5 ways to have unexpectedly great style

Grand Rapids, Mich. (WOTV) - I’m always growing in appreciation for design. As I learn to love and embrace new things, I hopefully evolve in my own style as well, because that is what happens as you learn and grow.  There is no real label for my personal style, but I like that I can’t pin point it or even describe it. It isn’t fully cottage. Or fully traditional. Or modern. Or French or English or American.

There is freedom in not being able to pigeon-hole your style-to not feel confined by what is expected.

Why do some people seem to have so much personal style and others seem to blend in with the masses, never quite finding their own unique voice? It isn’t always easy to know what you love and how to be confidently unique in a sea of what is expected and popular. But if you enjoy creativity and personal expression, you probably want to have your own style, right? So, here are five go-to tips to mix up unexpectedly great style!

Go Global.

If you want a real personal style that is as unique as you are, I think every home should have at least one piece that comes from another country. Even more exciting and unique would be to mix things up from all over the world! I think you can grow in appreciation of a wider range of decorating options when you look at the art and décor from other countries. Venture outside of your comfort zone once in a while for decorating inspiration. Your style will be all the better for it.

Go Classic and Modern.

If you prefer a more modern style, maybe you can add in a classic or even antique piece just to mix things up. Or if you have always had a very traditional style, you might consider adding in a few new touches to create your own modern interpretation of classic style. As you are trying to “reinvent” your traditional look, don’t go so far as to abandon good quality pieces or cover them up with paint. Try mixing painted and wood pieces for a more multi-dimensional style.

Go Fresh.

Let’s say you love a certain fabric pattern that is popular right now. Look for a pattern that might be similar but not the same. Yes, you might feel a little less confident in choosing something you haven’t seen before, but I am pretty sure you’ll be happier in the end because your style will endure past the trends! Once everyone has something, it tends to get tired and dated. Unless, it is classic, of course. Classic pieces from certain time periods don’t look dated, they are just classic. Even with a classic, you could brighten it up in a new color or interpretation if you want something a little different. To get a fresh look, try something that is new to you, that you wouldn’t normally pick, and something you haven’t seen in everyone else’s house yet. Try unique combinations for textures and layers for your own fresh interpretation of style.

Go Crazy.

Go crazy in a good way. Pick something a bit risky for your house, something that you happen to love. Use something in a new, unexpected way. Choose the fabric or color or material or accessory or furniture that everyone might think is the wrong choice for whatever reason (too hard to maintain, or too bold, too light, or too dark, for instance) or is totally not in style right now (zig while everyone else is zagging!). And then embrace your choices every day because YOU LOVE IT regardless of what “they say.”

Go Bold.

Small and plain is safe. Normal and expected doesn’t command attention. Almost unnoticeable can’t be wrong because no one would know it was wrong anyway. But BIG AND BOLD? That is daring. A bold pattern on a chair? A giant light fixture over your table? A big bright sofa instead of a safe neutral? An extra-large mirror over a cabinet instead of a bunch of smaller or barely noticed accessories?

While you want to be careful not to overpower your room, it is fun to go BOLD in a few places and tell the world that you are confident in your style choices. It is your house, so live boldly and with confidence in what you love.

Do you feel like you have your own unique style? Express yourself in the comments below!