How would you describe your taste in art? This question is harder than it seems. There is no formula and there is no right or wrong answer. Art is an extremely personal endeavor, so it’s important to remember that the art you like is for you. Feel confident about your tastes and have fun as you learn about your own or someone else’s preferences. If you need help defining your style, look to others for help. 

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I came across an audio clip with designer Nate Berkus (you have probably seen him on Oprah) and interior designer Alessandra Branca. Alessandra speaks of not being able to design another person’s space on her own. She needs to know what the client likes and their surroundings, because each person has their own style.

How many times have you had a friend ask you (or vice versa!) “do you like these pants?”, “how does this look?”, or “do you like this painting?”. Reassurance feels good and with the ever changing fashion trends, it might not be a bad idea to seek out(especially if you live in NYC!). But with artwork and interior design, this is not the case. I know I had trouble with my first original art purchase. I bought because I loved it, knowing everyone necessarily wouldn’t agree, but it gives me joy each and every day. Nate spoke with Alessandra and listed her 5 tips for “Creating Your Own Signature Style” which I thought every person (especially new art buyers) should know!

• Buy what you love. “If you buy something now that you love, it will fit into your life, and if you instead follow [trends] - these trends are [just] for manufacturers,” she says.

• Find your own style. “You should go back into your history and try to remember the things that made you happy and try to bring those into your home,” Alessandra says

• Educate yourself. “Read, go to museums,” she says. “Then put the books down, walk away and go to town! Have fun!”

• Go junking. “I love going to resale stores and finding old furniture,” she says.

• Put your own twist on design. “[My] effort is to change [design] all the time by taking old things and making them new and then taking new things and making them unique by putting antique textiles and vintage textiles on them,” she says.