What's my style? What isn't my style?!

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of chatting with a design student who was looking for insight into the world of design. One of her questions to me was, 'What is your style?' - I get asked this a lot by clients, students, and media, so it certainly wasn't a new question. However, upon reflection I thought my answer would be worth exploring and expanding upon. I am sure that she (and perhaps you too) would have thought I'd say something predictable like modern, Zen, traditional, romantic or eclectic, and I could go on with others you know, such as French, vine culture and Goth, the list is virtually endless. But it's none of those. When it comes to my style, if I had only one word to sum it up, I would have to say 'unpredictable'.

• I'm an equal opportunity designer - I love all styles and live with elements of each in my homes and always incorporate them into my clients' projects.
• When designing a modern home I always include at least one antique piece - either art or furniture.
• The architecture on my own home is ultra modern, I absolutely love modern design as it is timeless. Even in a more traditional environment an element or two of modern keeps the décor current.
• Zen décor has a big place in my heart from all the time I've spent in Asia designing villas and luxury condos.
• Who doesn't want more romance in their life? I aim to create an element of romance in my work and design rooms to seduce all who visit them- I want everyone who walks into my rooms to fall in love with them.
• And of course there's eclectic, because who can stick to one style with all the fabulous options we have out there?
• The bottom line is that it's okay to love more than one style of design, and I think it's most creative when you can bring those elements together into your home and surprise your family and friends with unexpected punches of design in each space.
• Never be predictable!
• Experiment with colour, furniture arrangements and innovative pieces that may not on the surface fit in with the rest of the design. -Add an accent colour that you've never seen used before.
• Use objects and products in unexpected ways.
• Don't follow the installation instructions on the back.
• Use wallpaper to alter the look of a desk.
• Switch the look of the pull chain on your side table lamp by replacing it with a beautiful vintage necklace.
• Instead of potpourri, put scented feathers in a jar.

Don't be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to décor, it is this manner of thinking that takes a space from good to great, from nice to wow.

The one goal I have when I am involved in a project, regardless of the scale of the space or the budget, is that when one walks into the room they are surprised by an element of unpredictability and great design. That's my style!