5 Steps to Find Your Style

So you're ready to remodel your home.

While you know that your bathroom or kitchen needs a little sprucing up, you're not quite sure how to put your personal stamp on the makeover. Are you more shabby chic than contemporary? More country than European? And how do you convey these tastes to your designer so your kitchen doesn't resemble a farmhouse when you were hoping for sleek modernism? Read on for advice from DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen experts to ensure that your home feels like just that: yours.

Story by: Allison Winn Scotch

Do Your Homework
If you're not sure of your personal taste, hit a local bookstore's magazine rack to gauge what does or doesn't click. "I always recommend buying magazines that pertain to the project you have in mind," says Chris Shurian, owner of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen in Provo, Utah. "Tear out the pages you like and write down what you like about it, then store it in a folder marked ‘Kitchen Ideas' or whatever you're looking at. This helps communicate your personal likes to the remodeler." You can also filter through all of the images to see if any collective themes jump out at you.

Pinpoint Your Dislikes
"Knowing what you dislike can be as important as knowing what you like," says Mark Witte, owner of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen in Colorado Springs, Colorado. And seeing what doesn't click for you is sometimes a lot easier than pinpointing what exactly does. If you know that sharp edges, sterile spaces, and black granite would make you feel as if you live in 2050, that's a good start. You can probably rule out any designs or furnishings with a contemporary or modern feel. But do keep an open mind, says Bill Wolf, owner of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen in Rockford, Michigan. "Sometimes we can gently pull a client in a new direction, to a design that they never entertained before, and they'll end up loving it," he says. For example, just because your home is art deco now doesn't mean that you wouldn't fall for a more modern or an even less modern feel.

Find the Right Remodeler
A remodeler or contractor does more than just erect walls and build shelving. In fact, he's your partner through the entire remodel, so it's imperative that he understands your vision from start to finish. "Don't be afraid to ask questions to make sure that he's compatible with you," says Shurian. A good remodeler will want to walk through your house several times beforehand, so he can get a sense of your overall style; you hardly want to build a country-casual living room if the rest of your home is spare and minimalist. He'll also show you examples of past work and take the time to look over all of the photos and ideas that you've brought to him. "Once the customer has collected all these pictures, the remodeler should have a very good idea of the customer's style and likes," says Shurian. And be sure that your remodeler not only spells out the time frame and pricing in a written contract, but that he also puts his vision onto paper as well. "Detailed drawings are important to ensuring that you get what you want. In the event it doesn't turn out how you were told, you have something to fall back on," says Shurian. Wolf also recommends asking your remodeler to show you before and after pictures of his past projects. "This really helps clients get a sense of what can be done, and what will be done to their own home," says Wolf. "At DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, we can literally point to something that we've done in the past, and we'll replicate it. There's no shame in copying if it's something you like!"

Answer the Right Questions
As your partner in the redesign, your remodeler needs to tune in to your style and tastes and go beyond just looking at the pictures you've torn out. Some critical questions that he should ask before embarking on the remodel are: "What do you like and dislike about your current home?" "What are the traffic patterns?" "How often and how do you entertain?" "What are the present problems?" "How many people use the room you're remodeling?" and "Do you see this as an investment or just a short-term sprucing up?" And, says Wolf, be frank about your budget from the get-go. You'll ensure that you're on the same page with expectations and get a realistic assessment of how much work can truly be done.

Make Small Changes
You don't have to overhaul your home to infuse more of your personality into the rooms. In fact, a few small changes can have a big impact. It's okay to start with a more general or universal style, says Witte, then "use paint, wallpaper, rugs, light fixtures, and decorative accents to personalize your remodel. This gives the homeowner the ability to evolve in their taste and vary over time. You can change wallpaper, paint, and accents for a couple of thousand dollars, whereas flooring, cabinets, and countertops can be tens of thousands." Just envision how the rich hues of a crimson foyer would embolden your entryway, leopard-print throw pillows might spice up your den, or recessed lighting could soften your living room. You'll be on your way to a personalized home in no time at all.

Making Sense of the Lingo

Not sure what means what?
Here's a quick reference guide for a few commonly used design terms:

Modern: Refers to sleek, often minimalist designs with hard edges and neutral colors.
Retro: A "retrospective" style that pays homage to past eras, such as the 1950s and 1960s. (Think My Three Sons)
Art Deco: A style that developed between the two World Wars. Noted for its liberal use of circles, triangles, and parallel lines.
Country: Exactly how it sounds: a bit rustic, akin to what you might find in a country home. Floral patterns, plaids, and soft lines abound. (Think Ralph Lauren)
Contemporary: Very similar to modern, but a bit more relaxed, with fewer sharp edges and lines. A more universally accessible design, and probably the most common.

Allison Winn Scotch is a New York-based freelance writer. She frequently contributes to Shape, Women's Health, InStyle Weddings, and Parents.