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Hi! How are you today? I hope you’re feeling good. I’m very happy to have my dear friend and interior designer Mary Ann from Classic Casual Home to guest post here today. Mary Ann will be launching her new series called “My Style” where interior designers can share their own style with her readers. I loved when she asked me if she could share her style on my blog and I’m glad to have Mary Ann with us today. She’s a sweetheart and very talented! I know you’ll love her post.

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Thanks so much, Luciane, for inviting me over to your fun blog.  Aside from the gorgeous photos you show, 

I love to read your uplifting and thoughtful posts.

So what is “My Style?”  Hmmm.

Recently, I was hired by a woman from another part of Newport Beach, California to do her home in “Lido Style” (Lido is the island we live on).  I had never thought of it as a particular style before.

And Maryland woman inquiring about my online services said…“I recently found your blog and love your style, fresh and not fussy”.  In fact, I have done e-designs for families in all different parts of the U.S. and Canada… so it’s not just a specific coastal look.

Here are seven elements that I think define “My Style”…

CLASSIC:
Traditional lines and antique furniture used modern ways.  

CASUAL:

Natural fabrics and slipcovers, with fancier fabrics, like velvet and silk, used as luxurious small touches.  Wood floors with seagrass or light pattern carpets like geometric or faded Orientals. 

Window treatments like grass Roman shades and linen curtains with details like a self welt or tape or fringe.

FRESH:
Modern art and fresh flowers and healthy plants. Some trendy (not really expensive) elements to keep it fun…like with pillows and accent pieces (hello Home Goods and West Elm–which reminds me to say–I like mixing high and low).  

UNCLUTTERED:
Careful editing of bookcases and surfaces.  To me, this creates a sense of calm.

LIGHT AND AIRY:

As much natural light as possible and several white shades with playful colors in the living areas. I like more serene hues in bedrooms. 

Source: James Michael Howard

COMFORTABLE:

Some modern pieces look cool (like a wire metal chair) but if you wouldn’t want to sit in it for more than five minutes…forget it.  I like down and feather wrapped seats and pillows. Worn leather.  Lumbar support. Good reading lights and a place for your drink. Cashmere throws.