Classic Storyteller: House + Love = Home

Nate Berkus once said, "Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love." If you're a trend-hopper, you might feel like your style is a bit all over the place. You're drawn to mid-century modern, then scandinavian, no, wait...modern farmhouse! You don't really fall into one category or style of design. But you still want a polished, cohesive look.

Embracing the life of a Classic Storyteller means you check design styles at the door and let your home tell the story of your life. You surround yourself with memories, people, color, and decor that brings you joy. That might be a painting you bought on your honeymoon that's a little Bohemian, a mid-century antique you found thrifting with your sister or a preppy sofa you found at an outlet mall. The important thing to remember is that when you fill your house with things you love - that's when it becomes a home.

You might be a Classic Storyteller if...

...you value moments and memories over things

Storytellers typically draw energy from experiences and being around other people. Almost every item they own comes with a story, a laugh, or an explanation. They don't just buy stuff to fill their homes and lives with. Rather they focus on moments and making memories. Thus, they're home style tends to evolve over time - like a story that doesn't have an ending yet.

...you love to be the house on the block that hosts everything

Since home is a storyteller's happy place, full of life's happiest moments, they love to entertain. They're always looking for a new opportunity to experience life - that may be in cooking and hosting, or organizing a trip with friends. Whatever they do, they want to experience life to it's fullest and they want to do it with others - whether that's at home or away.

...you want your home to be as functional as it is beautiful

An important part of a storyteller's life is keeping things organized. They typically have a lot on their plate between work, family, and friends. Clutter in their home often communicates stress to Storytellers. They want to exude effortless style and they don't want cleaning or clutter to come in between them and spending time with family or friends.

...you like to look polished but be comfortable

Storytellers are deeply affected by the way they are perceived and the surroundings they are immersed in. Their confidence comes from their outward appearance and their comfort comes from their environment. Therefore, it's important that their home has both a polished look, and a comfortable one. Too formal and they feel like they live in a museum. Too casual and they feel embarrassed to have people over.

...you're ok with beige, but you can't live without a pop of color

Color plays a huge role in the way it makes us feel. A lot of us are drawn to neutrals because that is what we see common in nature. Neutrals are relaxing and feel safe to us. Color, on the other hand, can make us feel excited, inspired or on the flip side, anxious. Working with color will help to add a little bit of life and vibrance back into a neutral world.

...you value pieces with history but you like to try a new trend or two

Storytellers believe in living with things they love. If a piece has sentimental value or special importance, they'll keep it - regardless of it's style, size or use. They take their time incorporating new pieces, waiting to find something they absolutely love rather than something they just like.

Looking to embrace a Classic Storyteller style in your home and life? Check out our Transitional Style Guide >