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DOMINION LENDING CENTRES OUR HOUSE WINTER 2018 21 LARRY ARNAL, (2) ISTOCK The selection process of trim is made easier through websites like Metrie's Then and Now Collections (metrie.com/collections), which allow homeowners to select from four pre-designed style guides, making the trim selection process so much easier. COLLECT IMAGES Go on to a website like Pinterest or Houzz (or just grab plain ol' fashion magazines) and collect images without any judgment or filter. Just collect anything that sparks joy, anything that makes you feel good, anything that gives you a glimpse of what you want your future to look like. Collect at least 50 images, and pay attention to images that come back repeatedly a few times. HOW TO FIND YOUR FAMILY'S UNIQUE INTERIOR DESIGN STYLE Wallpaper-like Backsplashes Patterned tiles in general have been really popular of late. Going into 2018, they aren't going anywhere anytime soon. But what I continue to see is the application of patterned tiles, almost reminiscent of wallpaper, in a full-wall backsplash in kitchens. This striking, graphic treatment is a breathtaking way to inject colour and pattern to the space, and works well when cabinets are painted in a colour found in the tile pattern. Black and White and Wood Influenced by Scandinavian style and a farmhouse decor approach made popular by shows like Fixer Upper, black and white and wood is here to stay. Think shiplap walls, black counters, warm wood furnishings, and high contrast. Brass Brass continues to be a strong trend in 2018. Used in everything from o"ce supplies to lamps, brass is easy to incorporate in small hits. And don't be afraid to mix metals; gone are the days where everything needs to match. You can mix accessories of brass and stainless steel for a more eclectic and relaxed look.– Interior design to me is so much more than beautiful things. I'm passionate about helping families thrive at home and how their homes set the stage for lasting memories. But how do you actually do that? How do you create a home that is not only beautiful, but reflects your family's unique personality and style? If you want to find your unique style but don't know where to start, here are a few steps to help start the process. like: farmhouse, modern, traditional, Scandinavian, retro, bohemian, transitional, etc. If you're lost for words, look at the article the image may have come from or the advertisement it appeared in for key terms. GO SHOPPING WITH THESE WORDS Now that we have done a bit of research, and have a few words to guide us, test out these words on the market. When you walk into a store, what lights you up? When you're in a kitchen showroom, what are the details that make you really excited? Do these items match up with the words you wrote down? If you're stuck, work with a designer to help you articulate your style in a really clear way. —L.C. FIND SIMILARITIES Now that you have collected a large grouping of images, look for similarities in the images. Perhaps you have collected lots of white kitchens, kitchens with generous islands, living rooms with applied mouldings, etc. Identify some common themes and place them in like groups. GIVE THESE GROUPS NAMES Find some words to describe these groups. Think of words 1 2 3 4