A good designer can use some intuition and the powers of observation about your own style. He or she can help you streamline what enters your front and back door. It's ok to like everything, but it doesn't mean you should purchase it. If you love design, then you most likely love fashion, the arts and music. If you are serious about it, you follow the Style Sections of the NY Times and the Wall Street Journal because unlike some of the HGTV programs, they don't have to appeal to the lowest common denominator. In most cases, the writing is intelligent and thoughtful. Check out these recent fashion photos from the Journal. The idea behind the article is just how the thread of design and style is floating through the current trends of popular culture- apparel, movies and books. I would add one more area- Interiors! Does art follow life? I think so. Does life follow art? Definitely. I've paired wearable fashions with Lifestyle interiors- what do you think? The rooms, just like the outfits can be "tweaked" with small accents to keep it fresh, but the idea is that the interior designer should help you distill your personality or vibe so the overall look in your home or office is consistent IF WHAT YOU WANT is an interior that's consistent and well designed. Art history teaches us the provenance of certain design styles- how they were influenced, what was going on at that point in time which influenced popular culture- who was wearing what and creating design trends. Nothing is really new, just reimagined in new materials and new combinations. If you LOVE design, then you get it.
