Laura Engen Interior Design

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Do you need help defining your style?

Day 7 of the 30-day blogging challenge

Look of the Month

Have you ever struggled to define your design style? You're not strictly traditional or modern, farmhouse, or urban loft, but you don't exactly understand what "transitional" style means either? I hear you, and I also battle with how to define my design style. I hear my clients say all the time- I know what I like when I see it, or I think I have good taste, but they don't know how to put it together. These are prevalent phrases I hear from my friends, family, and clients. That's why I've created this blog series called Look of the Month. Hopefully, I'll introduce you to a unique mixture of styles and how to create some of my favorite looks using pieces I love.

This month I've chosen to do a twist on typical feminine style by making it a bit more modern. I'm picturing someone who offices from home or runs a busy family schedule and wants a place of her own where she can stay organized yet feel ultra-chic in her home office. The dark sage green wall color will give the space a modern, edgy vibe while soft pastels and white furniture give a nice feminine touch.

I hope we can introduce you to a few new styles, help clarify what your style preferences are, and maybe inspire you to try something new! Make sure to leave a comment below and subscribe, so you never miss a post.

Let's get started!

  1. Desk 2. Clock 3. Lamp 4. Bookcase 5. Chair 6. Art 7. Rug 8. Paint 9. Sconce

DESK

  • clean, angular lines of this secretary desk give a modern appeal

  • the white-painted exterior feels very feminine but offers a surprise of a dark stained interior for a modern twist on this combination of finishes

CLOCK

  • who doesn't love a beautiful clock, I love that this one doubles as a piece of art with its unique side mount 

  • it totally has a vintage-modern vibe, try pairing it with more feminine artwork or florals to keep it feeling light and airy 

LAMP

  • the clean lines of the vintage-inspired task lamp feel modern, but in the gold color offers a softer appeal 

  • adding lamps and different levels of lighting in a space will automatically give it that "softer" touch that feels more feminine 

BOOKSHELF

  • this bookshelf is all modern, but what I love is you can add girly elements and load it up with great accessories that will completely change the look 

  • try stacks of beautiful books, flowers or plants, a small decorative lamp on a taller shelf, picture frames, personal items, and baskets to give it a less modern feel 

Chair

  • the curved lines of this chair feel very feminine especially in this white-painted finish with the natural woven seat

  • when you pair it with the other modern furniture pieces in the room it strikes just the right balance 

ARTWORK

  • something about watercolor has a softness and a serene effect which feels feminine, but I like how this color-block pattern and color combination feels more modern 

  • the simple wood frame gives a clean, sleek look, if you wanted it to feel more feminine you could opt for a more massive gold frame to completely change the look

RUG

  • this piece feels modern because of the pattern and type of weave, but when you do it in this color it takes on a totally different feel, its almost a blush color, so sophisticated 

  • the tassel fringe on the edges give it a softer and more feminine feel 

PAINT

  • with all the white furniture and soft colors, I love how this gorgeous shade of sage green contrasts against it for an edgy modern vibe

  • I also like how the coolness of the green plays against warm colors like gold, blush, and natural wood tones 

SCONCE

  • sconces will instantly give a softer feel to the space, not only from the light they give off but the dimension of the fixture, so the room doesn't feel boxy 

  • place sconces in strategic areas like in a window seat, or the columns of a built-in or on either side of a bookcase, so they feel like a statement in the room 

Did you learn something new, were you inspired? If you think you know someone who might enjoy this post, please share it! And don't forget to subscribe, so you never miss a future post. Feel free to leave a comment if you have something you'd like us to share on the next post!

Please note: As of January 2020, all of these items were current and still available. If you have found this post and the items are no longer available, we apologize. However, I hope you found inspiration and gained some insight on how to achieve this look. For additional questions, please reach out. I'd love to hear from you!

See you tomorrow for a new post on Day 8 of the 30-Day Blogging Challenge!

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