What is a 'design tone' and how do I find mine?

We have talked in our earlier blog, how important it is to use layering to create a beautiful, interesting interior. However, before you start the layering process, we suggest you take a time to decide what we call your ‘design tone’. This will help you with future layering decisions, so it is well worth investing the time!

So what exactly is a design tone? In a nutshell this is the style type you choose for your interior. It will be your guiding light for all interior decisions you make. Many homeowners are unable to describe their style, and as a result end up making costly impluse buys - yes we have all been there! Spending time thinking a design tone before you start any interior styling or refresh, will make the decision making easier in the longrun!

Once you have decided, we suggest giving your personal design tone a name - this will really help you embrace and stay focused on it. A few recent examples we have helped our clients with are; Coastal Hunting Lodge, Contemporary Plantation, Modern Beach House, Mid Century Relaxed and Bold Architectural. There are so many more we could go on...

With so much inspiration out there and endless styles, choosing the design tone for your interior can be overwhelming and potentially challenging!

Personal preferences such as colour will play a big part in your decision. So will the spaces and places you have visited. These all will have an influence.

Do your research. Google style types and check out Pinterest. Start making a list of what styles appeal and why - perhaps it is the colour, or lack of. The use of large palms, an old oak table, the sleekness of a chrome chair.

Another factor, which is equally important, is consideration of the age and style of your home. Is your home a villa, bungalow or traditional? Mid century cool, or realaxed modernism?

Take a look at your home, observe its features - the ones you want to highlight and the ones you want to hide. We always suggest working with what you have got and embrace it into your design tone.

Eventually you will be able to narrow your list of preferences down to a couple of styles (seldom there is one single style in a design tone and that is ok!) which will guide you to finding your very own unique design tone.

If you are struggling to determine your design tone and need some guidance, the team at SV Home would love to help! For advice on design tone or anything else interior styling, please contact us on hello@sarahvivian.co.nz

With warm regards

Sarah and Lorraine xx