Got Style?

A style, or theme, is a consistent idea used throughout a room or space to create a feeling of 'completeness'. Have you discovered your favorite design styles? Most people choose their interior design style for very personal reasons - for a lot of people it is simply a matter of taste. A designer develops a home architecture and interior design for a customer that has a style and theme that the prospective owner likes and mentally connects to.

Some themes often follow period styles. Examples of this are Louis XV, Victorian, Feng Shui, International, Mid-Century Modern, Minimalist, English Georgian, Art Deco, and many more. The evolution of interior decoration themes has now grown to include themes not necessarily consistent with a specific period style allowing the mixing of pieces from different periods.

Each element should contribute to form, function, or both and maintain a consistent standard of quality and combine to create the desired design.

Maybe you are inspired by your travels. A summer holiday to Tuscany? Backpacking in Asia? A trip to France? A relaxing week on a tropical beach? These are all good interior design themes to choose from, as your room will always remind you of your wonderful memories and make you feel happy and relaxed when you are in it.

Whether you have a favorite design style or two in mind or working with a blank slate, J. Douglas Design is here to help you implement the perfect theme and make sure that you’ve got style!

The Art of Working with an Interior Designer

Working with a interior design professional can be both exciting and intimidating. However, doing so can give your home continuity, function, and beauty without going over your budget.

Designers can save you money in many situations by allocating resources wisely, choosing durable, high quality furniture, eliminating decorating mistakes, and increasing creativity on your project.

Eliminate the fear factor and create a good experience by taking a few steps to prepare in advance:


1: Decide on a budget.

2: Collect color swatches you like.

3: Make your own project design file with pictures to illustrate what you like and what you don't like.

4: Think about the furniture pieces you hope to keep.

5: Be inspired!

For inspiration, visit model homes and stand in the rooms asking yourself questions like:

-How does this room make me feel?

-Are the colors too light or too dark for me?

-Is it too formal, or not formal enough?

-Do I like white carpeting, or would I rather have something darker and more anchored?

-Is that striped wallpaper crisp or just annoying? (likely the latter?)

-Is the furniture warm, dark, white, or colored?

- What do I like (or dislike) about it?

Other sources of inspiration include museums, auctions, antique stores and television design shows.

Next, communicate well and describe your vision. Listen. Talk. Listen. The more information you can give to your designer the better.

Doing your homework and teaming with a good interior designer can turn your interior into a beautiful, functional living space with a creative and unique flair - without cost of unnecessary mistakes.