I recently bought probably one of my favorite books ever, STYLED by Emily Henderson. I’ve always been really good at defining my personal style, like if I had more time, I would be a fashion stylist. Clothes come second nature to me. However, when it comes to decorating my home and defining my home style, I’ve always struggled. Of course there’s pieces I’m instinctually drawn to, but half of the time, I’ll buy them and as soon as I’m home, instantly say, “What was I thinking?” It’s like a hodgepodge of random chotskies that don’t go together whatsoever, or truly represent how I want my home to look and feel. Like I know what I like when I see it other people’s homes, but creating my own personal version of that style, without straight copying, has been such a struggle.

I’ve been a fan of Emily Henderson for a while now, since her days on Design Star, and always head to her blog to search for decor inspo. I’ve heard her talk before about how your home should reflect your own personal style, but I honestly didn’t really get what she meant until I read her book. I’ve been so blocked and stuck when it comes to decorating the Blanco Bungalow. Decorating an entire home from scratch is incredibly overwhelming! I’m a firm believer that each home should have it’s own personality (while still reflecting yours of course). Like our first apartment on the walk streets was a tiny little surf shack with plywood floors and had no natural light, so I went full Sayultia Surf Shack and painted the walls turquoise and had Mexican Blankets everywhere. Our second home, we rented and beautifully remodeled into a crisp white and grey “adult” house, so everything I bought was grey and white and walnut. Very adult, and very minimalist. So everything we currently have was bought for our last home. Some pieces transferred seamlessly, but others still don’t feel like they fit. I don’t want this home to be grey and white. I want it to also feel warm and cozy and really feel like us, since this is our first house we’ve ever bought. I want it to be incredibly personal.

I also have a major struggle with color. I think that’s why I make everything white, because it’s safe and I can’t screw it up, or get sick of it in a year. But my bedroom (which was pretty much all white), was feeling so blah and uninspiring. There was no contrast, no personality, no inspiration. I wanted to dive deeper into the decorating process and finally learn how to properly mix colors and styles, and truly define my own. Because after all, design should be fun, not stressful. Right??

Emily’s first advice is to look in your closet. Which is hilarious, because as many clothes that I have, I literally wear a version of the same thing every day. Unless it’s a special occasion. I’m all about comfort. My uniform: a white, black or grey tee/tank, ripped beat up denim, a chunky sweater or a yummy tobacco leather jacket, and a pair of vans or chucks. No wonder I don't do color! I don’t ever wear it! I mean I definitely have some beautiful printed dresses and jumpsuits, but they’re all soft colors: nude/beige/white/black. Not bright red or royal blue. Once I did this, it was like the flood gates opened! I immediately started just having fun and playing around with items I already had from other rooms of the house. The Vintage Batik Bed Throw from Coyote’s room, the Navy and Cream pillows from the living room, a tobacco leather pouf, a low pile sheepskin from my office, and adding a touch of black with new curtain rods.

BEFORE

AFTER

Before, my bedroom was white, beige, boring and blah, and I haven’t even scratched the surface with what I want to do with the space, but I’m so happy with how my Jeans & T-Shirt bedroom looks so far.

Emily goes further into helping you define your style with an in depth style quiz (which I loved), but was so confused when I got my results because it said I was a Minimalist Zen?? Lol. I thought I was a Scandinavian Bohemian?? Idk, I think I’m a Minimalist Scandinavian Bohemian (or at least I’d like to be). But once you get your results, she literally breaks down the pieces you should be looking/shopping for, and has this rad little “Style Wheel” that shows you what other style you’re compatible with. So you can shop for that style as well and it will compliment your primary style.

So that’s that, I highly recommend her book. It’s linked below. Happy Decorating!

SHOP THE POST

Links:

BED: Vintage Batik Throw, Low Pile Sheepskin, Topanga Blanket, Linen Duvet Cover, Drommen Bed, Navy Pillows, Natural Pillows, Stripe Pillow

BEDSIDE: Mid-Century Nightstand, Mid-Century Planters, Surf Shack Book,

DECOR: I Love my Family Print, Huichol Wall Hanging

WINDOWS: Linen Cotton Curtains, Sheer Flax Curtains, Dark Iron Curtain Rods, Steel Curtain Clips,

FLOOR: Connected Stripe Rag Rug, Moroccan Leather Pouf

Book: STYLED BY EMILY HENDERSON