Decorating is a learned skill. It consist of following a few rules and incorporating restraint. If you have a desire to learn to decorating, study a bit and you will find the way . . .
However, "Style", is a horse of a different color . . . a room with style often breaks the rules, and still manages to create a pleasing space. Style is not learned, but comes naturally.
To have style is much like being a "artist," you either have it or you don't . . .
A room with great style is a space you will not soon forget. It makes you wonder . . . it leaves you wanting more.
I love to walk into a well-decorated space . . . but a space with style makes me leave dancing. Do you agree that there is a difference between decorating and style? How would you explain the difference?
Beautiful images.
ReplyDeleteDecorating and style. Style to me, is not only thinking outside the box. Style is the idea of not necessarily sticking with trends and fads, but creating a personal timeless look. Decorating often includes trends and fads. It takes restraint in both instances, though. At least for me it does.:-)
I love settees and mini sofas with dining room tables :)
ReplyDeleteTOTALLY agree! Great post. I think people have to learn to create their own style, be reflective of who they are and their personality! Too many times people go into a show room, and say that is what I want.....really? why, is it really you? Yes, either you have it or you don't! And if you don't dig deeper, look into your closet see whatyour clothes choices are, if they are boring and blah, chances are that is what your style in your home is....spice it up, think outside the box! It's fun! And not everyone may like it, but if you do, that is what matters!~
ReplyDeletePat makes a great point...don't be too trendy in your home, that is where we get stuck, when that goes out then your home looks dated. We keep our home looking timeless Old World style, it is not a trend it is timeless and been around forever! Mix old with new, that is fun too!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Style is just showing your personality in your home. If you are very chic and modern, then your home should reflect that, if you are warm and cozy, then your home should look like that too. At any rate, I like for room to be created over time and not matchy, matchy. I think you can incorporate several different styles if they have harmony in color and balance. You are so right. It is hard to describe style. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeletegasp ... I thot I had a "little" st_ _e ... that is until my eyes landed on these images ...
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, anyone can decorate, but it takes heart to have style, and a little big of savy doesn't hurt either!
ReplyDeleteThe first room with the brown toile is a room that I have drooled over for a long time. I want that room and maybe someday I'll have it.
It does have style, that's for sure.
I just love your blog. Thanks for being you.
hugs
Sissie
I think it's wonderful when we have both and the courage to do as WE like! :D
ReplyDeleteOh amen to this. I so agree. I tell people all the time you either have it, or you dont. Style is hard to learn. You can do the textbook stuff but if you dont have the style, the magic wont happen.
ReplyDeleteI definitely see a difference between the two. I see decorating being more traditional and predictable, and sort of matchy-matchy or not too imaginative. Style is more of an innate sense and really gives a room some personality.
ReplyDeleteYou've said it all so perfectly. I know what you mean about leaving a place dancing. What a great post.
ReplyDeletehugs
Great post, now it is more clear to me. I enjoy a nicely decorated home but would not want to have it for myself. It is the style homes that I want for myself. You are right they usually are out of the box. I also enjoyed all the comments that were left. I will come back later to read more. Have a nice Sunday. sandi
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is a difference between style and decorated. Anyone can hire a decorator and end up with a lovely space/home. However, it is all in the details that give a space style. I think of Bunny Williams who is a fantastic designer, but also has style. You can stare at her rooms for hours. She is genius at layering collections and objects d'art creating rooms that have evolved over time. It shows her interests, intelligence, passion and personality. Her home does not look "decorated."
ReplyDeleteWow! Wow! I'm awed! I'm in love! You are so RIGHT. Give me style!
ReplyDeleteYou've nailed it....
ReplyDeleteStyle is a creature of its own.
I think if we allow ourselves to be open and absorb the delightful world around us, we will develop our own unique and interesting style.
annie
Love the first and third pics here. Now, those are MY style. And I do believe that "style" as we commonly think of it is something you either have or you don't BUT, at the same time, I really admire anyone who chooses to live with their own personal style no matter how unconventional or quirky. I'd rather see individual, authentically styled rooms than one after another of a "style" that's "in" or "hot" right now.
ReplyDeleteFirst, delighted to have found your blog! I have very much enjoyed going through your posts.
ReplyDeleteNow, you've hit the nail on the head.
Can we not say that style is "personalized" to a degree? While I'm not an Old World decorating kind of gal (mine is more eclectic), it is a style that I can appreciate. And while I may appreciate some styles (like cottage) more than others (modern)...I might just find it fun to mix a modern lamp in with my shabby bedding.
My boss has the most wonderful style. And in the years that I've worked for her, I've learned. But, while I can come close, I can never quite duplicate that little bit of "something" that she puts into her displays. So, yep, you hit the nail on the head. :D
-c
yapping cat
Very good post, excellent comments! It has taken me quite awhile to realize that decorating is usually for the trend setters and what's "in" but style is a timeless eclectic approach and that is definitely what I am and I am so excited to finally realize that I have found "my style".
ReplyDeleteLeAnn:)
I think decorating is a matter of arranging the elements, whereas style is knowing which items to choose.
ReplyDeleteYou can "buy" a design degree. . . you can't buy style. It's like great taste, you either have it or you don't! It's a gift!
ReplyDeleteI do agree!!! It's kind of when you go through a model home, it is very nicely decorated, but almost always lacks style. The picture with the banquette, strip wallpaper and sheep picture over it is in my tear sheet collection. It's by David Mitchell, but I don't think I've seen this view. It has great style!
ReplyDeleteExcellent points. However, let's REALLY push ourselves out of the box -- we've all sort of fallen (including me) over the past several years for the idea that eclectic interiors are the ones with true "style." Lately I'm thinking we could argue it's actually a trend whose end is near. Are more harmonious designs (i.e. the Sister Parish way, pic #1, or even rooms with respect for one period rather than many) withOUT ridiculously sized accessories/lamps in our near future?... I'm just sayin' :)
ReplyDeleteLoving the comments on this post!! Everyone here is so smart. I think the trick is to please ourselves... if you try to stay "in style" you will forever be feeling, not good enough. Style is so personal. To know one's own style is to be truely blessed. Keep them coming, I love the input from you guys.
ReplyDeleteDecorated rooms to me = you paid for someone to help you with the decor. A room with style makes you wish the room's owner was the one you hired to begin with.
ReplyDeleteI think you are absolutely right. For instance I love a home that is decorated by someone who has great style. It is warm and personal looking and has very unique qualities. A professionally decorated space is cold and stilted looking, I think, despite the fact that it may be very beautiful. Being too perfect just isn't as attractive as a space that is obviously personal looking. And I like what you said in your comment above about trying to stay "in style", I have given up. It's impossible to stay in style, style changes so rapidly! I love your house, it is beautiful and stylish, but very unique looking.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Cindy S.
Great point and so true. Those that have great style in decorating usually have great style in dress also!
ReplyDeletexx
Style is: when you can be in the room in your bunny slippers and still feel put together while doing so.
ReplyDeleteMost of these rooms we may love but get real, how many of the blogger live in these homes. They are from decorating books. They have been tweaked by the best yet who is to say it is right for you. The right choice is if in doubt ask someone who has a home you like for their advice on your own home. This is what most designers just don't do is put their clients thoughts first not their own. Years ago I took a collage coarse in interior design and didn't like it till the final exam. When we were let go to design rooms any way we wanted to. I got an A but it was the creative part that was what I enjoyed the most. Kathy
ReplyDeleteYou just can't fake style.
ReplyDeleteDecorating is more of a formula. If you follow it then the room will be pleasing.
Traditional Home Magazine = Decorated
Domino Magazine = Style
Just my humble opinion.
~janet
Pssst... put Liberon wax on your floors and they'll look just like the old ones.
ReplyDeleteTo me, style equals personal preference while decorating is an art that includes application of guidelines. -Brenda-
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to explain it. I've never heard the differences put into words like that. I think that was the trouble with RMS. The people with style would creat these wonderful rooms and all of the "by the book" people would come in and tear them apart. I love rooms with rule breaking style!!
ReplyDeleteKelly
very much agree... the way i think of it is we can all decorate and we all do it with a certain style but some people have an amazing, unique, particularly fresh (or whatver adj you wan to use) style. It's the people who do it with the amazing style that create awesome spaces.
ReplyDeletei'm working on a post right now sort of along the same lines--- creating "decorated" or "designed" rooms vs. creating rooms that feel as if it was effortless, unplanned, and happened over time & possibly on a whim.
xoxo,
L :)
Just discovered your site. It is lovely and you ask some very good questions considering that rooms are beginning to look stamped instead of designed. I can't wait to read more here.
ReplyDelete