Define your style!

Blending homes as a newlywed couple can be a monumental task at times.  Sometimes you are trying to combine households and blend two different syles and the majority of the time - it just doesn't seem to "click" as much as you would like it to.  Most couples that I know that have been married for years are still going through the same thing and their stories are the same.  At first, they were blending two homes and their design styles didn't mesh, but they figured that once they got a larger home, everything would fit appropriately and magically things would start to fall into place.  When they got the larger home, they were faced with having a lot more space and all of a sudden the urgency to fill that space - with anything - crept in.  Now they have large spaces filled with odds and ends that although are gorgeous to look at, do not truly reflect their design styles.  Although I can help you determine your design style once you find yourself in this place, it's a lot easier to do so at the very beginning!!

Are you a newlywed or a first time homebuyer with empty space to fill in your home?  Steer clear of the discount section and resist the urge to spend impulsively on trendy items!!  Embrace the empty space, and take time to define your design style before you make any purchases.  Consider making timeless purchases such as these that will be with you forever and will always be in style.

Avalon Black Extension Dining Table
www.crateandbarrel.com
A traditional table with a modern finish - this table can grow with your family - extending to 65"

Cole Chair
www.RoomandBoard.com
This classic design can blend in with a myriad of other styles - from traditional to eclectic.  So even if your style changes down the road, this comfy chair will still fit right in.

Midas/by Autumn Rose
www.UGallery.com
Selecting original artwork is the easiest way to create your own unique style.  Visit some galleries and support your local artists.  You never know - you might end up purchasing the work of a great artist in their early years!

Sarouk
www.ABCCarpet.com
Purchasing a Persian, Turkish, or Oriental rug may require a hefty upfront investment, but it is money well spent and so worth it!  Even after years of wear and tear, you just can not beat the handcraftsmanship of these pieces.  They actually look BETTER the more they age!

Nailhead Upholstered Headboard
www.WestElm.com
A staple such as this will give your bedroom a polished look in an instant!

Tesana Lamp
www.mottega.com
Whether it is placed on a console table, a nightstand, or in a reading nook, this classic and versatile lamp is a keeper!

Before you make your next design purchase - consider whether the piece truly lives within your design style.  If it does - great!!!  If it doesn't - step away from the cash register.  Purchasing pieces that fall within your design style and that you truly love are the best way to pull your home together.  Regardless of how long you have to "embrace the empty space" :o)

La Toya Michelle

~You are only limited by your own imagination!