Last July, we enjoyed exploring American Style here at Apartment Therapy. In her first book, Fresh American Spaces, designer Annie Selke created a primer with five aesthetics for the modern home. Which are you?
The founder and creative force behind home textile companies Pine Cone Hill, Dash & Albert Rugs, and fabric collection Annie Selke Home, Annie is based in the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts. Last week, she visited Boston and I got to meet her at an event for the book. Annie herself is warm and welcoming, and clearly knows her design.
With a bit of Annie's aesthetic in each one, Fresh American Spaces is a guide on identifying and blending amongst 5 different styles:
Everyday Exuberance: Energizing, optimistic courageous, and colorful Refined Romantic: Elegant, uncluttered, dreamy, and decidedly feminine Happy Preppy: Simple, stylish, functional, and fun Nuanced Neutral: Subtle, serene, sophisticated, and anything but colorless Cultured Eclectic: Collected, curated, personal, and evocative
In addition to the book, the Fresh American website offers more inspiration and insight into each of the styles.
Personally, I'm Everyday Exuberance with a bit of Cultured Eclectic. Tell us, which style(s) are you?
(Images: Fresh American)
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Refined Romantic. I revel that because of my single-ness, my decor can be as feminine as I like!
Our home is a combination of Nuanced Neutral and Cultured Eclectic. We're striving to be more ruthless in our "curating" and we're happier for it.
When I was younger, it was all "more is more." I still love lots of art on the walls, rich textiles and ceramics--the difference is that I'm stripping it down to things I really love. (From "meh" to "yes!")
Everyday Exuberance! Nice clean lines with pops of color! Love!
I love those useable pillows. So often pillows are itchy wool or covered in sequins that scratch your face off...
A work-in-progress somewhere between Cultured Eclectic and Happy Preppy.
Not really my style. But I love the sectional in the first picture.
Does anyone know where it is from?
Same as you, it seems. I LOVE colour. But I'm also a museum studies major - 'curated' is one of my favourite words! ;)
Love the fresh feel of the room! What breed are those gorgeous dogs??
CHILICHICK - I think they are Cumberland Spaniels. Yes... I watched the Westminster Dog Show last night.
A combo of Everyday Exuberance and Happy Preppy, but my bedroom is working its way to Refined Romantic.
I love and adore the coffee table in Everyday Exuberance -- can anyone tell me where it is from so I can go drool and dream (since I'm sure I can't afford it)?
Everyday Exuberance speaks to me the most out of all these, but I also like things that are cozy and calming.
I'm also a Nuanced Neutral and Cultured Eclectic. All of the rooms featured are appealing.
I'm Happy Preppy and my husband is Cultured Eclectic. Think white walls, bright furniture, African masks and rugs from the middle east. It works, but it took us years to get there!
@Chilichick, those are clumber spaniels. Very sweet.
http://www.clumbers.org/
Happy spaces! Lots of light, nice use of color.Like!
Third for an Everyday Exuberance and Cultured Eclectic cross, fun concepts.
@lsugrad03 the tables are from Undermountain Woodworks (www.undermountainwoodworks.com) in Pittsfield Ma