This article is a hot topic. I was recently asked via a monthly column in which I contribute by answering design dilemmas from the public. How to know where to best disburse your funds if you style is __________? As I was responding, and trying to keep it brief, I soon realized I could go on for days about this subject alone.

I felt it was an important question deserving of an important answer. First of all "you" never go out of style. If you are passionate about something, you will likely love it forever. The most important part of this equation is truly the defining what "you" means, in relation to designing for your home.

Are you a snappy dresser? Do you follow trends? Are you traditional, modern, or contemporary? Do you enjoy wearing colour? Do colours typically intimidate you? Do you wear bold patterns? Do you invest in items you love, a car, a handbag, a great suit? Ask yourself these questions. Take cues from your closet. Ask your friends, what they feel is representative of you.

Tip # 1 step back and review your existing collections. What's staying? What do you love! Keep these items separate; take digital photos carry them with you. Most people realize. They are likely common denominators all through out your home; you just have to recognize what it is you're looking for.

Take clippings from various magazines, and search the internet. What do you love? Are you able to recognize what you are drawn to instantly? If so look at the item or items, you have preliminarily selected, do they make you feel good? Do they inspire you? Do they cause anxiety? Do you feel overwhelmed at the thought of adding it to your space? If so, it's not for you. Trust your instincts; typically things don't grow on you over time, if it's not for you it's not for you (that simple). Have you ever been in a dressing room with a commissioned sales person who asks you to come out? The item is wretched, but she tells you it looks amazing! Did you buy it? (Same rules apply here).

Tip #2 Do not impulse buy! Window shop, browse takes a camera. Click away at all the items you think you may want to incorporate in your new space. Do not over think at this step. Cost isn't an issue. Simply what grabs you? Let your human instinct be your guide.

The entire concept of defining a space that is reflective of you is simply by using a series of goods that make you feel fabulous over and over and over! The subconscious plays a huge role here; colour, scents, and visuals impact us tremendously, even if we are unaware. Each element furnishings, scale, wall colour, accessories, lighting plays a crucial role. Therefore it is important to understand who "you" are. A wise man once said, the art of being wise is understanding what to overlook. This could not be more in true in all aspects of life, however particularly with design.

Tip #3 Reevaluate all of your photos. Narrow down. Assess your needs vs. wants. How much storage do you require? None? Then eliminate any item you photographed which houses goods. If you need seating, lighting, rug & draperies, then select key items based on your finds. Do they connect? Read on....

Best analogy here is walking into a store or boutique when absolutely nothing is relatable. You feel cold, and can't wait to get out. On the other hand ever walk into a space, which is so charming you do not want to leave. Everything is so amazing that you are unable to even define which item is better than the next. It then transfers from a room full of items to, a mood, a feeling which is representative of ahhhhhhhhhhhh (insert deep breath) I could live here!

Tip #4 this trick is called using an "anchor", an anchor is an item perhaps a rug or piece of art which connects the space to others. So often terminology such as flow and continuity is thrown around; however few know how to truly achieve it. Look for your "anchor". Is it a colour in a fabric which also pulls from another room? Perhaps? I believe by following these tips and tricks, there will undoubtedly be some clarity as to what defines you.

So next time you take your deep breath, congratulate yourself. The space which you were working so hard to implement is reflective of you! Enjoy!

For more information on how to achieve your design goals, and about our services, please visit our website at www.decorbyjennifer.com And be sure to subscribe to our new on-line magazine!