Do you have that one piece of furniture that you are obsessed with? A lot of times furniture can start or even drive the design process of a space. When you find something you love, whether it be a lounge chair covered in a jewel toned velour or a graphic painting with contrasting brushstrokes, it can influence your design decisions.

Our wardrobe can have the same effect as well.  If your closet is 75% black garments, you might be drawn to a more neutral pallet when it comes to selecting flooring and paint colors, like the masculine bedroom shown above left. However, if you channel more of a Kate Spade vibe you might be open to taking a trendy risk with your selections, like the more feminine living room above right.

The colors and patterns that we are most drawn to throughout our day can impact how we look at remodeling our homes.

For example, Raf Simons, a Belgian fashion designer who has worked with Dior and Calvin Klein, recently teamed up with the Danish textile brand Kvadrat. Together they produced a series of fabrics that were featured on iconic furnishings at the National Academy Museum in New York. The red sofa above is a sample of their collaboration.

Some of Simons’ inspirations were derived from art, which is not uncommon for designers in all mediums. Colors, textures, and form which we see throughout our day can play a role when we create new things.

In the same respect, similarities can often be found in both furniture fabrics and clothing. Although the construction of garment and upholstery textiles can be different, the inspiration behind the designs can be relative.

Menswear is one area of fashion that often has correlating features of furniture designs. The texture and weaving patterns of some men’s suits (like the Tom Ford suit shown above left) can be like that of a compact large-grained weave used for furnishings by Kvadraft, above right.

With design, beauty is indeed in the eye the beholder, and we do tend to be consistent with what kind of beauty moves us. Next time you stand in front of your closet to pick out your next ensemble, take note of any reoccurring themes or perhaps your favorite item. Then find your favorite piece of furniture you own, are they similar? What do both pieces say about your design style?

Laura Powderly, Designer for Mosby Building Arts, and her rendering of a fully accessible bathroom for Belleville, IL homeowners.

Paying attention to details is one of the things I love about my role as a St. Louis designer with the home remodeling firm Mosby Building Arts. As I get to know a client and spend time in their home I pay attention to their clothing, and the furniture and accessories they treasure the most. This gives me a guaranteed starting point to design spaces they will love because it speaks to what they instinctively find beautiful.

Would you like a kitchen or bathroom that fits your fashion sense? I’d love to help you make that remodel happen. Please give me a call at the Mosby office (314.909.1800) or contact me here.