Architectural Digest
Where does one start with selecting an interior style? In most cases they begin at front door, or more importantly the particular architecture of a home.
Certain homes dictate a certain style due to the significant details of the home’s architecture. Play to a home’s strengths. If your home has very distinctive features which scream a certain style, go with it. Other homes which are non-descriptive offer a much looser interpretation allowing more options in interior decorating styles. Mixing styles can be tricky, this is where an interior designer can be a valuable resource.
Successful interiors are the same as a great meal, they should leave one satisfied and confident.
Whatever your style, just like with a meal, keep the same flavor profile throughout. One wouldn’t serve a spicy enchilada as a side dish to spaghetti or a hot dog with champagne. The same idea applies to interiors. One should be able to look around a room and get an instant snapshot of a home’s style, not visual indigestion. A rustic mountain log cabin needs a coordinating interior, decorating in old Hollywood Glamour style would be strange and unsettling. (In the right professional hands, this could also be fabulous.)
Trends blow in and out like the weather. Style is something which can transcend time. Just like with a great meal, interior styles allow a distinctive flavor to weave throughout a home. Decorating with style allows everyone who enters your home a satisfying experience.
With so many interior styles to choose from, we are bringing you a new Style category here on the Decor Girl blog for 2013. Throughout each month we will offer posts covering the signature elements for different styles ranging from contemporary to classic, along with casual to glamorous. Whatever your style desires are we will have something to inspire your interior decorating efforts.
Great style is easily definable and recognizable. What is your interior style?
