define your style : finding inspiration with Dutch Boy

Confession: For years, we had a hard time defining our style.

Not with what we were doing, but with words. We’ve been labeled as just about everything, from Shabby Chic {nope} to “Mid Century Modern went to the Carnival” {we think they’re getting warmer, and that one definitely makes us smile}. There was something intimidating about labeling ourselves, and we found the words failing us.

Your style and your home and everything in it, will grow and evolve with you over time. But one of the best ways to learn more about yourself and the direction your want your home to take, is by figuring out what exactly, it is.

I know it’s kind of intimidating. At least it was for us. The idea of defining it, automatically equated in our minds, to limiting ourselves and it kind of held us back for a while. What if we decided we liked vintage mid century one week, and then the antique armoire from my grandmother’s house the next but we’d already established ourselves as farmhouse fab? {Rule follower 4eva} From classical to global to modern, we kind of love it all. We felt like maybe all the styles needed to be given a go in our home.

If you’re anything like us and feel pressured by the idea of words {as clearly we have} do it visually.

It’s the very best place to start.

You are a sponge. People ask us often where we get our inspiration. We find ourselves giving vague answers, because there is no concrete, magical cure all for ideas. Last week I was oogling over the pomegranates in the grocery store aisle, and how beautiful their colors were right next to the bright green avocados. Yes, I am the nerd who garners color inspiration for the impending holidays in the grocery produce aisle. The week before that its our daughter’s outfit she’d pieced together all on her own. Tangerine and coral and a lemony yellow with aqua were rocking it. From texture to color to sounds and music, soak it all in, and think of it in ways you can apply it to your home.

From magazines, to antique finds at the flea market, color swatches you love, and anything on the www. {And yes, even the local grocery and children’s clothes} Scoop it up, and save it for later. You’ll be surprised at what you pull out of your little collection when you need it for your home.

Find a style that resonates with you, and hold on to it.

2. Like a moth to a flame While trends and the seasons of your life will influence your taste and it’s changes to a degree, you’ll find that over time you’re drawn to the very same things. The same staple elements, over and over and over again will hold a timeless appeal.

You may not even realize it at first, but keep up with what you love. Revisit old Pins and magazines. Look through what once inspired you and lit a fire. Does it still?

For instance, we’re constantly drawn to the idea of contrast: to natural wood + simple whites, along with classic pieces with a touch of modern. We love anything with a story, and want our home to speak for itself. Old inspirational photos that we’re drawn to with shots of style tell us we adore the timeless farmhouse feel with a touch of eclectic fun. Over and over and over again, bright color, comfy pieces and classic lines.

Figure out what you love, by visiting old photos. Pull from them as your staple pieces in your spaces, and build from there.

3. Start small. Overwhelmed with where to start? It doesn’t have to be big and scary changes. {see flooding catastrophe + bathroom overhaul – though still worth the benefits when you’re finished} Choose something that inspires you… a key element that you want to build on, or a small space that’s totally doable in just a few days, and go with what you love. Don’t be afraid to let it change.

We started with our children’s rooms. They moved and inspired us, and we found that we were bolder in those areas with where to begin.

Start with a simple idea that inspires you, and let it grow for your space. You can’t help but love your style, one element at a time.

Right now, we’ve teamed up with five fab bloggers + Dutch Boy to help spread the word. Dutch Boy is holding a super exciting sweepstakes that anyone can win, to help you define your style.

Here’s the fun deats:

Five (5) First Place Style Prizes of one (1) $300 Dutch Boy Paints prize pack each which will include Dutch Boy Paints, Purdy® Paint Tools and a $200 cash gift card. The total ARV of each Style Prize is $300.

One (1) grand prize of one (1) $1,000 Dutch Boy Paints home prize pack which will include a two hour in-home personal consultation with a Dutch Boy Personal Color Consultant for one room in your home valued at ($300), four gallons of Dutch Boy paint, Purdy Paint Tools and a $500 cash gift card. During the two hour in-home visit, the Dutch Boy Personal Color Consultant will create a custom color palette that fits your decorating style for a single room in your home. Consultation must take place between Monday, January 5, 2015 and Saturday, December 19, 2015. Winner will need to provide three potential dates for the in-home consultant to choose from. The total ARV of Grand Prize is: $1,000.

Um, yes please! Sign us up!

Here’s how to enter: 

• Visit Dutch Boy.

• Choose one of the six styles you like the most from the Dutch Boy Paints selection to pin on Pinterest, or choose to pin your own style image on Pinterest

• Complete the entry form in its entirety and click “Submit & Pin” to submit your entry and pin the image on Pinterest

• Follow @DutchBoyPaints on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/dutchboypaint/

Let’s get the fun started and help define your style – we can’t wait to see who wins!

Have an inspired day!