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by Catherine Bailly Dunne, ASID for the |
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Consumers are buying more furniture than ever. As a result, furniture manufacturers are providing a widening of selections to choose from. But, this expansion of choices can create a more challenging decision-making process for the consumer a process that may already be daunting for those who aren't exactly sure what they're looking for and don't know how to go about finding it. Where to Begin Market watcher Catherine Bailly Dunne, ASID, recommends that you start by identifying your personal style. "More than anything else, style is about creating a home that reflects your own distinctive personality," says Dunne, author of Interior Designing for All Five Senses. "If your home and its furnishings are in harmony with your personality, you'll feel comfortable living there, and you'll enjoy entertaining family and friends." In terms of finding your personal style, Dunne advises putting away the crystal ball and divining rod. "Style is no mystery. It's simply an expression of your character and preferences," she says. "Go with your gut. Choose furniture that makes you feel at home. After all, you are the authority. There are no wrong answers." Identifying Your Style To identify your personal furniture style, Dunne suggests examining your other lifestyle choices to see how they reflect your personality. "Your wardrobe, your car, your books and magazines, your favorite movies all of these can be indicative of your furniture preferences," she said. "How would you describe them? It's a useful exercise. Once you can describe your personal style, your furniture-buying experience becomes much more focused, and much easier." According to Dunne, most consumers' personal home styles fall in one of these five categories: Casual For today's easy-living lifestyles. Relaxed, informal, comfortable. Overstuffed upholstery; textured fabric covers; earthy, neutral colors; natural materials. Contemporary Form following function. Sleek, streamlined, simple. Bold colors; sharp lines; metal and glass; leather; minimalist patterns. Country Unpretentious, heart-warming coziness. Distressed and painted woods. Plump sofas, ruffled skirts. Floral prints, ginghams and plaids. Traditional Imbued with a sense of history. Formal, symmetrical, graceful. Classical silhouettes; damask and chintz; dark polished woods. Eclectic An individualistic, varied mix of compatible styles. Furniture and textured fabric covers cross styles and periods, with color as the unifying link. "Of course, defining your personal style is just step one," says Dunne. "Once you've focused on your style, you can take further steps to streamline the furniture-shopping process. Again, the key is to trust your personal preferences." For example, Dunne recommends prioritizing purchases by starting with items of furniture you want or need most and then building around them. "Are key spaces in your home empty? Are certain pieces worn or mismatched? Have you been yearning for a particular item? These are all fine places to start." No Rules Set-in-Stone Dunne often counsels clients to remember that, "There are no set-in-stone rules. You don't have to proceed in a certain sequence choosing carpeting first, for instance, and then finding compatible furniture," she says. Dunne also cautions against concern about making an exact match whether it's in design, wood, fabric cover or color. "You'll drive yourself crazy," she says. "Instead look for items that are complementary. And, remind yourself that you don't have to buy everything at once." Similarly, Dunne advises consumers to budget their time to suit their shopping style. "Do you enjoy doing lots of research and deliberation, or are you an impulse buyer? Shopping for furniture can be easy or as in-depth as you want it to be. You can choose a sofa in an hour for same-day delivery or special-order a custom-designed piece." Most importantly, consumers should have fun and enjoy the furniture-shopping process. "Furnishing your home to express your personal style can be one of life's greatest and most enduring pleasures," says Dunne. -Catherine Bailly Dunne, ASID and the American Furniture Manufacturers Association |